Letter from Michael 12-7-2015- 21 Years Old- Last Email Home

Part of his letter to his dad:

Thank you very much! I enjoyed eating at Carnivore! I ate warthog, springbok, kudu, zebra, lamb, and crocodile. For me crocodile was the best meat of all! See you in 2 days! Ya, unfortunately we missed the zone photos. No investigators came to church. I actually went to Carnivore on Monday because it is so far away. On my birthday I ate the Monster Burger and a place called Yankees. On Sunday night some members had a birthday party for me! 

Ha!!! I will get to see that rivalry game! Whoooo!

Congratulations to Blake going on a mission! I like Chicago!

Part of his letter to his mom:

Yes we left before the zone pics. We did not know it was going to happen. 

Yes, I got a couple letters from you. One was the very last one. I am all packed to go home now!

Yes, I bore my testimony in tsakane! I don't think it was necessarily harder to be a missionary the last week. But there is no way that I can't be thinking about home in the back of my mind. I am looking forward to coming home, but a little bit sad that the whole journey is over. I have been reflecting some on the times I served in all of my ares. But I feel a satisfying sense of accomplishment. all in a hard DAYS work... 2 years service.

I have a scale and I know my luggage is under the weight limit.

I will be in the mission office at 3pm to make sure my luggage is the proper weight.  Then 6pm at the mission home is our departing dinner with President and Sister Dunn. 

Michael’s last email home:

Behold, I am an old Madalla (grandpa) now. My 21st birthday, 3rd birthday on mission, was a great one! I enjoy being with the members and eating exotic animals Crocodile is the best, by the way! 

I really have enjoyed serving a mission. I know it is the best thing I have ever done. I would not trade it for anything the world has to offer. I know anyone who is sincerely searching for the truth with a humble heart will find it if they read scriptures (Book of Mormon), pray to Heavenly Father, and live the principles of the gospel. I don't need to see or have anymore physical evidence to know what I have learned by the Spirit. I will never deny it. I thank everyone for their love and support. I have felt the prayers of many and look forward to seeing everyone again!

- Elder Michael Johnson

Quotes:

“The power of God is the priesthood, which is necessary in the true Church of Christ. We can have the true Church without all of the programs, without perfect people or perfect administration, but we cannot have it without the keys of the priesthood.” —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve

“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.” – President Thomas S. Monson

Merry Christmas!

Letter from Michael 11-30-2015- The End

On Saturday I went to the temple with Elder Dlamini for the departing trip with all the missionaries going home. It was especially nice because members from Tsakane, Seshego, Polokwane, Protea Glen, and Rabie Ridge were at the temple as well. It was great to see them and catch up with them. Some of them I have not seen in almost two years. I really enjoyed that day. Elder Dlamini's home branch from Swaziland was there. So he was able to send some of his belongings home with them.

Unfortunately no investigators came to church on Sunday. We did find a father lead family to teach though. We will see them on Wednesday. Tomorrow is the mission tour where one of the general authorities in the church will speak with us. I am sure we will learn from and enjoy the message prepared for us there. 

Quote: "Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither;" - Doctrine & Covenants 60:1

Quote: "O be wise; what can I say more." - Jacob 6:12

Part of his letter to his mom:

I dunno about tears nor the number of people going home. But this I know; that there are few survivors left from my MTC group.  (When asked if people were surprised to see him at the temple he replied the following: Yes, I don't regret it one bit. Yes, the people we are very happy and surprised to see me. They all assumed I was home already. Elder Mcclealan, from my MTC group, came back to finish his mission in his 1st area. The area is Seshego next to Polokwane so people though I went home same time as his which was 6 weeks ago.

When asked if he was able to meet any more of the members and work with them he wrote the following: Yes, we found out where some more members live.

Letter from Michael 11-23-2015- Two Weeks Left

This week we have 12 new investigators. One of them is a father lead family. A new investigator, Xoly, came to church this Sunday. This Sunday was different. We had stake conference in Kwa-Thema. It was a recording of Elder Renlund, Elder Cook, and the other Elder Cook. They spoke about tithing and women. 

Quote: Serve your mission in such a way that each day when you get out of bed Satan says, "Oh no, HE'S AWAKE!"

Quote 2: "The attitude you have towards your mission experience is a reflection of your love toward your Heavenly Father and His son and your respect for the priesthood."

Quote 3: A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop. - Robert HUghes

Part of his letter to his mom:

I got my itinerary packet last night! It is cool to actually see it and have it in hand!

Yes, I have been trying to be charitable. Often times they won't let us but last week I managed to wash a bunch of dishes for a member. 

The father lead family is nice! The first time we met with them it was awkward but the 2nd time was so much better. They were quite interested. It was awkward the first time because they didn't really say anything or show any interest until we taught about the plan of salvation. We taught about the plan of salvation. I love teaching about the plan of salvation and also the Book of Mormon. I am sure all of my companions could tell you that teaching about the BOM to investigators is my favorite!

The only dress shoes I have are the ones I had even as a teacher. The laces look bad. The other two pairs of shoes gave up the ghost. I suppose they just worked too hard, neh?

Karabo is still on date for baptism. She just did not come to church because she had no money for transport.

Elder De La Cruz actually wants to be a detective when he gets home. We get along well. It is funny... he compare our companionship to Thor and Captain America as the fought as a team in the first Avenger movie.

Today, we don't have plans. For my birthday we plan to go to a place called Carnivore and they will give us exotic food to eat such as Kudu, Zebra, warthog, and crocodile! It will be awesome! 

Quote 4: "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Letter from Michael 11-16-2015  -Three Weeks Left

This week was much nicer for us. We had a fun activity with the mission. It was like a zone conference with also games, a hike, and a Speaker who is a woman who climbed Mount Everest. We compared her experience climbing Mount Everest with the missionary work. We were able to meet with many people last week. Still only Karabo came to church but at least we have a teaching pool now. We found when we taught and taught when we found people to teach. We found them through tracting, referrals, and found more people to teach as we went to appointments. We teach the friends and family of those we already visit to teach. Mdu, the ward mission leader, is still a big help for us. We finally have a branch list and will soon see if we can find other members to come teach with us. We are especially looking for the young men to help. It will also help them as they prepare to serve a mission.

It is hailing HARD right NOW! The last time I saw hail it was my first day in South Africa. It was so much that it looked like snow!

Quotes for the week:

Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, GC, 10/2010.

"Above all the attributes of godliness and perfection, charity is the one most devoutly to be desired. Charity is more than love, far more; it is everlasting love, perfect love, the pure love of Christ which endureth forever. It is love so centered in righteousness that the possessor has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around them." Bruce R. McConkie.

Letter from Michael 11-9-2015 – Four Weeks Left

Last week was a long one. We did much tracting and scheduled many appointments but almost all of them canceled. Karabo who is an investigator has baptism date set for the end of January. We would like to have it earlier but she is going to be out of town for summer break. The Tsakane 1 elders had a baptism for a woman named Felicia. Interestingly she asked me to baptize her even though I did not know her. I couldn't because I didn't have any clothes to change into. So one of the members baptized her. The gospel principle classes are different here. The members take turns each week in teaching the class. They teach in English and Zulu in the classes. Because of this it is difficult for Elders to pay attention. This Sunday it seemed they were mostly speaking Zulu. 

Quote: "It is better to prepare and prevent, than to repair and repent."  - Ezra Taft Benson

Part of his letter to his mom:

Yes, there are 4 Elders serving in the branch like it was in Polokwane. Last week was frustrating. We went around every day everywhere trying to find a place where we could buy electricity because we ran out. Everybody referred us to some other place until finally today we figured it all out. Most of the time we could buy electricity anywhere. But this flat complex uses private electricity so there is only one store in the world where we can pay for our electricity. 

You have to prepay for the phone as well. You have to buy what we call "airtime" here. They don't do the contract thing.

Yes, I got cards from many. I got some from you, the Binders, the Brittners,  and the Johnson Grandparents!

Yes, the food was good. Everywhere it is chicken and rice. After district meeting our district went to our area to tract to find us some investigators. We will contact them this week. We found a cool Kota shop where we can sit down and have free juice. I was going to send a picture of it. But a virus destroyed the picture.

Dell, Thendai, marriage officer, and the Youlton family.

Alberton Flat

Letter from Michael 11-2-2015 -  First Week in Tsakane

This week was hectic. I was put in companionship with Elder Musandirire and Elder De La Cruz. Elder Musandirire was actually serving in the Zimbabwe mission but had to come to South Africa for a transfer for medical reasons. On Wednesday we had to take him to the mission office and the to the OR Tambo airport to go back to Zimbabwe. He was supposed to be here longer but his mission president decided to have him come back earlier. 

Anyway, it is just Elder De La Cruz with me now. He is from Spain and is 13 months on mission. We are both having fun trying to learn the area. We didn't have an area book, a branch directory, or a map so we were kind of left in the dark. Fortunately we have the branch mission leader on our side of the branch so he helped us to know where people live. He is a great branch mission leader. Sunday was the only day he did not come to teach with us. 

The branch is big and they feed us often. Tons of people filled the chapel on Sunday. It looks big enough to be a ward but there are not enough priesthood holder. Most of the branch is just women. We started with to investigators from part member families. There is Karabo who is 13 and Sweetness who is in her 40's. We started teaching new people but we will see how serious they are as time goes. Karabo came to church with her mother on Sunday. 

- Elder Johnson

"They that love, show their love."

- William Shakespeare 

Part of his letter to his mom:

On P-day we went to the mission office because Elder Hughes had to go to the district leader and training meeting. I played rugby the whole day. I met the Larsons in the mission office. Sister Larsen took a picture with me.

We don't live in the township but we live in Brackpan. Brackpan is actually near Alberton. We drive through Alberton to get to the mission home. At the complex we live in there is the (ZL) Springs Elders, Tsakane 1 Elders, and (DL) Kwa-tema Elders. We are all in separate complexes. The township is mostly Zulu's. It seems nice with friendly laid back people. There are many young people it seems in Tsakane.

Party of his letter to his dad:

Today we are going bowling with a bunch of missionaries. Elder Commings from my MTC group and Elder Rouse will be there.

Elder Commings is from Burmingham, England. He goes home same time as me. 

Lower Right- Michael during transfers Oct. 2015

Upper Right- Michael with car loaded down- Transfers 10-2015

Lower Left- Michael sitting at transfers- 2015

Lower Right- Michael sitting at Transfers 10-2015

Lower Left- Michael sitting in Transfers 10-2015

Tripanionship- Michael with Elder Musandirire and Elder De La Cruz

Letter from Michael 10-26-2015 - Dell and Tendai's baptism

On Sunday of course Dell and Tendai got baptized. The services went quite well. I really enjoyed the speakers and the Spirit was strong during the ordinance and during the testimonies. As I said before Brother Youlton baptized Dell and Tendai. Unfortunately I did not get any pictures with them. Everyone was a bit rushed.

We had 7 investigators come to church. Renato is starting to come to all 3 sessions at church and seemed to enjoy it. These last couple weeks of the transfer we have found many new people to teach. Sylvester and Caroline came to church and conveniently live right next to it.

On Thursday both Elder Hughes and I got calls from President Dunn. I have been released as district leader and am opening the 2nd Tsakane area. Apparently it is near Springs. It is a nice township. It has been a while since I have served in a township area. Elder Hughes is training and district leader of a district of 3 greenies. That will be quite interesting for him.

I got all of the birthday cards last week. Thanks to everyone!

In reference to October 21, 2015, he wrote the following:

That day you mention was a very good day for us. We taught many people and relieved and cooled of by the rain. It has been hot lately.

Witbank

Rob Davidson- Alberton Ward Mission Leader

Nicki

Alberton

Joburg

Letter from Michael 10-19-2015- Fruits of Finding

This week was a good week for us. We actually found people to teach from our finding efforts. We have 9 new investigators from last week. We are teaching 3 new families and some individuals as well. The first one is a typical Afrikaans family. They love braais and rugby. Usually Afrikaans people don’t even want to talk to us. Gerhard actually spoke to us first as we were walking by his gate. He even asked us if we wanted to come in for a visit. Their names are Gerhard and Carla. They have a baby boy and they are very social people. We taught them about the Book of Mormon and even read some of it with them. Carla said it sounded beautiful. We are now teaching a Zulu family and a Zimbabwean family. The Zimbabwean family actually lives right next door to the church. The mother and the daughter in the family came to the church yesterday for General Conference. 

Eleanor is the pregnant lady in the picture I sent last week. She is a recent convert and she has had the baby already. Her mother is not a member but came to watch General Conference last week. Dell and Thendi also came. They were interviewed for baptism and they passed. They will be baptized on the 25th of October. Brother Grieg Youlton is going to baptize them. Dell works with Grieg as a plumber. The Youlton family is a great family. We have lots of fun with them and they often have us over for dinner. They are actually moving to Utah in January just after I get home. 

Yes, I loved the conference! You were right about most of them having to do with the Sabbath and also women. I really liked Holland's talk as well as Uchtdorf's talk in the priesthood session. Can you believe it...? I actually saw all of general conference this week! 

I think this last transfer I will be in a new area. We will probably get the transfer news on Friday evening. Love you!

- Elder Johnson 

Quote: "If for a while it seems the harder you try; the harder things get, take heart for it has been the same for the best people who walked the Earth." - Elder Jeffery R. Holland

Letter from Michael 1-121-2015- Eight Weeks Left

This week we did much finding. For a while my attitude about finding people in this area wasn't the greatest. Everyone we talk with is from somewhere else. Then I thought to myself as long as I am giving people the opportunity and at least finding for Elders in other areas than I'm doing some good and doing my part. It is about making the word of God known and building his kingdom. I must be prayerful and hopeful in all that I do as a missionary and good things are will come. We set up a booth last week and passed out many cards, pamphlets, and copies of the Book of Mormon. Hopefully we can teach some of them this week. Renato and Vusi were at church yesterday. Dell and Thendi are going to be interviewed on Thursday for baptism. 

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." – Philippians

The slip N slide P-day was loads of Fun. The zone leader that was next to me in the pic at the Dunn's home sprained his shoulder. He is in the pic the day Hughes broke his shoulder.

Yes, the interview was nice. He mostly talked about how I feel about the last bit of my mission and he also talked to me about my plans for post mission.

I don't know the dates of the letters but recently I received letters from you, one from Dad, and one of the DeDen grandparents. 

Dell and Thendi's baptism is on the 25th of October and the transfer is on the 27th of October. A long time ago I made a deal with Nicki Pasi. He gave me a South African soccer jacket for the weights. He really wanted them and I got them for cheap anyway.

Serving a mission has been the most important time of my life. I do realize that what I am doing is not just about me. Obviously there is a greater purpose in all of this. The focus of my mission is not necessarily about what I can gain but about what I can give. It is a time of sacrifice and selfless service to the God and his children on the earth. I have enjoyed seeing people change and develop testimonies of the savior and the restored gospel. I have learned that it is always worth keeping the rules and commandments that have been set and the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in the work. If I don't have the Spirit I cannot teach.

It is interesting how serving God works. I can never be able to pay him back for all that he is done for me. I say this because every time I serve him or obey him he blesses me and my family so greatly. I once read a quote that said something to the effect, "If you give the Lord a crumb, He will give you a loaf." Sacrifice is something the I am grateful for and have understood better as I serve. We give up something important to us to the Lord for blessings of much greater worth. If I stayed home from mission I would lay up worldly treasures which will not last but my experiences and and blessings from serving a mission will be treasures in heaven where it will last forever. I came on mission with many weaknesses and even some fears. If I had never served a mission I wonder if I ever would have been able to over come them. I still have much more to learn and a long way to go but I know that I have overcome much in these last two years. I have strengthened my relationship with my Heavenly Father and have become a stronger individual.

 My mission has been the highlight of my life. I would not change this experience for anything in the world. I would encourage any young man that serving a mission is worth the short 2 years. If you serve the Lord you will never regret! I Know that there is God. I know him because I serve him. I have seen answers to every sincere prayer I have offered him. I have felt the Holy Spirit testify our Heavenly Father and our savior Jesus Christ. Anyone can know this if they become not just hearers of His word but doers of his word. I say this humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

- Elder Michael Johnson

Part of his letter to his mom:

No, the temple trip was moved to Wednesday this week. In my studies I read a talk by Spencer W. Kimball about the apostle Peter. It mostly was about how Peter denied knowing Jesus three times but it wasn't the end for him. He was forgiven completely and was given all the keys of the priesthood. 

When asked how his interview with his president went, he responded:

I said it feels surreal to think that I'll be home so soon. It will be sad to leave South Africa and the mission but it is exciting to go home and continue on with life. He said he knows we are working well and he said I'm a good man. He told me that I have helped Elder Hughes with a lot these couple transfers.

Quote: "I may not always like to work, but I like what is in work, which for me is the chance to find myself and make a difference, for it is quite possible to work without results, but there will never be results without work." - Dick Plaistowe, SVP Sibanye Gold

Bishop Kirchman

Me/George/Edwin/ElderNovotny

The District: The Germiston Elders are in the back. (Elder Vataiki and Elder Morrill)
Elder Hughes and Johnson in the front

Letter from Michael 10-5-2015

It was an interesting Saturday for us last week. We got permission to go to the temple because a family that Elder Hughes was taught was going to be sealed for time and eternity in the temple. So we went there to support the family. We got there early on Saturday morning. It was actually too early so we found something to do while we waited. We went to the baptistery and witnessed baptisms and the did confirmations. I had never done that before in all of the times I have been to a temple. The Holy Spirit was definitely strong and present there.

After that the family came and we did an endowment session and then proceeded to the sealing room. It was my first time to ever witness a sealing ordinance. Even though I didn't know the family it was still nice to see. I don't remember the last time I felt the Holy Spirit so strongly. Afterwards the temple worker turned to me and the other 3 Elders and told us that our turn was not so far away. I said, "That is both a joyful and a scary thought."

Dell and Thendi are progressing very well. They were at church as well as Renato. I don't know if I said last time but Renato is on date for baptism as well. We still have not done the mega booth but we will this Saturday hopefully. We will set up a table and a big banner in Alberton City. then we will have some members with us with BOMs and pamphlets while we talk to people walking by. On Wednesday we are going with the ward to help out with the temple trip. We of course also got permission for that as well. We finally found a recent convert / less active member. His name is Washington. We had a good talk with him and will help him find a way to church this Sunday.

- Elder Michael Johnson

Part of his letter to his mom:

We will watch conference on the 17th and 18th when we have the DVDs.

The Church is so true! I will never forget that!

Today for zone activity we are going to have a slip n slide, water balloon fight, and braai!

Letter from Michael 9-28-2015

This week we started to teach Nicki's cousin, Aisha. Shane, Renato, Dell, and Thendi all came to church this Sunday. Renato, Dell, and Thendi are progressing towards baptism. Hopefully Dell and Thendi will get baptized on the 11th. Renato's baptism might be in December sometime. There was a primary program at church yesterday. It was a bit entertaining as usual. 

On Thursday I went to Germiston for an exchange. The Elders in that poor area Haven't had a baptism in over a year. Elder Morrill and Elder Vataiki should be having a couple baptisms next month though. Also, Thursday was national Heritage Day. So we went to the ward party for a bit in Germiston. I enjoyed the exchange we were able to teach a new investigator and found some new people for them to teach.

- Elder Johnson 

Part of his letter to his mom:

We meet with President Dunn on the 6th for interviews. It is strange to think that might talk is already scheduled. Is there a topic? Immaculate was basically taught everything before baptism; even the new member lessons. But we have done lots of review. 

We will be watching Conference late. We won't watch it until we get it on DVD.

When asked about the construction on a relatively new chapel, Michael wrote the following: It is new but the ward is growing fast. The chapel has gotten so much more full since I first came here. Sometimes there is not enough room for everyone in the chapel.

I have a small USB that I transfer pics over to. If there is a virus then I just format the small usb.

Part of letter to his dad:

I am glad bishop Sharp enjoys my emails! I know I'm not much of a writer and just give the bare minimum of how the week went. That is quite a shame about BYU.  

Nicky and Immaculate

Immaculate's baptism

Elder Huges'  broken collarbone 

construction on the chapel due to increased church attendence

Elder Rouse's bike accident

Selena in Whitbank, she is now a primary teacher

Whitbank Branch Pesident Nish and his family

Letter from Michael 9-21-2015- Confirmation

This Sunday Immaculate was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. A less active member named Kristen came to church and also came with her boyfriend who we have been teaching. This was the first time that I saw the boyfriend, Richard, at church. They should be coming much more often now that they have a car. Renato, Dell, and Thendi also came to church. Dell and Thendi are on date for baptism on the 11th of October.

The Rugby World Cup is a huge thing here. Everyone is talking about it. Everyone is upset here that South Africa lost to Japan. Elder Hughes was quite happy to see that England beat Fiji. By the way there is a brand new greeny in my district. His name is Elder Vataiki who is from Fiji. He said last night was the coldest night of his life... poor guy... last night was nothing. He would die if he were sent anywhere with snow. The Bedfordview area split into two areas and so there have been some changes in districts. Our district is now only 4 Elders. It is just Alberton and Germiston. At least it will be nicer for call in reports on Sunday evenings. District meeting on Friday was about meaningful fasting which is something I needed. This transfer we are fasting 42 days for the purification challenge. Each companionship is fasting on a specific day for things they want to improve on to become more effective missionaries.

- Elder Johnson

Quote: "My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom." - D&C 136:31

Part of his letter to his dad:

Hey! Elder Hughes is definitely getting better. He can move his arm around he just isn't as fast.

Shame that BYU lost. It sounds like it was still a good game though.

Part of his letter to his mom:

Bishop Kirchman did the confirmation. I tried sending pics but of course the viruses prevented that. No we only fast one day but we all take a turn.

Yes, people were there to support at the baptism. Sister Sibeko spoke about the Holy Spirit and Elder Hughes spoke about baptism. 

One of them that went home is in my group. Elder hughes can shower because he got the staples out on Friday. He now has to go back in six weeks. I will probably be gone by then. 

By the way we saw an old investigator from my first transfer here. She came to drop off a package to send to her son who is serving in Durban.

More people from my first area, Polokwane, came to Alberton today. I saw them at church and Sister Koopa's place for the lunch appointment. Sster Koopa is also from Polokwane. I think they were just visiting her though. At Transfers I saw Elder and Sister Winward who were the senior missionaries in Polokwane. I got to speak with them and say goodbye. They got a picture with me but unfortunately I did not have a camera with me at the time. They plan to serve another mission soon next year.

Elder Hughes with broken collarbone and Michael Sept. 2015

Michael at September 2015 Transfers

More of September 2015 Transfers