So, for a good portion of this past week we cleaned the old missionary house that is now unoccupied. And that was one heck of a project. But we now have that all taken care of and we have been starting to impliment some of our ideas and the inspiration we have received for this area. One of those inspirations is with regards to the kind of commitments that we extend to those we teach, both members and non-members, less-actives and leaders. We've now been able to come up with a program to give assignments to those that we teach, rather than simply asking them "Will you read the Book of Mormon?" or "Will you live this commandments?" Instead, we give them a piece of paper of varying types with an assignment on it, usually consisting of a thought provoking question as well as a few scriptures that relate to the topic. And then we ask them to do something, such as apply those scriptures in their life and make a change, or visit someone in need, or invite someone to church, or something along those lines. Not only does this prompt the people to continue to search the scriptures and actually create a habit of doing so, but it teaches them the importance of applying what they learn in their personal lives, something that does not happen a whole lot here in Madagascar. A great example of the miracles this new program works in the lives of those we teach is our investigators Nivo, Ranja, and Anjara. They are the non-member wife and children of a new convert named Edouard. When Edouard first was baptized, his wife and kids then said that they wanted to get baptized, but we saw that it was solely because of the fomba gasy (Malagasy culture) wherein the wife and kids follow the husband. But we didn't want that to be the reason for their baptism. We don't teach to baptize. We teach to convert. Baptism is just an outward expression of an inward conversion; an inward change of heart that brings a person to desire that demonstration of faith and repentance which is baptism.
So, we started teaching them. At first, it was a little slow. They saw bapism as ust a step that they needed to check off their list of things to do. And it was like that for quite some time starting out. But then we were inspired to use the new way of extending commitments. And so they were our first "guinea pigs." And can I say: since we started that, they are different people, especially Nivo (Edouard's wife). She just wanted to get the baptism done and over with. But now, she understands that it is an important step in her salvation, and she has born her testimony to us that she knows that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. She told us that she knows this, not because it's the same as the Bible or it teaches good things (common Malagasy answers), but instead she said that she has felt the Spirit while she reads and studies it, and she said that it has changed her.
I've seen a lot of big changes on my mission, in people and in places. But the change that comes from a diligent person committing themself to following God's will is indescribable. I've seen this family truly change over the past few weeks, simply due to their diligence in completing a small assignment written on a piece of paper. Is that because of me? No. Is it because of our skill as missionaries? No. It is because diligent effort in the right direction makes changes. Diligent effort in the right direction brings people unto God, and He in turn blesses them, and changes them. That is a recurring theme that I have seen throughout my mission. When someone commits to give their heart to God, He does incredible things with them. The biggest and more personal one of these experiences has been myself. I'm not saying I'm perfect or I'm the best at giving my heart and will to God, but I try my best. And that best that I have done has changed me for the better. God cannot change us on our own. But if we come unto Him, then He in turn will come unto us.
Anyway, that's about all I really have to say for this week. I would just want to thank you all and tell you that I love you and appreciate everything you do.
Am-pitiavana,
Elder Snell
P.S. The meaning of my subject is this: "The crazies pretend to be full, but those who are wise push forward (spiritually, that is). It's a Malagasy proverb that I really like, with regards to spirituality. Hope y'all enjoy it!
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| Some adorable kids that followed us around a bit, and actually gave me some flowers. |
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| Picture of the church |
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| The surrounding countryside |
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| Pictures of a FJKM church (Fiangonan'i Jesoa Kristy eto Madagasikara). It is one of the first churches here in Madagasikara, and was founded in the mid-1800's. |
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| This is a picture of the inside of a quaint hotel we took a look through |
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| Hotel |
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| Hotel |
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| More pictures of the area and the gorgeous city I work in. |
We
hiked to a place called Tananambony today for P-Day, and it was
gorgeous. It also had lots of churches, which we kind of explored.
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| A picture of Elder Obioma trying to talk to President Foote while the phone is charging, but the problem is, the charger is like three inches long. |
Adorable Member Kids
Pictures from our "Crusty Crab Pizza Week" where we made three pizzas
every single night from pre-made dough. It was DELICIOUS. Literally
American-quality pizza which I haven't had in over a year.
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