My husband, Don, and I were called to serve a two-year mission to Zimbabwe in 1988 for the Church Educational System. It was our assignment to establish seminary classes throughout the country. We loved the people, learned about their culture and enjoyed the beautiful country. We went in as educators and taught English. However, we were allowed to teach the missionary discussions.
One of our first contacts was a young man named Joseph Rose from Tafara. He came to the mission home selling small statues, and we began discussing the Church. Later, he introduced us to his friends, Matiki, Right, Mark and Elisha. All five of these young men were baptized and became our first seminary class. We met under trees, sat on the side of a sand box and gathered at their small, modest homes. They were faithful students.
Later, we were asked to work in Tafara and establish a branch. Joseph, who had been a member for about two months, was called to be the branch president. The five young men were the nucleus of this new branch and introduced us to their friends. It wasn't long until the people of Tafara knew us and why we were in their midst. Meeting places were hard to find, but eventually a school room was available. It was very adequate for our needs. We reminded them often, "If we can build up our congregation we will soon have a building of our own."
It seemed like a dream. For two years we worked with this special little branch. We left our mission with a prayer in our hearts that the branch would grow and flourish.
Upon returning home, we remained in contact with Joseph and others for several years. We then lost contact for a short time, until just recently. Imagine our joy when we received [in one week] three letters from Africa! Joseph wrote that he was on the Harare Zimbabwe Stake high council and is planning to be married in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple early next year. The Tafara Ward has a new chapel with an average attendance of 140 to 155 a week. Afred Harrison, a young man who was baptized while we were there, tells us that he will be serving a mission in Durban, South Africa, beginning the first of December 2000. With the labors of many, our dreams came true. What a wonderful week! — Leora Reed, Bountiful 45th Ward, Bountiful Utah East Stake
Another in a series of "Missionary Moments."
Drawing by John Clark.