May 28, 2018 - Ndiri kuonga (I'm Grateful)

Hey everybody!!

We had another crazy yet rewarding week here in Eastview! The cold is definitely here to stay, but we've been surprised by a few showers this week. The Lord also showered some blessings upon us, so I figured that I'd center my email this week on gratitude.

With Elder Williams on exchanges again

Recently, I've been praying for more gratitude. D&C 59:7 commands us to "thank the Lord thy God in all things," so I've been pondering more about the blessings that I've been given. There are so many luxuries that I knew at home that most people here never taste of. There are even some privileges that I've enjoyed as a missionary in Zimbabwe that many Zimbabweans don't commonly have, and I've been striving not to develop a sense of entitlement. As I've prayed for the spirit of thanksgiving, the Lord has opened my eyes to see how much he has blessed me with. I've felt a deepening sense of gratitude in my heart as I interact with the humble people around me. There are people that we meet that struggle to get through life, and I wish I could give them the world. However, I've also come to understand that the best thing I could give them is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which provides hope and peace in the most challenging times. Above all things, I'm grateful for the Savior and this life-changing opportunity that I've been granted to serve Him as a missionary. 

There are also some tangible blessings that the Lord has given us. As Elder Till and I have tried to be diligent and obedient in all that we do, that Lord has blessed with more success than we planned. This week, we had the privilege of seeing 7 of our friends get baptized! I'll give a quick spotlight on each one:

Baptism!!

Jacqueline(38)- We found her with Elder Byrom. We initially met her 20 year old daughter, who led us to Jacqueline. She's super teachable and willing to learn, and even delayed a move to South Africa so that she could be baptized.

Panashe(9)- He's Freedom's younger brother, and just a sweet kid. We're hoping that the rest of Freedom's family will follow suit!

Brandon(10)- Brandon just showed up to church one day and has been coming for over a month. His mom isn't into the best things, so he stays with his aunt. He asks questions that are mature for his age and he just wants to do what's right.

Ropafadzo(8)- Ropa is the daughter of an investigator who's been coming to church for over a year but can't get baptized because her husband won't get legally married. Her mom was so happy to see her baptized.

Kelvin(20)- Kelvin is a friend of Freedom's, and he just showed up to church with Freedom last month. He's also super willing to learn and practically teaches us the lessons when we go visit him.

Karen(17) & Kelly(19)- Karen and Kelly are from Bulawayo and speak Ndebele. They're cousins, and super awesome. Karen is sweet and reads and remembers all that we give her. Kelly always pretends to be too cool for everything, but she's super fun and deep down has a growing testimony.

Although the water was cold, the Spirit warmed our hearts as we saw these 7 people make sacred covenants with God. I'm so thankful to have played a small part in helping them come into the fold of God. The Lord has led me to some amazing people throughout my mission, and I'm grateful for what I've learned from each one of them. 

Well, that's about all I have time for this week! MLC is tomorrow so we have some things to take care of. I'm truly grateful for each one of you and the good influence you have on my life. Have a wonderful week!

Love Elder Barlow

May 21, 2018 - Chando Chasvika (The Cold Has Arrived)

Hey everybody!!

This week was super busy! Elder Till and I definitely had our hands full, but we got some good work done. Winter is finally setting in here in Zimbabwe. It started a little earlier than last year. The mornings and evenings are pretty chilly these days, but the weather is perfect during the day. (Once again, yes, it does get cold in Africa)

Cool view from our house in the morning

On Tuesday we had zone conference. It was good to see some good friends and be taught by our mission president. Elder Till and I were able to give a presentation on helping investigators to make and keep commitments, and it went really well. I enjoy presenting because it pushes me out of my comfort zone and gives me an opportunity to teach and help others. President Mkhabela read several scriptures about the miracles that Christ performed, and then showed us how we should have faith and trust in His infinite power and mercy. Too often we study the scriptures and appreciate the miracles that occurred without realizing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a God of miracles, and will always bless us as long as we exercise our faith in Him (Moroni 7, 10). On my mission, I have grown to trust the Lord more, and He has truly provided miracles.

With Elder Lucas and Elder Masitsa after exchanges

On Wednesday we had exchanges with the Marondera elders. I went with Elder Masitsa from Kenya, who was in my district back in Mutare. We must've walked across the entirety of their area, but we had a great time finding and teaching people about the restored gospel. Marondera is an hour away from the rest of our zone, so it's always good to visit with the elders there.

With Elder Till at zone conference

Remember what I said about miracles? Well, we received a few of them this weekend. Elder Till and I had hit a slump with finding new people to teach, and it was looking like it would continue into next week. However, several people came to church that we had never met or taught before. In addition, a young couple that we have been teaching came for the first time with two friends, even though we hadn't been able to teach them this week. Nearly everyone that we are planning on baptizing this week also attended church, and things are truly looking up for Eastview. I know that when we are obedient and exercise faith, the Lord truly performs miracles. Elder Till are working with seven people to prepare for baptism this week, and our zone also has great potential for the remainder of May. It's an exciting time to be a part of the Lord's work!!

Oh,  and one last highlight for the week: WE PLAYED VOLLEYBALL TODAY! I'm talking about a wood floor, a real net, and a real ball. I was so excited, and it was a ton of fun. Definitely one of the best P days in memory.

That's about all for this week! I love you all, thank you for your love and support! I know this is the Lord's work!

Love Elder Barlow

May 14, 2018 - His Hand is Stretched Out Still

Hey everyone!

Happy Mothers' Day to all the amazing mothers out there! I wouldn't be where I am today without all the great women in my life, especially my mom. I feel so blessed to have a mother who has done so much to care for me and raise me in the gospel. It was pretty awesome to call home yesterday. I guess when I left, the frequency of haircuts for my brothers decreased significantly haha. It's crazy to think that it was my last phone call home. My mission has definitely increased my love and appreciation for my family!

Another View of Eastview

This week we were able to teach our zone members about what it means to be a successful missionary. The first thing we tried to do was to show how the world's definition of success is largely based on material possessions, outward results, or fame. Then we switched gears and discussed about how the Lord's definition of success is measured primarily by our commitment to serve Him and His children and keep His commandments. Everyone was able to choose what principle of being a successful missionary is most important to them (some examples being: obeying with exactness, feeling the Spirit guiding you, working effectively every day, and loving people and desiring their salvation), and they all committed to strive to apply it every day. I'd also like to share another part of our discussion that is especially meaningful to me. Our success cannot and should not be measured by comparing ourselves to others or their outward results. Frankly, this was a big challenge for me earlier in my life. It is so easy to try and measure up to others, and to feel like you are not enough when your results aren't the same. However, a principle that I've learned is that there is no need for comparison when we realize that each and every one of us is a child of God with our own strengths and weaknesses. Rather than trying to earn God's love, we need to understand that His love is unconditional, and that our time should be spent showing that same love (charity) to those around us. We find so much more joy when we comprehend our identity as a son or daughter of God and the love that He has for each of us. Our success is only determined by our faithfulness and desire to serve God and His children.

 Not sure if you can see, but these
are all the cockroaches that inhabit our kitchen

I learned a little more about God's love as I studied the Book of Mormon this week. I started and finished the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, and what stuck out to me was how the Lord never forsakes His people, even when they forsake Him. This phrase is mentioned several times: For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. God does punish His people when they fall into sin, but He never abandons them. The image that Isaiah gives is so touching: no matter how far we go in the wrong direction, the Lord is still extending his hand, inviting us to return to Him. I testify that God's love is unchanging and unconditional for all His children, and that His blessings are available to all who will repent and come unto Him.

This week Elder Till and I worked hard and many of our investigators are making progress! I'm looking forward to what lies ahead this week. Fun fact: roosters in Austria don't say cock-a-doodle-doo, they say kikity kee. I understand it about as much as you do, but it was a funny conversation.

Well that's about all for this week! Always remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each and every one of you, and that you are always enough!

Love Elder Barlow

May 7, 2018 - Going the Extra Mile...or Kilometer

Hey friends and family!!

I hope all of you enjoyed your first week of May!! I can't believe that it's already May and the winter will soon be starting here in Zim. It's a bit of a crazy but awesome time to be the zone leaders in the Harare East zone. This week was definitely one of the busiest of my mission, but it was mostly for good reasons!! Elder Till and I certainly have not had any free time.

Tuesday was MLC. Elder Byrom and his companion came and stayed the night at our house, which was awesome. We were taught a lot about what it means to be a successful missionary and how if we follow the simple counsel in Preach My Gospel, we will find the success the Lord wants us to have. The mission is definitely progressing and 2018 is promising to be an incredible year. On the way home, Elder Till gave me a sweet birthday present by rear-ending a car. Haha it wasn't bad and there was no damage or injuries, but we still had to fill out some reports with the police and the mission office. Between that and having to run errands to Marondera and Tafara, our Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty busy.

On Thursday, we had to assist some of the sister missionaries in our zone with some issues in their area. We had to promptly leave the area after we had already been scrambling to prepare our candidates for baptism and drive to Tafara. By the time we got the issue solved and everyone settled, it was nearly midnight, so we came home and stuffed our faces with banana bread before going straight to bed. Luckily, all is well and missionary work is in full swing for everyone in our zone!

On Friday, we had interviews with President Mkhabela. It had been a few months since my last interview with him because I had been sick, so it was could to sit down and talk with him. He's very gifted when it comes to knowing and using the scriptures, and he used that knowledge to instruct our zone on what the fruits of true conversion are. In my interview, he also helped me see that my potential has no limit, and that if I push myself out of my comfort zone and seek to obey all the Lord's commandments, there's no ceiling for what I can achieve and become. It was a really uplifting way to spend my Friday morning.

Baptism pictures! First, with Tildah, Blessed, and Tanatswa

Saturday brought baptisms! However, it definitely was not the smoothest of events haha. The only member support we had was the second counselor in the branch presidency and our branch mission leader, who arrived late. On top of that, Sheila was late, so we waited for over an hour for her to come before finally starting the baptism. Of course, just after the baptismal service closed with a prayer, Sheila and her mom showed up. So we started it all over again and had another baptismal service for her. It was a bit hectic, but still sweet. Here's a little bit about our 4 converts:

With Sheila and her mom

Tildah (20) - Tildah is a friend to the Dickson family and was classmates with Freedom in high school. Her father is an inactive member who was baptized back in the 1980's. She has a little boy named Preston (who knows my name and talks to me all the time in Shona). She is killing it with reading the Book of Mormon and had finished Jacob by her baptism!

Tanatswa (14) - Tanatswa is Tildah's younger sister and she's also super awesome! Even though she's younger and doesn't understand much English, she also has a sweet growing testimony.

Blessed (15) - Blessed is our branch president's niece. She doesn't speak much English, but she tries when we visit. She's super funny too. She initially didn't want much to do with the church when she came to Eastview, but eventually made the decision on her own to meet with us. So awesome!

Sheila (14) - Sheila's older sister is a member, and her mother was baptized by Elder Byrom and Elder Gunther before I came. She's quiet but so sweet. She goes to a boarding school far outside of Harare, so we won't get to see her again before we leave.

The baptism was awesome, and just as awesome was an experience we had later in the day. We've been teaching these 3 Ndebele girls, Kelly, Karen, and Lorraine. Last week, Karen and Kelly came to church, which was so cool. They read everything we give them and understand well, but when we went to visit them on Saturday, they told us that they wouldn't be coming to church. They said they had a program at their church and that maybe they'd come next week. Karen had said earlier in the lesson that after she prayed about the Book of Mormon, she's been getting this feeling that it's true as she reads it. We used that to teach her that if the Book of Mormon is true, so is the Church and that she should come again, but we let her know that she had a choice. They didn't seem so sure if they were coming, but we really did our best to teach, testify, invite them to come, and promise them the blessings that would follow. Sure enough, on Sunday all 3 girls walked into church with Freedom. Elder Till and I were pleasantly surprised, but deep down I knew they would come because they have begun receiving a testimony that it's all true. It's so powerful how the Spirit motivates us to act, and if we just exercise a particle of faith (Alma 32), the blessings come.

Hope you all are doing well!!

Love Elder Barlow

April 30, 2018 - Eastview: the Austro-American Empire

Hey everybody!!

This email will probably be pretty short because I don't have a lot of time, so I apologize for that! Thank you to everyone for all the kind birthday wishes that you sent, it means the world to me! 

With Elder Till

Elder Till and I have been getting along great! He's from Austria and is a few years older than me. He has an awesome accent and a good sense of humor, but takes missionary work seriously. He also used to play beach volleyball, so we definitely have a connection there. I know that this transfer is going to be awesome and that we will accomplish a lot of good!

The first part of this week was spent transporting and housing new missionaries. As zone leaders here in Harare, the assistants to the president call us a lot to help out. On Tuesday we worked with 3 new missionaries, one of whom is Elder Masona, who was my branch mission leader during my 3 transfers in Seke! It was fun to teach with him as a missionary and not just a member present. I also said goodbye to my good friend Elder Ray, the only companion that I've been with for 3 transfers. It was crazy to see him heading home a year after we were companions. Time is flying like crazy.

Saying good-bye to Elder Ray

We still managed to find quite a few new investigators this week. Three of them are friends of Freedom, our recent convert. When we would pass them on the road, we didn't really think they were serious, but we made the effort to schedule a time to visit. When we arrived, one of them was doing another's hair, but they got some chairs for us to sit on so they could hear our message. Rather than just starting off into a lesson, we asked if they had any questions. This led to a discussion about prayer and receiving revelation, and by the end all three of them were seated and paying full attention. It's an amazing feeling when the Spirit confirms that what you are teaching is what they need, and "both are edified and rejoice together." Another instance occurred while visiting Sister Nyarira, a long-time member of the church. We had just planned to share a short scripture before we left, so I silently started praying about what to share. As I flipped through the Book of Mormon, I felt impressed to stop and ask her if she was facing any challenges in her life. She paused, and then surprised us by telling us about a serious challenge that she and her husband are facing. That led us to share from Mosiah 23 about how the Lord sometimes allows us to go through challenges so that we can learn to rely on Him and be patient/faithful, and how He will always deliver those who put their trust in Him. We were also able to direct her to the branch president for help on the issue. I have a testimony of asking sincere questions and then listening! We will always be given the right thing to say if we listen carefully and prayerfully to those around us and to the promptings of the Spirit!

Well that's about all I have time for, but I'll write more next week!! Love you all, have a great start to the month of May!!

Love Elder Barlow

April 23, 2018 - We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet!!!

Hey everybody!!!

This week was incredible!! My email today will be focused on what took place on Tuesday with our beloved prophet President Nelson and Elder Holland! I'll do my best to share about my experience during their visit, but I'm not sure if words are adequate!

On Tuesday after district meeting, we all met up at the mission office in Highlands. The whole mission was transported up to Harare for the meeting, a first for the ZHM. They got us all seated in the cultural hall for the picture, and we just waited in silence for their arrival. When President Nelson walked in we all stood, and the Spirit was so strong that I could barely control my emotions. We were able to greet him and Sister Nelson along with Elder and Sister Holland, and Elder Palmer and Elder Hamilton of the Seventy from the Area presidency. It was such a unique experience. Elder Holland asked about where I was from, and smiled after I replied Sandy, UT. He made reference to Sandy in the middle of his talk, which was kind of cool. 

The Zimbabwe Harare Mission with President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

Sister Holland spoke about us as young missionaries and how we are able to receive revelations and spiritual gifts if we remain worthy. She quoted a verse in Joel that Moroni repeated to Joseph Smith, which was super awesome.

Elder Holland paid our mission some very high compliments and joked that the whole mission would be translated. He encouraged and exhorted us to make the most of our missions and not to miss even one second, good or bad. Something that touched me was how he said that he's thought of his mission in one way or another every day for over 50 years since he's returned, and that it has impacted his life more than anything. He told us that we owe it to the Lord to serve faithfully, but that we also owe it to ourselves because it is the opportunity of a lifetime. I felt such a warm and comforting feeling and an overwhelming desire to give my all for the rest of my mission as he spoke.

Sister Nelson actually said that she decided to change her topic when she stood up. She related a story to us of how her bishop counseled her to take a question to general conference and how that led to her not marrying her then-fiancee. Her remarks were focused on how the Holy Ghost is a fantastic teacher and can teach us whatever we need to hear at any given time, even if a speaker is not mentioning that thought or topic. She was very witty and well-spoken and her talk was awesome.

President Nelson spoke to us on the power of the Book of Mormon and related to us many of his remarks from the October 2017 conference about his findings as he studied the Book of Mormon. He then opened several scriptures with us to show how the Book of Mormon is God's instrument for gathering Israel so that they may receive the blessings of God's covenant with Abraham. He also told us that that covenant is fulfilled in the temple, and then told us that we are preparing Zimbabwe for the blessings of that covenant and the temple by spreading the gospel with the Book of Mormon. It was incredible to see how we are helping to fulfill ancient prophecies in these last days about God's blessings for his covenant people. He concluded his remarks by leaving an Apostolic blessing upon us and our families, a truly sacred experience.

Though I might try my best to recount what I heard, it is difficult to express what I felt as we listened to an Apostle and the prophet of the Lord. I felt the Spirit bear witness to me over and over that the Lord leads His church through ordained prophets and apostles. I understand what Peter said on the Mount of Transfiguration when He spoke to Christ and said, "it is good for us to be here." I treasure that meeting as one of the most sacred and special memories that I have.

Reunited with Elder Daka on exchanges

Aside from that, our week was pretty normal. Just doing lots of missionary work here in Eastview! I've definitely been on a spiritual high since Tuesday and it has greatly impacted how I serve.

Transfers have come again as well! Sadly, Elder Byrom is being transferred to Bulawayo to be a zone leader there. I'll definitely miss serving with him as he was a good friend and a fantastic example. My new companion is Elder Till from Austria, who is also from my group. I'm excited to remain in Eastview and continue what we've started! 

Saying good-bye to Elder Byrom

I know that the Lord leads His church and I bear testimony that He lives and loves us. Russel M. Nelson is His prophet today, and I bear witness of the comfort that comes from know that there is a prophet on the earth.

I love you all, have a fantastic week!!

Love Elder Barlow

April 16, 2018 - Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

Hey everybody!!

I hope everyone's week has been awesome!! The Lord has poured out some wonderful blessings upon us this week, and I can't wait to tell you about them!

On Tuesday after district meeting, we went to our first lesson. Afterwards, Elder Byrom said that Humphrey (Alice's husband) had called and was available for us to visit him. It wasn't in our plans and we could've easily chosen to visit him the day after, but we decided to go see him right then. It turns out that it was the last day that he would be in Eastview before he would return to work in Gweru. He greeted us with a long hug and we sat down and shared our condolences and our testimonies. He expressed his great desire to still be baptized and his even greater desire to visit the temple so that the work can be done for his wife. I admire this man's great faith in the face of such a sad occurrence, and it was a special time that we had to visit with him. He said that our visit lifted his burdens, and I found a greater understanding of the baptismal covenant as set forth in Mosiah 18: "to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort."

With Elder Kambuzuma

Walking to the mountain where the cave is...

This week I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Kambuzuma. He's from Harare and is serving in Marondera while waiting for his visa to go to the South Africa Cape Town Mission. It was fun to do missionary work with a Zimbabwean, especially because he's fluent in Shona. I've tried pretty hard to learn Shona, but I am so grateful to have a translator in lessons where investigators don't understand English. When Elder Hamilton came, he spoke about how we need to focus on those who can build up the Church, particularly those who can speak English. Afterwards, Elder Byrom asked me if I can teach by the Spirit when I teach in Shona. It was hard to admit, but I said no. Since then, we've done our best to teach in English so that the Spirit can guide us and we bring a member to translate, and there definitely is a positive difference. That's why it was cool to have Elder Kambuzuma with me on Wednesday, because he can teach perfectly in his native tongue and it's awesome! He also loves Shona slang, so he taught me a few words that were pretty funny. He's a cool missionary and loves to learn and work hard, and it was a fun exchange.

As Elder Byrom and I have been rebuilding our teaching pool, we have been blessed to teach two families, the Muropa's and the Makowa's. Brother Muropa was baptized in 1989 and has since gone inactive, even though he loves the Church. His daughters, Tilda and Tanadzwa, are friends of some returning members and recent converts, and we were referred to teach them. They are so receptive and love our visits and have been attending church for the past couple weeks. I feel so welcome every time we visit their home because they are so eager to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Interesting fact, we were fed prawns (similar to shrimp) and sadza in their home the other day and it was so delicious. Brother Muropa works in Mozambique so he often brings seafood home home, so that was interesting. Elder Byrom found Sister Makowa on an exchange and we met Brother Makowa while teaching an impromptu lesson on the street to some guys fixing a car. Brother Makowa has stopped going to church because of the confusion caused by the many surrounding churches, a condition rather similar to the young Joseph Smith in 1820. As we've shared the Restoration with him and his family, they have become increasingly interested in the gospel and in finding the truth. This Sunday, Freedom (recent convert) brought the whole family to church, which was so incredible. They've also been considering the possibility of attending the meeting with President Nelson on Tuesday evening, which we have encouraged them to do. They are so awesome! On Sunday we were able to have 19 of our investigators attend sacrament meeting, which was the greatest!! It's the most investigators that have come to church since my mission began, and we were so excited!! The Lord has blessed us with some amazing people to teach as we have sought to work hard and teach by the Spirit. I definitely sustain the words of President Ezra Taft Benson, who taught that work is the greatest secret of missionary work and that there is no other substitute!

...and the inside of said cave

This week was also Elder Byrom's birthday! We made German pancakes, and then today we drove out to Arcturus and hiked up a mountain to find a cave. It was sweet and I'll send pictures!!

I'm so eagerly anticipating the visit of President Nelson and Elder Holland tomorrow. I'll send you my thoughts next week!! I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week!

Love Elder Barlow