The Fisherman

No pictures, but there's a story worth recording, even without pictures. Brent interviewed a couple yesterday about baptism. They have an amazing story. They live in a village 300 miles from Lubumbashi. His only way of earning a living is fishing. He catches fish, which they dry, and then take to market in Lubumbashi. They transport them on bicycles. Their trip here, 300 miles, takes them a week in the dry season, and two in the rainy season. They sleep at night in villages, if the chief of the village will allow them to stay there. If not, then they move on until they find a chief willing to allow them to stay overnight. They found out about the church while in Lubumbashi and want to be baptized. Sadly, people who live too far from a center of strength where members can be supported, are often given more challenges by becoming members than blessings. Without the support of the church near them, they have difficulty living their covenants fully and continuing to grow and progress. So, being baptized is not always a blessing. They told Brent that they will try to find a way to move to the city and then they will be baptized. This reminds me of the pioneer days when our ancestors left their homes and resettled in Kirtland, Far West, Navuoo, and Utah to gather with the saints of those days. Today is the time for gathering in Africa. There are many cultural and physical hardships here to challenge those who want to join the church. But they are also strong and faithful people and want to live the gospel the best they can. They are truly the pioneers of Africa. We pray for this couple that they will be able to do what they desire and be baptized one day soon.