Elder Bednar

Three days after our return to Kinshasa, Elder Bednar came to Kinshasa for less than a day. (Elder Bednar is one of our church’s 12 Apostles. We believe that Jesus had 12 apostles when he was on earth. We have a prophet of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is assisted by his 2 counselors and 12 Apostles. These 15 men lead the church of today.) Elder Bednar was on his way to dedicate the country of Gabon for missionary work, which is one of the 5 countries in our mission. This is a picture of the Bednars, and some other church dignitaries at the dedication sight in Gabon. Our mission president's wife is holding the jacket. She said it was a wonderful meeting.

When he was in Kinshasa, the Bednar’s met with all the 155 full time missionaries for three and a half hours. Before the meeting the senior couples helped prepare and serve a luncheon for the visitors. We were introduced to the Bednars at that time. After he ate, Elder Bednar came into the kitchen to thank each of us individually. Then we went over to the meeting, and the only seats available were on the center front row. Of course I bawled as we entered the room, as the chapel was full of these marvelous African missionaries singing hymns as only the Africans can sing them. It was a rare privilege and treat to be able to spend a few hours literally at Elder Bednar’s feet. We learned many things and basked in an inspiring special spirit. It was an honor to be counted among the full time missionaries serving in this country, where the church is growing at the fastest rate in the world. We made the Church News the next week!