Friday, December 21, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
HE BROUGHT THE BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN
As we ease into the final year of our mission, we were blessed to have another apostle visit here, review the area and dedicate lands to the north for the blessing of the people and the preaching of the gospel. This time Elder Holland and the Claytons were our welcome guests. Elder Clayton was the Area Authority in Southern California when Chuck served as a Stake President so they were well acquainted and had a happy reunion. As a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, He assists Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in supervising the Africa Southeast and Africa West Areas. Prior to being called to the Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Clayton was a business litigation attorney with Call, Clayton & Jensen, in Newport Beach, California. Here is some information about Elder Holland.
“Imagine a popular speaker who never took a speech class; an avid—almost obsessive—reader who never reads a bestseller; a top-notch ski salesman who has never been on skis; an athlete who once lettered in basketball, football, baseball, and track but now has to be prodded even to jog.
Envision a small-town teenager, caught up with the idea of building and racing hot rods for a living, one day graduating from college with highest honors, obtaining a master’s degree with distinction, and then receiving his Ph.D. at Yale University. Or picture the high-school “funny man”—uninterested in going on a mission—finding himself becoming an institute teacher, then Dean of Religious Instruction, then Commissioner of Church Education, and finally president of the world’s largest church-owned university while still in his thirties.” That would be Elder Holland!
Elder Jeffrey Roy Holland was born on December 3, 1940 in St. George, Utah. His father was an Irish immigrant. In high school, he was actively involved in student leadership and sports. While in high school, Elder Holland met Patricia Terry who was a cheerleader. They later married on June 7, 1963, in the St. George temple. They have 3 children and 12 grandchildren.
From 1960-62, Elder Holland served a mission to the British Isles, where he served as a missionary companion to Elder Cook, also of the Quorum of the Twelve. Additionally, Elder Holland’s parents served in the same mission at the same time. Elder Holland claimed to be the only missionary who said goodbye to his parents at both the start and end of his mission.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 23, 1994. At the time of this call, Elder Holland was serving as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, to which he had been called on April 1, 1989. He declared,“I pledge everything I have and everything I know how to give to witnessing and reaffirming the divinity of the Savior’s life and the restoration of his gospel,” he said. “My greatest joy and my solemn obligation is to testify of Jesus Christ wherever I may go and with whomever I may be for as long as I shall live.”
It was a long and wonderful day of meetings when Elder Holland visited. He tirelessly spoke at our area devotional, a press conference announcing the launch of the new African LDS website www.mormonnewsroom.co.za and a missionary multi-zone conference. By the way, Chuck and I were featured on the news section at the launch of the new site. That was a fun surprise! See us here: http://www.mormonnewsroom.co.za/article/career-planning-workship-held-in-swaziland. During the media event, Elder Holland pronounced a blessing upon this land and those present. He said [that Jesus said] to “love him and love each other and everything else will work out . . . however long the march and however difficult the course . . . I bless you that the honesty of your heart and the goodness of your intent will be recorded in heaven and answered on earth. And some of that can come today and some of it can start this very hour.” His remarks were tender, powerful and seemed to touch every heart.
As the official photographer, I took lots of photos and enjoyed being in close proximity to this beloved apostle. His comments to those he greeted were positive and uplifting. He was personable and tender-hearted. He was firm and pointed in his admonition to missionaries to remain faithful both during and after their missions. He reiterated the policy that every young man should serve a mission and every young woman may serve –affirming the priesthood responsibility for the preaching of the gospel. However, he said with great emphases that he wanted every one of his granddaughters to serve a mission. He mentioned that his oldest granddaughter had just received a mission call. Her example influenced her little sister to want to follow in her footsteps. He emphasised that missionary service blesses you all of your life. He assured both the young and senior missionaries that the greatest gift you can give to your posterity is to serve a mission.
The same blessings can be said about my own mission served in my youth. When the inspiration came to serve a mission and “do it now,” I followed that prompting and my life was forever changed for the better. Against many obstacles, I reaped the blessings of full-time missionary service in ways I could not possibly have understood at the time. As I endured the prejudices of the people toward the color of my skin and my “yellow” hair, I learned to love unconditionally. As I lived 24/7 with markedly different companions, I learned to appreciate our individual uniqueness as children of God. As I served with faithful elders, I witnessed the power of the priesthood. As I taught and testified of the life, mission, atonement and resurrection of the Savior and read the book, “Jesus is the Christ,” I forged a friendship with my divine redeemer. As I sought to live by the Spirit, I felt enveloped in God’s love. My life was preserved on numerous occasions when the angel of death could have become my escort into the next life. As I prayed for hearts to heal and soften, I witnessed lives change and joy embraced. As I sacrificed and served, a heaven full of tender mercies was not restrained and I felt immersed in the blessings of the Lord.
Even forty-six years after that life-changing missionary service, I continue to glean blessings from that experience. I still keep in touch with companions and hope to enjoy eternal friendships. My Mission President’s wife (“Mom”) and her daughter travelled well over 100 miles to to see us before we left to come to Africa. She expressed joy in our current calling and said that she was proud of us for serving another mission. We have corresponded every one of the past 46 years since the mission. We attended their golden wedding anniversary celebration many years ago on their Nevada ranch. Our lives are richer far for serving the Lord. The best blessing that came from being in the right place at the right time was, of course, meeting my beloved eternal companion, Elder Basso. Children that Heavenly Father sent to us continued the tradition of service and blessings resulted, power increased and talents magnified.
As Elder Holland and the Claytons were leaving I thought of how I had taken photos all day long of so many people with the Lord’s apostle but had not had an opportunity to be on the other side of the camera with him. I positioned myself by the gate, near the exit to take the final photo of the day as they drove away. Surprisingly, when the vehicle was full and ready to drive away, the doors flew up and out jumped Elder Clayton. He was followed by Elder Holland who exited the van after finally getting to collapse in a comfortable seat at the end of a long, arduous day. Elder Holland warmly shook our hands and gave me a big hug. Elder Clayton said, “Give me your camera!” He took a picture of Chuck and I with Elder Holland and then looked at the image. With furrowed brow he said, “It’s crooked. Can you fix that?” I assured him that I could, retrieved my camera and paused in the shock of what just happened. My spirit soared through tears of joy. An apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ had embraced me with the warmth of God’s love and I would never be the same. Truly, sacrifice and service bring forth the blessings of heaven.
“Imagine a popular speaker who never took a speech class; an avid—almost obsessive—reader who never reads a bestseller; a top-notch ski salesman who has never been on skis; an athlete who once lettered in basketball, football, baseball, and track but now has to be prodded even to jog.
Envision a small-town teenager, caught up with the idea of building and racing hot rods for a living, one day graduating from college with highest honors, obtaining a master’s degree with distinction, and then receiving his Ph.D. at Yale University. Or picture the high-school “funny man”—uninterested in going on a mission—finding himself becoming an institute teacher, then Dean of Religious Instruction, then Commissioner of Church Education, and finally president of the world’s largest church-owned university while still in his thirties.” That would be Elder Holland!
Elder Jeffrey Roy Holland was born on December 3, 1940 in St. George, Utah. His father was an Irish immigrant. In high school, he was actively involved in student leadership and sports. While in high school, Elder Holland met Patricia Terry who was a cheerleader. They later married on June 7, 1963, in the St. George temple. They have 3 children and 12 grandchildren.
From 1960-62, Elder Holland served a mission to the British Isles, where he served as a missionary companion to Elder Cook, also of the Quorum of the Twelve. Additionally, Elder Holland’s parents served in the same mission at the same time. Elder Holland claimed to be the only missionary who said goodbye to his parents at both the start and end of his mission.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 23, 1994. At the time of this call, Elder Holland was serving as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, to which he had been called on April 1, 1989. He declared,“I pledge everything I have and everything I know how to give to witnessing and reaffirming the divinity of the Savior’s life and the restoration of his gospel,” he said. “My greatest joy and my solemn obligation is to testify of Jesus Christ wherever I may go and with whomever I may be for as long as I shall live.”
It was a long and wonderful day of meetings when Elder Holland visited. He tirelessly spoke at our area devotional, a press conference announcing the launch of the new African LDS website www.mormonnewsroom.co.za and a missionary multi-zone conference. By the way, Chuck and I were featured on the news section at the launch of the new site. That was a fun surprise! See us here: http://www.mormonnewsroom.co.za/article/career-planning-workship-held-in-swaziland. During the media event, Elder Holland pronounced a blessing upon this land and those present. He said [that Jesus said] to “love him and love each other and everything else will work out . . . however long the march and however difficult the course . . . I bless you that the honesty of your heart and the goodness of your intent will be recorded in heaven and answered on earth. And some of that can come today and some of it can start this very hour.” His remarks were tender, powerful and seemed to touch every heart.
As the official photographer, I took lots of photos and enjoyed being in close proximity to this beloved apostle. His comments to those he greeted were positive and uplifting. He was personable and tender-hearted. He was firm and pointed in his admonition to missionaries to remain faithful both during and after their missions. He reiterated the policy that every young man should serve a mission and every young woman may serve –affirming the priesthood responsibility for the preaching of the gospel. However, he said with great emphases that he wanted every one of his granddaughters to serve a mission. He mentioned that his oldest granddaughter had just received a mission call. Her example influenced her little sister to want to follow in her footsteps. He emphasised that missionary service blesses you all of your life. He assured both the young and senior missionaries that the greatest gift you can give to your posterity is to serve a mission.
The same blessings can be said about my own mission served in my youth. When the inspiration came to serve a mission and “do it now,” I followed that prompting and my life was forever changed for the better. Against many obstacles, I reaped the blessings of full-time missionary service in ways I could not possibly have understood at the time. As I endured the prejudices of the people toward the color of my skin and my “yellow” hair, I learned to love unconditionally. As I lived 24/7 with markedly different companions, I learned to appreciate our individual uniqueness as children of God. As I served with faithful elders, I witnessed the power of the priesthood. As I taught and testified of the life, mission, atonement and resurrection of the Savior and read the book, “Jesus is the Christ,” I forged a friendship with my divine redeemer. As I sought to live by the Spirit, I felt enveloped in God’s love. My life was preserved on numerous occasions when the angel of death could have become my escort into the next life. As I prayed for hearts to heal and soften, I witnessed lives change and joy embraced. As I sacrificed and served, a heaven full of tender mercies was not restrained and I felt immersed in the blessings of the Lord.
Even forty-six years after that life-changing missionary service, I continue to glean blessings from that experience. I still keep in touch with companions and hope to enjoy eternal friendships. My Mission President’s wife (“Mom”) and her daughter travelled well over 100 miles to to see us before we left to come to Africa. She expressed joy in our current calling and said that she was proud of us for serving another mission. We have corresponded every one of the past 46 years since the mission. We attended their golden wedding anniversary celebration many years ago on their Nevada ranch. Our lives are richer far for serving the Lord. The best blessing that came from being in the right place at the right time was, of course, meeting my beloved eternal companion, Elder Basso. Children that Heavenly Father sent to us continued the tradition of service and blessings resulted, power increased and talents magnified.
As Elder Holland and the Claytons were leaving I thought of how I had taken photos all day long of so many people with the Lord’s apostle but had not had an opportunity to be on the other side of the camera with him. I positioned myself by the gate, near the exit to take the final photo of the day as they drove away. Surprisingly, when the vehicle was full and ready to drive away, the doors flew up and out jumped Elder Clayton. He was followed by Elder Holland who exited the van after finally getting to collapse in a comfortable seat at the end of a long, arduous day. Elder Holland warmly shook our hands and gave me a big hug. Elder Clayton said, “Give me your camera!” He took a picture of Chuck and I with Elder Holland and then looked at the image. With furrowed brow he said, “It’s crooked. Can you fix that?” I assured him that I could, retrieved my camera and paused in the shock of what just happened. My spirit soared through tears of joy. An apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ had embraced me with the warmth of God’s love and I would never be the same. Truly, sacrifice and service bring forth the blessings of heaven.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Hump Day Report
A year ago we left our home of 37 years forever, closed our businesses, said goodbye to our family and waved to the neighbours. We were on our way to Africa via Arizona and the MTC. After a 21 hour flight from Salt Lake City we arrived in a strange land, drove on the wrong side of the street, purchased petrol with rands, were confused by different measurements, sizes, temperatures and seasons and were introduced to new cultures, languages and people. We set up house in an apartment building like we did when we were first married and our children were still being schooled in the pre-existence. We adapted to living in tomorrow and being nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. We were pleasantly surprised with our living conditions and were grateful not to have to live in a hut and shower under a bucket.
We are blessed to serve adjacent to the Johannesburg Temple in the Africa Southeast Area Offices complex. We serve in the Employment Resource Center located on the floor below the Family History Center, next to the Patron Housing Office and a few steps from the Distribution Center and home of the Area Presidency: Elders Renlund, Soares and (Carl) Cook. All three are members of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Soares is our priesthood advisor. We serve directly under the Area Presidency rather than under a Mission President. It has been a great joy and honor to serve with the amazing, talented, friendly senior missionaries here. Most of us are Americans and most of the Americans are from Utah. The Larsens are the only other couple from California. After a Family Home Evening on Family History, we discovered that Elder Larsen’s great, great grandfather baptized my great, great grandfather in Denmark. The senior missionaries are true brothers and sisters to us and are our family here in South Africa.
Eighteen senior missionary couples and two senior sisters live in our building. Chuck is on the Board of Trustees and oversees the “comings and goings” of missionaries, the maintenance of the missionary flats and the construction of a high brick wall around the city block that houses our building complex. We serve in the Area Office with medical doctors, nurses, authors, lecturers, university professors, a psychologist, an orthodontist, lawyers, musicians, CPA’s, business owners, “stay-at-home moms,” teachers and a former senator. Our collective callings include medical and mental health advisors, temple workers, auditors, real estate attorneys, historians, Perpetual Education Fund administrators, Family History Center directors and assistants, librarian, administrators, computer experts (IT), journalists/writers/researchers, Executive Secretary to Area Presidency and assistant, Distribution Center cashier/ assistant, Public Affairs, Humanitarian Aid (including short-term water specialists), and Welfare/Employment Specialists. Our Area President is a Cardiologist and his wife is an attorney. Not far from the Area Offices is a Missionary Training Center, the Johannesburg Mission Office and Seminary and Institute facilities (formerly CES). Those facilities utilize the services of several other senior missionaries with a wide variety of talents and skills. Two S & I couples in SA were our “small world” re-acquaintances. One served in our same “young” mission (Northern Indian Mission) and another grew up in Maywood with Joy and mentioned how she appreciated Joy playing the organ for their wedding day in Maywood Ward forty-some years ago. Senior Missionaries strive to share the gospel through love, service and testimony with anyone interested but they don’t proselyte here. “If ye have desires to serve God, ye all called to the work.” “There is work enough to do ‘til the sun goes down!” Because of the high rate of crime here, we are advised not to venture out at night unless absolutely necessary.
The people here are amazed to witness the active lifestyle of the busy group of seniors dedicated to serving others so far away from their homes and families. They see us out walking and climbing stairs beginning at 5:30am. We are always on the move in a country where most people our age are long gone. The Lord blesses and sustains us. We are willing to do whatever is needed to help build the kingdom of God here in Africa to bless these humble people. The church is growing rapidly here. One small branch has eight full-time missionaries out serving. That branch has about 80 active members so that’s an impressive 10% of that African branch. We see many bishops in their 20’s and Stake President’s in their 30’s. This is a nation of relatively young people! The first stake in the country of Botswana, our neighbour to the north, is being created November 4, 2012.
Our day job consists of working in the Employment Resource Center, teaching Career and Self-Employment Workshops, coaching/mentoring, assisting with CV’s (resumes) and whatever else needs to be done. On weekends we attend one of our 40 wards or branches, fulfill speaking assignments, present fireside activities, Career Fairs, Open House events, strengthen members and train Ward Councils. We have been blessed to meet and train hundreds of people, mostly young adults. It is particularly gratifying to see them gain confidence and obtain work. Self-reliance is the goal. Other projects include helping with an orphanage, teaching dance/exercise and music, giving haircuts, designing, repairing, building and “facilitating.” Many hours are spent photographing events for the Public Affairs Department and doing photo sessions for CV’s, book covers, magazines and other projects. We’ve photographed a wide range of people from the president of the country to an apostle of the Lord. We’ve developed motivational and inspirational slide shows/videos and try to figure out how to do whatever needs to be done. Our favorite activity is sharing the good news of the gospel with anyone interested. Positive changes and increased happiness always result when gospel principles are embraced and people commit to high moral standards and self-reliant lives of service. We are just two lumps of clay in the merciful hands of a loving God. Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies for His purposes. We love this work and the people we serve and serve with. Our assignments have been in three different countries so far. Thankfully, the Lord has preserved and protected us. The Spirit directs the work and helps us accomplish it. We have learned so much and have made many new friends. We are especially grateful for what we have felt that has deepened our understanding of the gospel, strengthened our faith and increased our love for Heavenly Father and His children. We receive so much more than we give. Anyone who has an opportunity to serve a mission could be blessed beyond measure by doing so. We walk by faith, not fear. Life happens. It might as well happen while we are serving the Lord with all of our hearts, might, mind and strength.
So if your nest is empty and your hearts are full...retire, sell the motor home and serve God. See you in Africa!
We are blessed to serve adjacent to the Johannesburg Temple in the Africa Southeast Area Offices complex. We serve in the Employment Resource Center located on the floor below the Family History Center, next to the Patron Housing Office and a few steps from the Distribution Center and home of the Area Presidency: Elders Renlund, Soares and (Carl) Cook. All three are members of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Soares is our priesthood advisor. We serve directly under the Area Presidency rather than under a Mission President. It has been a great joy and honor to serve with the amazing, talented, friendly senior missionaries here. Most of us are Americans and most of the Americans are from Utah. The Larsens are the only other couple from California. After a Family Home Evening on Family History, we discovered that Elder Larsen’s great, great grandfather baptized my great, great grandfather in Denmark. The senior missionaries are true brothers and sisters to us and are our family here in South Africa.
Eighteen senior missionary couples and two senior sisters live in our building. Chuck is on the Board of Trustees and oversees the “comings and goings” of missionaries, the maintenance of the missionary flats and the construction of a high brick wall around the city block that houses our building complex. We serve in the Area Office with medical doctors, nurses, authors, lecturers, university professors, a psychologist, an orthodontist, lawyers, musicians, CPA’s, business owners, “stay-at-home moms,” teachers and a former senator. Our collective callings include medical and mental health advisors, temple workers, auditors, real estate attorneys, historians, Perpetual Education Fund administrators, Family History Center directors and assistants, librarian, administrators, computer experts (IT), journalists/writers/researchers, Executive Secretary to Area Presidency and assistant, Distribution Center cashier/ assistant, Public Affairs, Humanitarian Aid (including short-term water specialists), and Welfare/Employment Specialists. Our Area President is a Cardiologist and his wife is an attorney. Not far from the Area Offices is a Missionary Training Center, the Johannesburg Mission Office and Seminary and Institute facilities (formerly CES). Those facilities utilize the services of several other senior missionaries with a wide variety of talents and skills. Two S & I couples in SA were our “small world” re-acquaintances. One served in our same “young” mission (Northern Indian Mission) and another grew up in Maywood with Joy and mentioned how she appreciated Joy playing the organ for their wedding day in Maywood Ward forty-some years ago. Senior Missionaries strive to share the gospel through love, service and testimony with anyone interested but they don’t proselyte here. “If ye have desires to serve God, ye all called to the work.” “There is work enough to do ‘til the sun goes down!” Because of the high rate of crime here, we are advised not to venture out at night unless absolutely necessary.
The people here are amazed to witness the active lifestyle of the busy group of seniors dedicated to serving others so far away from their homes and families. They see us out walking and climbing stairs beginning at 5:30am. We are always on the move in a country where most people our age are long gone. The Lord blesses and sustains us. We are willing to do whatever is needed to help build the kingdom of God here in Africa to bless these humble people. The church is growing rapidly here. One small branch has eight full-time missionaries out serving. That branch has about 80 active members so that’s an impressive 10% of that African branch. We see many bishops in their 20’s and Stake President’s in their 30’s. This is a nation of relatively young people! The first stake in the country of Botswana, our neighbour to the north, is being created November 4, 2012.
Our day job consists of working in the Employment Resource Center, teaching Career and Self-Employment Workshops, coaching/mentoring, assisting with CV’s (resumes) and whatever else needs to be done. On weekends we attend one of our 40 wards or branches, fulfill speaking assignments, present fireside activities, Career Fairs, Open House events, strengthen members and train Ward Councils. We have been blessed to meet and train hundreds of people, mostly young adults. It is particularly gratifying to see them gain confidence and obtain work. Self-reliance is the goal. Other projects include helping with an orphanage, teaching dance/exercise and music, giving haircuts, designing, repairing, building and “facilitating.” Many hours are spent photographing events for the Public Affairs Department and doing photo sessions for CV’s, book covers, magazines and other projects. We’ve photographed a wide range of people from the president of the country to an apostle of the Lord. We’ve developed motivational and inspirational slide shows/videos and try to figure out how to do whatever needs to be done. Our favorite activity is sharing the good news of the gospel with anyone interested. Positive changes and increased happiness always result when gospel principles are embraced and people commit to high moral standards and self-reliant lives of service. We are just two lumps of clay in the merciful hands of a loving God. Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies for His purposes. We love this work and the people we serve and serve with. Our assignments have been in three different countries so far. Thankfully, the Lord has preserved and protected us. The Spirit directs the work and helps us accomplish it. We have learned so much and have made many new friends. We are especially grateful for what we have felt that has deepened our understanding of the gospel, strengthened our faith and increased our love for Heavenly Father and His children. We receive so much more than we give. Anyone who has an opportunity to serve a mission could be blessed beyond measure by doing so. We walk by faith, not fear. Life happens. It might as well happen while we are serving the Lord with all of our hearts, might, mind and strength.
So if your nest is empty and your hearts are full...retire, sell the motor home and serve God. See you in Africa!
Elder and Sister Basso
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
BE OUR GUESTS
We were invited to be guests at the South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Convention. It was held at a beautiful venue that provided an opportunity to interface with business owners, industry leaders and government agencies. I took my second walk on a red carpet and turned no heads, had no journalists rushing up for interviews and made no fashion statement in spite of my missionary nametag, trendy support stockings and frumpy flat shoes. It reminded me of the time in my youth when I accompanied an incredibly handsome date to attend Judy Garland’s opening night performance at the Greek Theater in Griffith Park near Hollywood. The press rushed up to us and pushed a microphone into our faces. Then the reporter took a double take and stepped back peering quizzically into our faces. Then she asked the burning question all of Judy’s fans and inquiring minds wanted the answer to, “Are you somebody?” We looked at one another to verify that we were still clothed in mortality and gave an affirmative nod as we walked on toward the theater. No one even bothered to ask on this red carpet! At least we didn’t make the “worst dressed” list on the evening news!
The main guest of honor was the president of the country, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma. Coincidentally, he attended an event we attended at the venue that hosted our Welfare Couple’s Conference the week before. All we saw of him then was his entourage of security trying to whisk him from the public. They cleared the entire hotel during his visit. Our missionary couples from Kenya and other areas were booted from their rooms to help guarantee the safety of the president. Here’s some information about him:
President Zuma was born in Nkandla, Zululand . His father was a policeman who died when Zuma was still a young boy. His mother was a domestic worker. He received no formal schooling. Convicted of conspiring to overthrow the Apartheid, he was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, which he served on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela. Zuma is an economic leftist, who describes himself as a socialist and believes in the redistribution of wealth, other than his own. Zuma is a polygamist who has been married six times and has about 20 children. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Zuma) Zuma paid 10 cattle as lobola (bride price or dowry) for Swazi Princess Sebentile Dlamini in 2002. His third wife had five children including twins Duduzile and Duduzane. The twins were 16 years-old when their mother committed suicide. It is reported that Zuma has eight out-of-wedlock children. At least one wife has active HIV. He was quoted as asking people "to do as I say and not as I do". His solution to pregnancy in South African teenagers is to confiscate their babies and have the mothers taken to colleges and forced to obtain degrees and also to make sure that condoms are available in diverse institutions.
Our reserved table at the SACCI gala dinner was close to President Zuma. Because of the size and appearance of my camera, I was presumed to be a journalist and press photographer so was given access to the president. Security was tight and scanners were set up at the end of the red carpet. A Turkish dignitary, who was a guest speaker, came with a huge entourage of security people, after a nearby diamond shopping spree. When we entered the area for the gala dinner, there was an army of waiters standing at attention throughout the large ballroom.
Throughout the two-day convention we learned things relative to our assignment in providing career and self-employment training opportunities. Unemployment, under-employment and failed business endeavors all run exceptionally high in this country and throughout most of the continent.
During the interludes of presentations, we walked through the nicely landscaped grounds and enjoyed some of the abundant beauty the Lord created here. We enjoyed a nature walk and meandered along trails that lead through trees, flowers and waterfalls. We encountered several varieties of fair feathered friends. One was particularly “foul!” We learned not to assume that a beautiful swan princess was safe to court. When I moved close to the water to capture a photo, her long neck jetted out of the water and bit me on the shin. They looked so serene floating along the pond that I was completed aghast at the surprise attack of “foul” play. No more mister nice guy. Apparently, they are very territorial. I have had close encounters with lions, cheetahs and other beasts of prey but never imagined I’d be attacked by a swan! Better watch your back when you cross the moat into Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
The highlight of the experience was having people come up and ask about the church and having opportunities to respond to their questions. When we drove through the security gates of the property, one of the guards read our nametags and said, “Elder Basso, do you have something for me to read about your church?” We said, “Yes!” Then we pulled into the VIP waiting space to retrieve a Book of Mormon from the boot (trunk). I told him that the book was another testament of Jesus Christ and that it contained a history of early Americans and God’s dealings with them. I testified that the amazing thing about the book was that it is true. In keeping with traditional African respect, he nodded his head with an arm placed across his chest and said, “Thank you, Baba. Leave your car here and I will watch it.” Thankfully, he did - as I forgot to close my window! That’s an oversight you can’t afford to make in this crime-ridden country.
All in all, it was an interesting opportunity to break from the norm, meet new people, visit the Gallagher Estate and be their guests.
The main guest of honor was the president of the country, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma. Coincidentally, he attended an event we attended at the venue that hosted our Welfare Couple’s Conference the week before. All we saw of him then was his entourage of security trying to whisk him from the public. They cleared the entire hotel during his visit. Our missionary couples from Kenya and other areas were booted from their rooms to help guarantee the safety of the president. Here’s some information about him:
President Zuma was born in Nkandla, Zululand . His father was a policeman who died when Zuma was still a young boy. His mother was a domestic worker. He received no formal schooling. Convicted of conspiring to overthrow the Apartheid, he was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, which he served on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela. Zuma is an economic leftist, who describes himself as a socialist and believes in the redistribution of wealth, other than his own. Zuma is a polygamist who has been married six times and has about 20 children. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Zuma) Zuma paid 10 cattle as lobola (bride price or dowry) for Swazi Princess Sebentile Dlamini in 2002. His third wife had five children including twins Duduzile and Duduzane. The twins were 16 years-old when their mother committed suicide. It is reported that Zuma has eight out-of-wedlock children. At least one wife has active HIV. He was quoted as asking people "to do as I say and not as I do". His solution to pregnancy in South African teenagers is to confiscate their babies and have the mothers taken to colleges and forced to obtain degrees and also to make sure that condoms are available in diverse institutions.
Our reserved table at the SACCI gala dinner was close to President Zuma. Because of the size and appearance of my camera, I was presumed to be a journalist and press photographer so was given access to the president. Security was tight and scanners were set up at the end of the red carpet. A Turkish dignitary, who was a guest speaker, came with a huge entourage of security people, after a nearby diamond shopping spree. When we entered the area for the gala dinner, there was an army of waiters standing at attention throughout the large ballroom.
Throughout the two-day convention we learned things relative to our assignment in providing career and self-employment training opportunities. Unemployment, under-employment and failed business endeavors all run exceptionally high in this country and throughout most of the continent.
During the interludes of presentations, we walked through the nicely landscaped grounds and enjoyed some of the abundant beauty the Lord created here. We enjoyed a nature walk and meandered along trails that lead through trees, flowers and waterfalls. We encountered several varieties of fair feathered friends. One was particularly “foul!” We learned not to assume that a beautiful swan princess was safe to court. When I moved close to the water to capture a photo, her long neck jetted out of the water and bit me on the shin. They looked so serene floating along the pond that I was completed aghast at the surprise attack of “foul” play. No more mister nice guy. Apparently, they are very territorial. I have had close encounters with lions, cheetahs and other beasts of prey but never imagined I’d be attacked by a swan! Better watch your back when you cross the moat into Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
The highlight of the experience was having people come up and ask about the church and having opportunities to respond to their questions. When we drove through the security gates of the property, one of the guards read our nametags and said, “Elder Basso, do you have something for me to read about your church?” We said, “Yes!” Then we pulled into the VIP waiting space to retrieve a Book of Mormon from the boot (trunk). I told him that the book was another testament of Jesus Christ and that it contained a history of early Americans and God’s dealings with them. I testified that the amazing thing about the book was that it is true. In keeping with traditional African respect, he nodded his head with an arm placed across his chest and said, “Thank you, Baba. Leave your car here and I will watch it.” Thankfully, he did - as I forgot to close my window! That’s an oversight you can’t afford to make in this crime-ridden country.
All in all, it was an interesting opportunity to break from the norm, meet new people, visit the Gallagher Estate and be their guests.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Beyond “till death do us part”
Some blessings are so magnificent that words cannot express the joy they bring into our hearts and souls. Such a blessed experience came quite unexpectedly to me in the holy temple.
The sounds of celebration and the anticipation of getting in on a birthday cake brought several searching souls to our workshop classroom. As we visited with those who had joined the gathering, our attention was drawn to a kind man from Angola. He had made the long trip to Johannesburg to claim the blessings of eternal marriage. He shared his heartrending story that struggled to emerge through stuttered dialogue and deliberate English shrouded in a thick accent influenced by Portuguese and mixed with tribal dialects.
His story began when he determined that it was time to find a good woman and get married. An invitation was extended to him to correspond with a beautiful and pleasant young woman who had sacrificed to serve a mission and was thought to be an outstanding choice for a wife. The two of them corresponded and enjoyed a growing friendship. No photographs were exchanged because physical impressions were thought to be of less value than spiritual ones. Eventually, the man went to Mozambique to meet his new, long-distance friend and see if there was an interest in pursuing a deeper friendship between them. Upon arriving in the country, the man was presented with an entire line of women to meet.
The beautiful friend remained anonymous and unbeknown to one another they determined that they would be introduced solely by the Spirit. They had faith enough to believe that God would reveal them to one another if it was meant for them to marry. The man shook all of the hands as he worked his way down the row of women. He felt nothing. The beautiful friend stood quietly at the end of the line awaiting her turn for his handshake. When their eyes met and their hands touched, a surge of the spirit passed between then and confirmed their destiny. The gentle touch triggered a connection of hearts and they both knew that they would be connected forever. It was “love at first sight.” They were married the next day!
The man soon took his beautiful bride to Angola to begin their happy life together. They had an immediate love for one another and felt theirs was a union made in heaven. Every night he would tell his sweetheart, “You are the best thing in the world!” She would respond with, “You are the best man in the world.”
Shortly after arriving in their Angola home, the beloved bride was exposed to Malaria and fell ill. It was a different and more deadly variety than she might have experienced in her homeland. As she grew weaker and began to lose her battle with the dreaded disease, she requested that she be taken back to her homeland for burial. When the heart that her “Prince Charming” had won with pure love quit beating, she took her last breath and closed her eyes on mortality. Their few weeks together bonded their love and sealed their desire to be eternal companions.
The heartbroken husband took his lifeless bride back to Mozambique to her grieving family. His beloved 25 year-old bride was laid to rest. Hope in the resurrection was the man’s only comfort. They never imagined that “‘till death do us part” would come so quickly and terminate their fairytale romance.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the man knew that holy temples housed eternal possibilities. He learned that by making and keeping sacred, eternal covenants, loved ones could be reunited beyond the grave. Jesus broke the bands of death by being the first to be resurrected, thus opening the opportunity for all of Heavenly Father’s children to re-inhabit their early tabernacles and live eternally. However, marriages that are sealed with the words “‘til death do us part” end at death and are not in force in the life after death. Post-mortal promises are pronounced by those having the authorization to do so in the holy temples. Since our temples are not yet in Angola or Mozambique where priesthood powers can perform those ordinances, the man came to Johannesburg seeking such blessings. On the morrow, he would participate in an eternal marriage ceremony performed with a proxy acting for and in behalf of his beloved wife. An Angolan mission president’s wife was selected to act as proxy for the man’s wife.
As a devout temple worker, I was dismayed to have lost my credential to serve in the holy temple. I had searched everywhere and could not imagine what had happened to that treasured temple recommendation document. I had searched my bag on several occasions and twice had dumped all the contents onto my bed searching for the recommend to no avail. It was my desire to witness the inspiring ceremony where this faithful man would participate in a brief ceremony that would extend his marriage from “‘till death do us part” to “for time and for all eternity.” Without the card identifying me as a member in good standing, I would not be admitted into the holy temple and would not be able to share those sacred moments. It seemed a bit selfish to want to be there but I had a strong feeling that I should be there.
When we arrived at work the next morning I began to lament the lost blessing of sharing in the man’s joyful and anticipated temple union. I opened by bag to retrieve a note and there was my temple recommend lying right on top of my bag. I snatched it and pressed it between the palms of my hands while whispering, “Thank you, Father in Heaven.”
In just moments I had walked through the lush forested area between our office and the temple and emerged into the shadow of that sacred edifice. Not waiting for the elevator (lift) I rushed up the long flight of stairs to the entrance. My recommend was electronically scanned and I was admitted into the elegant beauty of the Lord’s House. I was ushered into the lovely room where eternal marriages are performed. It is called a sealing room because couples are sealed together forever and families can be united for eternity. Resplendent chandeliers radiated ambient light. Tastefully appointed furnishings invited comfortable contemplation. I sat quietly and waited. It felt good to leave the hustle and bustle of mortal mania and ponder peacefully in such tranquil settings.
An ordinance worker dressed in white entered the room and asked me to step out into the hallway. “The President’s wife that was going to be the proxy in the sealing session is not here,” she said. “Would you like to be the proxy for the bride during the wedding ceremony?” I quickly became arrayed in spotless white clothing and was taken to a beautiful room to wait for the appropriate time. Having sensed the presence of the spirit of the deceased bride, I whispered ever so softly calling her by name, “I am here for you.” She let her presence be known to me. I wept. Perhaps she had the very assignment of putting my recommend on the top of my bag as I was later told, “It was meant to be.” The tears continued as I joined with the man to participate in the sacred words that would unite that bright and beautiful black couple for all time and eternity. We sealed the moment with a heartfelt “ebony and ivory” handshake. After a tearful hug, we parted company.
The spiritual surge of that singular event continued to penetrate my heart throughout the day. The amazing blessing of the Lord’s goodness in providing eternal blessings for His children could not escape my mind. My thoughts returned time and again to the sacred magnificence of that experience that provided a glimpse into eternal joy. I returned in thought to our own beautiful moment in the Hawaiian Temple when we became eternal companions. I recalled the wedding celebration with family and friends in the beautiful Basso backyard overlooking the spectacular views from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. Later, we flew off into the sunset for a honeymoon trip to Kauai. We have enjoyed 43 years of marriage. This deserving young couple got few more than 43 days.
My heart went out to this young widower left to ponder the wonders of eternity . . . alone. I went to the Temple Patron Housing Manager and left enough Rands (African money) for him to enjoy dinner and ice cream to celebrate the day of his eternal marriage or “sealing” to his wife. Later I gave him a small gift in a special temple bag, took a photo and said, “Goodbye.” He returned to Angola with the reassurance that their hearts will be knit together forever. I don’t expect to see him again in mortality but I hope to see their two smiling faces in heaven. It was such an honor and blessing to help facilitate this sweet union and to do something for someone who was not present to do it for herself. It represents one of the choicest opportunities for service imaginable. It is truly a “win win” situation and does nothing to deny free agency! The choice to solidify and extend a marriage beyond death is solely left to the discretion of those involved. Eternal possibilities are just that – sealing ordinances that allow a choice that would otherwise not be made available.
There is order in the Lord’s work and the payments required to receive his grace and blessings are clean hands and a pure heart. Psalms 24 declares, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessings from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
I testify that sealing powers have been restored to the earth and that by obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel all mankind may be saved from isolation and loneliness. I join with The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and “solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
The sounds of celebration and the anticipation of getting in on a birthday cake brought several searching souls to our workshop classroom. As we visited with those who had joined the gathering, our attention was drawn to a kind man from Angola. He had made the long trip to Johannesburg to claim the blessings of eternal marriage. He shared his heartrending story that struggled to emerge through stuttered dialogue and deliberate English shrouded in a thick accent influenced by Portuguese and mixed with tribal dialects.
His story began when he determined that it was time to find a good woman and get married. An invitation was extended to him to correspond with a beautiful and pleasant young woman who had sacrificed to serve a mission and was thought to be an outstanding choice for a wife. The two of them corresponded and enjoyed a growing friendship. No photographs were exchanged because physical impressions were thought to be of less value than spiritual ones. Eventually, the man went to Mozambique to meet his new, long-distance friend and see if there was an interest in pursuing a deeper friendship between them. Upon arriving in the country, the man was presented with an entire line of women to meet.
The beautiful friend remained anonymous and unbeknown to one another they determined that they would be introduced solely by the Spirit. They had faith enough to believe that God would reveal them to one another if it was meant for them to marry. The man shook all of the hands as he worked his way down the row of women. He felt nothing. The beautiful friend stood quietly at the end of the line awaiting her turn for his handshake. When their eyes met and their hands touched, a surge of the spirit passed between then and confirmed their destiny. The gentle touch triggered a connection of hearts and they both knew that they would be connected forever. It was “love at first sight.” They were married the next day!
The man soon took his beautiful bride to Angola to begin their happy life together. They had an immediate love for one another and felt theirs was a union made in heaven. Every night he would tell his sweetheart, “You are the best thing in the world!” She would respond with, “You are the best man in the world.”
Shortly after arriving in their Angola home, the beloved bride was exposed to Malaria and fell ill. It was a different and more deadly variety than she might have experienced in her homeland. As she grew weaker and began to lose her battle with the dreaded disease, she requested that she be taken back to her homeland for burial. When the heart that her “Prince Charming” had won with pure love quit beating, she took her last breath and closed her eyes on mortality. Their few weeks together bonded their love and sealed their desire to be eternal companions.
The heartbroken husband took his lifeless bride back to Mozambique to her grieving family. His beloved 25 year-old bride was laid to rest. Hope in the resurrection was the man’s only comfort. They never imagined that “‘till death do us part” would come so quickly and terminate their fairytale romance.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the man knew that holy temples housed eternal possibilities. He learned that by making and keeping sacred, eternal covenants, loved ones could be reunited beyond the grave. Jesus broke the bands of death by being the first to be resurrected, thus opening the opportunity for all of Heavenly Father’s children to re-inhabit their early tabernacles and live eternally. However, marriages that are sealed with the words “‘til death do us part” end at death and are not in force in the life after death. Post-mortal promises are pronounced by those having the authorization to do so in the holy temples. Since our temples are not yet in Angola or Mozambique where priesthood powers can perform those ordinances, the man came to Johannesburg seeking such blessings. On the morrow, he would participate in an eternal marriage ceremony performed with a proxy acting for and in behalf of his beloved wife. An Angolan mission president’s wife was selected to act as proxy for the man’s wife.
As a devout temple worker, I was dismayed to have lost my credential to serve in the holy temple. I had searched everywhere and could not imagine what had happened to that treasured temple recommendation document. I had searched my bag on several occasions and twice had dumped all the contents onto my bed searching for the recommend to no avail. It was my desire to witness the inspiring ceremony where this faithful man would participate in a brief ceremony that would extend his marriage from “‘till death do us part” to “for time and for all eternity.” Without the card identifying me as a member in good standing, I would not be admitted into the holy temple and would not be able to share those sacred moments. It seemed a bit selfish to want to be there but I had a strong feeling that I should be there.
When we arrived at work the next morning I began to lament the lost blessing of sharing in the man’s joyful and anticipated temple union. I opened by bag to retrieve a note and there was my temple recommend lying right on top of my bag. I snatched it and pressed it between the palms of my hands while whispering, “Thank you, Father in Heaven.”
In just moments I had walked through the lush forested area between our office and the temple and emerged into the shadow of that sacred edifice. Not waiting for the elevator (lift) I rushed up the long flight of stairs to the entrance. My recommend was electronically scanned and I was admitted into the elegant beauty of the Lord’s House. I was ushered into the lovely room where eternal marriages are performed. It is called a sealing room because couples are sealed together forever and families can be united for eternity. Resplendent chandeliers radiated ambient light. Tastefully appointed furnishings invited comfortable contemplation. I sat quietly and waited. It felt good to leave the hustle and bustle of mortal mania and ponder peacefully in such tranquil settings.
An ordinance worker dressed in white entered the room and asked me to step out into the hallway. “The President’s wife that was going to be the proxy in the sealing session is not here,” she said. “Would you like to be the proxy for the bride during the wedding ceremony?” I quickly became arrayed in spotless white clothing and was taken to a beautiful room to wait for the appropriate time. Having sensed the presence of the spirit of the deceased bride, I whispered ever so softly calling her by name, “I am here for you.” She let her presence be known to me. I wept. Perhaps she had the very assignment of putting my recommend on the top of my bag as I was later told, “It was meant to be.” The tears continued as I joined with the man to participate in the sacred words that would unite that bright and beautiful black couple for all time and eternity. We sealed the moment with a heartfelt “ebony and ivory” handshake. After a tearful hug, we parted company.
The spiritual surge of that singular event continued to penetrate my heart throughout the day. The amazing blessing of the Lord’s goodness in providing eternal blessings for His children could not escape my mind. My thoughts returned time and again to the sacred magnificence of that experience that provided a glimpse into eternal joy. I returned in thought to our own beautiful moment in the Hawaiian Temple when we became eternal companions. I recalled the wedding celebration with family and friends in the beautiful Basso backyard overlooking the spectacular views from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. Later, we flew off into the sunset for a honeymoon trip to Kauai. We have enjoyed 43 years of marriage. This deserving young couple got few more than 43 days.
My heart went out to this young widower left to ponder the wonders of eternity . . . alone. I went to the Temple Patron Housing Manager and left enough Rands (African money) for him to enjoy dinner and ice cream to celebrate the day of his eternal marriage or “sealing” to his wife. Later I gave him a small gift in a special temple bag, took a photo and said, “Goodbye.” He returned to Angola with the reassurance that their hearts will be knit together forever. I don’t expect to see him again in mortality but I hope to see their two smiling faces in heaven. It was such an honor and blessing to help facilitate this sweet union and to do something for someone who was not present to do it for herself. It represents one of the choicest opportunities for service imaginable. It is truly a “win win” situation and does nothing to deny free agency! The choice to solidify and extend a marriage beyond death is solely left to the discretion of those involved. Eternal possibilities are just that – sealing ordinances that allow a choice that would otherwise not be made available.
There is order in the Lord’s work and the payments required to receive his grace and blessings are clean hands and a pure heart. Psalms 24 declares, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessings from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
I testify that sealing powers have been restored to the earth and that by obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel all mankind may be saved from isolation and loneliness. I join with The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and “solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Off-Roading at Mokolodi
After several days of non-stop work, we took a detour through a small, almost uninhabited game reserve. We should have realized it wasn’t a big draw by the absence of fellow passengers on the 4WD safari truck. The roads were nearly impassable at times, the animals were few and far between and the heavens were weeping on and off. Otherwise, it was a bit of an adventure for two exhausted missionaries.
Here are some lowlights. There weren’t many highlights. I did, however, pet a snake for the first time, and hopefully last time, and lived to tell about it. I opted out of having it crawl around my neck. That said, I never cease to be amazed at the Lord’s amazing creations.
Here are some lowlights. There weren’t many highlights. I did, however, pet a snake for the first time, and hopefully last time, and lived to tell about it. I opted out of having it crawl around my neck. That said, I never cease to be amazed at the Lord’s amazing creations.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Once There Was a Snowman
For some it was a chance in a lifetime! For all, it was an extremely rare occurrence to witness snowfall in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to a news report there have only been five other days of snowfall since the 1950’s. The people working in the Area Offices rushed outside to experience the winter wonderland. The missionaries from Utah were not impressed but those of us from warm climates enjoyed the lacey white covering on the trees and flowers. We even gathered up enough snow to create a tiny snowman, complete with a carrot nose. The enchantment didn’t last long but it provided some magical moments. Many of the local people had never seen snow. Many of our fellow Americans were experiencing 100 degree heat waves in many parts of the US at the same time so that made the snow all the more sensational. Not long after capturing the attention of an excited audience, only enchanting memories survived . . . and a carrot on the ground. For, eventually, “IN THE SUN HE MELTED . . . SMALL, SMALL, SMALL.”
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