This week has been a week of reflection for me. Overnight, we received the news that President Russell M. Nelson, the prophet of the Lord, passed away. As I made the 100-kilometer drive to church, my heart was filled with thoughts of gratitude for the remarkable influence he has had on my life. President Nelson…

I have been serving in Pretoria South Africa for almost two months, and lately I have been reflecting on what it truly means to be converted to the Lord and not just to have a testimony of Him. Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony.…

During a recent trip to Kruger National Park, I watched a family of elephants move together along a riverbed. They stayed close, the older ones protecting the younger ones from the unseen damages, and all of them moving in harmony. As I observed them, I was reminded of one of God’s greatest creations and blessings—our…

Today I had the privilege of going to the Johannesburg Temple for the second time with our full time missionaries. President Russell M. Nelson once taught: “Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your…

I had a conversation this week that made me reflect on our individual differences. Despite those differences, I was reminded that God loves me just as much as the next person. The homes I have been welcomed into here in South Africa are often very meager and humble, yet in those places I have felt…

I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to all who support the missionaries serving around the world. Missionary work is not something we accomplish alone. While we are guided and strengthened by the Holy Ghost, inspired companions, and mission leaders, we are also sustained by our families and friends at home whose encouragement,…

Every now and then, the Lord gives us an unexpected moment that reminds us just how closely He walks with us—how aware He is of our hearts, our histories, and our personal healing. Recently, I had one of those moments. It began with two missionaries who followed a quiet prompting to invite me to accompany…

A couple of weeks ago, I accepted the assignment to attend a small congregation of the Church referred to as a branch. For the past two Sundays, I have traveled about 100 kilometers from my flat to worship with a small but mighty branch of the Church in eMalahleni (Witbank). Though few in number, the…

While participating in a team-building activity with a couple missionaries on their preparation day, I had the privilege of conversing with an amazing missionary—someone who embodies quiet courage and unwavering faith. He grew up in a small town of just 1,700 people and departed on his mission from the very home where he was born.…

Today was an awesome day. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Johannesburg South Africa Temple with a group of young men from all over the world who are currently serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Africa Pretoria Mission. Each of them has set aside…