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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Every Missionary's "Dream Come True"!

Written by Ed: This week, we had one of those experiences every missionary dreams of having. We had to stop by the one of the elders' apartments to drop off some gas for the generator. Sister Gates's responsibility was to go upstairs to check on the apartment for cleanliness and on two sick elders, who were still asleep. In the garage, I saw a stack of Books of Mormon that had been damaged by rain. I was to get those into the truck to take to the garbage. As I put the 12 books into the back of the truck, a young man asked if he could have one. I said "sure" but I wanted to give him a good one. I went into the garage again and went out and gave him a new one. I tried to explain in my very limited French that I would like him to make a commitment to read it. As I gave him the book, two other gentlemen asked if they could have one. I returned to the garage to get two good Books of Mormon. As I gave those two out, a crowd of about 20 people had already gathered. Everyone wanted a Book of Mormon! I decided that I would give all of them one, and I went back in for a case of undamaged books. When I returned, all the damaged Books of Mormon were gone. I thought about the best way to do this in an orderly manner, and as I thought what to do, the crowd continued to grow. All this happened in a matter of about a minute and a half. I dropped the tailgate of the truck, and jumped into the back of the truck. I am sorry that I don't have a picture of this moment, because it is hard to describe the arms reaching up. I felt a panic attack of anxiety. I started to holler "Kriss, Sister Gates, where are you? I need help NOW!" One of our shyer, less French-fluent elder's came out with her, along with an elder that speaks only French, who is about 4' tall. While our Elder Olai tried to talk to the people in French, I realized that I needed an elder who spoke good English and good French, so I ran upstairs and woke up our zone leader, Elder Healey, who speaks excellent French and is a great interpreter, and told him I really needed his help. I ran back downstairs and climbed back into the truck bed. Kriss was up on top of a high wall, where she felt she could safely watch the action. I wanted to ask her if she “bought a ticket?” I hollered to her to take some pictures, and she hollered back that the cameras were in the front of the truck and that there was no way for her to get through the “MOB” to get to them. I laughed and pushed my way through, unlocked the door, and got the cameras. I climbed back in the truck bed, passed them up to Kriss, and she started taking pictures, therefore, these photos were taken well after the action started. A couple of the Elders were nervous about the “mobs” but Kriss told them, “This is every missionary’s dream come true and start enjoying it!” Elder Healey came down at this time, and even though he was very ill, rose to the occasion and joined in the action. He climbed into the truck with me. I started talking, and he interpreted for me. I explained that the book is a very special book that is a companion to the Bible. It is very sacred to us, and I didn’t just want it thrown away. Most everyone here are Christians, but most cannot afford to buy a Bible. We gave out three cases of Books of Mormon, immediately, to the Mamas & Papas. (I tried to give to the Mamas first, but there is no "Ladies First" in Africa.) There were children and teenagers that were very disappointed that we were hesitant to give them all a free book. We decided to start giving out some of our beautiful pamphlets with a picture of Jesus Christ on the front. They tell about what we believe and encourage the reader to call a number and set up an appointment with the missionaries, to receive a free Book of Mormon. Kriss and the three other elders started writing phone numbers as fast as they could... ... and then we gave out well over 300 pamphlets. I explained to the crowd that if they would read the pamphlet, and call us, we could talk to them. It is hard to explain how I felt both excited and frustrated at the same time! Everyone knew it was a religious book about the Savior, and they all wanted one. They held the pamphlets as if they really treasure it. Every so often, I could see that someone was really wanting a Book of Mormon. I could see one man that seemed especially anxious. He spoke a tiny bit of English and I looked him in the eyes and said “If I give you a book, will you read it?” He sincerely answered “Yes, I will.” I went in and got him a book, and snuck it out to him, so as not to create another pandemonium. For and hour and 15 minutes, we gave out pamphlets and preached as quickly as we could. It was a wonderful experience, and something that I will never forget. The next day, when we had the elders over for dinner, Elder Healey wanted to tell us about something that had happened as a result of our “Street Meeting”. He told us that he had already received a call from one of the men, that works close by. The man said he wanted to talk to the elders. They set up an appointment for that day. When they met with him, he showed them that he had read the pamphlet, which had been underlined, and showed them that he had begun reading the Book of Mormon, which had also been underlined. He related that he had a dream several days before. He dreamed there was a crowd, and someone was giving things out. He knew in the dream that he wanted what they were giving out. A few days after the dream he was walking to work and saw our “action” and he knew, then that he wanted what we had. Through our discussion and looking at the pictures, we realized this was the same man that was so frustrated when we quit giving out the books, because he knew he was supposed to get one. This was the man that I snuck a book to. Thursday, Elder Olai was telling the story to the elders in the other district, and said he had never seen anything like it on his mission. He realized, he was overwhelmed at first, but then he realized what a special opportunity it was. We all felt great about it. I have tried to capture the anxiety and the spirit of this special hour, but I struggle to find the words of such strong feelings. For the following days, Kriss and I kept saying… “That was so much fun!” It will be interesting to see what comes of that special event. ************************* Update #1: This post was featured on the Deseret News' website for Mormon Times as part of their "Today in the Bloggernacle" column. Update #2: Sister Gates has posted two more pictures and a quick update.

17 comments:

  1. What a BEAUTIFUL story dad! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it down. I'm so sorry we stopped you to Skype! It made me miss being a missionary and look forward to going with Michael in the future. We love you and look forward to hearing more about the ripples from this street contact. I LOVE the picture of you and the child on the bike as well as the one where you are holding the pamphlets close to your chest and one up in the air... it is a CLASSIC dad face! Michael and I both laughed when we saw it!

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  2. I love you so much and love telling everybody about how cool my parents are to be in Africa preaching the word of Christ.

    What an awesome story! This is one that the elders can tell in their homecoming talks and start by saying,

    "One of the greatest moments in my mission occurred when I was laying in bed, sick to my stomach and the Lord's work literally shook me out of my bed and told me I was needed outside. I didn't even have time to put on my dress clothes. Yes, my greatest proselyting moment took place in shorts and a t-shirt."

    The only problem is... which one of you get to tell the story in a year?

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  3. Mom and Dad, I now see why you were so frustrated that you lost your first draft of this. I am so glad you took the time to do it again though. I am also glad that dad took the time to get the camera. Way to go dad! You are a true blogger/scrapbooker at heart! The photos are priceless! I love the one that could be in the church magazine or something of the white, headless elder (dad) on the truck with all those dark hands reaching up for the pamphlets. That is a classic shot. But I too am partial to the photos of "dad faces". I miss you guys lots! What an amazing story to have in your biography! Thanks again for taking the time to write it down for us...twice!

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  4. Such an amazing experience! I am enjoying reading about all of your amazing adventures as missionaries! Love and miss you!

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  5. What an amazing story. It is so great to have pictures to go along with the story. I just read through it for a second time and it still brought tears to my eyes again.

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  6. I read this post so quickly to see the outcome. I can just picture Kriss high on a wall. I am so happy the cameras got passed up to you. Wow you really made something of this opportunity. Won't it be wonderful to hear of the ripples in the future from this street meeting.

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  7. What a truly awesome experience! I'm glad I got an email from our daughter, Natalie, pointing us to your blog. Didn't know you had one. I'll have to keep up with it now.

    By the way, I haven't finished transcribing Grandma Jim's autobiography, but when I get it done, I will send you a copy.

    All our love!

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  8. Once in a lifetime...or in your case probably more than once...
    You are the answer to many prayers.

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  9. I love that story! Gives me chills! What an awesome experience!

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  10. Just saw a link to your story on Mormon Times/Deseret News.
    Could you be the same Kriss Gates who was one of the Directors for the BYU summer program in the early 70's, Academy For Girls??

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  11. I don't know you, but found your bolg on MormonTimes.com. Wow, it made me cry. How special, and that the missionaries were given strength diring sickness to rise to the occation is also so special. Thank you for serving and sharing the gospel in Africa, but also through your bolg.

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  12. Mom, dad, such an amazing story. I have so much pride to call you my mother and father and tell everyone about your experiences!

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  13. Dear FIEF,
    Yes this is the same Kriss Gates who was the Director of BYU Academy for Girls in the 70's. I'm her younger sister, Pam, who was also Director of Academy for Girls in the 80's.

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  14. Thanks for sharing! I picked up your URL from a link on Facebook and am going to share it on the same. I hope it goes viral. There are so many people who want what we have! They just don't know where to find it. Thanks to both you and your wife for your dedication and sacrifice in bringing the Gospel to that small corner of the globe.

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  15. Last night we had a special FHE. Mike did the lesson and we talked about missionary work. Then he pulled out his computer and read them this post and we looked at the photos. It was a great story and learning experience for them. The older two were quite interested and quite...which doesn't always happen!

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  16. Elder Ed and Kriss! I loved reading this experience. I wish that Mike and I were there, serving with you. Knowing how much fun you are on a cruise, I can just imagine how great it would be to be serving a mission with you two. You are truly the "dynamic duo". We love you and miss you! You are remembered every night in our family prayers with Houston. The spirit was evident in each word you wrote describing this marvelous adventure. Thanks for your dedication. Many will be blessed as a result of this teaching moment. God bless you always! Love, Mike & Eileen

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  17. From Jim Bodell after reading the blog from his care center: It brings back memories and tears in my eyes. So happy that you can work hand in hand with our Father in Heaven. We love you and are proud of you. Just wish I was there.
    Love, Dad

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