I love the Rain in Africa

-- It has been a great week in South Africa. Things have been going good in our area in Seshego. We are meeting a lot of new people everyday and handing out a lot of material to everyone we meet. We've had to drop some people as well this week and its been hard to watch people you grow to love reject the message we have for them. A big part of that is pride. People learn these things and start applying them in their lives and then God is able to bless them. Then we see that as soon as those blessings come and their burdens become lightened they go right back to their old ways. Its sad to see but we need to remember that everyone has their agency. It has been a good learning experience for me. Anyways, on Tuesday we had a huge rainstorm hit us while we were biking and we had to cycle as fast as we could to the plaza in Seshego to find cover. It doesn't rain too often here but when it rains it pours!!!!!!! We ended up having lunch and waiting out the storm. On Sunday, we had a blast! We were having a slower day and we had some things to do back at our apartment which is in Polokwani, 18k or 12 miles away and mostly all up hill. So we thought long and hard, 30 seconds, and decided we could do it! It was hard but fun and now I feel proud of myself.
I love this work and its blessing my life in ways I never thought a mission could. I think I might be growing up :( but I guess its a good thing too. I know that the message we as missionaries take to the world is true and that it blesses the lives of those who choose to live it. My knowledge and understanding of our Father in Heaven is increasing daily and it is preparing me for many great and marvelous things and I know it can do the same for all of us.
I love and miss you. and look forward to talking with you on Sunday.

I Have Truly Entered into the Ranks of the Lords Army

Things in South Africa are great! We are still working hard to establish the Church in Seshego and its a slow but rewarding process. We focus a lot of our time trying to find father led families. The group is in need of worthy priesthood holders in order to become a branch. The members are good, not really missionary minded but that's mostly because the are a little scared. It was a good week though. We met with two new father led families with three potential Melchizedek priesthood holders. Two of them so far are really humble and want to learn more and so when we meet with them today we will be introducing the Book of Mormon. The other one is a little more difficult. The people here in Seshego are very good about going to church, the only problem is that the preachers have taught so much false doctrine there are always barriers that we need to help them over come. The other family are newly weds and they go to the World Restoration Church and in their church the wife is a prophet so we are still helping them understand what it takes to be a prophet and things like that. It is really interesting to teach people in Africa. There is such a strong belief in their cultures and ancestors that it is scary sometimes. They have witch doctors here that are called sangomas that the ancestors (devils angels) speak through. I haven't met one before but its weird to think about sometimes. There are a lot of weird things that happen to people here because of what a strong hold the adversary has had upon the people of Africa but it is amazing to see how the power is diminished as the seeds of the Gospel begin to take root in the hearts of some. I know the power of the adversary is very real and I can see it in the lives of the people here but I know that the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a light that cannot be hid. As it goes forth among all nations it disperses the power of darkness. I know that each of us has this light as we have received and have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that this work is true and more powerful than I have ever imagined. I have truly entered into the ranks of the Lords army to fight for the Souls of His children. I pray that we may always remember who we are and what we stand for.
I love and miss you mom and hope that you all have a great week!!!!!!!!! xoXOOOOOO
Love your son,
Elder Caleb Coon
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The Southern Cross is Awesome

Glad to hear things are going well. Its been different having such a hot Christmas. The Southern Cross is awesome. It was one of the first things I looked for my first night in the mission field. The weather here is hot and muggy! I have never been in such thunder and lighting storms before. Almost every home is outfitted to be ok if struck by lighting. We eat a lot of rice, chicken, beat root, and pap. The members keep telling me they're going to make us mopani worms sometime so that should be interesting. Just as long as I don't have to eat tripe! We also got to go to shops around town and get Kota which is a half a loaf of bread hollowed out stuffed with fries, Russian sausage, cheese, and baloney. Its pretty dang good.

I am learning so much out here on mission. I have never felt my testimony grow so fast and strong. I know that if we are ever to find true peace and joy we need to follow the example of our Saviour Jesus Christ and do what he would have us do. I have seen families find peace and joy once again as they have applied the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. I know that this is where the Lord wants me to be. I love telling people about where my father served his mission. That has always been a strong example in my life in wanting to serve a mission.

Love your Son,

Elder Caleb Coon
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Things in Africa are going Great!

  Things here in Africa are going great. I'll tell you about one of our investigators. His name is Herold and he is 30 years old. He invited himself to church one day and loved it. We talked to him afterwords but he didn't want to meet with us yet. He then came the next week and afterwords approached me and asked when he could be baptized. We gave him a date to prepare for and then gave him some pamphlets and the gospel principles book to read. He read everything in four days. We continue to work with him and he's coming to our district conference in Lenyenye.

Obedience is the Price, Faith is the Power, Love is the Motive, Spirit is the Key, Christ is the Reason

Things here are going GREAT!!! We are working very hard here and things are starting to progress a lot more.  I continue to lose weight no matter how much I eat though haha I guess that's what happens when your in a biking area. This last week was awesome! We had a zone conference and President Omer and his wife were there along with Elder Cook of the seventy and his wife. There were only 18 missionaries there so it was an open discussion for everyone. So I did my best to participate in the discussion. :) I am very grateful to have had that experience and that said to me by a general authority.

Thank you for getting everything ordered. It would be a good idea to get it sent as soon as possible. I have enough supplies to last me a month and a half so its not urgent but it would be nice to know how long it takes to get here. Other than that I'm trying to find a way to send pictures but without the usb cord I'm gonna have to buy something else to use so I'm trying my best. 
I love the area I'm serving in and the people are great! The members are very good at feeding us so that's not a problem. My companion is the best!!! Elder Chaka is the best Father (trainer) I could have asked for. We get along great and love to have fun and work

.

We even have the same love for Lion King so he has the sound track that we listen to on p-days. I'm happy to hear your going to California for thanksgiving. That should be fun.. I love and miss you very much and hope you all are happy and having fun. I have learned so much already in the short time on mission and its been a true blessing to my life. Obedience is the Price, Faith is the Power, Love is the motive, Spirit is the Key, Christ is the reason. That's our moto here on mission. Love you MOM OXOXooOO

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Things here are going GREAT!!! We are working very hard here and things are starting to progress a lot more.  I continue to lose weight no matter how much I eat though haha I guess that's what happens when your in a biking area. This last week was awesome! We had a zone conference and President Omer and his wife were there along with Elder Cook of the seventy and his wife. There were only 18 missionaries there so it was an open discussion for everyone. So I did my best to participate in the discussion. :) I am very grateful to have had that experience and that said to me by a general authority.

Thank you for getting everything ordered. It would be a good idea to get it sent as soon as possible. I have enough supplies to last me a month and a half so its not urgent but it would be nice to know how long it takes to get here. Other than that I'm trying to find a way to send pictures but without the usb cord I'm gonna have to buy something else to use so I'm trying my best. 
I love the area I'm serving in and the people are great! The members are very good at feeding us so that's not a problem. My companion is the best!!! Elder Chaka is the best Father (trainer) I could have asked for. We get along great and love to have fun and work

.

We even have the same love for Lion King so he has the sound track that we listen to on p-days. I'm happy to hear your going to California for thanksgiving. That should be fun.. I love and miss you very much and hope you all are happy and having fun. I have learned so much already in the short time on mission and its been a true blessing to my life. Obedience is the Price, Faith is the Power, Love is the motive, Spirit is the Key, Christ is the reason. That's our moto here on mission. Love you MOM OXOXooOO

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My Companion and I are working hard and having fun

I read all your letters and it sounds like things are going good at home. Tell Caity that as ready as she is to leave home it is still gonna be a little shocking when she finally leaves. Also, if she goes to BYU Hawaii that I will be coming to visit her haha. Cameron mentioned in his letter that he sent you pictures so maybe you could send them to me as well. In the package your sending if you could send a family photo that would be great. I have pictures of Cameron, Chad, and Manti but none of you and the girls. Also if you could get some from dad from our fishing trip that would be great :) I have lost about 22 pounds (10kg) since I got to Seshego. We're on bikes so I'm getting into good shape again. Tell Jordyn that its ok to be afraid of boys right now, they are of no worth to her at the moment :) I'm glad Chad is doing good and that he's having fun. Its nice to have an hour to write so tell Chad, Jordyn and Caity to write me if they want.
>  Cameron and I are writing each other every week so its nice to hear from him. I lied in my last email. We ended up not going to Krugar National park but we are making plans to go there before we leave this area. Life is good here in South Africa and my Companion and I are working hard and having fun. Tell everyone at home that I love them and miss them and am working on getting some pictures sent. I love you mom and miss you!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Love,
>
> Elder Caleb Coon
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I love this Gospel

Things here are going great! Tell Jordyn happy birthday for me and give her a big bear hug for me. That's awesome, Caity must be very proud of herself. With a score like that it wouldn't be a bad idea to apply to BYU with a score like that. That will be good for Chad to wrestle. Its a lot of fun, but it is very hard. He can do it though :) It sounds like you had an awesome lesson Sunday. Its so true that the spirit needs to be present in teaching or reading or else it has no purpose. Things in Seshego are good. I have never seen such poverty in my life. Seshego is a township which means its a third world lifestyle. Where we stay is very nice but its hard sometimes to see how some people have to live. My second day in the area for dinner we were served tripe (cow intestines) and it was the most disgusting thing I have ever had!!! But to was fun. There is a group in Seshego, we're not big enough to be a branch yet but from the looks of things that should be changing in a month or two. I love this gospel and I am so grateful to be in south Africa. We are planning a trip to Krugar national park next Monday. Its one of the largest national parks in Africa. My companion, Elder Chaka, is great! He knows his stuff and likes to have a good time. I would just send some American candy. He is also a big fan of BYU so a shirt would be cool. Before he came on mission he played Rugby for Zimbabwe. I love and miss you and  hope all is well. I'm great and loving Africa. Next week I'll send pictures :)

Elder Coon

Caleb's letter from his Mission President

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
2 November 2011
　
　
Dear Sister Coon,

Elder Caleb Joseph, has arrived in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission and he is doing wonderfully. We are delighted to have him serving with us in the Mission. Elder Coon will serve initially in the Seshego Area of the Northeast Zone. His companion and trainer is Elder Kudakwashe Chaka from Zimbabwe. son weekly. His mailing address throughout his mission will be caleb.coon@myldsmail.net . In fact email communications are preferred. Elder Caleb Joseph CoonElder Caleb Joseph Coonhim with the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. I have included a picture of your missionary with Sister Omer and myself. For Letters Sent Through Pouch

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　South Africa Johannesburg Mission

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　P. O. Box 30150

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Salt Lake City, UT　 84130-0150

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

:　 Letters using the Church’s pouch system are limited to a single sheet of paper, folded into thirds and taped on the top edge only.　 No envelopes, no pictures, no cards, etc are allowed. Pouch mail uses US postage. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　

For Packages and Letters sent through Postal Service
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
Private Bag X4
Ansfrere 1711, South Africa

Packages should be labeled “Missionary Supplies” and valued less than R300 to avoid high custom charges. For secure items please use Fedex or DHL and the physical address: 3 Phillips Avenue, Discovery 1709, South Africa.
We appreciate your support of your missionary and thank you for sharing Elder Caleb Joseph Coon with the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. I have included a picture of your missionary with Sister Omer and myself.

　　　　　　　　　　

 

Sincerely,

S. Craig Omer, President　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

AMAZED I'M IN AFRICA

 Things are going great here! We are all very excited to get out and ready to be in the field. I couldn't imagine staying any longer. Its Saturday morning right now and my district gets to go out with the Johannesburg missionaries so that should be fun. I go to my first transfers meeting on Tuesday and then I'll get my trainer. I can't believe how much I've learned in these three short weeks, but I am very grateful for the time I've had here. Cameron's advice helps me almost everyday.  Tell everyone I love and miss them and tell Jordyn not to miss me to much, I'll be back in 23 months ha ha I love you mom and hope things are going great for you guys. I love this gospel and am still amazed that I'm in Africa. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

EVERYTHING IS GREAT

Things here are going great. I am completely over my jet lag and sleeping great at night. My blood sugars have been great with no problems. We eat great in the mtc. Its a lot of meat pies yams Curry chicken and rice. Everything is great. My comp is awesome, he is from Zimbabwe and he is a rock. We have been teaching great together. That is an awesome story about Chad. The Lord blesses us in mysteries ways. I love you Mom and wish I could write longer but I've got to go. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Elder Coon

LIFE IS GREAT IN THE MTC

-- Things are going good here in the MTC. For the next three weeks including today we will be writing our emails on Saturday here, so you should get them Friday night. The first week has been great!!! I love my comp. Elder Muhlauyo. He is a very hard worker and is very in tune with the spirit. President Christensen is our MTC President and he is an amazing man. My English accent is coming along great by the way :) My Comp and I were also call to be the assistance to the President so we're the AP's. I have never been in a calling where I've served others so much. It has been a great blessing to me and my comp. I hope things are going good at home and everyone is doing great! Love all of you and I miss you. Its been nice to sit in class and feel the spirit. I thought it would be harder to sit that long but its not and the jet lag has almost gone away so that's good. I love being a missionary and serving with these amazing young men and the sister missionaries. yesterday we taught everyone how to play American football and that was hilarious. I know this work is true and I have never had the spirit testify of that to me as strong as it has here.

Love,

Elder Caleb Coon

I MADE IT TO SOUTH AFRICA

-- Hi Mom,
That was the longest flight EVER!!!!!! I would not wish that on anyone. We're all here at the MTC now and things are great! The MTC president is awesome I hope things are good with you and I love and miss you. Only a short email today LOVE YOU

 

I MADE IT TO SOUTH AFRICA

-- Hi Mom,
That was the longest flight EVER!!!!!! I would not wish that on anyone. We're all here at the MTC now and things are great! The MTC president is awesome I hope things are good with you and I love and miss you. Only a short email today LOVE YOU