Week 4 - Fairview B - Keep It Real by Kyle

Some of the few people that I have had the privilege of knowing since being in Swazi that have come to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, the Plan of Happiness, and the Gospel of  Jesus Christ.  They have all followed the example of Jesus Christ, being baptized, confirmed and received the Holy Gost.  They have all seen Jesus Christ and his church impact their lives differently but with the same outcome - JOY.  This is what it is all about! 

Hello fellow family and friends,

It sounds like everyone is doing so great! Big shout out to Laney for killing in her cross country meets! I am too impressed, keep it up Lane! Also big ol' birthday S/O to the Method man himself, Pchip! I have you especially quack-tastic (Billy Madison) birthday mah dude!

So for team Carmelo Anthony and Nenê it was another good week in the 268. Elder Feliciana and I have been working super hard to continue on finding some new families to teach and to continue on helping all of the recent converts progress in the Gospel. Lots of ups and downs like always but something that never changes is the joy that comes from service and missionary work. I am so very grateful for the Holy Ghost, who is sent by our loving Heavenly Father, to comfort us when we need it is most.  On Thursday night we had a dinner and a visit with the Similani family. I love the Similanis so much and they give me hope doing this special work. President and Sister Similani were baptized in 1997. A few months later President Similani was called to be the Elders Quorum president and then from there the Branch President. After a couple years we was called to be the District President and during his service, he played a giant role in the growth of the church here in Swaziland; by locating and heading the construction of the two beautiful chapels in Manzini and Ezulwini. Sister Similani is originally from Maputo and with the help of President Gonzalves (1st counselor of the Mission) and other members were the pioneers of the church in Maputo. It was so cool to hear their stories of sacrifice and service all of the church and the saints.

We also had the special opportunity as the Fairview and Ngwane Park branches to watch General Conference all together on Saturday and Sunday. All I have to say is that every speaker threw down with the spirit and all spat straight fire! Every talk was so simple but so powerful. I loved the themes of the Atonement, The Plan of Happiness, our personal progression/relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The biggest impression that I received while watching the conference was during the Sunday Morning Session, during the congregational hymn, when in the font of the chapel there was 3 little girls yelling as loud as they possibly could, "I am a child of God!". Watching them, mixed with the words and counsel of our loving prophet and apostles, I realized the power that comes from that phrase that we all learn growing up in Primary. We are all truly children of God. He loves us, and because He loves us He has given us His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. That through him we can learn, repent and feel of the joy that God wants us to feel. He has also given us our families, the scriptures, and leaders to guide, teach and support. No matter the situation, trial, or hardship we can feel of that love. I hope everyone is still remember and pondering on the things they learned from conference. But the most important thing is that we apply the things we learn. "It is the time when we think that we don’t have any growing left to do when we have the most growing to do"

I love all of you guys so much! Thank you for the love, support and prayers! I hope everyone has a great week!

Love,

Elder Chipman

Ethan trying to teach me how to be a G. 

Celebrating Mimi's 4th birthday. 

Walks home from school.

The Hilltop Hoods