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AREA PRESIDENCY MESSAGE Pot of Oil By Edward Dube Second Counsellor, Africa West Area Presidency Elder Edward Dube

n July 24, 2018, I sat in a funeral to yourself, and (3) pay 10 percent taught on being self-reliant, most of parlor next to Edith Hymas, facing for emergency purposes.” Then he our members still look for more and O the casket of her dead husband and looked at me and said, “Never spend lament if only they could get a little my close friend. With her children money you do not have.” Naume and capital. The question Elisha asked the and grandchildren in the room, my I have tried to the best of our ability to widow is sometimes avoided by every- mind was taken back over 26 years follow this model, and it has blessed one, or the answer is just one word: ago. Glancing around the room, I us tremendously. I recommend this to “Nothing.” Here is the question: “What was amazed at how Jerry D. Hymas’s anyone, especially young couples. shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast self-reliance lessons he taught me over I call these principles “pot of oil” thou in the house?” (2 King 4:2). Can 26 years ago has had a great impact in because there is a story in the Old you see? Elisha is helping this widow his own family. I call these principles Testament about a widow who went to understand that the assistance she my “pot of oil.” After the funeral, while to Elisha and cried for help. “Thy was seeking for might be already in we were having some refreshments and servant my husband is dead; and the house! This could be in a form of visiting, I was curious to know how thou knowest that thy servant did fear good health, sound mind, time, or a Jerry and Edith’s grandchildren were the Lord; and the creditor is come simple cell phone. I am convinced that doing financially. They were all doing to take unto him my two sons to be if our members in the Church and our well, progressing steadily and cherish- bondmen” (2 Kings 4:1). Is this not friends out there will grasp this simple, ing the pot of oil principles they were the cry that almost the whole African priceless principle, they will be able to taught by their grandfather and parents. continent is crying for? There are no be self-reliant and provide the necessi- In 1992, just three years after jobs, and almost everyone would ties of life to their loved ones. Naume and I were married, when we like to get capital to start or expand The widow’s response is that of were struggling with the basic necessi- a viable business. I was at a stake and desperation and surrender: “Thine ties of life, a friend—Jerry Hymas from ward council recently where we were handmaid hath not anything in the San Diego, California, USA—taught me talking about The Church of Jesus house, save a pot of oil” (2 Kings a self-reliance principle that has made Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Self-Reliance 4:2). Elisha showed her and helped a difference in our lives, even in times program. Despite the great principles her by teaching her some necessary of Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown, skills to be self-reliant. Observe here which we experienced from 2000 to how Elisha helps this widow to tap 2008. Jerry said to me, “Eddie, here is “‘Pay thy debt, and live.’ her full potential: “Go, borrow thee a formula for financial success that has How fruitful these words vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, worked for me over the years and has have ever been! What even empty vessels; borrow not a few” enabled me to retire early. When you (2 Kings 4:3). Elisha put the widow in receive your paycheck, you (1) pay wise counsel they are a way to pay her debt and to main- tithing, 10 percent; (2) pay 10 percent for us today!” tain herself and her family. Although

January 2019 A1 this was done by miracle, see how he have ever been! What wise counsel if observed, would help sustain indi- employed the best method to assist they are for us today!” (Teachings of viduals and families in times of need. those who are in distress, which is, to Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft I invite you to take full advantage of help “people to help themselves” (see Benson [2014], 271). the Church’s program of self-reliance Teachings of Presidents of the Church: I am absolutely convinced that the and take advantage of your own pot Heber J. Grant [2002], xxiii), to improve three ”10 percents” mentioned above, of oil. ◼ by their own industry with whatever little resources they might have. The Prophet Joseph Smith describes his pot of oil in this way, “As my father’s CHURCH HISTORY COLUMN worldly circumstances were very lim- ited, we were under the necessity of laboring with our hands, hiring out by The Church in Daloa, Ivory Coast day’s work and otherwise, as we could get opportunity. Sometimes we were at ur Heavenly Father always invites wilderness, and the prophecies of my home, and sometimes abroad, and by O His people to keep records of father; and also many of mine own continuous labor were enabled to get the proceedings of their lives. This prophecies” (1 Nephi 19:1). These a comfortable maintenance” ( Joseph commandment was given to the writings constitute a status of the Smith—History 1:55). Nephites, “And it came to pass that progress of the people of Daloa. As we read further in 2 Kings 4:3–7, the Lord commanded me, wherefore Church history is a blessing for we learn that the oil, sent by miracle, I did make plates of ore that I might present and future generations. This continued flowing as long as she had engraven upon them the record of my mission about Church history record empty vessels to receive it. It is our faith people. And upon the plates which I keeping is entrusted to the clerk. “It is that fails, not His promise. He gives made I did engraven the record of my the duty of the Lord’s clerk, whom he more than we ask: were there more father, and also our journeying in the has appointed, to keep a history, and vessels, there is enough in God to fill them; enough for all, enough for each; and the Redeemer’s all-sufficiency will Daloa June 30, 2013 only be stayed from our lack of faith in His redeeming power. Though the widow’s creditors were too hard with her, yet they must be paid, even before she made any provision for herself and her children. Elisha’s counsel to have the widow pay her debt first is a standing principle which prophets have taught us throughout the ages. “‘Pay thy debt, and live.’ How fruitful these words

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hardworking missionaries. This marked the first time that the sacrament was partaken of in Daloa.

PROGRESS OF WORK: 2013–2014 a general church record of all things it was from 2009 that it increased Six months after the establishment that transpire in Zion, and . . . also their with the arrival of the Grah family, of the Church in Daloa, precisely on manner of life, their faith, and works” followed by the Tapé, the Doha family, February 16, 2014, at the Hotel la (Doctrine and Covenants 85:1–2). Brother Botty, and Brother Bayo from Grace, six branches were organized. Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and Abidjan. Armed with faith and hard work, these HISTORY They set goals for each family, leaders were committed to working “The keys of the kingdom of God although they did not know each other. with zeal. The work has had an excep- are committed to man unto man on Some made announcements on local tional progress. This growth is marked the earth, and from thence shall the radios, posters, and even on social by an emphasis on missionary work. gospel roll forth unto the ends of the media in the hope of meeting the These branches, under the auspices of earth, as the stone, which is cut out Saints residing in Daloa. They started the Yamoussoukro District, have made of the mountain without hand, shall a small group. Having made contact exceptional progress. roll forth, until it has filled the whole with the mission presidency, these earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 65:2). brothers and sisters met Elder Sitati in 2014–2015 Behold is a prophecy of promise that a local hotel, where he strengthened On February 16, 2015, the District the gospel will reach all the nations them. This meeting took place with of Daloa was organized during the and tribes of the earth. The restored a handful of 20 people and allowed stake organisation conference of the gospel will move forward regardless of us to decide together a place where Yamoussoukro Stake of Zion. any situation. We to whom this good we would pray. We decided to pray news has come, what shall we do? in a private school, “Bambinos.” This 2015–2017 In the following verse we read: “Call first period can be called the period of On August 27, 2017, the Daloa Stake upon the Lord, that his kingdom may reunion, where the Saints from all over of Zion was created. The basic unit of go forth upon the earth, that the inhab- came together to build the foundation the Church was eventually organized itants thereof may receive it, and be of the Church in Daloa. After the visit in Daloa. This gathering point of Saints, prepared for the days to come, in the of Elder Sitati we met on Sunday, June “a banner for the nations” must work which the Son of Man shall come down 30, 2013, where six prayer groups were with more faith and hope to fulfill its in heaven, clothed in the brightness of organized—Brother Kalou as head requirements. It is an invitation to all his glory, to meet the kingdom of God for Lobia; Brother Zigbe Appolinaire to join in fulfilling the work of our which is set up on the earth” (Doctrine for Kennedy; Brother Tape Bathelemy Heavenly Father, which is “to bring and Covenants 65:5). The Daloa area for Gbeuliville; Bayo Souleymane for to pass the immortality and eternal is the fruit of Heavenly Father’s prom- Orly; Grah Georges for Marais; and life of man” (Moses 1:39). There are ise to us, His children. The movement Doha Seraphim for Tazibouo. These now eight branches and four members towards Daloa began in 2008, however six groups were supported by 24 serving full-time missions. ◼

January 2019 A3 NEWSROOM ARTICLES

“As Latter-day Saints, we have Church Announces New Balance become accustomed to thinking of between Gospel Instruction in the ‘church’ as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by Home and Church what happens at home,” he continued. “We need an adjustment to this Adjustments will be made connection between gospel instruc- pattern. It is time for home-centered to Sunday meeting schedule tion in the home and in the Church.” church, supported by what takes in January 2019 It is part of an effort “to strengthen place inside our branch, ward, and Russell M. Nelson, president of families and individuals through a stake buildings.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- home-centered and Church-supported Immediately following President day Saints, opened the faith’s 188th plan to learn doctrine, strengthen Nelson’s Saturday morning remarks, Semiannual General Conference faith, and foster greater personal wor- Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum by announcing a “new balance and ship,” he said. of the Twelve Apostles addressed the

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global audience and provided details of the forthcoming adjustments. “The Sunday meeting schedule will be adjusted in the following ways, beginning in January 2019,” Elder Cook said. “The Sunday Church meetings will consist of a 60-minute sacrament meeting each Sunday, focused on the Savior, the ordinance of the sacrament, and spiritual mes- sages. After time for transition to classes, Church members will attend a 50-minute class that will alternate each Sunday. Sunday School will be held on the first and third Sundays. Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women meetings will www.lds.org/manual/come-follow-me?lang=eng be held on the second and fourth Sundays. Meetings on the fifth Sunday will be under the direction of the bishop. Primary will be held each week during this same 50-minute period and will include singing time and classes.” Four purposes and blessings associ- ated with this and other recent changes were given:

• Deepening conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthening faith in Them. • Strengthening individuals and families through home-centered, Church-supported curriculum that contributes to joyful gospel living.

• Honoring the Sabbath day, with www.lds.org/manual/come-follow-me/individuals-and-families/ a focus on the ordinance of the sabbath-day?lang=eng sacrament.

January 2019 A5 • Helping all of Heavenly Father’s children on both sides of the veil through missionary work and receiving ordinances and covenants and the blessings of the temple.

A First Presidency letter outlining the changes has been sent to local leaders of the Church’s 30,000-plus congregations worldwide, along with supplementary material. An enclosure to the letter provides answers to 12 questions, including: www.lds.org/study/2019-come-follow-me?lang=eng

• How will we enhance gospel learning and living at home and in our The Church’s current format of three 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The temple site is personal lives? consecutive hours of Sunday worship located in Cocody City. • What is the format for sacrament services began in 1980. Prior to that, The Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire meetings? Church meetings were held throughout Temple will be the Church’s eighth • What is the Sunday schedule for the Sabbath day and during the week. temple announced or operating in multiple wards or branches sharing A new curriculum resource to Africa, joining those in Johannesburg a meetinghouse? be used by children, youth, and and Durban, South Africa; Harare, • Do we hold optional courses during adults beginning January 2019, Zimbabwe; Nairobi, Kenya; Kinshasa, church on Sunday? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals DRC; Aba, Nigeria; and Accra, Ghana. and Families, is available in print, at The Church currently has 160 operat- The First Presidency and the comefollowme.lds.org, and in the ing temples worldwide. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are Gospel Library app in 47 languages. The Church’s temple differs from the confident Latter-day Saints “will be Additional information and meetinghouses or chapels where mem- blessed in extraordinary ways” by resources about the announcement bers meet for Sunday worship services. this change, said Elder Cook. “Sunday are available at sabbath.lds.org. A temple is considered a “house of the can be a day of gospel learning and Lord” where Christ’s teachings are reaf- teaching at church and in the home. Groundbreaking Announced firmed through marriage, baptism, and As individuals and families engage in for Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire Temple other ordinances that unite families for family councils, family history, minis- The Church of Jesus Christ of eternity. Inside, members learn more tering, service, personal worship, and Latter-day Saints announced the about the purpose of life and make joyful family time, the Sabbath day Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire Temple ground- covenants to serve Jesus Christ and will truly be a delight.” breaking to be held on November 8, their fellowmen. ◼

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MISSIONARY MOMENTS

and children to a small village near the locals were given machetes and A Father’s Sacrifice Cyangugu, in the far southwestern guns and trained on how to kill the By Sister Jeanne Ingabire corner of Rwanda. Even in that small Tutsis. Every week they had a commu- Liberia Monrovia Mission village, the majority of Hutu villag- nity meeting. In March 1994, my father y father’s name is Jean de Dieu ers spurned and rejected my mother attended a town meeting where it was Nsanzurwimimo. He was born in because she was a Tutsi. But my father announced that Hutu men married to a M Rwanda’s Western Province. He married continued to protect us. In 1993, when Tutsi woman would be required to kill my mom, Emmeline Mukamusonera, in the tension and genocide ideology her and all their children. It was a hard 1981, after they met in Kigali, Rwanda’s increased, she was pregnant with me time for them. Some of the men and capital city. and caring for my three older sisters. some of the women who were Hutus My parents came from very different Because it was known that she was did kill their children. backgrounds; my father was a member a Tutsi, our family didn’t have many In a meeting in early April, my father of Rwanda’s majority ruling Hutu tribe, friends and it was dangerous every was ordered to kill my mother and his and my mother is from the Tutsi tribe. time she had to fetch water or go to the four daughters. When he came home In Rwanda when they were growing market. It was a very difficult time for from the meeting around 6:00 p.m., it up, there was an extended civil war her, but always my father was on her was very dark because there were no and a long-simmering conflict between side, protecting her and taking care of street lights at the time. He immediately the two tribes. This animosity led his family. took us to a small island located in extremist groups of Hutus to promote During this time, there were con- the southern part of Lac Kivu, a large the ideology that all the Tutsi people stant meetings in the community where lake dividing Rwanda and Congo. He living in Rwanda should be killed. told my mom that the villagers had I was born in 1994, just four months determined that we were supposed to before a series of events led to a cat- die, so we should hide in that place; astrophic genocide of Rwanda’s Tutsi he was going back home to find a safe population, led by Hutu extremists place for us. He told her that if she saw who took over the government. During any boats, she should ask them if they a 100-day period from April 7 until would carry us over to Congo, where mid-July, nearly one million Rwandans we would be safe from the Rwandan were brutally killed, including as many genocide. She was able to find some- as 70% of the Tutsi population. one willing to take us across to Congo, Even before the 1994 Tutsi geno- where we spent the next five months, cide, many leaders of the Hutu tribe until peace was restored in Rwanda taught that a Hutu man married to a and it was safe to return. Tutsi woman should be required to All the while in Congo, and after kill her and all her family to show we came home, we didn’t know what his allegiance to his tribe. Because of had happened to my father. When we those teachings, and to better protect Sister Jeanne Ingabire came back we didn’t see anything; his family, my father moved his wife they didn’t allow us to enter the house

January 2019 A7 I know this gospel is had thrown his body into the river father sacrificed his life to allow me after killing him, so we were never to have this life today and I am very true. I know I will see my able to locate his body. Because I was anxious to meet him once more and family again. … The plan so young at the time he saved us, I thank him for his wonderful sacrifice. of salvation can bring have no recollections of my father; I I was thrilled to receive the privi- don’t know his face. lege to serve as a missionary, starting happiness in this life When I met with the missionar- in August 2017. My mission allows me and eternal joy in the ies, it was hard for them to tell me to teach the joy of the gospel to fam- life hereafter. how God loves me and that He is ilies around me. One of the greatest my Father in Heaven. I did come to blessings the Lord has given me since understand that because of the plan I have been on my mission is that two where we had lived, and we were told of salvation, I will meet my father of my sisters have joined the Church. everything that belonged to my father once more. Because of my faith in the One of my greatest ambitions after had been sold. It was a very hard time plan of salvation and the Atonement I complete my mission is to do the for my mom. We didn’t have a house of Jesus Christ, I was baptized into temple work for my parents so that to stay in. We didn’t have anything The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- our family can be sealed for eternity. to eat. We went to the Seventh-Day day Saints in 2013. The plan of salvation can bring hap- Adventist chapel, where we slept for My mother continued to struggle piness in this life and eternal joy in the a whole week. After that my mother to raise the four of us herself. She life hereafter. I know this to be true, in carried all of us to town where she had many health and stomach prob- the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ learned we could get small help from lems and for much of the time she the new government. suffered. She was not able to go to In 2003, nine years after the vio- the hospital because she was a Tutsi. lence ended, the government cre- She finally passed away on June 16, CALL FOR ARTICLES ated a reconciliation program called 2016, from what was discovered to “Gacaca” to help resolve the hard be cancer. She knew I was a member our local pages section is feelings from the killings. As part of of the Church of Jesus Christ. She Yproduced by members in your the process, people who had killed believed that I had become part of a own area under the guidance of the Area Presidency so that it can others during the genocide confessed big family. She blessed me and said I address the needs and experiences and asked for forgiveness. Through was doing the right thing. She always of members where you live. The gacaca, we came to know that my taught me and my sisters to love one inclusion of the local pages in each father’s family members, after they another and to serve one another. issue depends on the availability looked everywhere for us and could She said our father suffered himself to of local content. We invite you to not find us, had killed him. My mother allow us to live. She said we should contribute your faith-promoting and my eldest sister attended the hear- always work hard; it would make our thoughts and experiences by con- ing where my father’s family asked father happy. tacting your local editor: for our forgiveness, and they forgave I know this gospel is true. I know [email protected] ◼

them. They told my mother that they I will see my family again. I know my ENGLISH—AFRICA WEST

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