2 Pictures - July 2013

The way to travel in South Africa is in the back of a Buckey

Xhosa Singers

HOMECOMING!

Dear Family, We got a email from the Bishop and we will be speaking the 22 of September. See you in 3 weeks.

 

 

LOVE YOU 

"Faith and Hard Work Combine to Gain Worthwhile Employment"

Journal Sunday July 22, 2013- We went to Lunga branch sacrament meeting today.Branch President Bell asked dad to speak. The missionaries speak a lot but it's usually the young elders

they ask to speak. He spoke on education and how important it is. I was so touched because first a girl about 12 years old played the piano. Then the next song we

song a little boy 9 years old played the piano for the members to sing. The Branch President said he was not a member because his parents are not members. He is

learning to play the piano by a young lady who is leaving to go on a mission ( Who was leading the music ). We were so excited when we came to church and saw

the stake employment specialist there. We have been wanting to train her and was having a difficult time getting with her. She informed us that she would be following

us around today so she could get training. Then we rushed to the next ward GuGulethu. The bishop there had asked dad to speak to the Relief Society and Priesthood

about employment. We run into the Mission President and his wife they were there for three baptisms that was being held after church. Dad and I had prayed that he could teach the things that the lord wanted these members to know. He taught by the spirit. Things came to his mind and heart that the lord wanted him

to teach his people. ( A short version of dad's talk ) We had bought a little toy bow and arrow for a visual aid. He asked if the members knew what it was. A young Elder spoke up and said I have been

bow hunting. Dad said I have four sons and they have loved hunting ever since they were young. You know what they practice and practice. They set

up bales of hay for there target in my back yard and they shoot everything. They go out scouting for the biggest buck. They hunt and hunt and hunt  and in all the

years they have hunted I think they have only brought back a few pieces of meat. Bow hunting is very hard. It takes a lot of skill .How many of you remember the story of Nephi in the

1st Nephi Chapter 16: 18 And it came to pass that as I , Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow which was made of fine steel: and after I did break

my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food. Nephi by having his bow break had lost his means of

production and became unemployed at that moment as a provider. He wasn't able to provide for some of the temporal needs of his family. Trials come to all of us at

various times in our lives. Nephi trusted in the lord that if he would put forth effort, the lord would bless him to become employed again as a provider. He served as

an example of faith, hope and love. Nephi was skilled in metal and wood working. He used his knowledge, skills and talents and "did make out of wood  bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow. Today the lord has provided many resources available through career workshops ,networking, resume assistance., L.D.S. Jobs We will be blessed if we follow example of Nephi when we broke his bow.

Nephi knew the importance of trusting in the Lord,

being anxiously engaged in finding solutions to his trials, Serving and helping others in their time of need.

seeking guidance from the priesthood

using our talents, time and resources the lord has given us and the importance of cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

We went on to the Khayelitsha ward. We taught for three and half hours the career workshop. It is 12 to 15 hours so we are coming back another day to teach the rest.

We take turns teaching this class. He is a great teacher being an employer for 38 years and having a lot of experience hiring people. He knows what the employer

wants. I never get bored listening to him. I know the lord sent us here because of the talents your dad as in employment to help the people of South. The lord uses our talents, time and skills to build up his church. We love you tons and tons Mom and Dad. ( subonana ) See you later. We miss you all very much. email us we are lonely

for our kids and kid in laws and grandkids.

"Blessings of Church Attendance"

Journal July 14 Sunday We had prayed last night where we should go to church today. We felt like we should go to Cleary Branch and Motherwell. We met with a returned missionary Lerato in the Cleary Branch

 We had taught him the career workshop last week. He wants to be a EMT. Emergency medical technical. He now needs the planning for success class so he can get a Perpetual

education fund. He needs the 8800 R for the six week course. The lord is concerned about this returned missionary getting the skills and education

he needs to make a living. After we met with him and gave him the information he needed. The Branch President introduced us to another member in the ward. He needed to higher his employment.

His name was Winston he was working for a company for 5,000 R a month. Which is around 500.00 American dollars. He makes and installs blinds. He only finished

up to 7th grade. He would like to go back to school and finish his education. He is 30 years old. Not married. His mom and dad have passed away he is the sole

supporter of his family. He supports 3 siblings and a uncle. He has been doing a few jobs in blinds on the side.

 Elder Van Sickle taught him about Goals. You always set goals if you want to get

anywhere in life. Short term goals are steps that get you to your long term goals. You need to set a goal of getting one customer per week he told Winston. That's one of the short term goals he needs. He wants to be in business for himself. So that is his long term goal. Then Elder Van Sickle taught him the formula he needed to use to succeed in getting customers. How you

network off of your old customers. So Winston said he hadn't been to church for three weeks. We told him that the lords blesses you for every commandment you keep. We said Winston

You came to church today. So Winston how did the lord bless you today for coming to church. He said, The lord sent you to teach me about goals and the formula to be able

to evuatually get into business for myself so I can quit my job and make more money on my own. He said my friend also worked for the same blind company and he is now on his own and isn't doing very well. Winston said, Now I know why he isn't doing well because doesn't know the formula.                                                                                                                                               

    

     The lord blesses us for all the commandments we keep. Going to church, Paying your tithing, Paying fast offerings, reading the scriptures, Keeping the Sabbath

day holy and many more.

    We went on to the Motherwell branch. We heard the branch president there wanted a career workshop for his members. Delsie is in this branch. She was less

active. We have worked with her and her family of three children. It as taken a long time to get Delsie to understand that she needs to keep her kids with her. When we

met her she only had her oldest son with her and the other two children were living with there grandmother who worked shift work and left the two kids alone by

themselves. They were only 3 and 8 years old. The 8 year old boy got caught shop lifting. She would only see her children that lived with the grandmother every

four weeks.They lived 11/2 hours away. The last time we saw her she had brought her 8 year old son

to live with her and was in the process of bringing her daughter there too. When we got to the Motherwell branch. We were so excited that she was at church with

all three of her kids. She said her two oldest boys could speak English really well. She had told the kids when we are home we are only speaking English in the house

and it has helped them a lot. It's very important that you know how to speak English here. The business world here is English. Because there are so many delects

here. Besides speaking there own lauquaqe they need to be able to speak English really well in order to get a job. Delsie has been working as a social worker but didn't

have the credentials for it therefore she didn't get paid very well. Now she is going to school. We soon found out that there was a two fold reason that the lord sent us to

Motherwell because Delsie was going to send her 3 year old daughter back to her grandmother's because her daughter required so much attention that it was hard

to get her schoolwork done. We felt the spirit really strong when we told her how important it was that she kept her daughter with her. It was better to have her in a day care and home with her at night.The lord wanted her little

family to stay together. By the time we had dropped her off at her house she told us that she remembered that when her daughter was at her mother's house she had

a hard time studying for worrying about her daughter.  She knew that we had come there today to help her see that she needed to keep her daughter with her. The lord

loves her family. Mission is so amazing. We love all of you. Keep the lord close by your side.

 

"The Armies of Helaman"

The Armies of Helaman are coming into many parts of Africa. God is sending them. He is having us get his soldiers ready to go on mission. So they can

preach the gospel. We are on our way to take Lazola January to the airport with his granny and grandpa. I was fearful a couple days ago that something was

going to happen and if we weren't careful these two missionaries would miss there flight. I prayed to Heavenly Father that they would make it to the

airport with everything they needed. We have seen the lord's hand at work today. The new bishop didn't know that Akona Haas didn't have a temple recommend

We had started to the airport when he called us. We met the bishop 1/2 way between Kwanobuhle and Uitenhage to get the recommend. Now we are going to the Stake President

to get it signed. I know we will make the plane because God can do anything.

     We made it to the airport. Elder Van Sickle and I was very concerned about these two young missionaries travelling and having to catch 3 different flights.

They have never travelled on a airplane before. It felt like we were sending little boys out into the big world. Elder Van Sickle went over every step they needed

to take. He showed them the carousel where they are to pick up there luggage and what it looks like. We told them you are not alone when you get out there

the lord will send people to help you all along the way. If you are ever in doubt about what you need to do, pray about it. When we have helped

a young man to the point where he is leaving on mission. We felt like they are our sons. It's sad every time not that they are going to serve the lord. But, because  this is truly a

goodbye because we don't ever think we will see them again in this life. You get so close to them for a matter of months some 6 months some a year depending

how long it takes them to get ready for mission. Then they leave to serve the lord and we know they will come back get married raise kids in the gospel. Serve as bishops,

Elders quorum Presidents, Relief Society Presidents etc. This is how the church is going to grow in Africa. We love you Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma, Elder and

Sister Van Sickle

"The Smith Home"

Journal June 27, Zane a young man getting ready to go on mission asked Elder Van Sickle to go with him home teaching.( So seeing how I am Elder Van Sickle's missionary companion that includes me ).

Zane has been asked to home teach 58 families. ( So 3 or 4 at home doesn't seem like that much ) 

     We entered the Smith home today. There was two sick people in the house. One lady there was sick with HIV Positive. She had spots on her face, body

and sores. You could feel the discouragement and poverty in the home. The house was in disarray.There was some clothes on the

couch. one of the children and I started folding them. I started to sing I am a child of God and he has sent me here. Emotion filled my heart because of there awful situation

and knowing that I am a child of god and he did send me to this very house. I couldn't continue singing. My mind is fuzzy what happened after that. I could hear

Zane in the back ground talking in Xhosa. When I was finally able to focus. We were here to give them a message and to give them help. Even when we have made

wrong choices in our lives. God will still send people to help us. He loves his children. When we first came on mission. We went to this house. Later on Elder Van Sickle

came and gave a blessing with the elders. There situation has gotten worst. The lord wants them to come back to his fold. They are his lost sheep.

 

 

June 2013

We have been traveling with the Henderson's We have been bringing the 12 step addiction recovery program to all the Stakes in the Capetown Mission. The Hendersons

flew in from Capetown to Port Elizabeth. We then had a stake meeting with all the bishops, Relief Society Presidents and the Stake Presidency in the Port

Elizabeth Stake. The next Day we travelled to East London and had a Meeting there and then on to  Queenstown. Then back to Port Elizabeth. We

know that Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. He was told none of the churches were true. We know that Joseph Smith did restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. We know

that the book of Mormon is true and if we abide by it's principals and teachings we will be a lot happy people. We love you. Mom and Dad Grandpa and Grandma and

Elder and Sister Van Sickle  

Picture 048. Notice the big flowers behind us. It's a poinsettia  tree. It is beautiful. It is in bloom because its winter here.

Picture 169 This is a funeral procession. All the people walk because they don't have cars except for the car transporting the casket. Mtobelli's brother that passed away

was of a different church. So this funeral was done by another church.

Continued Funeral Procession

Picture 170 The white building is the church they held the funeral in. While we were sitting there on wooden benches. Your dad and I kept looking up at the ceiling and

hoped it wouldn't fall in on us before the funeral was over. We had a hard time setting there and listening knowing what they were teaching was false doctrine. What an

experience. 

Elder Haycock and his companion Elder Alexander and Elder Ramosoeu and Khumalo in Queenstown With Sister Van Sickle (5/13)

Elder Van Sickle is taking the picture. Elder Haycock is Chad's sister's husband's brother. We were able to meet him and his companion and have lunch with them.

Kingwilliamstown LDS Church - Favorite of the mission

South Africa Women Carry Things on Their Heads As A Way of Life (5/13)

A foundation Built of Christ (5/3/13)

Tonight was a cereal night because we got home at 10:00 P.M. We had such a full day. So I am so thank-full to Heavenly

Father for all our experiences this day.After we dropped off Wendiswa and

Chamoni. We went back to the church so Elder Van Sickle could give a young girl

 a blessing. She has been a member for two years.

     My heart is so full tonight for our lord and Savior of the world for his  atonement and repentance. Xolewa had been beaten

up by her boyfriend. She seems to choose the wrong friends to hang out with. She had a big bandage wrapped around her

head. He had put a big cut in her forehead. Elder Van Sickle said to her that she was blessed that she was alive and he did

not kill her. She and her boyfriend had both been drinking. We spoke to her about consequences for our actions. If we make

good choices in our life we get good consequences but, if we make bad choices we get bad consequences. We get to

choose what we will do. We talked to her about building our foundation on a rock. The rock is Jesus Christ and the ten

commandments but if you build your foundation on sand which is bad friends and not following the commandments.

Then you will have a sandy foundation. So when the rains come the floods and the wind which is the devils temptations.

The sandy foundation will cave in. You won't be able to resist the devil. Your sandy foundation will not stand. She was very

repentant and she knew she had done wrong. Elder Van Sickle gave her a blessing to give her strength and

power to be strong in the gospel.

     We then asked her how she was doing in school. She was taken Math Literacy. She is in the 11th grade. She said she was

having a hard time in it. Elder Van Sickle asked if she knew how to subtract and add. We were shocked when she said. Not

very well. She was having a hard time in it. I felt inspired to try a few simple math problems on her. She did not know how

to borrow or add. We practiced with her and showed her how to add and subtract. We told her to go home and practice it. I

don't know why we were so shocked because the schools in the townships in South Africa are such a mess. We love you Dad and Mom and Grandpa and Grandma and Elder and Sister Van Sickle

Critters in South Africa (5/3/13)

Hi Everybody, Missionary life is exciting you never know what's going to happen. I woke up this morning and went into the

lounge to do my scripture reading. I heard this loud crunching noise under the couch. I moved the couch to see what it was.

There was a fat cockroach. About the time I got rid of it. I heard Elder Van Sickle Holler

hey, come look at this. So I ran into the bathroom just in time to see a lizard running up the wall. One morning we woke up and

there was a huge spider on the ceiling. We just live with the critters. I'm okay with it as long as they don't jump in bed with me.

A Story of Sacrifice

What kind of sacrifice or commitment are you willing to  make in behalf of the business you have

started or want to start? Are you willing to " sleep " with the chickens?

 

Let me tell you about a man named Moses. Moses had a dream and goal to start a

small business, and began by making a plan. The plan was simple, by most standards. He

wanted to raise chickens. But for someone living where a dollar a day was a good day, it wasn't

so simple. He made a list of all the resources and people he would need to help him understand

what it would take to raise and sell chickens. First, he would need money to buy 25 day-old

chicks and enough feed to keep them for six weeks until they could be sold. Moses had done his

homework, and knew that the optimal age to sell chickens was between 6 and 7 weeks old.

 

For months, Moses, his wife and six-month old baby ate only one meager meal a day. He found

odd jobs wherever he could. and saved every "Zim " ( about 5 cents ) to purchase the chicks

Finally after months of sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication, he had the funds to buy 25

chicks. What a happy day! Moses brought the chicks home. He would now have to keep them

warm and fed until they reached the selling age. He had an old tin washtub and some wire. As

small as the chicks were, he could easily contain them in the tub with the wire over the top.

During the day, he would take them outside, but when night came, the chicks came into the

house to sleep with the family. Moses would wake several times during the night to water and

feed the chicks.

 

Everything worked well for the first few weeks, but then the chicks began to grow out of their

tub at an alarming rate. Now they had to be watched 24/7, unable to stay in the tub any longer

Because of the great risk of theft, Moses now became security for his investment. He did what

he needed to do to protect what he had struggled so hard to achieve.  He had made a goal and

plan and he was determined to make it happen! Of course at night, the chickens, no longer small,

fluffy chicks, were herded into the house to spend the night. The nights became very long

with 25 chickens running around, but you can't let them out of your sight day or night. They

were the results of a plan that was working.

 

Moses' house, to say the least, was a mess! But his wife supported him and his plan and knew what

kind of sacrifice had to be made. She tried her best to help with the chickens, while trying

to keep the house clean enough to raise their baby. What a joy it was to get to the end of the

sixth week, and sell all the chickens. Then they started the process all over again, this time

having enough profit to buy 50 chicks! For another six weeks, it now became twice the

challenge. When 100 chicks were purchased, Moses realized that housing had become a huge

problem.

 

Plans were added to the original goal, and some of the profit was used to adapt this growing

enterprise. A chicken coop needed to be built. One hundred chickens in the house at night was

just not working. Moses and friends built a chicken coop behind his house-using scrapes of

building materials. To keep the chickens safe during the night, Moses built a raised bunk into

the side of the coop. The chickens are no longer sleeping in the house, but Moses is sleeping

with his chickens!  Are YOU willing to sleep with the chickens?

 

So this is used to show people that have nothing to start out with. How much and what it takes for

them to start a business. We love you and miss you see you soon. Love mom and dad Grandpa

and Grandma and Elder and Sister Van Sickle

Temple Sealing in Johannasburg (4/26/13)

Hi Everybody

We have been in Johannesburg the last few days. It took us 11 hours to get here. We left at 10:00 a.m. in the morning and got here about 9:00 p.m at night. Joburg is

a huge city. It's probably 3 times bigger than Salt Lake. We came to the temple with the kwanobuhle 1 ward. In December it was the Kwanobuhle 2 ward that we

came with. They had about 10 people. This ward came with 29 people. There was five couples that got sealed. All 29 of the ward was in the room when they

they got sealed. We just can not tell you how wonderful it was. One couple Noah and his wife got sealed and there two year old daughter got sealed to them. Then there was a

couples in there 80's that got sealed. Then sister Joseph and her husband got sealed and there 19 year old son that is getting ready to go on mission got sealed

to them. Today we did baptism's for the dead. The ward members were doing there own deceased parents and one had a brother that had passed away when he

got back from his mission and he was doing the temple work for him. Brother Stokeway's mother passed away 6 month after he was on his mission. He baptized his

wife for her. It was just so special. These people are truly the pioneers in the gospel in South Africa. I'm going to send a picture

of Noah and his wife and daughter right after they were sealed. We will be making the long drive back to Port Elizabeth tomorrow. We are looking forward to

seeing everyone at the wedding reception. Love Elder and Sister Van Sickle.

April 2013

School Children

Elder Van Sickle baptized Victoria, She's the lady with the curly hair

Township barbershop ( only costs 20R for a haircut ) ( 2.00 in American money ) 

Elder Van Sickle baptized Sister Saul's granddaughter

4/6/13 - Experiences & Testimony of Tithing

April 6, 2013  We are now on our way to Mthatha 2 1/2 hours from East London. What a beautiful drive. So many farms everywhere. We saw people
herding animals. we also saw bles buck, many goats, a grey baboon. It must have been a grandpa because it was grey. At least that is what
Elder Van Sickle said. We have never seen mud huts in South Africa until on our drive to Mthatha. We were on our way to the L.D.S. Church
in Mthatha to present L.D.S. Jobs to the 1st counsellor seeing how the bishop was out of town. When we pulled up to the church and there
was a member there. She was also waiting for the 1st counsellor also. As soon as we saw her I knew we were suppose to help her. She started
talking to us. We asked her how long she had been a member. She said three years. She was going to college in East London and living
with her sister. She said she had come to visit her mother. She said that her mother was a member but hadn't been coming to church for a
long time because she can't afford to pay tithing. We asked her why she couldn't pay tithing. She started to cry. I am so worried about her. She said because she is to far
in debt. She is so stressed out. We told her people don't think they can afford to pay tithing but you can't afford not too.  It's
 all about putting the lord first in your life. He will bless your mother if she pays her tithing. Its not if you have enough money to pay tithing. It's do
you have enough faith to pay it. It's saying lord  I know better what to do with my money than you do. We are depending on our selves
and not the lord. I was prompted to tell her the story of the widow's mite. Mark 12:41-44 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how
the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.                                                     We asked her where her mother lived. She explained that she lives on the other side of Mthatha and that it
was a long ways. Elder Van Sickle said we would love to meet your mother. Will you take us there after our meeting. By then the 1st counsellor
had arrived. So we all went into the church. Elder Van Sickle taught L,D S. JOBS to the 1st counsellor and her. Then after the meeting Sinazo hopped into
our car and we headed to her mother's house. We drove out of town and onto a dirt road and went it seemed like forever. Sinazo explained
to us that they walk from there house down the dirt road all the way to the main road. Which is a 30 minute walk then they take a taxi to the
main part of town. Then another taxi to the church. We finally arrived at her mother's house. She led us into the house. She went and found
mama. We sat down and began to talk. We both knew the lord had sent us here today to help this member. She was very stressed and crying It was
as if she had a ton of bricks on her head. She told us she had be baptized 2010. She had stopped going to church. Because she was in such
debt. She couldn't afford to pay the taxi to get her and her family to church and pay her tithing. She was s school teacher. She pointed out the window. She said
I walk up over that hill for 30 minutes to the school I teach at. She made very good money for South Africa wages 17,500 R a month which
rounded off in American dollars is a little more than 1.750.00. We told her
in order to help her we needed to see her payslip. Elder Van Sickle looked through her finances. She was paying 14 different insurances companies
for burial insurance. She had bought a lot of things on credit
including furniture pots and pans and many other things.. She had no money left to live on. We gave her the church pamphlet on ONE FOR THE
MONEY BY MARVIN J ASHTON. It teaches you how to get out of debt and how to eliminate your debt and how important it is to stay out of
debt. Elder Van Sickle told her she was under water drowning. She was building a new house beside her house and she had bought the materials
at different companies on credit. Elder Van Sickle told her not to spend another dime on that house and to drop all the burial insurances she had except
on herself. Then as soon as you get your pay check pay your tithing first thing. that she would be blessed and she needed the blessings. She needed
to not buy one more thing on credit. Raise your hand and
promise to Elder Van Sickle that you will
not buy one more thing. She did. Practice saying no to yourself. He told her she should only pay cash for the materials on her house after she gets out of debt.
      The prophet tells us to pay our tithing and to get out of debt. This story is a testimony to us why we should stay out of debt. We have seen many
members in trouble out here. Because they didn't follow the prophet's council. D&C 82:10 I the lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do
not what I say, ye have no promise. We want the lord bound to us. Who better to be bound too. WE LOVE YOU AND KNOW THAT GOD LIVES AND LOVES US. LOVE MOM AND DAD, GRANDPA AND GRANDMA,
ELDER AND SISTER VAN SICKLE

April '13 - Homemade Go-kart

March- Update on Matric School

Hi everyone, We have been having a few problems with the Matric School. We had a English teacher that quit showing up. but the lord led us to another English

teacher. The Students are so excited about the new teacher. He is so willing to volunteer his time. Each night we have students come in with a lot of problems. One

night Tshepiso came in late and said her grandma had fell this morning and cut her head open. Her grandmother is in her late seventies. She said the cut was bleeding

so bad that they didn't even look how deep- it was and they wound her head up. Her grandmother had been sleeping all day. We were really worried about her having a

concussion. We went to the Bishop's house and told him about it. We didn't know what he wanted to do. We always  work through the bishop. We have to have his okay

to do anything to help his members.Tshepiso is a member even though her grandmother is not..The Bishop

immediately wanted us to take him to her shack. The grandma lives with Tshepiso, When we got there the grandmother looked really bad. Her eyes were dilated. She was

very dizzy and her head hurt. Tshepiso's mother tried to unwrap the wound to show us but, it hurt grandma to much. Tshepiso always tells us how much she loves her grandmother.

Her grandmother raised her. Usually in there society the grandmother raises the kids not the mother. The mother usually works in another township or city.We hated to think of her grandma passing away and Tshepiso being heart broken. Elder Van Sickle and Bishop were discussing her problems. If the church would pay for her going to the

emergency room. She had been to the clinic earlier today but was turned down because they already had too many patients to see. So they sent her away with her forehead bleeding.

Then I got this really strong feeling from the Holy Ghost that you are to help the poor and needy in this church or in any other church or in no church at all. Then the

thought came to me that she needed a blessing. Just then Elder Van Sickle said to the grandma would you like a priesthood blessing. He explained to her what the

priesthood blessing was. She said that she would like one. In the blessing it said she would be healed if she has the faith and I believe she has. All the people that Christ

healed had to have the faith to be healed. A few days later we checked up on her and she was out in her garden working. We love all of you keep the faith Love Mom and Dad

Grandpa and Grandma and Elder and Sister Van Sickle

New Grandson Born

CONGRATULATIONS
BUCK & LYNDSEY
ON THEIR NEW
BABY BOY:
CREW THOMAS VAN SICKLE
BORN:
FEB 19, AT 10:15 p.m.
6 lbs  12 ozs

Feb 2013 Pictures - Fruit stands and kids playing

Feb. 2013

 Hi everyone, Remember when I talked about the lord wanting us to start a school because people have failed high School or they got bad grades and it doesn't matter if you are

50 years old here and getting a job they still look at your High School grades.Well, We started the school. We started off the school with a big braai ( barbecue ) Elder Van Sickle barbecued for three hours straight. I felt sorry

for him. He was so tired by the time he was done. Six of the young elders helped us serve the meal. We invited

all the teachers, students, parents of the students or if it was a uncle or grandma or aunt that they were staying with we invited them also. We invited both ward bishoprics. We planned on 63 people if everyone came. As it

turned out. We had 83 people there. Alot of people came when they saw us cooking the food that was at other meetings at the church and some people off the street

that were hungry. But that's okay we planned on this happening so we had  alot of food. We had all six teachers get up and tell about themselves. Then Elder Van Sickle

gave a motivational talk on succeeding in the classes they were taking. Making Goals. Then we took pictures of everyone. Of course some people jumped into the pictures that

weren't in the classes but South Africans love to have there pictures taken. Then we made schedules for all the students. and started class the following week.

Once the school was started we have had a steady stream of members and non members who wanted to be a part of furthering there Matric So they can get into College

and University. So many blessings from this school we never dreamed of but the lord knew it would happen.We have ordered a lot of books but in November and as of today

we still do not have all of our books. Heavenly Father and the Savior has lead us in so many directions to get books and to get the school up and running. As we started

the school with no books. The teachers jumped right in like they have been teaching for years without books and doing a great job. The bishops and the ward leadership have been at the center of all of this.They went out and recruited teachers all over Kwanobuhle. These teachers that volunteer are teachers at the high schools and grade schools.

They teach during the day and at the night they serve the lord by volunteering to teach at his church for free. There is one young kid that is not a teacher that teaches accounting and tutors math. He is brilliant. A few kids have dropped out. But as they have dropped out others have come forward to take there place of learning.A lot of things have blessed the life's of the members and it is amazing how the lord knew what would happen putting school in Kwanobuhle. A lot of less actives have been fellow shipped and there

are a lot of nonmembers being taught the gospel. This has been a hub of activity for both wards. We have even had one of the nonmember teachers attend church.

The teachers have commented about the quality of the students and there great desire to learn. The lord has helped us so much. We both are not teachers and it has required

alot of things we knew nothing about. We originally started out at the high schools  trying to get them to respond to the needs of the students.It was apparent they were

having there own struggles. The lord wanted the school at his church.The Education department has been a great support. They are literally rooting for the kids and

the work of the lord. It all boils down to Education, Education, Education without it the Saints in South Africa can not get out of poverty. It has everything to do with

living the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They can achieve anything in this life with Heavenly Fathers help. We love the gospel. We know the Book of Mormon

is true. The Bible and Book of Mormon both testify of Jesus Christ. We miss you all. We hope to see you at Rob and Shoni's Wedding and Reception. Love Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma. Elder and Sister Van Sickle

Grandpa and Grandma. Elder and Sister Van Sickle

PDay with the young Elders - Wild Life in South Africa

Hi everyone, 

We just wanted to tell you about our Pday with the young missionaries. They wanted to go to Addo which is about 45 minutes from our flat in Port Elizabeth. They are not allowed to go to places like this without a senior missionary couple. So they called us and asked us to go with them. We were really excited, so on Monday we went to the Elders flats and picked up 14 young Elders and headed to Addo. We had Sherberts another senior couple with us. They are from St George. So we had a caravan of missionary cars following us. Addo has miles and miles of wild animals.The best place to find them was at the water holes. It is so incredible all the animals Heavenly father created. We saw Elephants, Zebra's, Black backed jackal, Lions, Warthogs, Bush Buck, Water Buffalo, So many more  It was a wonderful day. Look at the attached pictures. We love and miss all of you. 

Love Elder and Sister Van Sickle

New Years Elephant Ride

We got to ride elephants for our p-day today. It was so much fun.