We continue to have remarkable and very humbling experiences. With but 6 weeks left, we are in "sprint mode" as we try to do all the things we hope to before we leave.
Last night we visited two families for FHE. When we first visited them a few weeks ago, before they were baptized, I felt it was the most repulsive and difficult area (environment wise) I had ever been in. It is on, I mean ON, the river. The worst of all conditions. My mind screamed with every step: " I can't do this!" I mentally calculated how many weeks before they would be turned over to us for post baptism teaching. And I hopefully thought, "(perhaps, we will never get to them before we leave)" Quietly, I determined: I cannot return.
But the Spirit worked on me as well as on them; And this week, I found myself ASKING the elders if we could start teaching them earlier than scheduled so that we could get all 6 weeks of lessons in!
Come with me for a visit; I will try to explain ...
It is pitch black, and one stumbles along trying to find footing out of the mud and debris on boards as we cross onto the river.
OCEA has not been here. Ups and downs without warning, boards narrow and widen and have pieces missing, sometimes a fence, mostly not. Along the way, I am startled to suddenly see a person sitting in the dark, or someone cooking, or living quarters off to the side. Now I am passing a group of men, smoking and talking strange words into the night.
This is the part that scares me the most. Remember it is not lit as now (by camera flash.) It is absolutely dark. The river is below, floating with all manner of garbage and trash. From this come ghastly smells of the old, the dead, and the dying... The boards are mostly there, but, look ahead.. there are also unexpected gaps.
We reach the front porch. Just beyond this, tug boats, small boats, and ships churn by in the night spewing out their sounds and smells; their waves swell against the "foundation."
ElderMcKellar knocks. We are at the door of Sumob and Landangs' house.
Inside a small, damp, crooked, lopsided room, swaying with the movement of the ships. Sumob and Landang are absolutely thrilled with the Gospel. They both smile constantly. They are overjoyed to have us visit. They warmly greet us and motion for us to sit. It is Family Home Evening and they are excited.
As I sit there, I am overwhelmed with what I know to be the Love of God for all his people. Not only did he lay down his life; but he "doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world" I know this. I know this so much more deeply than ever before. And I know these people love Him.
As we visit, The Spirit testifies of the value of these people in the eyes of the Lord. He helps me recognize "their true identity" "Doth he cry unto ANY saying: Depart from me?" Nay!
Sumob had a dream the night before the Elders knocked his door. In his dream he saw them and was told to follow them. When they knocked; he recognized them.
"Hath he said to any that they should not partake of his salvation? " Nay!
"Doth he say to any they should not partake of his goodness? Nay! All men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden."
Above, by the Elder Pingel is Demi, a neighbor of Sumob. Missionaries came by her home over two years ago and left her a Book of Mormon. They were transferred and no one returned. She read the book of MOrmon and waited...... When Elder Pingel knocked, she was so happy. She said, "I have been waiting for you for 2 years!
"All are alike unto God." 2 Nephi,26: 24-33
"Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it." james 5:7
What I know for certain is that the Spirit changes lives. These people are truly given "a new heart" One cannot see it within; but it radiates without!
What I am surprised to discover is that I too have had my heart changed. And, I also have received a wonderful " new heart" It is in much better condition than the old one I had. And I have been given eyes to see! Really see.
And that's how I find myself here, willingly. And I also find myself here being served "squid on a stick"! (not so)willingly!
The Spirit has greatly blessed me. As we begin to say goodby to these people. We honestly know that we will not see them again until the life hereafter. But, we so look forward to seeing them there. And,we will watch earnestly and anxiously for them.
"And now because of the covenant that ye have made; ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and his daughters......for your hearts are changed through faith on his name." Mosiah 5:7
There, none will be poor; but they, faithful to their covenants, will be adopted in as "...children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, qnd joint heirs with Christ!" Romans 8:16-17
They will inherit all the Father hath.
With love, from a new heart...on the South CHina Sea
Mom, Scarlet, Meme...
perhaps, a "tropical Rose"
