Up and Down with SA Children

In case you can't see the above video, try clicking this link.  It's worth a watch--super cute!

The Big Averments

Sanibonani!

I've been in the dark for over a month, but I aver to ameliorate!  The gospel is rolling forth here in Africa, and it's never been quicker!  The Johannesburg Mission has just been given Swaziland to further the work with the Swazi people!!  I've spoken to a handful of the missionaries that side and they are more than excited to become part of the Joburg Mission.  They are a mix of Brazilians, Hondurans, and Americans whose ages vary from a month left to six months out, yet all prepared to kick it into the next gear.

We've finished missionary interviews workshops today President Leavitt interviewed 120 missionaries in four days!  That man is remarkable!  We are holding two Zone Conferences tomorrow and Thursday, and we are traveling to Swaziland for their Zone Conference this weekend!  We're always busy, which is to be expected when you're on the Lord's errand, and we are exhausted, which is to be predicted when you're on the Lord's errand, but we've never been happier, which is guranteed when you're on the Lord's errand.

BTW:  97 days 16 hours 14 minutes and 09 seconds left until I depart this great land of South Africa (but who's counting, right?).  It's such a long time, but I know it's going to go by so quick, as have the past three months.

As I've looked over the times in my mission that have flown by the quickest, there's no time that has passed quicker than during my study!  I honestly wish that the alloted personal study time would be two hours!  During various exchanges and splits with other missionaries, I've seen that when a missionary spends their studying time focused on others, they are never left with any spare time to study for themselves.  As we lose ourselves (and our study time) in the service of others, the Spirit will aid us in both our studying and our teaching.

We watched a video during MLC this week that can aid all of us in how we study for others.  It was a Elder Renlund's talk from the recent Mission President's Training.  (Fun fact: Elder Renlund was the Area President here in the Africa South East Area just a few years ago!  He was much loved of the people here, almost as much as he loved them.)  His aim was to encourage Mission Presidents and missionaries alike to 'treasure up' the simple doctrines and principles of the gospel.  In this sermon, he revealed three questions that can aid us in our studying of the gospel in preparation for various teaching scenarios.  These are the three quesions:

1. What is the invitation that will be extended?
2. What doctrine, correctly understood, will motivate the investigator to accept the invitation?
3. What blessings has God promised for accepting and keeping that invitation?

Stick to these questions, and I know you will be given inspiration to aid you in what to study, how long to study it, and why it applies to those of whom you are studying for.

There's another apostle of the Lord that has suggested a wonderful subject of study.  Elder Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has repeatedly exhorted all of us to study all 'Jesus Christ' subtopics in the Topical Guide.  These are his words to us concerining this study:

“To those of you who feel you don’t have time, if you will make a sacrifice, you will be well rewarded and very, very grateful for the change of perspective, increased knowledge, and improved depth of your conversion.

“…In a coming day, you will present yourself before the Savior. You will be overwhelmed to the point of tears to be in His holy presence. You will struggle to find words to thank Him for paying for your sins, for forgiving you of any unkindness toward others, for healing you from the injuries and injustices of this life.  You will thank Him for strengthening you to do the impossible, for turning your weaknesses into strengths, and for making it possible for you to live with Him and your family forever. His identity, His Atonement, and His attributes will become personal and real to you.

“But you don’t have to wait until then. Choose to be one of His true disciples now. Be one who truly loves Him, who truly wants to serve and lead as He did. I promise you that if you will study His words, your ability to be more like Him will increase. I know this is true.”

I also know that his words are true.  As I have undertaken to become a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ by treasuring up his words, my love for him has escalated, my prayers more sincere, my faith uplifted in my Savior.  I challenge everyone reading this letter to take on this challenge, if you haven't already done so, beginning this Sunday!  Download this study help that will aid you in your study of the Savior of the world!  It will change your life!  Note: the study aid is for 90 days and begins Sunday, 16 of July.

Love you all loads!  I aver to amerliorate my weekly letters for the remaining months!!

-Elder Benson

Four generations of wildcats in the SAJM:

(Found this gem in the Fourways Area Flat)

Elder Farnes: 2013-2015

Elder Benson: 2015-2017

Elder Marsden: 2016-2018

Elder Papenfuss: 2017-2019

Photos for the Week

Eish...

There's barely been time this week for writing a weekly letter, so I'll include pictures from all the adventures we've had!

Meet the office staff! Comprising of the Wagner's, Hunt's, Leavitt's, Wells', and the AP's.  Elder Wagner is obviously in bliss mode.

The leadership council of the SAJM! Comprising of Zone Leaders from around the mission.  My firstborn Elder Jørgensen is currently a ZL in the Centurion Zone (seated directly behind me), and my two Xhosa comps just across. 'Sho sho Boi'!

Elder Ebite pulling a fantastic Zoolander against his 'father' Elder Zitumane.  E. Ebite is from the Philippines, and cooks some mean rice.

The most epic national anthem in the world with five languages (Xhosa, Zulu, Sothu, Afrikaans, English).   Try twisting you're tongue singing that!

Behind is Elder Flack (ZL Vaal), Elder Zitumane's firstborn, and Sister Wagner (Office Secretary).  There's dozens of proselyting materials offered in dozens of languages (including Russian - woot woot Elder Parker).

Two elders visiting the Mission Home for some classic Italian cooking (thanks Pops for schooling me in the art of pasta).

The kings of Rabie Ridge reunite!  My favorite Zimbabwean companion.  I miss serving with him in Tembisa township. #BK

All you future elders preparing to serve to Johannesburg: bring a flashlight, because you never know when power outages strike!

Zone Conference day one! The SAJM has one of the largest car fleets of the missions around the world, and these cars aren't even half of the active fleet!

I also volunteer as a Domino's Pizza Maker on P-Day! (I wish... they just let me help make our pizzas).  Thanks to my trainer Dorris for showing me the ropes of quality pizza production!

Zone Conference day two!  Like you can see in the pic, there's a rainbow of diversity and energy in the SAJM that is hard to beat.  Plus we have the best Pre-Conference snacks South of the Equator thanks to Sister Leavitt!

Accompanying President Leavitt to a second baptismal interview at the Johannesburg central chapel, nearby to the Vodacom and Telkom towers (seen just above the roofline).  Never mind that I had to climb up a pole onto a roof to get the picture, it was worth it!

Empty Cupboards Filled!

Sanibonani, and top of the morning!

For all of you Americans, I must confess: american football needs to rethink its life and join the rugby club.  Like wow!  Rugby is such a fun sport to play and to watch, especially when your companion is a boss at the game. We played an epic game of rugby this morning, and beloved companion Elder Zitumane was the match MVP [fist bump]. Elder Z is an awesome guy.

Speaking of rugby, we were given a special assignment by President Leavitt. A pair of elders were entering into a foreign environment to do some proselyting, which had the possibility of yielding much fruit. The four of us gathered together a few hours before we commenced our labors and held a devotional, sharing scriptures and and experiences to define and refine our approach towards the challenging environment in which we would be entering.  We eventually arrived at the location where we would, as fishers of men, 'dip our rods in the water'.  Instead of attempting to describe the experience from that point, I'll just tell it in pictures:

The method in which the elders acquired the tickets was quite honorable, believe it or not!  A few weeks ago, their car was in need of servicing. They took their car to the car dealership to service their vehicle. As they waited, they felt that they needed to speak to the owner of the dealership. They asked if they could see him, and as they were lead to the owner's office, they described that they felt like Nephi, "not knowing beforehand the things that [he should do]." Upon meeting him, they began to share the message of the restored gospel with him. At the end of the conversation, the owner expressed that he had no interest in learning more, but was truly impressed with them in entering into the service of Christ at such a young age. He mentioned that he sponsored the Johannesburg Lions (one of the best professional ruby teams in Africa), and asked if they and their 'higher elders' would join him at the next match, thus securing the four of us tickets to the game with VIP Access. I should include that the game was much enjoyed, but the highlight of the night was in contacting another professional coach and making an appointment to teach his entire team. You never know where and hows you may find such awesome opportunities to share the light of the gospel.

_____________________________________________

The entire experience was an interesting and very unorthodox testimony-builder in trusting the Spirit's guidance. I'm also grateful for the Lord allowing me the experience whilst in His service, because it gave me a new perspective on the word 'joy'.  In the stands sat thousands of spectators, many of whom were consuming alcoholic drinks (adding a wide variety of comedy to the match), who were cheering on their countrymen to victory. I took moments throughout the game to pause and survey the scene. In these moments, it hit me that the happiness of these devout supporters was in the success of their team and in the thrill of the game. Although I shared the desire for the success of our Lions, a feeling of emptiness prevailed in the electrifying atmosphere.

For many people, money and the praise of the world are the most sought after achievements to be attained. The quest for fame and success has a numbing effect on the soul to the things of God, dragging many to a friendless and miserable fate. There's truly no security in material wealth. Exhibit A:  in the past week, my allotment card has been identified with many fraudulent transactions, ultimately leading to the termination of my card (meaning someone hacked my card and stole money, so the company closed my card to protect the remaining money). It's an unfortunate circumstance that occurs much too often in this country. Food has since become scarce in that regard. Although my new card won't arrive in a while, I'm not so worried. I'll share the reason for being so towards the end of this letter.

Amidst the search for security and happiness, many will spend good dollar to find the key to joy and peace. A less-active member of the church did so in purchasing many tickets to hear experienced motivational speakers. As he attended each of their conferences and lectures, he came to realize that all of the sermons and speeches were encompassed by the principles of the restored gospel. He said, "I was basically paying people to teach me the gospel."

The restored gospel truly does encompass all truth and joy that many are searching for, a fact that leaves me so humbled and honored to share with these searching souls the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that in this Church, all goodness and truth that God has revealed to man since the beginning of mankind itself is found. I was instructed beautifully pertaining to this topic by the Spirit through Elder Ronald A. Rasband as he visited our mission yesterday.  In this missionary devotional presided over by Elder Rasband, he spoke with power and with the Spirit. I forgot my study journal at the office, so I can't share what was taught. There's one quote that touched me profoundly enough for me to remember, which I'll share now: "Our church can't reserve the word 'goodness'. All churches have truth and goodness within. But we invite them to bring all the goodness they have, and to let us add to it."

I've met many good, saintly people here in South Africa. In our interactions, many express gratitude to the churches they have been reared in because it has lead them to revere God and to live good, honorable lives. Yet in those people who accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a light enters into their lives that leaves them speechless, unable to express the all-encompassing joy found only in the illuminating gospel.

A saintly woman who I call 'Mother' has helped me see this in a new light.  She lives in a distant land called the USA, leaving her disabled in sending me packages. Yet her desire to express love to her son knows no bounds. She has since developed a lovely system in which she orders food from a local grocery store and has them deliver it to my door.

Like a son who has lost the ability to buy food, leaving his cupboards empty, God blesses us with the restored gospel to fill our souls with nourishment for the soul. He fills our spirit's cupboards with the light of His Son Jesus Christ. I graciously thank my mother for her gift from afar, and my Heavenly Father for His gifts from on high: His Son Jesus Christ and the goodness of the gospel.

Elder Benson

Transferred to Florida!!

Sanibonani!

To start off: I've been transferred to Florida!! But luckily I'm still in South Africa! For those of you who were thinking Florida USA, sorry neh?  Florida is a lovely ward here in the  Gauteng province.  I'm looking forward with a lot of excitement towards serving the Lord in this little corner of heaven.

We're so lucky to live in our area.  Here in South Africa, it's quite common to live a good solid twenty minutes away from your area, occasionally making it a challenge to begin the morning with a bang.  What's more is that the Mission Office is in the middle of Florida, making the transition from work in the office to proselyting in the area so much easier.  We've been in a tri-companionship (aka tripanionship) in the past week with an awesome elder we sent home today.  For various reasons we weren't allowed to do any proselyting in this past week.  We are nonetheless looking forward to hitting the ground running this week in our area.

I love my darling Mother!  I can't lie when I think she's the prettiest, most loving woman I know to be on planet earth.  I'm sure everyone thinks the same of their mother, but I'm biased in saying that mine is #1! Ngiyakuthanda Mama!!

Well, there's nothing to include in this week's email that would be of interest. So I'll just attach a lot of really fun pictures for everyone to see. I claim all epic photo creds. The first bunch include our adventure in Johannesburg City with our beloved Elder Ete, who flies home to Samoa as we speak.  We went to Olive and Plates, one of the best restaurants in Joburg. We got pretty drenched by the rain as we ran inside, so Elder Z needed to dry of in the bathroom.

Otherwise these pictures show a little of the life as an Assistant.  Included are Oko and Lisa, our beloved cars. Also in the mix shows the Bunker, where we store most everything in the mission (reminds me of the tunnels underneath WXHS).  My favorite photos are with President Leavitt, my amazing Mission President. There was a companionship who forgot to report that they were home, so President and I paid them a visit.  The gate was locked, but that didn't keep President from his beloved missionaries (not the best angle of President, but captures the moment beautifully).

Another 90 Degree Curve Ball

There's so much to tell and so little time to tell it!  You'll understand why just a few spaces down.  I'll do my best to fit everything in.

It was nearing the end of the sixth week of the transfer in Protea Glen as Elder Mkhize and I were driving toward the chapel early Saturday morning.  I would be lying if I said it wasn't difficult getting out of from my warm bed to exercise in the cold of winter.  (Yes, winters in South Africa can chill you... pretty epic, neh?)  Nevertheless, we went forward to exercise with the YSA's in the Protea Glen Branch, after which we would clean the baptismal font for Khanyisile's baptism the following day.

During our half-time break, I was refreshing my senses with a cold cup of water when I heard a squeel from my companion as he was checking our phone.  He updated me that we had missed a call from our mission president, President Leavitt!  We sent him an SMS to let him know we were ready to talk as soon as he was.  It was no surprise that he had called us, as President Leavitt usually calls on the Saturday before transfers to extend leadership assignments.  What was so surprising was the fact that he had called so early in the morning.  The suspense and suspicion grew with every second we awaited for his phone call.

Within two minutes the phone was wailing its ringtone to alert us that President was returning our SMS.  We immediately answered, putting him on speaker phone.  After exchanging greetings, President cut to the chase: "Elder Benson, we have full confidence in your next assignment.  We'd like to call you as our next Assistant."

......

I don't remember much of what he said after that.  Maybe I blacked out, or maybe I was hit my a soccer ball to the head, or maybe I just wandered into my own little world for a few seconds.  Eventually I came to and had enough time to say goodbye to President Leavitt before the call ended.

Flash forward to the present:  I'm sitting in an office chair in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission Office, first day on the job, preparing for transfers tomorrow.  Luckily we had the chance to play some epic games of ping pong with the departing elders at the mission home, then we zipped back to the Mission office to make final preparations for take-off.

The amazing feeling over the past weekend since that fateful phone call is peace, the emotion so sweet above any other that is helping me to keep me level and balanced.  I'm grateful for this support from my Father in Heaven, though I'm not completely sure why He'd select me to fill this responsibility.  But it's no surprise to me, seeing what he's done in the past.

The Lord has blessed me with a plethora of ninety degree curve balls such as this throughout the course of my mission.  When He first pitched them my way, I was completely caught unawares to these surprises.  The first wave of these surprise curve balls were first followed by worry or stress.  However, I'm come to love the Lord for giving me these unexpected events in the space of my eighteen months as a missionary, because, with all of the curve balls he's thrown my way, I've been able to handle them better and better, no doubt that He was preparing me for more to come.

If anyone reading has had experience as an Assistant to the President, I'd love any advice or comments to help me prepare for this assignment that might carry me through to the end of my missionary experience.

Thank you all for your support up to this point in my mission!  I feel of your prayers on the daily.  God bless you all!

My new companion, Elder Zitumane!

The view from the Cumorah Crest aka the mission home:

My first official assignment as an AP:

Breaking News!!

Duo demonic creatures have been discovered by Elder Benson this week in Protea Glen:

1. A demonic, flying snake without wings, inviting darkness into whatever corner it possesses.  It lurks in the marshes and reeds of the Glen.  To tame the wild and unpredictable beast, a local sect has taken it upon themselves to worship this unknown reptile to save the people of Soweto from it's fury.

2. A chicken.  But not just any chicken, a black-skinned chicken!  Wherever you find it, in the markets or in the streets, run!  This all-seeing creature is at the employment of the local witch-doctors as spies, snooping about to uncover any secret information that may be useful to their plots.  Beware of the chicken!

(No worries, the snake is just a local myth and the chicken's still as stupid as ever.)

.....

Now, back to reality.

What an amazing week here in Protea Glen!  I wish I had photos to share about all the travels of this week.  I can share, with all the humility in the world, that I am current UNO champion in all of Soweto (with Elder Mkhize running up second).  Quite an accomplishment, I know, especially seeing that the tournament this weekend consisted of two elders and five investigators, a total of seven people!

Putting aside my title and my glory, having an UNO tournament with all of the investigators in Ext. 3 of Protea is super fun!  It provides us with the opportunity to come to know who these people are.  A mystery that I can never fully appreciate is the process wherein one comes to see behind the mask of a face and peer into the incredibly unique and intricate personality.  And how awesome it is to see these people of whom I've come to understand begin the process of conversion.

One of these amazing people that I've had the privilege of coming to know is a girl named Khabonina.  She may be seventeen years old, but she's one of the most matured girls for her age.  She's truly allowed the  trials in her life to uplift her and mold her into what her Heavenly Father needs her to be.

Back story: we first met her as we were teaching her mother, Nono, and her sisters, Khanyisile and Buitumelo.  Khabonina joined us for the lesson and afterwards agreed to have another appointment later in the week.  It turns out that she was quite hesitant to follow through, due to the fact that her mother has introduced her to so many other churches.  But as we've all witnessed, she's blossomed from a indifferent investigator to a converted daughter of God.  She's even introduced her friends to the gospel, who all have so far accepted the invitation to be baptized.  What made the difference in Khabo's conversion?  Was is the elders?  Was it the amazing UNO skills of Elder Benson?

I'll share with all the secret of this conversion: in the bag of every LDS missionary, there lies a book.  This piece of literature is comparable to the Bible, yet uncovers a secret of millennia Printed on the blue cover, in golden writing, announces to the world: The Book of Mormon.  It is a free, and everlasting witness to the world of Jesus Christ, and will draw you closer to God than any person, preacher, or book could ever do.  All you have to do to unlock this amazing promise to your benefit is to open the book, read it, and ask God in the name of Jesus Christ if it His word.  If you can so do, with real intent and faith unshaken, God will reveal the answer to you by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Khabonina has applied this amazing promise.  And in her own words, "You may feel like you will only read a chapter, or just read for ten minutes.  But you will keep reading and reading until two or three hours pass away."  I am a witness of her words, as are millions of Latter-Day Saints around the world.  Because Khabonina has received this witness, she is entering into the waters of baptism, to commence her journey towards eternal life, on April 16th.

You may be a member of this church.  You may not be.  But all need a restoration of these eternal truths for themselves at one point or another.  And the only way you may gain of these hidden treasures of eternity is to read, ponder, and pray about the Book of Mormon, with real intent and faith unshaken.

.....

Missionary Thought

"Now, as a missionary, you'll mature, develop a confidence, learn to speak up, to organize, to set goals.  You will learn about people and places, you will learn to learn, and many other things.  These are lasting benefits that come as something of a reward for your dedicated service.

"But these things do not compare with the most lasting reward.  The choicest pearl, the one of great price, is to learn at a young age how one is guided by the Spirit of the Lord- a supernal gift.  Indeed, it is a guide and protection."

-Spencer W. Kimball