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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