In what has been termed a continuation of events in the "dawning of a new day in Africa," Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve dedicated two African kingdoms to the work of the Lord and for the preaching of the gospel.
Swaziland, an independent mountain kingdom bordered on three sides by South Africa and by Mozambique on its eastern side, was dedicated Feb. 21. Lesotho, a kingdom surrounded by South Africa, was dedicated Feb. 22.Elder Alexander B. Morrison of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and a counselor in the United Kingdom/Ireland/Africa Area Presidency, and South Africa Johannesburg Mission Pres. R. J. Snow accompanied Elder Maxwell during the dedication of both nations.
Among local Church leaders in Swaziland who accompanied the General Authorities and mission president were Elder Donald Harper, regional representative; and Benoni South Africa Stake Pres. Jan Hugo. In Lesotho, local LDS leaders included Gary Massey, presiding elder of the Lesotho group. Missionaries and local members attended both dedications.
Swaziland
The dedication of Swaziland took
place on a large grassy hilltop overlooking Mbabane, the capital city of the kingdom. A gentle, late summer rain washed the land early in the afternoon, but as the group of Church leaders and members gathered at sundown for the dedicatory ceremony, the skies cleared briefly. As the program progressed, a low cloud returned and gradually engulfed members of the group attending the dedication and seemed to separate them from the outside world.
In the dedicatory prayer, Elder Maxwell blessed Swaziland, saying, "In the rhythm of the restoration, the time has come for the fulness of the gospel to come to this good land and to this good people." He prayed that there would be peace within the nation's borders, and, among other things, that the Book of Mormon would touch the hearts and minds of hundreds in Swaziland who will know that it is another testament of Jesus Christ.
LDS meetings have been held in Swaziland since 1984 when a small group of resident non-Africans started meeting in homes. Those members included the Herman Van Thiel Berghuijs, George Gardner and John Scott families.
A branch was organized in 1986 with Brother Gardner as president. In February 1987 the Church was recognized as an official entity by the Swaziland government. The first missionaries arrived in 1987; they were Elder Kenneth Edwards and his wife, Sister Betty Edwards. The first Swazi members were baptized that same year.
There are now 115 members, and, with the exception of Branch Pres. Larry Brown and his family, all branch members are Africans. These include the counselors in the branch presidency, and officers and teachers in the various priesthood quorums and in the auxiliaries.
Land has been purchased for a meetinghouse; construction is planned to begin this year. At present, members meet in a school building.
Six full-time missionaries from the branch are serving foreign missions. Pres. Snow said, "The people are spiritually sensitive and they have received the message of the restoration with openness and warmth. Priesthood leadership has developed quickly and our branch is strong and vibrant."
Called "Switzerland of Africa" because of its mountains and scenic beauty, Swaziland is the second smallest country in Africa. With a land area of only 6,704 square miles, it is about the size of New Jersey. Its estimated 1990 population is 741,000, about half of whom are Christians.
The Swazi people have preserved much of their culture, which is evidenced by their unique customs and colorful dress.
English and Swazi are the official languages; English is used in all schools. Nine out of 10 people in the country are black Africans.
Lesotho
The Lesotho dedication took place near the capital city of Maseru in a secluded grove of trees on the bank of the Caledon River, which separates Lesotho from South Africa.
In his preliminary remarks, Pres. Snow commented, "The Church began in a sacred grove away from the world, just as we are away today."
Elder Maxwell said, "We are a small group here today, but we are being watched by a large group. Angels are aware of this moment."
In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Maxwell asked that the Lord "would smile upon this smiling people, that their basic goodness, friendliness, and happiness" would cause many of them to come into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He also prayed that their nation might be "a host country for a host of those who come here," and that young members of the Church in the land would want to go on missions and, when the time comes, to be sealed in the holy temple.
A small group of Church member resident non-Africans has been meeting in homes for many months in Maseru. Gary Massey of Fresno, Calif., is the presiding elder.
Inclusion of the group as a dependent group linked to the Bloemfontein Branch is being considered.
In July 1989, Lesotho officially recognized the Church and the first missionaries, Elders Paul Khobutle and Lawrence van Tonder, were assigned in September. The first baptisms took place in December 1989.
"Only recently missionary work has been undertaken and already three `foundation families' have been added to the group," said Pres. Snow. "Many others are showing interest and the prospects for growth are exciting."
With its entire region more than 4,800 feet above sea level, Lesotho is called a "Kingdom in the Sky."
The country encompasses 11,716 square miles; it is about the size of Belgium or the state of Maryland. Its estimated population is 1.6 million. The national languages are Lesotho and English. Beginning in the fifth year of school, students are instructed in English.