Elder and Sister Martin Ethiopia Mission: Transferred?? - 4 Church Authorities Visited! - Sister Martin Mountain Visits - Our Old Veggie Market - Mail?

TRANSFERRED??!

Yes, transferred. We've been on three full-time missions together and we've never had a transfer...until now. Typically transfers are for the young missionaries.

Actually, a new Senior Couple, Elder and Sister Slaugh just arrived in Ethiopia and are taking over our old apartment and will be staying there. We are so happy a couple has arrived to continue helping our little branch.

Our little house has 2 big water tanks. One on the ground to collect water when the city water supplies it. Then a pump will supply water to a water tank up high which will supply us with water by gravity when the city water is turned off. It does but it's kind of a trickle.

We were lucky enough to have 4 church authorities visit us for a big Missionary Conference.

Sister Kristin Yee asked the question, "What brings you joy?" and "What have I done with His name? She said that missionary work is not just gathering God's children, but changing hearts. It is about changing you. Don't be afraid to repent.

We were privileged to hear the most from Elder Paul Pieper of the Seventy. I especially liked his training on how to answer common obstacles here in Ethiopia. Often when the missionaries are teaching someone, they get hung up on why they have to be baptized again when they were before. Typically, the missionary will begin a lengthy discussion on the Priesthood authority and apostacy, etc.

Elder Pieper proposed a different method. He has them read the revelation in D&C 20:37 which list the requirements for baptism. Elder Pieper said in all of his journeyings around the world he hasn't found a church that has requirements for baptism, other than perhaps believing and wanting to join. He challenged the missionaries to have their friends read and tell them what they think each requirement means to them and ask if they met the requirements the first time they were baptized. The Spirit was so strong as he taught this.

20:37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

It was a great conference with inspiring messages. More than the messages you could feel and sense the beautiful Spirit of God as we were all edified. We know that these wonderful people are chosen by the Lord to lead and spread a great Gospel message.

Sister Amy Wright shared how the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS are interested in what women have to say. She serves on the Missionary Executive Counsel as well as the General Primary Board as the first counselor. There are two sisters that serve on every council. She said that during her very first meeting an item came up that was not on the agenda. Elder Cook, who leads the council, turned to Amy and asked her, "What do you think?" Women are directly involved in making decisions and the brethren want to hear what they have to say.

Sister Martin was talking to Sister Yee's friend who was invited to come along with her.

Our entire missionary group joined together for this conference.

They did a really nice Mission group photo. If you're wondering why you don't see us they accidentally cut-off several sister missionaries and us on the right.

After the special zone conference they held another meeting for Branch, RS and Primary Presidents.

Oh no. Looks like the kitchen chair needs attention.

Got our shower filter re-installed in the new place.

I couldn't get this back-up diesel generator to stay on. Needs maintenance.

Sister Martin went up in the mountains visiting some members. (The picture below is of one of the members she visited - from the branch party last week).

It's a little hike to her new house.

Can't share all of the stories here but let's just say the conditions are harsh and needs are extreme.

We took the new Senior Couple that moved into our old apartment, Elder and Sister Slaugh, to our fruit and vegetable market.

We typically don't get our phones out for a picture in the market because of people that may steal it but Sister Martin decided to risk it anyway.

But our driver said he was checking our surroundings...unless he was looking down at something...

Then out for a nice lunch.

MAIL CALL

Went to the office and they had some mail for us. The postmark on the letter above is Jan 26, 2024, and the one below is 27 Nov, 2023. Isn't this 2025? LOL