May 18, 2026

Howdy everyone!!! I how that the weeks are moving along! Hopefully you had a great one! Of anything interesting happened feel free to hit me up with an update. Ok, let's get started.

Spiritual thought:

Today's thought comes from 2 thessalonians 2:15-17 it states

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work

Ok, lets break it down. Verse 15 says something really important that I've learned out here on the mission. It says to stand fast, or to hold to the traditions which ye have been taught.

Basically, rephrasing that turns into, stand firm in the faith. In line with most emails about mothers day. We know that our mothers knew it. And we will not doubt. Even if others may choose to live otherwise. Our goal is to love everyone. Not to follow them, but god. We see with the story of shadrack, meshack, and abed-nago, they were among many scholars of the king. But king nebacuneezer told them all to pray to his god. The concequence was sure for all who did not follow his orders. They were to be thrown into the furnace.

How many of us would just follow along for fear of the firey furnace? I know that I would have the hardest time finding the courage to stand firm to my faith. But these three men did, and GOD PROTECTED THEM. Like what kind of faith is that? It's marvelous. We will never be in a situation with a threat of the furnace like these three. But each one of us will have our faith tested.

Being out here on the mission is hard. My faith is tested each day. As I go about my day, there are things that are just easier to do. But I was not called here to do easy things. I, like all other missionaries, was set apart to be a leader, a light, and an example. Each of us carries a varying portion of this calling. Please, be a good example. If yoj stand up for the right, others will find courage to stand with you. If they don't, don't be afraid to stand alone. I say these things in the name of Jesus christ amen

Ok, so throughout the week, we had some fun events

-Stake conference!!! It was sooo good and we had a general authority come to speak to us. I even played the piano!! Such a great experience.

-we had interviews with president and it seems like things may be changing soon. Besides the mission split and the new presidents. So waiting for that

- had some more splits this week.

- bishop called us yesterday night where he told us he had 12 kids for us to baptize!!! Wow, we've never met them, but he wants us to plan for it this week! Crazy miracle, and were gonna try.

-been apartment hunting all last week. Looking for a nice one, if you know what I mean

-ate sols of the infamous foufou congolaise (photos to come)

Anyway, that was my week hope this next one brings blessings! Talk to ya next week

-Elder Hill

Split with Elder Mulenga!!