Detlef and Seila Madagascar Mission: June 6, 2010

6 June 2010 Baptismal Records and Month-end Reports

New computers were installed the second week of May. It took three weeks to get the programs we needed for scanning documents and for entering and submitting baptismal records. The baptismal records for each month are supposed to be entered and submitted by the first week of the following month. They are submitted to South Africa and then forwarded to the general church records in Salt Lake City. The records are entered and then double checked by the AP's, elders who are assistants to the mission president, at which point they can be submitted. The missionaries had over 170 baptisms for May. I was only able to fully process 112 because the AP's have also been traveling. Financial reports are also due, so Detlef and I have been very busy.

Essentially Detlef's job in the Mission office is similar to what Mary does in the law office, except the Mission functions financially on a very primitive level. Paying and keeping track of all mission costs, Facility Management costs, and stake costs that include monthly missionary budget, food, travel, rent, repairs, utilities, cash pouches for postage, visa work and anything that is needed for the office supplies and then reconciling these details with the cash box and bank statement and reporting all these details to the South Africa Area Office is what I do. We still use Excel-spread-sheet journaling with many opportunities to make errors. And I take advantage of all such opportunities. Well, this is only my second month. I am getting better and hope that June will be a mystery free month.
New elders were called in to sign documentation for their visas. A member who is to be married in the Johannesburg temple on Tuesday, June 8th, had an interesting problem. He completed his mission last Spring. Three missionaries returning to Madagascar were three days beyond their visitor visa status and received a fine which had to be paid or they would not be allowed in South Africa for any reason. We were able to have the fine paid at the South African Embassy so that they could go to the temple. These and other "interruptions" of one sort or another really slowed the progress of entering baptismal records.

We received word that one of the missionaries scheduled to serve in Reunion did not have a French visa and was being reassigned to Madagascar. President Donnelly was out of town at the time that I received a phone call from the missionaries mother. She said that her son, the incoming missionary, was born a French citizen. I could not understand why the missionary would be reassigned since the island of Reunion belongs to France. Emails with questions and partial information flew between parents, our office, travel department, MTC and the missionary department. President Donnelly returned the next day. A careful review of the missionary's file President Donnelly found that the missionary was from Australia and had an Australian passport. At the time of his call his parents were told that he would not need a French visa, only a US visa to attend the MTC. After prayerful consideration, President Donnelly asked me to contact all parties involved with his conclusion that this will be a blessing to the missionary who is currently extending at the MTC to now learn Malagasy. Having an Australian passport may have been a determination of citizenship. He will apply for a French visa here and will be in the unique position of being able to serve his mission in Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius. Nearly all missionaries serve only in Madagascar or only in Reunion and Mauritius (French Speaking). There is only one missionary who currently has that privilege. The Lord knows what is best. We usually understand in retrpspect. I have decided that I need to gather additional information before drawing conclusions...even when I receive a call from the mother of a missionary.

Today we had the sweet experience of again attending the meetings in Ankazube. Under authorization of President Donnelly, Detlef interviewed Eric, Christian and Dinah to receive the priesthood. Eric and Christian became Priests and Dinah became a Teacher. They were sustained by the members, set apart in the meeting and then were given the opportunity to bless and pass the sacrament. They were very reverent. Elder Tenney who conducted the meeting, bore his testimony and then opened the testimony meeting to the members. Beautiful, humble, fervent testimonies were born by several of the members. Detlef also bore his testimony. That meeting then was closed with song and prayer. A combined meeting was then held. Brother Christian gave a short talk based on D&C 6:17. Then sister Fanza, wife of Eric, gave a lesson from one of last year's October General Conference addresses on faith. Following these two talks, Detlef introduced the general meeting organization and gave the families booklets about families and about priesthood and auxiliaries. I then introduced the Relief Society, Young Women's and Primary programs. We gave them two copies of The Latter-day Saint Woman, Book A, the Young Women's theme and illustrated Bible and New Testament stories for children. The two young women read their theme which I then discussed. The illustrated books can be used by families and also by the Primary to teach gospel principles to the children. I then bore my testimony. That meeting closed. Before leaving they talked about wanting to bring friends to church but that there was no room in their tiny house. There were 19 in attendance in one very small room. One of the sisters knew of a house that was available to be rented which was on the main road. She also knew the owner and asked that they negotiate the rent before we "whites" saw the building. When Malagasy see "whites" they raise the rent. That is true from food on the street stands to buildings. This is an FM (Facilities Management) responsibility and those serving there are Malagasy. I still think the locals could negotiate a better price. It is so humbling and exciting to see their testimony and commitment to the gospel. They were truly converted by the spirit as they studied the Book of Mormon on their own. As I have said before, this is their book and their people. We are grateful to be a part of this great eternal work.