Persuade's Baptism: Hallelajah, "I am a child of letter day saints!" and Father's Day

      Saturday, June 17th, Bruce had the honor of baptizing Persuade Arimoni in Chitungwiza. What amazing joy! "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father." Doctrine & Covenants 18:15  

There were a few glitches; which in Africa you learn to accept. The sisters had filled up the font the night before, only to find all the water had leaked out on the morning of the baptism. Sister Sibanda made some calls and got the font at the other building in Chitungwiza to be filled. While waiting, Bruce and I transferred 5 members over to the other building about 2 miles away in our truck sitting on laps and squished in tight. We made a few trips back and forth. The baptism was delayed by about an hour. When it finally started, it was a beautiful baptism; Persuade shined with joy especially when he came out of the water. Again, Bruce felt the freezing cold water as he stepped into the font; but both he and Persuade felt warm when they got out. Persuade was asked to bare his testimony after Elder Anderson confirmed him. He exclaimed, "Hallelujah!" and then gave his testimony in Shona; which we couldn't interpret but could feel the Spirit and his happiness. Bruce mentioned he felt pure revelation during the prayer he offered while confirming Persuade and as he received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He felt on fire blessing this pure soul!

Rock we pass on the road to Chitungwiza...

We had a wonderful baptism of our friend on-site, Persuade. He is a pure soul! He said "Hallelujah" when he bore his testimony and now he "is a child of letter day saints". Bless him! We've adopted another son!

                                The Elders walk down the streets of Chitungwiza after the baptism.  

After the baptism, we helped Persuade and his brother, Lovemore, collect 11 buckets of water from the borehole. I could barely lift one! Each bucket weighed approximately 50 lbs. when full. Persuade can carry 4 of them about 2 blocks home. Many carry one on their head without hands and without spilling the water! We offered to help take them back in our truck. The people's only water is from the well or borehole. Sometimes they go at 04:00 a.m. to collect because the pump is on then. This is the only water they have to wash their clothes, bathe, and cook with. They are all super strong from hard manual labor. It's the only way of life they know in Chitungwiza.  Persuade paid 50 bond per bucket to the owner of the borehole, so it cost $550.00 bond for the eleven buckets of water or about 10 cents a bucket. Currently, the exchange rate is $9,000 bond to $1.00 USD. Their money continues to depreciate fast! This doesn't sound expensive, but with 90% unemployment and the average wage being $50.00 USD for a long 10-hour/day x week of work, it's all retrospective. We'd call the place the ghetto or slums where Persuade lives; it's high density population. He is so happy and light just radiates from him! Material wealth isn't everything... He rents a room in the back of the house photographed above. There are about 10-15 other people living in this tiny house. Tons of children everywhere in the neighborhood on dirt roads. I handed out lolly pops and they all love me as their new "Go go" (Grandma). They chase our truck as we pull away; which scares us because little toddlers could fall under the tires. We go very slowly!

 Persuade works for Rio Douro and is somewhat of an apprentice in construction and learning a lot of trades. He's a hard worker and he's always smiling! I was studying the Book of Mormon on his baptismal day and this scripture stood out and describes Persuade and the workers on the temple site we are teaching perfectly,   "And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." 2 Nephi 27:30

 Bro. Nelson with Lovemore, Persuade, and Elder Anderson in Chitungwiza on baptism day. 2023.06.17   We met a ward member, Bro. Nelson, who dedicates his service every day to cleaning the church building and being the gardener on the grounds. He said it is his "offering" for all his blessings. He praises the Lord for the miracle of saving his life 8 years earlier. He bore his testimony and told us his story. He had been an alcoholic and smoker for over 30 years. Eight years ago, he was in the back of a truck in a terrible accident, in which 8 people were killed (in Zimbabwe, many people are riding in the back of pickups. I counted 25 getting off a truck after work yesterday.) Bro. Nelson was next to a mother with a baby on her lap. The mother's leg was severely broken and traumatized in the opposite direction of her body, but the baby was unharmed. Bro. Nelson's spine was severed. He was in a wheelchair, then on crutches, and with lots of physical therapy can now walk with a cane. After his life was preserved, he joined the church. He acknowledges God's hand in the miracle of surviving the accident.

Elder Clifford King, Bruce Anderson, Guy Peterson, and Pres. Gary Judd, brisket and chicken!

Senior Missionaries of Harare Zimbabwe Mission with Pres. & Sister Judd, 2023.06.18

    We celebrated Father's Day at church and dinner with Pres. and Sister Judd and the seniors. We had barbecued chicken and brisket with potluck sides. I was able to order a brisket, Bruce's favorite, from our friend, Alistair Gibson, who smokes meat at the market. I also made a yummy South African dessert of Nicoene Fourie, who gave me the ingredients and recipe. Everyone is so thoughtful to share! I am so grateful to Bruce and how he has raised our children with a good work ethic. We love watching what amazing dads our sons have turned into. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!