Letter from Michael 5-18-2015

On Tuesday was the transfer. I have the new district leader, Elder Oldroyd, as my new companion. He is one transfer older than me on mission and he is from some small town in Utah. We get along well so far. Elder Novotny is serving in Pretoria East as my zone leader. Speaking of him in Pretoria there are members who own a gym so the Elders can go for free. This is a good thing because Elder Novotny gave me all of his weights for only R300. Other people in the mission have a lot fewer weights than me but they all paid over R1,000 for theirs. You might say I got a bargain. 

At church this Sunday Esther, Dudu, and Wandile came to church. Wandile is a new investigator. He is a referral from Isabel in young women. He is 21 years old and this was his 2nd time attending church. He is the one from two weeks ago who bore his testimony in fast and testimony meeting. Wandile is enjoying the church and even comes to FHE at the church on Fridays.  We taught Tyron and Nicole last night. They were very happy to see us. It was a surprise visit. They are warming up to us more. We also visited Paul's family last night. He said he will try to come to FHE but will for certain come to church on Sunday. He said he often thinks back to when he came last time and watched the "Meet the Mormons" video. The best news of the week is probably that we now have a branch mission leader. His name is Revelation. This area has desperately been needing one for a long time. Revelation's sister is a less active. I had never seen her at church before but this Sunday she came.

- Elder Johnson

Part of his letter to his mom:

Esther is on date for May 31st. The guy we taught with President is Kevin. He is not progressing and he has stage 4 cancer. It was in the mouth but now has spread to the lungs. We did not teach the college class this week. Selena is doing well. We are teaching the lessons. Last week with her and William we read 1 Nephi chapter 8 about Lehi's vision. They loved it. 

Yes, I was sitting in one of the front rows at the chapel during the transfer. In fact I happened to be sitting right next to Elder Oldroyd, my new companion, while the new companions were being announced. He is the only new companion I have received who is someone I already knew at all. 

Part of his letter to his dad:

Church was good and fhe is was good. It was smaller in numbers but still good. We taught about language and gossip.