The Church in Kenya11-15-09

This is the primary class at church. They are SO cute! Then, the next sunday we had almost double that number.

Today we attended our first church meetings. It was AWESOME!!! In many ways it was like being in our home ward. The relief society president’s name was even Maureen. There were 86 in attendance and 30 were investigators. One of the speakers gave an excellent talk on obedience. She quoted many scriptures. The second speaker was a gentleman who had been baptized two weeks ago. He gave an impressive discourse on tithes and offerings. Elder Fox and I and Elder and Sister Littlefield were asked to bear our testimonies. We were asked to sit up front.

Sacrament is held on the 3rd floor. It is an open patio with a tin roof. The priests kneeled on hard tile floor to bless the sacrament. Our voices in song carried over the neighborhood—these saints can really sing! And the crow of roosters and occasional road noise added to our services. We sing accapella. The leader sings the first few measures to set the tone, then says, “Everybody sing,” and we all begin singing at the beginning of the song.

The Sunday school teacher taught from the Gospel Principles book and about half the congregation left to attend the investigator’s class. I think they’ve had about 25 baptized in the last month or two. In Relief Society, a new member again gave the lesson. We practiced singing a Relief Society Chorus for next week’s Branch conference. We could hear the primary children singing during our Sunday school class. How fun!

I am trying to learn names. So I am taking pictures of people and having them write their names down. Many have American sounding names—Carol, Jacque, Elizabeth. Some are like Hesbon Odhiambo Opon. Some of the names here are “Click” names—you have to make a “Tock” or “Kiss” sound and then some letters. Elder Celea is really Elder “Kiss sound”lea with the kiss sound coming from the tongue right between the teeth.

There is a great spirit here among the saints. They love the Lord. One new sister said, “The other churches left me hanging. They couldn’t answer all my questions.” I am impressed with the depth of their understanding of gospel principles—even members who have only recently joined the church. The missionaries must be doing a fantastic job of teaching! They are great and have been very helpful to us. The missionaries here are from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and many other African nations… as well as Nevada, and Utah.

These people are wonderful. This will be a great mission.