Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The 2nd Baptismal Font in Bujumbura is Complete

Click to enlarge photos.
The baptismal font in the Bujumbura 2 Branche Chapel is finished. The first baptisms were held there just a week ago! No longer after the block of meetings, did the candidates for baptism and other members or friends who had a desire to attend, need to pay transport to go across town to the first font. It made it such a simpler task and everyone was thrilled with this new addition to the chapel building.
It happened on a Sunday when our mission president and his wife were visiting in Burundi. President Packer was so thrilled with the progress and construction changes that have occurred on this second chapel. Here they are standing with the branch executive committee and one of their little daughters.
The missionaries had taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to these four candidates, who were the first to be baptized in the new font. They expressed their thankfulness and gratitude to God, our eternal father.
The Bujumbura 2 Branch is growing. As you can see, this chapel area is still under construction but the previous room that the members and friends of the church were attempting to all crowd into was just too small. So walls have been removed and work goes on to build for the growth that is happening.
There are currently about 80 members in this branch and last week there were 41 friends of the church "coming to see" and many have asked to be taught the doctrines of the church by the missionaries. It is very gratifying to see the love of Christ practiced amongst these amazing people.

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning...a
nd the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisy thy soul...." (Isaiah 58:8, 10)

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Our new companion couple, the Burtons!!!


Welcome to Elder and Sister Burton from Sandy, Utah!! They have come with great experiences from serving a mission in Madagascar including three months during that mission on La Reunion Island. Elder Burton served a mission as a young man in the Paris France mission partly at the same times as Elder Frogley. It's funny! Elders Burton and Frogley never served in the same place but they had met and have alot of the same geographical memories! Small world! We are enjoying their many talents and their friendship!!!
On their arriving flight, the Burtons met a nurse and asked if they could contact her after they got settled in Bujumbura. They found that she lived fairly close to our complex and, in this photo, they are at the barrier gate leaving to walk to her home. They presented her with a Book of Mormon. They are already "on the go"!
President and Sister Packer came to Burundi for a Zone Conference and Sister Burton accompanied all of us on one of the four claviers that she had arranged to be sent from Salt Lake City. She has already begun teaching piano lessons to several members who will learn to play for meetings and then, in turn, hopefully teach others to play the piano.
Zone Conference lunch was a great time to get to know each other. We are thrilled with the great efforts that they are already making. Their service and love of the Lord is very apparent!