For President Bester (and a lot of pictures)
So this week was great, but last Monday I found out after I sent my email my MTC President passed away 3 weeks ago now. So at the end of the email I want to say some words for him. Otherwise it's a normal email. Let's get to it.
Feb 11, 2020 Tues
So today was tiring. We had a service project moving slabs of stone from the sides of a compound wall for one of our investigators (from 9ish-11ish). We got lunch after and then went home where I passed out. We then went to a few lessons. Most were powerful and spiritual, but one was less so. Oh well. Also Elder Falaula and I gave 3 blessings of healing today. My oil is actually getting used! Cool stuff. (The oil used is olive oil that has been consecrated for anointing and blessing the sick and afflicted. A drop of the oil is placed on the head where it is then sealed by the laying of the hands. A blessing for that person is then given. All of this is to be done by a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder.)
Feb 12, 2020 Wed
Today we met a couple of new investigators by the River Nile. We reviewed the baptismal questions with our investigators who are getting baptized this Saturday. And it strengthened our relationship with them. Today honestly flew by. Great Scott! Time is quickening! This is heavy.
Feb 13, 2020 Thurs
Today we met a new investigator and taught with a member. We taught a couple powerful lessons and walked a lot. Elder Ikai interviewed 2/3 of our investigators with baptism dates and one is ready for baptism but the other has some family issues that is preventing them from being baptized at this time. Which is fine, we can work with her on that. Again today flew by!
Feb 14, 2020 Fri
Today was Valentine's Day and it was the first Valentine's day in a few years where I am alone and I'm ok with that. We got allotments (money for the month which we put into a special account for him), ate a nice lunch, then went on district exchanges. I was with Elder Magill which was so fun! It's cool to see how our teaching styles have changed and grown since the MTC. We taught a few lessons and shared some good conversation. Having one of my MTC companions around is a blessing. It's like having an old friend with me. But nonetheless I miss my other companion Elder Memmot as well as my other MTC Brothers and Sisters. I pray they are doing well.
Feb 15, 2020 Sat
Today was a righteous day. We went finding for the first time in 2 or 3 weeks and had some solid success. But the best part of the day were the baptisms of Prossi (who's 16) and Shefra (Who's 14). It was awesome, it was fun, and it was spiritual! I was feeling good today. Feeling the love, feeling the joy, and when I come home, I'll be a man not a boy. Seriously though an awesome day.
Feb 16, 2020 Sun
Today our 2 girls were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ at church. We also got a new investigator, and met with members. This one member fed us nice food, a big plate of meat, beans, rice, veggies, and fries. It was SO good! At the end of the day our district all had dinner together, played cards, and watched Mobsters and Mormons. Such a great day.
Feb 17, 2020 Mon
Today was P-DAY! We played sports this morning during which Elders Ikai, Falaula, and Magill chased a chicken. And after we went to an expensive restaurant for Falaula's last P-day. It was an American restaurant, it was delicious. We then went and emailed, Ward FHE, home, Awesome!
Now to get serious.
The advice I think of is "do a D&C 4:2"
Feb 11, 2020 Tues
So today was tiring. We had a service project moving slabs of stone from the sides of a compound wall for one of our investigators (from 9ish-11ish). We got lunch after and then went home where I passed out. We then went to a few lessons. Most were powerful and spiritual, but one was less so. Oh well. Also Elder Falaula and I gave 3 blessings of healing today. My oil is actually getting used! Cool stuff. (The oil used is olive oil that has been consecrated for anointing and blessing the sick and afflicted. A drop of the oil is placed on the head where it is then sealed by the laying of the hands. A blessing for that person is then given. All of this is to be done by a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder.)
Feb 12, 2020 Wed
Today we met a couple of new investigators by the River Nile. We reviewed the baptismal questions with our investigators who are getting baptized this Saturday. And it strengthened our relationship with them. Today honestly flew by. Great Scott! Time is quickening! This is heavy.
 |
| The River Nile |
Feb 13, 2020 Thurs
Today we met a new investigator and taught with a member. We taught a couple powerful lessons and walked a lot. Elder Ikai interviewed 2/3 of our investigators with baptism dates and one is ready for baptism but the other has some family issues that is preventing them from being baptized at this time. Which is fine, we can work with her on that. Again today flew by!
Feb 14, 2020 Fri
Today was Valentine's Day and it was the first Valentine's day in a few years where I am alone and I'm ok with that. We got allotments (money for the month which we put into a special account for him), ate a nice lunch, then went on district exchanges. I was with Elder Magill which was so fun! It's cool to see how our teaching styles have changed and grown since the MTC. We taught a few lessons and shared some good conversation. Having one of my MTC companions around is a blessing. It's like having an old friend with me. But nonetheless I miss my other companion Elder Memmot as well as my other MTC Brothers and Sisters. I pray they are doing well.
Feb 15, 2020 Sat
Today was a righteous day. We went finding for the first time in 2 or 3 weeks and had some solid success. But the best part of the day were the baptisms of Prossi (who's 16) and Shefra (Who's 14). It was awesome, it was fun, and it was spiritual! I was feeling good today. Feeling the love, feeling the joy, and when I come home, I'll be a man not a boy. Seriously though an awesome day.
 |
| Elder Bradford and Elder Falaula with Prossi and Shefra |
 |
| In front of the font used for the baptisms |
 |
| The font getting filled with water |
 |
| All those who attended the baptism |
Today our 2 girls were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ at church. We also got a new investigator, and met with members. This one member fed us nice food, a big plate of meat, beans, rice, veggies, and fries. It was SO good! At the end of the day our district all had dinner together, played cards, and watched Mobsters and Mormons. Such a great day.
Feb 17, 2020 Mon
Today was P-DAY! We played sports this morning during which Elders Ikai, Falaula, and Magill chased a chicken. And after we went to an expensive restaurant for Falaula's last P-day. It was an American restaurant, it was delicious. We then went and emailed, Ward FHE, home, Awesome!
 |
| Elders Falaula, Magill and Ikai chasing the chickens |
 |
| Enjoying their expensive but delicious American meal including milkshakes |
 |
| Elder Bradford was in heaven |
In the MTC during my Exit interview with Pres. Bester he gave me advice I reflect on over and over. The one that I've really been thinking about is:
"Follow the spirit when looking for my wife." JK.
The advice I think of is "do a D&C 4:2"
Which says:
"O ye that embark in the service of God see that you serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless at the last day."
Pres Bester said that for us the last day meant the last day of my mission, so it would say:
"O ye that embark in the service of God see that you serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless at the last day of your mission."
I constantly ask myself if I am doing a D&C 4:2. I strive to do it. This advice from President Andre Bester, I will be forever grateful for and I'll thank him when I see him again.
I encourage all to serve God with all your "heart, might, mind, and strength" and you will be blameless at the last day.
Elder Bradford
I encourage all to serve God with all your "heart, might, mind, and strength" and you will be blameless at the last day.
Elder Bradford
***Additional Notes from the Parents***
We were sad to hear about President Bester's passing. He and his wife are from South Africa and had just finished their mission at the MTC and went home at the conclusion of Sean's stay there.We don't know the circumstances of his passing but we sure do send our love and prayers to his family, especially Sister Bester.
At the end of this week it will mark his first 6 weeks (or transfer). His companion leaves on Saturday for his journey home to Samoa and Sean will receive a new companion. As far as he knows he will be staying in Njeru for the next 6 weeks to finish his training. He's looking forward to meeting his new companion and continuing to work with his investigators and members there.
In regards to his "expensive" burger- it's totally comparable in price to one you'd purchase at The Habit or Smashburger. He spent around 26,000 shillings for it, but his normal lunch is usually around 3,000 shillings so there is quite a big difference.
Thanks for all your love and support and for emailing our boy. He doesn't have time to reply to everyone's emails but he sure does love getting updates from you. He says there are a few of his guy friends that he's still waiting to hear from (hint, hint), but that he loves you anyway.
Comments
Post a Comment