10-21-08

Dear everyone,

Well, my companion came back from South Africa quite a bit earlier
than we thought he would. He arrived back in Lusaka last Tuesday
afternoon, so he was really only gone for 5 days or so. The doctor
gave him a bunch of drugs to take so he has been fine since he came
back. Hopefully it will stay that way. I'm way jealous of him because
he got to see a bunch of returned Zimbabwe Harare missionaries there
and he got to go to the temple. I'm most jealous because he got to see
and shake hands with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland! Elder Holland happened
to be there and speak at a multi stake fireside which Elder W/michael
was able to attend. I should get some headaches.

Saturday we had the baptism of one of our long-time investigators,
Jackson Mvula. I've talked a lot about him before but he is 73 years
old but very healthy and strong. He walks over an hour each way to get
to the church each Sunday. His wife doesn't speak much English but
loves having us over at the house. Brother Mvula was baptized by a
member named Francis Chilufya and then Sunday Brother Albert Banda
confirmed him. Br Mvula was so happy and excited for the baptism and
he said he felt "wonderful inside."

Yesterday was zone conference yet again. We were supposed to have it
next week but the presidential elections are then so it was moved to
avoid any conflict. As always zone conference was wonderful and
spiritually uplifting. Our zone song was #240 Know This, That Every
Soul is Free. One of the assistants Elder Patterson is going home in
a couple weeks so they brought along his replacement, the new AP,
Elder Baird from Idaho Falls. This was a surprise to the whole mission
because Elder Baird has only been on mission for just under 6 months
now and has only been a district leaders for about 4 weeks and has
never even been a zone leader before! So that is pretty crazy, but it
shows that the spirit of revelation is used in giving leadership
assignments.

For the first time in 22 months the threesome from the MTC was
reunited! Elder Bitter, Elder Vilakazi, and myself. It was funny being
together again. We're all different but really the same as well.

This is the Lord's church and gospel and I know it.

Love you,
Elder Mckay Moline