The Hand of God

We had zone conference this week. It was wonderful, as it normally is. There was one part that really touched me. At the beginning, we talked about something really important. It's easy to fall into the trap of focusing so much on baptism that we forget the true ultimate goal, immortality and eternal life. That's the whole focus of God's plan, is to become like Him. He loves us so much, it's impossible for us to understand it. Everything he does is for our benefit, whether or not it seems like it to us. This week I've seen God's influence in almost everything I've done. I shared the story of Sr Lydie last week and how we were inspired to visit her, and because of that, she opened up to us. I don't want to write a novel with this email, so I'll just explain the two greatest experiences this week.

On Thursday after zone conference, we got back pretty late, around 4 in the afternoon. We hadn't set any rendez-vous because we didn't know how long conference would take, and our time was pretty short, but we went out to sector nonetheless. We wandered, trying to find someone to help or teach, and we had minimal success. Then I thought about Sr Estelle. She's one of the Famille Djehi's daughters. I had called her periodically throughout the week, but she never picked up. That day, we passed by her house to see if she was there. She was. We started talking to her, and she told us she wants to change her life, and give up the futezz that she did before. So we taught her, and it went well. The Lord prepared the way so that we could teach her without any distractions. Normally when we talk with her, everyone mocks her and says "oh, she won't change" and "oh, she won't go to church." It's really saddening to see negative influence from everyone, even within her own family. I don't know what she's done, but it doesn't matter. Elder Diaz and I decided that every time we see her we will say that we believe in her, we have confidence in her, and stuff like that. We can help her change her life, I know it. The reason why we know how to help her is because the Lord put her without distractions. With other people around, she was removed and quiet. Without the mockery, she was very open and sincere. It was a cool experience and I have lots of hope for her.

My other story happened on Friday. We had a very unproductive day, as all of our rendez-vous fell through. We spent most of the day looking for someone to teach. No one was available, or wanted to talk to us. Elder Diaz and I defaulted to go and give Sr Lydie's husband a panini. We bought it, and went to give it to him. This time the door was actually open, but just because Sr Lydie was back from her vacation. We gave her the panini, a salut for her husband, and left. We had about an hour left before we had to head back to the apartment. We were walking, and my companion said hey let's sit here, where Fr Boliga usually sits. Upon arriving at that spot, in the dark shadows of the pavilion in front of us, we saw Fr Boliga sitting in a corner, just pondering life, as usual. We went, talked to him, and I gave him some cookies that I had been giving out to people that day. We talked to him for a bit, and then all of a sudden, he said here let's talk. We moved into the light, and he said "Okay. I'm ready to be baptized, but my only problem that tires me is that I've already been baptized by immersion." He had been taught since April 2018 by multiple previous missionaries, eventually by Elder Kalala and I, and nothing seemed to work. That night, Elder Diaz and I explained the things that I had explained before with him. I was praying so fervently in my heart throughout the whole lesson that the spirit would touch his heart and he would understand. He is such an amazing guy, so humble, nice, and loving. We got to a point in the lesson where he said that the power of God was in all the churches, and that His power was wherever His word was preached. I can't remember what happened in between, but I remember that I said something like "Frére Boliga, I know that you love God and that you want to live the right way and follow Him. The path to eternal life is extremely narrow. The only way to enter is through the one Savior, the one faith, the one baptism. If there is only one true faith, there is only one true church. If there is only one true church, that means it has the only true power of God and the only true baptism. I know that our church is the true church and that if you get baptized again, it will be the true baptism. The Lord won't be upset, rather he will be happy that you chose to do that, to follow Him droitement." After that, his eyes changed, and he said "j'ai compri." I said "qu'est-ce que tu vas faire maintenant?" "Je vais me faire baptiser." My heart was so full and the spirit was so strong, I almost cried during the lesson. I am so happy for him. He said he's going to ponder and pray about it more. I'll update you guys on what he decides. Another example. A seemingly unsuccessful day turned into a moment to help someone who had been spiritually prepared. 

Those were two examples of God's influence. There's countless other examples from this week alone, and many more that I'm sure we aren't aware of. On Sunday, Elder Diaz and I were fasting for the people we have been serving. That same morning, we both got really sick. We went to our 5 hours of church, and just felt terrible. We came back, broke our fasts and ate a little bit, then left. As we were walking away from the apartment, I said a little prayer, asking the Lord to guide our footsteps. Right after, I felt to go meet an inactive member that we invited to church on Friday. Upon arriving, he told us he wasn't there because he was visiting his brother in the morgue. His older brother had passed away just two weeks ago. We shared with him that this life isn't the end and he will see him again. I could see the pain in his eyes soften after we shared that with him. That, and every single other thing that we did after it was divinely inspired, I know that for sure. There's countless experiences, ranging from big to small. As I've taken time to reflect over the miracles I've noticed, my soul fills with wonder and awe at His infinite wisdom, power, and love. He knows exactly what each person needs, whether they need to wait to receive the gospel or not, what words to put in our mouths, everything. I can only hope I'll be like Him someday.

"And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and thy goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!." (1 Nephi 1:14)

So, I can't completely claim this level of joy and exclamation yet, but I can say that I've had a taste. It's impossible to identify all the ways that God influences our lives. Heavenly Father truly loves each and every one of us, and when we look, we can see His divine influence everywhere. The hand of God is omnipresent, I'm beginning to have a small glimpse of the continuous miracles that happen. I can't express the happiness that I feel here. Seeing the joy and light of the gospel enter someone's eyes is one of the most touching experiences. And then seeing that light and knowledge change their lives, I can't explain how wonderful it is. This truly is the work of the Lord. The phrase often repeated in D&C is so true. "A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." It's come. This work truly is great and marvelous. It's incredible. It's glorious. The hand of God is all around us, preparing the way, protecting us, and bearing us up. He is always there for us in our time of need. I love this work, this gospel, and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you guys. Until next week.

-Elder Lyman

 

Elder Lyman and Elder Diaz

 

 

Elder Lyman made tacos with stuff his Grandma sent him.

 

 

Elder Lyman said he felt like they were trying to escape Mordor when they saw these clouds behind them when going out to sector on Saturday. 

 

 

 

Lost Sheep

So, this week I didn't have too much to write. There's too much going through my head to be able to organize the email, so sorry about that. We've been working really hard with the 2 sectors. Elder Diaz and I have been doing our best to fortify Vridi 2, but it's slow progress with few members to work with. I had to bless the sacrament in French, which was a surprise, but a cool experience. That was the first time I've broken a baguette for sacrament. In Vridi 1, there's progress as well. We've found a few really good investigators that seem like they'll progress, so I'm excited for that. The famille Djehi brought one of their daughters to church today, who we're hoping to start teaching soon. We've had many wonderful lessons where I've felt directed purely by the spirit for the whole time. There are few feelings that can compare with that. In both paroisses we've been searching for less active members, and we've had a lot of success. I think with time we will be able to bring some of them back into the fold.

I ate some sauce graene and garba yesterday. And by some, I mean a colossal amount. It was hard to walk with that mass in my stomach, but we made it to our rendez-vous on time (in africa standards of course). Not much else for food updates. Maybe we'll try to deep-fry one of the 20 rats here one of these days. That'll be a story. Not much else for food updates.

Cool experience: I haven't gone to sector on lundis until last lundi because my companions have said it wasn't very effective and stuff like that. So, last lundi, I decided to plan to go to sector. While we were at cyber, the power went out twice (that's why I didn't respond to some of the emails last week, sorry). The power came back on, and because we hadn’t had much time to talk to our families, I said “no, we'll stay at cyber.” 2 minutes after I said that, at 16:58, boom. The power went out again. I felt like it was a pretty blatant sign that we should go to sector haha. So we went. We were walking to our last rendez-vous, when I felt like we should visit this one lady that we hadn't in a while. We started talking, and this time things were different. After asking her a couple questions, she opened up to us. She was baptized 15 years ago, but ever since she moved to Vridi; she hadn't gone to church. She didn't know that there was a paroisse here and the members here didn't know she came. So, she started going to another church, and mostly forgot about what she had before. She went to that church for 8 years. Things weren't feeling right, and one day she prayed to know what she should do and what church was true. Less than 2 weeks later, Elder Kalala and I showed up at the fish shop where she worked. She said that after then, all her memories of the church and feelings came back and now she has a firm testimony that it's true. We're going to try and help her get to church this week. The Spirit works in wonderful and marvelous ways. 

That brings me to the scripture for the week.

"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man." (D&C 84:85)

I had a different one in mind, but I couldn't find it. This one is second best. This past week I have noticed a significant increase in spiritual guidance: where to go, what to say, what people mean. It's been such a cool experience. I hope I stay in Vridi for the next 2 months. There's a special work to be done here, and Elder Diaz and I are starting something great. I can feel it in a way that I can't describe. I love the mission. There's no greater or more true work on the face of the planet. The power of the Holy Ghost is real. It guides, whispers, comforts, and most of all, touches hearts. I love this work, this place, this gospel, and most of all, my Savior. Love you guys too.

-Elder Lyman

These children are always out playing in the sand. Today Elder Lyman told them Elder Diaz had money in his pockets. He ran and they ran and chased him.

 

 

The elders from Elder Lyman's apartment at the Vridi1 Branch President's house. Elder Ngindu in front, Elder Diaz is next, and Elder Tehiva is next to Elder Lyman

 

 

ça monte

Hola from Costa de Marfil! Or Cote d'Iviore in spanish! This week went really well! On mardi I went to go pick up my companion. Before I left, and as I was going, I thought a lot about who my comp would be. I didn't have any distinct impression that he would be American, so I turned to think about the other nationalities that I knew were coming. I thought maybe a Ghanaian or a Congolese, but I wasn't sure. I knew that there was a Colombian coming, but I thought it would be too good to be true. It would be another new experience. I got there, met up with all the other elders who were waiting to see their companions too. After a few discussions, we seated ourselves in the chapel, leaving an open seat next to us for our companions. The new elders walked into the room. There were many Americans, and no Africans. I thought "Welp, I'm training an American." Then President Lewis said, "Elder Diaz, you're going to be working with Elder Lyman in the sector of Vridi." It wasn't too good to be true. Elder Diaz comes from Colombia, and he speaks Spanish, English, and good French. He's way cool, and this last week has been wonderful. I'm really looking forward to working with him.

Unfortunately, we spent half of his second morning hunting the rats that infest our kitchen. I hope he doesn't have a very bad impression of the mission. We also didn't get the rats. Maybe this week we can make ratatouille. Just kidding. Mostly.

On samedi, I peed my pants. No, not really, I was just kidding. But it definitely looked like it. Elder Tehiva and Elder Ngindu had planned an activity in one of their sectors about the restoration. They also planned to bring a big cooler full of juice and some deep fried bread things. So, Elder Tehiva and I carried the cooler while Elder Diaz and Elder Ngindu carried the bread stuff. We walked for around 20 minutes to get to the designated activity area. It was so hot, oh my goodness. The cooler was way heavy, and we carried it through concrete corridors for most of that time period. And then we stopped, sat down, dripping in sweat and tired. Then the Vridi Canal dirigeants said, "oh this isn't the right place, it's over there." Yeah "over there" really meant another long walk in the blazing sun carrying a cooler with what felt like Thor's hammer in it. Jeez. When we finally got to "over there," I think the phrase 'swimming in sweat' could be applied. Just drenched. Anyways, as the activity went on, I stood in the back, in the shade where a little breeze was. I dried off for the most part. Unfortunately, the other part that didn't dry, was right in the area where, when it's wet, it looks like you peed. So, as we were going back to take a taxi to the apartment, a horde of little kids noticed. Super fun. I'm never wearing light pants to an activity again.

swimming in sweat

 

 

As I mentioned last week, we are now working in the paroisse of Vridi 2 as well as Vridi 1. It's going to be tough and great at the same time. Yesterday (Sunday), we stayed at the church for almost 6 hours, just attending the two wards and meetings. This week we're going to try and serve in Vridi 2 and learn the sector. One thing that I'd like to add: during the sacrament meeting of Vridi 2, I was touched. In comparison with Vridi 1, there were very few ami's that came to church. Few people that came in general. Vridi 1 usually has attendance of about 50 members, normally families that have been in the church for a while. Vridi 2 was about 20 people. 2 of which being Elder Diaz and I. The only member in the bishopric that was there was Frére Kuko. I guess that he's normally the only one there. So, he did the announcements, did a confirmation, and gave a talk. The only reason that we didn't have to bless and pass the sacrament was because members from our ward were there to help with that. It made me so sad, seeing so few people trying their best to keep a ward up and running. It really touched my heart. Fr Kuko has always been really nice to me. He's always smiled, and he's given me 2 ties. During sacrament meeting, I could see the strain in his eyes from having that much responsibility. It made me really feel for him and the ward. I feel like there's a big work to be done there, and I am going to do my best to help them. 

Vendredi was really cool. In the morning, we had our interviews with president. They went well. While we were waiting for the bus, a fr called us. A little backstory: on jeudi we did some OVB, or tracting. We gave brochures out with our names and numbers on it, so if they have any questions they can call us. The probability that they read the brochure after we leave is probably around 22%. The amount of people that call after they read it is 1/7 of those people. So anyways. It was almost a miracle that he called us. He said, "Elders, I read the brochure. How do I get a Livre de Mormon?" I haven't heard many things on the mission that were sweeter than that. So, we set a rendez vous for 18h00 at the church. At 17h00, we met with an ami that I've been trying to meet with since November with Kalala. He finally had time (he's a taxi driver) to meet with us. He was so excited to meet with us, he was probably the most enthusiastic that an ami has ever been to meet with us. We talked with him, and started to teach. That was probably the most spiritual lesson that I've had so far. We just taught him about Heavenly Father and the great apostasy. It went really well, but something was different. Somehow, all the points of doctrine linked up in my head and the lesson went so smoothly. At the end we testified, and I felt chills, or like spiritual energy go up and down my body. It was so cool. I know that the spirit was with me testifying, and I know that he felt something too. It was really cool. The next lesson was with Fr Erick, the Fr that called us to meet at 18h00 at the church. The lesson went similarly, equally spiritual and smooth. We taught about Joseph Smith and the Livre de Mormon. It was really cool. One of my favorite things that I've seen is when people ask for the LM, and you pull it out, they ask how much it costs, and you say "c'est gratuit." And then watching their reaction of relief, joy, and sometimes tears, enter their eyes. Those are some of the happiest experiences that I've had here. I hope we can help those guys progress in the following weeks.

My thought for this email has been one that been occupying my thoughts for the past week. Possibly it has been one that's affected you too. It's the questions that President Nelson asked as a follow up for his talk this last general conference. The questions are:

"How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?"

"How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?"

I don't have very much time to explain it or go into depth, but simply, I know that the restoration is true. I have a strong testimony of its truthfulness. My life would be forever changed without it. I know where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going. I am so grateful for the prophet Joseph Smith, and how he exercised his faith and asked God the question burning in his heart. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. The things I have learned and the feelings I have felt as I have read and studied it have played a major part in who I am. I know those things are true. The joy and peace they bring into my life is unmeasurable and inexpressible. I invite you to reflect on the blessing and magnitude of the restoration in your life, just as the Prophet has asked us. As you do that, a new understanding and perspective will enter your life. I promise that personal revelation is true and that missionary work is one of the most joyful and satisfying callings we can have. I love you guys, I love this gospel, and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. Until next week

-Elder Lyman

Traces de pas

Bonjour from Côte d’Iviore! This week was good! I don’t know where this last week went, time flew by. Let me add here how much it sucks to have to send companions home. You get close to a companion, and then they have to leave. The mission is like a life in and of itself. When you have to send companions home, it’s like they die. They’re not in this life anymore. But it’s okay, it’s their time to go. It’s a good thing. Ça me fait du mal toujours. 

Sending Elder Palmer off

 

 

This samedi, mutation came. Each mutation, every missionary in the mission anxiously waits for a call from either President, one of the assistants, or the zone leaders to see if anything is going to change. And since Elder Palmer was going home, I was getting a new companion, and probably staying in the same area. So, that night, I got a call from President Lewis. 

"Elder Lyman, you’re going to stay in Vridi." Okay, no surprise there. 

"You’ll also stay as district leader." Okay, that’s normal. 

"You will also work in the Vridi 2 sector and ward as well as Vridi ." Okay that’s cool, now we’ll have more opportunities to teach and meet new people. 

"You’ll also be forming." (in English, I’m going to train a new elder). So that’s cool. 

I’m somewhat nervous, but also excited at the same time. The only problem is that I don’t know who he is or where he’s from. Is he from America? Congo? Haiti? Tatooine? Ghana? Tahiti? I have no idea. I’ll go pick him up on mardi, so we’ll see then. It should be a great experience! I’ll update you guys on who my companion is next week.

Not much happened with our amis this week. The only progression was with the famille Djehi. Frere and Soeur Djehi got baptized! 

The Djehi's daughters and granddaughters

 

 

I’ve felt, ever since we met them, that they would, and finally they did. My companion did the baptism, as his last baptism on the mission. It was really cool. On dimanche, they were confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It’s so cool. At the baptism and at church, some of their kids came for the first time too! I can’t wait to teach the whole family and see them all sealed together. This work is so true. For those who have gone on missions, you probably know how hard this experience is, and how rewarding and merveilleux it is. For those who don’t know yet, come and see. The church is true guys. The gathering of Israel is so real.

Recently, I’ve really liked King Benjamin’s talk in Mosiah. I love the things that he shares, especially the parts about conversion. Here’s a scripture that has touched me lately:

“I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.” (Mosiah 5:12)

We need to always remember His name, and center our life on Him. If we do so, we can become like Him. He is much closer than we often feel or think. He rejoices in our successes, weeps with us in our pain, and always, always, holds out a loving, gentle hand, saying “Come, follow me.” He never leaves us, especially in times of trial or need. He is always there, waiting patiently with open arms for us to accept His help. Here’s a fairly well-known poem (one of my favorites) that relates to that scripture:

One night I dreamed a dream.

I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life.

This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

“Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I needed You most, you leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints it was then that I carried you.” (Footprints in the Sand by Margaret F. Powers)

This poem always touches my heart. He loves us and will never, EVER, leave us. No matter how far we might feel, He is always there. I promise that He always helps us in our times of testing and we will never be alone. Remember His name that you’ve written in your heart. He is calling.

The mission is wonderful, I can’t wait to see what this transfer will bring, what I’ll learn, and what miracles I’ll be able to participate in. I love my Savior and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here serving Him. I love you guys, until next week.

- Elder Lyman

 

Mutation for Elder David and Elder Kamara. Elder Tehiva is staying in the apartment.

 

 

•Elder Palmer is lending his camera to Elder Lyman so we can receive photos. He will never know how much that means to us.
•Elder Lyman says the rats are ROUSes and they are annoying.

•Elder Palmer and Elder Lyman put baobab juice in their freezer and found that frozen baobab juice is even better than its juice form. And more fun to ingest.

frozen baobab juice