South Africa Durban Mission: Phuthaditjhaba Zone

PHUTA ZONE CONFERENCE

President Thompson started us out with an introduction to the theme:

"I am a disciple of Jesus Christ"

Love seeing our missionaries taking notes!

Elders Batista, Lewis, Freitas, and Mapeka

Elders Swift, Walker, Hyer, and Batista

Elders Guymon (AP), Macomo, and Zimunhu

Sister Van Heerden, President Johns

Elders Nuusa and Merritt

Elder Swift did a remarkable job teaching!

Elder Hyer did a great job!

Sister Dent and Sister McAtee

Elders Kabisa and Wendel

Elder Carter (ZL) is a powerful leader!

Elder Wendel taught us well!

Elder Zimunhu is a wonderful teacher!

Elder Christensen (ZL) is fantastic!

I have to comment on Elder Merritt's presentation. In all the time President Thompson and I have been on mission, I have never heard a more earnest plea, and heartfelt testimony of being obedient. Elder Merritt was sobbing, which made it all the BETTER, because you could tell how passionate he was in admonishing the Elders to be obedient, to not regret anything while they are on mission, and to be the best missionary you could possibly be! He explained how a mission is but only a fleeting moment, compared to eternity, and that missionaries should not waste a single minute. I believe Elder Merritt has set that good example in his own missionary work - from his own admission when he first came on mission, he said that he wasn't exactly obedient, but two missionaries that he looked up to, put their arms around him and challenged him to step up his game, and to be valiant. Elder Merritt listened and strived to give all he had to missionary work. It quickly became evident that he was giving all he could to missionary work. It is something you can see in a missionaries face and demeanor when they are doing all they can to be obedient. I wish every one of our missionaries throughout the mission could have heard his heartfelt plea. It had me in tears - so proud of this young man as he finishes his mission next week.