Last Saturday this man was baptized. (see pic below) His name is Guna - comes from India and a Hindu background. His fiance on the left is beautiful. Her name is Vikness and is a member who lives in Melaka. We first met her as she attended his baptism last Saturday. Her son is on the right. She insisted if Guna wanted to marry her, that he investigate the church first. So he walked into our branch building one day and asked if he could learn more about the church. Uh... yup.... I think we just happen to know a couple of elders who could do that. He was golden, recognized the gospel truths and was anxious to be baptized. They are waiting a year to be married in the temple. On Sunday, Vikness kindly helped me out in Primary as no presidency and only one teacher was there. (she was a visitor who was more than willing to pitch in) She's delightful. She loved telling me so excitedly about her conversion to the church. When asked to read the Book of Mormon, she tried but found it difficult to understand. Then she came across Mosiah 4:10 and it affected her so deeply. She told me she read and re read it many times and knew she had to be baptized. (look it up) It changed her life. She has a picture of the Salt Lake Temple and says every time she passes it, she whispers to herself, "Someday I'm going there." We do hope so and told them they have food\lodging at our home. This is the baptism that Garald wrote about where the elder and Guna fell in the font after - big splash - both went under - a 2nd time for Guna. Luckily no one seriously injured. Everyone came to our apartment for dinner after and we had a really nice time. The Saturday before had been a sort of chaotic dinner with many people and 'very active' children. I quietly whispered to Elder Lang, "Hey.. this is a quieter, kinder crowd tonight. " He whispered back, "No, this is a more refined crowd, and you probably won't have to even clean the floor after they leave." He was right.
Guna, center. Vikness on the left and her son on the right. On Saturday evening she wore this beautiful traditional Indian clothing. On Sunday she also wore traditional clothing, but it was white. So beautiful.
Our branch seems to need and so enjoys activities. But they are very few. The missionaries have started a monthly activity. Last night was a talent show. This is a pic taken from the back of the chapel area. Garald on the right. It was fun and fairly well attended. Had root beer floats for refreshments. Although it's not called root beer - called sasparilla. Brother Ng and wife Pong (Chinese) also did 'fried ice cream.' A very yummy treat that they just did voluntarily for everyone who came. They make it to sell to high end restaurants.
Some of my little English students singing, "Each of Us is a Flower." Annette - I'm sure you recognize that name. They love the song, but I couldn't get them to lighten up, smile and dance with it. Oh well - they did it and garnered much applause.
Wee Lee and Felicia singing. They are strong members, who are both return missionaries, who are dating. Many issues to over come. Hope they make it.
Well... the elders made us do it. They insisted we do a dance number. Not easy on a carpeted floor - probably the only carpeted floor in all of JB. They assured us that no one else would probably be doing an American Swing dance. They were right. We're getting too old for this! There are many times I shake my head here and say, "The things our church expects 'old people' to do....!
We lovingly call them 'our elders.' Yup, they did a musical number at the end. Brought down the house. This was taken outside the doors to our church bldg. We actually have 8 elders, but two of them had to go to Singapore this day, and we missed them.
Guna, center. Vikness on the left and her son on the right. On Saturday evening she wore this beautiful traditional Indian clothing. On Sunday she also wore traditional clothing, but it was white. So beautiful.
Our branch seems to need and so enjoys activities. But they are very few. The missionaries have started a monthly activity. Last night was a talent show. This is a pic taken from the back of the chapel area. Garald on the right. It was fun and fairly well attended. Had root beer floats for refreshments. Although it's not called root beer - called sasparilla. Brother Ng and wife Pong (Chinese) also did 'fried ice cream.' A very yummy treat that they just did voluntarily for everyone who came. They make it to sell to high end restaurants.
Some of my little English students singing, "Each of Us is a Flower." Annette - I'm sure you recognize that name. They love the song, but I couldn't get them to lighten up, smile and dance with it. Oh well - they did it and garnered much applause.
Wee Lee and Felicia singing. They are strong members, who are both return missionaries, who are dating. Many issues to over come. Hope they make it.
Well... the elders made us do it. They insisted we do a dance number. Not easy on a carpeted floor - probably the only carpeted floor in all of JB. They assured us that no one else would probably be doing an American Swing dance. They were right. We're getting too old for this! There are many times I shake my head here and say, "The things our church expects 'old people' to do....!
We lovingly call them 'our elders.' Yup, they did a musical number at the end. Brought down the house. This was taken outside the doors to our church bldg. We actually have 8 elders, but two of them had to go to Singapore this day, and we missed them.
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