Semken's Ramblings - 3.1.14

1 March 2014

We hope that today is a good day!

     This is the last month of our mission.   We will arrive home on Thursday 27, 2014 at 8:30, United Airlines, from Chicago.  

      Our report to our ward in Orem, Utah will be on April 13, 2014; 600 West 600 South; (South of Mountain View High School and north of the UVU campus); at 11 am.  We will have a luncheon at our home following Sacrament meeting; All of you are invited.   Please pass this on to your missionaries.  They are not on this mailing list.

     We have already cried at the thought of leaving.  Our hearts are very tender at this moment.  Had we known that a replacement has yet to be called for us we would have stayed until President Weed was released.

     We love the missionaries and the people.  It has been our pleasure to serve here.

      This past month we had several missionaries leave and several come.  It is quite the contrast between the new missionaries whose eyes are glazed over wondering what is in store and those who are now mature and confident.   

      Two missionaries from the states have born their testimony in French at least twice and in public.   Of course they were frightened.They did very well.  These missionaries do have the gift of tongues.   I remind those who have been here for some time and are very fluent that it isn't easy to speak as proficiently as they do.   The missionaries' French is as good as the natives.   They indeed were blessed to be able to understand and speak French.

     The missionaries walk day after day in the dust, it is very hot and humid.   The temperature index is approximately 105-110 most days.  Following a rain storm the humidity is almost intolerable.  They are obedient and keep doing the work.

     Sister Semken gave a wonderful presentation about keeping things clean at Zone Conferences in Benin.   It is difficult to keep things clean, windows are open and the dust just comes and settles in their apartments.   A little effort each day would solve their problems.   Some missionaries are better at cleaning than others.  It is interesting that the local women sweep the dirt in front of their homes daily.   They gather paper and twigs etc.   They are clean.

     Elder Vinson held missionary conferences in Benin and Togo this past week.   A few missionaries had the opportunity to be interviewed by him.   Elder Vinson reports that West Africa is the most fruitful and fertile area in the world at this time.   He sees the numbers from around the world and can see what is happening.   

     This past month we had 96 baptisms in the mission with only 110 missionaries.  80% of the converts come from members referrals and help.  All missionaries have some very unique stories about conversions. These are their stories for them to tell to you.

      Since I have been here we have doubled, with the current addition of Calavi and Cocotomey, the number of branches in Benin.  Our numbers are very close to being a stake in Benin.   This has occurred in a few years.

      We miss the missionaries that were recently transferred to Togo. We said good-bye to them knowing that we wouldn't see them until they return from their missions.

       All of the missionaries face the "wind in their face" and the "wind at their back".   Both have and teach great lessons.   They do face disappoint.  The joy and happiness from the lessons they learn far exceed the disappointment.

         Still a lot to talk about in the future,

                Elder Semken

   

Semken's Ramblings 2.2.14

2 February 2014

To all of you,

    Where or Where did January go??  

The mission has been very busy as usual.  Except for one delightful sister we have just had the normal amount of sickness.  Every missionary has responded well.   The one sister from the Congo returned home for some medical treatment.  We think that she will return following her recuperation.

    It seems that all new missionaries go through a period of adjustment that they may question why they are here.  The president takes his time and can see their future and knows that they have been called to Benin to serve two years by the prophet.  It is extremely rare for a missionary to return home because they decided that Benin isn't paradise.   I only know of one.  I think that as the missionaries go through the various trials and challenges of any mission that they come to know who they are and a little about how the lord tempers them for life and for eternity.  These young men learn a lot about persistence and team work.  

     Yesterday, I attended the baptism in Gbedjromede.  Unlike a year ago my behavior was significantly different.  The baptismal font had not been filled.  It took until a little after 11 am to fill it.   The service was suppose to start at 10 am.  My type A behavior a year a go could not handle that.  The water runs slow here.   Some of the missionaries used a bucket to pull water out of the well to shorten the time to fill the font.  Yes the were in their white shirts and ties.  I showed them a little trick on how to keep their ties clean and not get wet.  Either take your tie off or tuck it in you shirt.   Oh, they said.   They were wonderful.

   We started our monthly apartment inspection.  The apartments were good.  Some better than others.   Does this sound familiar:  A before an inspection of one of the apartments I found a few things disgusting:  Trash in the hallway for example.  A lot of trash.  I counseled them to get rid of it.  When I walked into the apartment I looked for the trash.  It had magically disappeared.  While no one was looking I opened a seldom used door to a balcony, yep, there was the trash!  Unlike a year ago, I just mused.  I then gathered the missionaries together and led them to my discovery.  It was looking in the closed close to hide the clothes not hung up, or looking under the bed for the hidden soda pop can.   We all had a nice laugh.  They asked if they could just drop it over the balcony.  

      We got more mail on Thursday.  Yes, some more packages arrived that had been mailed in November.   One 4 November 2013.  

     February will be a busy month again.   Zone Conferences and a missionary conference in Togo and Benin with a General Authority.  A few missionaries will have a visit with the General Authority.

     Your missionaries are doing well.  Thank you for your prayers.   They pray for you as well

                 Elder Semken

Semken's Ramblings 1.21.14

21 January 2014

Good morning to you,

    The mission is once again very busy as always.   President Weed will finish interviewing every missionary on Thursday.   He interviews every missionary about every six weeks and has frequent contact with them throughout the month.   So he and Sister Weed are very well aware of the missionaries situation temporally and spiritually.   Every missionary will have his/her ups and downs throughout the month.   Most of the time the missionaries are pretty even.   Once in a while there are things that seem to be bigger than life.  Give a day or two and things are back to normal.  For instance, I have a landlord who is may not be as nice as our other landlords.   He lives in another village 1/2 of the time, which is not unusual.  We spend more time with him trying to solve problems.  He seems to be difficult to live deal with.  Just before a major holiday on a Friday and another holiday on Monday he has left to travel to his other home.  On Friday afternoon the missionaries water was turned off by the water company for non-payment.  The water nor electricity company are suppose to turn anything off on a holiday.  So the missionaries were without water for 4 days.   We do own our water tank on the top of the building.  And the missionaries should have been able to get water.  But the door to the roof was locked and they had no access to the tank.   Results, no water.  So the missionaries went across the road and paid for water that they put in 5 gallon containers and carried up the water three floors every day for 4 days.  When I found out about it on Friday night, I offered to pick them up and bring them to to our apartment for showers.  They thought it was a nuisance and continued to carry the water.  Now how would you like that!  I visited with the elders following their ordeal, they said it was extremely difficult and was one of the hardest things they had to do.   The stairs are uneven and a new elder tripped and fell, hurt his back.   I think on Elder Maxwell's talk on "patience" and wonder what they learned and what I learned.   All is well.  I hope it doesn't happen again.  By the way the President was at their apartment when the water was out and the electricity went off as well; which is a usual occurrence in our mission.  The president seems to be where the challenges are and is well aware of them.  The Lord knows how he is tempering each of us.  There was a book written several years ago by Elder Dyer, as I recall, called The Refiner's Fire, or something like that. 

    Another example,  last Friday we went to the Post Office.   We received about 15 Christmas packages and 25-50 letters and cards.   We go to the post office 2 or 3 times a week.  They had been stored for some time.  This is not unusual.  They told us that there had been some kind of security breach which caused the delay.  Some of the packages were mailed 19 Nov and 23 of Nov and up to 21 of December.   This is why we suggest DHL or FEDEX and not USPS.  Some of the packages, letters will be delivered to Togo today.  Some packages that the missionaries are expecting still have not arrived.  Those with letters and packages were very pleased.

     I noticed a trend this month of January.   It is only 2/3 of the way through the month and missionaries are short of money.   I wonder if they got caught up in the Holiday season spending more than they should have.   They will be fine, they do know how to manage.  

     As I have said, the missionaries have lived many more wonderful days and have many more stories to tell.   I leave the stories for them to tell and most of the details are for them as well to share in their own way and time.  This is true of the no water in the apartment for 4 days.

    The new mission president for our mission was announced recently.  He and his wife are from Quebec Canada.  Both speak French.  I understand that she is a nurse.  I don't know much about him yet.  The picture is just being put together.  The new mission presidents go to Provo for four days.  His name is Pierre-Paul Morin. He begins 1 July 2014.

      We hope that all of you are well.  Our thoughts and concerns are for your well being as well as the missionaries.

        Elder Semken

Semken's Ramblings 1.5.14

5 January 2014

Happy New Year,

      The missionaries were kept busy during the holiday season.   The mission has a very nice Christmas activity.   It started at 10 am and is schedule to end at 2 pm.   The activity in Togo was a week before Christmas and in Benin the day before Christmas.  They start out by playing 6 games.  The missionaries are divided into 3 groups and then depending on the game are broken into small groups.   I asked them if they enjoyed the games and all of them said yes.  Games such as pictionary and musical chairs.   There are some competitive characteristics that demonstrated.  Even the sisters are very competitive.  Following the games a there is a nice dinner and then the Christmas program.   The program is put on by the missionaries.  Each apartment or two apartments in some cases sing a song and include a scriptural reading.   The mission president gives a Christmas story presentation as well as sings.   He is a very talented musician.   The accompanied himself with his guitar while singing.

       The missionaries are then presented with a gift.   As they start to head back to their apartments they linger to visit with one another.  

       The Christmas season is also filled with many member dinners for the missionaries.

      New Year's frequently includes dinner with members as well.  Some missionaries get together and cook a pig and eat it.   This year we have a Tahitian who could help. 

     The new year has begun with Zone Conferences and Missionary interviews.  The general theme setting goals.  Later this month we will have visits by two different groups of general authorities.  These include the area presidency and other area seventies.   I think there may be one from the US.  For one of the meetings Elder Vinson is having the missionaries complete a questionnaire.  It includes questions of evaluation as to where the missionary thinks he was about 6 months ago and then where he is today.   Such as,  are you reading the Book of Mormon everyday or somedays, companion study, personal study, etc.   He is also requested that the missionaries read 3 or 4 assigned conference talks in preparation for the training.

      This past December we had very few medical issues.   The few that we had were very minor.

       Missionaries frequently lose weight as they adjust to their new diet.  The weight is generally muscle, since they don't get any real exercise.   They do a lot of walking but little lifting, nor running, etc.

      We are now experiencing the dry season.  This is the time when the high atmospheric trade winds bring the sand (microscopic dust) from the Sahara desert.   Many people wear the surgical masks to minimize the amount of dust that gets into their lungs.  As far as I can tell there isn't anything to worry about. I suppose if exposed for years it could have some negative effect.  For more than a year now we have been in what is considered a drought.  The other day when we were driving along a very sandy beach road there were tow or 3 vehicles who were stuck in the sand.  One small car was buried past his wheel hub.  Motos were having to get off and push through the bad spots. If I were driving the mission van it may have gotten stuck.  Our trucks are very good, but I have used 4 wheel drive 2 or 3 times.

     The missionary work is steady.  One great challenge that we have seen here is the inability for the members to visit one another, like home teaching and visiting teaching.  The missionaries are asked to go and re-teach their converts following their baptism.  The missionaries build very positive long-term relationships with their new friends.  All of us could put into action of fellowshipping in our own neighborhood, etc.   Developing the depth in leadership and teaching skills requires a lot of time and effort.  The members are doing well.   We have missionaries playing the keyboard for sacrament meeting.   Thank goodness for mothers who had their sons learn to play.  The African missionaries do not play musical instruments.   

    I mention that your sons are very firm in their testimony.  They have a great deal to learn and are glad they have the opportunity to learn to pray, study and testify.  We are very proud of them.

     There is always some new experience for them nearly every day.

              Elder Semken

Semken's Ramblings 12.13.13

13 December 2013

To all of you,

     The Christmas season is very different from the season of years past for these missionaries.   There are few Christmas songs, the stories of Christmas that they heard before their missions are only in their memories, there are no pageants, I have yet to hear anything about the birth of the Savior from the pulpits, nor Sunday School classes, and none in Relief Society nor Priesthood.  Likewise, I have not heard a seasons greeting.  Last Sunday I visited with a Branch President and told him what Christmas was like at home.  He said that they don't know the hymns nor songs of Christmas.  He hadn't thought about the Christmas story as a possible subject for talks.  I think that somehow these marvelous people will get something from Christmas the next two Sundays.  

    The current make up of the mission is; 20 sisters,half of the Elders are from the states & Europe half of the elders are from Africa.  Your sons are very diligent in their work and they are glad the Christmas season is here.   They are teaching by word, deed, and example the reason for the great Christmas message to the world.  ...For unto us a child is born....

They remember the sweet times of home.  They remember their families and friends.  They are happy.

     Their work has changed their lives and you will be so surprised when they return.   They are surprised at themselves!  One of our soon to be released missionaries made the following comments:  Said he; As I reflect upon my mission I contemplate some scriptures and quoted from Mosiah 2: 20-24, I am so blessed because of the change that has been wrought in my life.  I want to just bawl. He expressed in such a humble manner that he hopes that he can continue to do what is asked of him and expressed a willingness to do so.  He expressed gratefulness to the message he was privileged to deliver and thankfulness to his family, friends, leaders and others who helped him along the way."  I know his sentiments mirror what your sons say and think.

    Not that this work is easy.  I look at their shoes, dirty and worn out from walking long distances on dusty roads.  I look at their yellow colored collars.  The creases in their trousers are almost non-existent, they are stained.  Their meals are scanty but sufficient.  The heat takes a lot out of them.  On P-day their wash tubs turn to mud as they put their shirts, socks, underclothing into the water to clean with their hands and rub the dirt out until the the skin on their knuckles are nearly worn off.  They sleep with a fan on hoping to be comfortable.  Can you imagine this?  And they then say, most of the time,  "today is the best day of my life".   I reverence their love and devotion.

     They love to teach, they love the people.  They wish that everyone would come a partake of the fruit of the tree of life.  But, they have the disappointments of people not being able to come to the table and feast at the Lord's table.  But, they know that the message delivered will resonate into the lives of those who are just not quite ready.  They rejoice with those who come into the waters of baptism and begin a new life.  

     The language and customs can be very challenging as well, both of the people here and their companions who they grow to love as they mature in the nature of their missionary call.  

      We are grateful to all of you for your love and concern for your valient sons, the Lord knows them, and he takes care of them.  Just as he took care of our forefathers.   Through the trials of living we are prepared to receive great blessings.  Blessings that we can't even begin to imagine.

      Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season,

           Elder & Sister Semken

Semken Ramblings - 11.25.13

25 November 2013

To all of you wonderful people,

    We are doing well except for some small colds.  This has been a very dry year for these people and now it is the dry season which lasts until mid-March.   The roads and streets are particularly dry and dusty.  The Elders' shirts are so bad that it is very difficult to keep them clean.   This is especially true in Cococodji.

   A few updates.  I just received word from President Weed that the one year old District in Togo will become a stake in Togo in two weeks.  The growth and stability is miraculous.  Elder Vinson of the Seventy will organize the new stake.  Cotonou is much newer than Togo but it may be possible that a new stake will be in the making by the time President Weed returns home at the end of June.

    I met the first two missionaries in Togo and Benin.  The Findleys.  They are from Canada, age about 70.  They have only take one year off since 1999 as missionaries and humanitarian missionaries.  They started here in 1999.  There were only 6 members of the church.  Now there are 4,000 plus.  It wasn't long ago when the Southam's are there first mission only had 8 missionaries.  That was in about 2007-2008.  We now have 114. 

    To describe the process sometimes.  Remember Cococodji ?  It is on the outskirts of the city, so it seems.  The President tried figure out if we should go to the real capital of Benin.  About 35-40 KMs away or maybe to Cococodji.  He sought counsel from the highest source and said it will be Cococodji.  I was tasked to find an apartment for the elders our in the wilderness.  I found a suitable place.  They moved into the apartment in February 2013.  Two weeks later we decided to find a place to hold a group.  It was in the apartment below them.  Remember the first week we thought we would get 10-15 and we got 47, following week 54 and etc.  A branch was created in May. We were led to a large beautiful building.  It could hold 2 branch meetings at the same time.  Leadership training takes time and a firm foundation must be in place.  Last week there were 140 in attendance.  That is enough to make two branches.   All of this in less than 10 months.   The work is good, though difficult.  The missionaries are happy.   In some places there hasn't been a baptism for a couple of months.  But, there will be.

      Thanksgiving and Christmas are pretty much the same as any other day in Togo and Benin.

     We are pretty much in the saddle for now.   For a while it was if we were like riding a Brahma bull.  I am in the process of teaching and training an employee of the church how we do things with the apartments, utilities, etc.  He was an excellent football player (soccer). This will allow an easier transition to the new missionary couple when they come to replace us.  I am also helping to teach and train on how to get things done.  Like organizing new branches.  The individuals are very bright and capable.  They just need some instruction and they are very willing to do the work.  

    We have had some interesting discussions centering around 3 Nephi 18:32 through the end.  These people are faithful but they too have challenges and some stray for a while because of circumstances of jobs, distance to the church etc,  We are now talking more about Visiting Teachers and Home Teachers.  All of us have seen some who have wandered for a while but have come back and have been rescued as President Monson puts it.

       Never give up.  Never, Never, Never.  

      The missionaries do a great job of teaching and doing follow-up teaching.  We now need the members to start visiting.  There are remarkable stories to be told.

         Your sons and daughters are no longer young men and young women, but are now men and women.  They know how to do!

      Thank-you for you prayers, they are felt.

         Elder Semken

Semken Ramblings 11.3.13

Good morning, it is another nice day in Benin/Togo.

     Zone Conferences were held in Benin this past week and they will be held in Togo this week.  At the present time things have finally settled down since we had so many missionaries depart the past 6 weeks and so many come the past month.  The new responsibilities of the missionaries that have been here requires additional training on the part of the mission president.  Then the new missionaries have a lot of adjusting to do as well.  It seems to me that things are going well and about as expected.

     These young men and women are exceptional.  There skills of language is remarkable as well as their enthusiasm.  They are very kind and considerate towards the members, the community, and their companions.  They learn the gospel and have the opportunity to put the things that they have learned to the test.  A mission becomes a refiner of men and women.  

      The challenges of culture may still be their biggest challenge.  Things are so different here and we learn new things regularly.  I have spoken about the traditions of the fathers:  Here is an interesting story that Sister Semken and I have been involved.  This couple, Gladys and Patrick and their two small children have been receiving the lessons.  They are not married, which is extremely common because most couples can't pay the dowry.  Sister Semken & I taught them about marriage.  They know they can't be baptized without being married and getting permission from both families and paying a dowry.  They live in a 12 x 15 sq foot cement lodging.  No running water, one 2 foot florescence lamp.  They thought that they would would not be able to be baptized for several months in order to save for the fees to get married, settle the dowry questions etc. Well they went to visit Gladys' family about marriage.  Her family is very traditional Catholic.  Her father came over to their house following their visit and said we are so glad that you will be married in the Catholic Church.  She said, we don't want to do that.  He said, we are so glad you are going to be married civil ally.  She said yes and we are going to be baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He said, we support you in your decision.  We are just glad that you are getting married, and BY THE WAY, THERE WILL BE NO DOWRY TO PAY.  Now, go figure.  That never happens.  There are miracles that happen regularly.   Your sons and daughters are a part of these kinds of experiences.  They learn so much from others and they have so much to give.  They are a true blessing to these people.  Thank you for your efforts on their behave. 

     Christmas is not celebrated as much here like in America or European cultures.  But, the missionaries love it.  We have a Christmas dinner and program (put on by the missionaries).  It is a lot of fun.  It is always nice for the missionaries to call home and they look forward to it.  They welcome the cards.

      This is a great place to be!

           Elder Semken

Semken Ramblings 10.19.13

   The past month has been very intense.  We have released 18 missionaries and the month before 6 more.  This week we received 20 new missionaries and received 8 others.   This means that over 50% of the mission have new companions, which entails new responsibilities for over 75% of the remaining missionaries.  There are new trainers, new assistant to the President, new district leaders, new zone leaders, and senior companions.  We have two new missionaries who are only 18 years old.  Most of the Africans who come are 23-26 years old.  So you can imagine the stress and strain on the younger missionaries who are there trainers, senior companions etc.  This is very challenging for them and also for the Africans who have a culture that if I am older than you, I am the boss.  So, now everyone gets to learn his/her individual challenges and short-comings.  It does work out.

     To give you an idea of what happens when someone is taking the lessons or becomes a member.  Sister Semken & I were introduced to a young couple who are receiving the lessons.  We saw them at church two times and they are very friendly and receptive.  They don't speak English so we have elders translate when necessary.  Almost two weeks ago we were invited to help with a Family Home Evening presentation.  There were about 8-12 people there and this young mother and child came.  We had a discussion which got on the subject of women and how they were treated.  One man said women are our servants.  Well, that didn't sit right with me and I proceeded to explain the proper role of man and woman.  The women were so pleased to hear that they are not a lower class.  We didn't talk about marriage.  Anyway I saw the man the following Sunday and he was glad to get the explanation of man and woman.  At the FHE we played games which they joined in and thoroughly enjoyed.  FHE is not a lecture time.  They thought that it was what they were supposed to do.  We also had treats.  They were glad to see that not everything is so formal and that all in the family can and should participate.  The young lady asked the elders if Sister Semken and I could come to her home and talk about marriage.  She and her husband had observed how the members treat their children.  They don't want to spank or hit or yell at their children anymore.  So, they asked a recent convert how they made the change.  They told them that we taught them a better way to teach and train their children and that it is working very well.  We go to their home in 15 minutes.  

     Your missionaries are doing well.  We are now seeing many go home and we are both sad and glad.  You know what that is like.

     Elder Vinson of the Seventy, he spoke in this past conference, is here for the District Conference.  The missionaries may get a chance to meet him at the Conference tomorrow.  He is wonderful!  He is in the West Africa Area Presidency and knows a great deal of Africa.  This requires a lot of time for the mission to assist and accommodate him.  We learn a great deal from him.  We talked about the African life, the missionary roles etc.  He said that we notice that those young men from America, Europe adapt faster that many of the Africans.  Partly attributed to the scouting program.

     We visited Customs yesterday and there seems to be some softening from the letter I wrote 2 weeks ago.  We will give you more info as it becomes available.  But, one package got through yesterday with not custom duties and we thought it would be approximately $50 US.  Not all is as it was yet.

     The mission President is back from his surgical procedure and is back to full speed.  Your missionaries had a special prayer day or two for him.  They are awesome.

      We are grateful to you,

             Elder & Sister Semken

Semken Ramblings 9.29.13

To Family and Friends,

      We now have another couple who have been assigned to the country of Togo.  In essence they replaced the Leavitts who returned home at the end of June.  They are the Christensen's from Yarrington, Nevada.  This is some 80 miles from Reno in a beautiful valley.  President and Sister Weed know them from their temple worker experience. He is a second generation as a pharmacist.  Both of them worked in the store together.  Their son is taking their place as the third generation of owning the town pharmacy.  He served in the same mission in France that President Weed did but not at the same time.  She also speaks French.  As a pharmacist they know a lot about how to treat various illnesses.  Already that skill has been a nice blessing to the mission.  

     They have a very nice story about their calling as temple workers.  It is their story to tell.

     Yesterday, the first baptism at the Cococodji Branch was held.  As you recall from prior ramblings this area was opened in February.  They started with 47 people coming to church.  Today they have about 125 and 8 more were added yesterday.  The branch President had  the privilege of baptizing his son first.  Then 4 elders had the blessing of baptizing at total of 7 others.  It was drizzling.  It took Francine & I and two elders about 11/2 hours to travel the muddy roads the 12 miles to the building.  It was raining and it would be similar to a driving in a snow storm (not a whiteout) in Utah.  The drivers here did not know how to drive in it.  Cars, SUVs and semi-trucks were stuck and broken down.  Some because they went in water to deep and they didn't know what to do.  You keep moving.  I took the lead and a few followed me through.  The rest stopped and waited for the storm to pass and the water to drain.   The French and African Elders that were with us said,  "this is an adventurer". Their were about 35-40 people their to witness this first baptism event.  

     I took another way back to Cotonou.  There wasn't much traffic but the road was in poor condition because of the rain.  Another adventure the Elders said.  

      Today at church the Priesthood and Relief Society met together.  The lesson was taught by President Modeste, the 1st counselor in the District Presidency and a master teacher.  I have also previously written about him.  We sat with Sophia, our convert baptism.  At the time I didn't know two other people who were sitting next to her.  The lesson was about the Priesthood, in the home and family.  It started with a 6 or 7 minute video with Elder Oaks.  President Modeste then gave a wonderful discourse as he always does.  He had good and proper discussion.  Now, remember about 1/2 of the people in attendance (this is at Fidjrosse Branch), have been members for less than one year.  Many only a few months.  They asked what to us were simple questions.  Who can hold the priesthood?  Why can't women hold the priesthood? What about when no priesthood is in the home? Then their were some questions that were from the more experienced members.  Sophia answered the question as an expert about the woman's role and the priesthood.  When we started to teach her she was surprised and questioned the role of women in the church.  We took two or three weeks of instruction on this issue.  She understands this as if she had been a member all of her life. President Modeste handled all of the questions perfectly as well as explaining the blessings of the Priesthood.  

     Following the lesson I was introduced to the two sisters, a mother and 11 year old daughter, sitting next to Sophia.  They are her sister and niece.  I turned around to visit for a moment or two with others.  We still can communicate even though we don't speak French.  I then turned around and saw Sophia's sister visiting with President Modeste.  I called him over and to bring Sophia's sister as well.  I then introduced President to Sophia and told him that he was speaking with Sophia's sister. Since the time Sophia and Sam were taking the lessons, Sophia and Sam have been under a microscope.  More on this at another time.  Today was the first time that Sophia's sister had come to church.  She has not had any lessons.  President Modeste told me that he had been visiting with Sophia's sister and she said that she wanted the Priesthood in her home.  Naturally we had the elders set an appointment to teach today at four.  As I am writing this she and her daughter are taking their first lesson.  That little bit should give you something to ponder about.  It does me!

     This past week the office elders informed me that they would have a baptism this week.  I was surprised since they baptized last week and hadn't mentioned anyone being ready to be baptized this week.  They had been teaching a young lady for 2 or 3 months who was moving to New Guinea and would not be baptized since the church does not have any presence there.  At the beginning of the week she announced that she really wanted to be baptized regardless of the lack of the church in New Guinea.  The elders called the mission president and told him the circumstances and  said that she could be baptized if that was her wish.  I told the elders that they won't know what happened to her for 20 years when we read about her perhaps being the first member of the church in that country and what a great person she is.  You see, the Lord plants seeds in many places in various ways his wonders to perform.  

     Other thoughts, whom the Lord calls he qualifies.  I have been wondering about my lack of language skills in French.  I have other lessons to learn as well.  I recognize that once we have mastered or nearly mastered something that then the Lord will give us another challenge or calls to our mind some other virtue that needs working on.  He doesn't have us work on everything at one time.  Of course that would be an impossible task.  Well this mission is giving me plenty of opportunity to discover virtues and other challenges to improve upon.  What a great thing to discover; how to improve my character and abilities and meeting various challenges and trials.  Time and patience and observation frequently solve the various challenges. This is a great place to be.  

     The missionaries are learning great lessons of life.  They are wonderful and doing well.

           Elder Semken

Semken Ramblings 9.7.13

 I think that I have mentioned that I have a bird who likes to sing to me outside my window each morning at 6:30 am.  It brings me great joy to hear this bird.  I don't  know what kind of bird it is because I have yet to see it.  It sings for about 15 minutes.  It doesn't wake me up because by the time it starts I have been up for an hour or so.  Its sounds are so different than the rat race of life in Cotonou.  It is melodic.  It is peaceful.  A far cry from the motos and cars that are always honking. 

 

Hello to all of you;  it has been sometime since I last wrote and not because we haven't been doing much.  Our days are filled with new events on a very regular basis.  Just when we think we have seen or heard everything something happens which causes me to take pause and examine what I think may have occurred.  

    This past while I have noticed how the people speak so positively and unashamedly they about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His ministry.  They seem to recognize, at least those who are somewhat tuned into finding the purpose of life, the great power that comes from living the precepts of the gospel.  They announce that it is God who provides whatever it is they have; their families, their food, their home.  They hold in great reverence the power of the priesthood and know that the authority is here on the earth again.  As they learn the gospel they learn that love is the most divine of all the attributes of God.  They are patient, yet anxious.  They have few of the many distractions of life that we have in the States.  They also know that there are many more blessing that await them.  Once baptized they immediately begin to prepare to go to the temple.  They do baptisms for the dead.  They do a lot of family history work.  Then after one year they can enter into the other covenants of temple and receive great blessing in this life and in the life yet to come.  They tell me that the gospel has great power.  

     The missionaries continue to teach the converts for some time about these other blessings.  They recognize that have just entered onto the path of exaltation by exercising faith, repenting and being baptized. 

      There are great challenges for each of these people.  There is sickness, unemployment, lack of basic things we take for granted like clean water and electricity and sewage disposal.  Then lack of good education and providing food is a daily challenge.  Then there are the challenges of society which are described in the Book of Mormon.  

     There have been some tender moments that I have observed which made me wonder why I haven't paid attention to these emotions that our missionaries face.  We have four new sisters that have recently entered the mission field. Not the new ones from this week.  Sister Semken and I inspect the missionary apartments for cleanliness, to take cleaning supplies and the Ensign (the Liahona), new cups, plates, and such.  We are so pleased to see them.  And they us.  The first question asked is : do you have any mail for me.  The apartment that is the neatest and cleanest get taken to lunch.  Certainly nothing extravagant.  Well the competition is keen.  The difference is now down to doing something extra special.  For example the missionaries have a fans to keep them cool during the day and at night the fan is placed directly on the missionary.  I notice that there was like a "rust" or "dirt build up on the cages and the blades.  I suggested that they clean them off so the air could flow better and the dirt wouldn't get into their throats.  Well this past week I noticed in one apartment how clean the fans were.  They told me they took the fans completely apart and washed every fan.  WoW.  The apartments are so clean that we now have 6, 7, or 8 that score nearly 100% on cleanliness.  Well, back to the sisters.  The sisters apartments the first month were not too good.  Then the next month one of the sister's apartment would be rated as 5 star hotel.  It was immaculate, spotless, under the beds, the furniture, the dishes, the refrigerator was as clean as any you would see in the best restaurants.  We immediately informed them they were the winner.  One very gracious sister went into the kitchen all excited and told the sister in the kitchen that they had won that day.  They came out of the kitchen jumping and dancing.  The other sister's joined in.  It was as if it were a double Christmas.  

     Shortly after I asked the sisters about home.  Three of the four had been members for 15 years.  There families were members for longer periods of time.  The other sister had been a member of the church for only two years.  I asked if the first time they attended the temple was when the entered the MTC.  Yes, was the answer.  I asked about their parents.  Not one had been to the temple; to far away, no money.  The long time member sister had other sibling who have served missions.  I asked one sister, the gracious, mature sister about her mother.  She said she was a very gracious and wonderful mother, so loving, kind, charitable.  

     A few days later they were in the mission home to get their visas.  The one sister I have been speaking about took a sister who was crying out on the porch.  I just watched.  They came back in and nothing more was said.  The next day we took these two sisters to see the doctor.  The doctor couldn't find anything wrong with the tiny sister.  She (the doctor) then said to her: do you miss your family?  She just started sobbing and crying.  She was homesick; she missed her family so very much.  This was the first time she had been away from home.  The doctor, not a member, then said; you have been called a mission for your God for 18 months, you must have faith that He will help you serve your 18 months.  Please come and visit me in a week .  The doctor then reported to us that maybe she could call home and visit.  She needs a mother's touch.  I reported that to the President.  He was out of town at the time.  But, said that he and Sister Weed would go and visit her.  Which they did and allowed her to call home.  So far, so good.

     But, you see, I had missed the tender emotions that one can have.  i hadn't even suspected that the elders and sisters would miss home so much that they would be homesick.

    There have been two other events over the past month that caused me to explore tender feelings. Which, I admit, I have.  Jesus the Christ, His Misson is all about life!

   I wish I could write and speak as the prophets, like power and the still small voice.  I quote from President David O McKay:  The literal resurrection is from the grave was a reality . "The spirit of man passes triumphantly through the portals of death into everlasting life is one of the glorious message given by Christ, our Redeemer.  To him this earthly career is but a day and its closing but the setting of life's sun.  Death, but a sleep , is followed by a glorious awakening in the morning of an eternal realm."

     I wept when I read those lines.  For I know that it is true.  I testify that it is true.  

     Now there are missionaries in our mission as in all of the other missions who have loved ones that have passed the portals of death into everlasting life.  They have very tender hearts now having been touched by the loss of a loved one.  They too are able to testify about the sacredness of life and the great blessings of life and that through the Atonement and resurrection great blessing are yet to come.   They have emotions that are near the surface.  They develop great maturity.  They learn that though their loved ones are not as to this world but that they, the loved ones, are still a part of their life; and that the missionary is still a part of the loved one's life who is but asleep as to the mortal body. 

    Another tender moment came when two couples who desired to be baptized had  to be married.  I have written about the traditions of fathers about marriage and the difficulty in being able to.  The missionaries came to me and asked what can we do. (I was putting them to a test). I told them to ask President Lionel (a new branch president).  He told them he didn't know what to do.  We can't use church funds for such purposes.  A week later I received a call asking if I could take 18 of them to be married.  I said yes.  It is done by the justice of the peace.  Following the wedding as I dropped the elders off; I asked how did you or they get the money for them to be wedded?  The elder said, the missionaries in the zone each gave money enough so they could be married.  Can you imagine? From the meager funds of the missionaries they offered a sacrifice for the benefit of someone else, for their eternal welfare.  The missionaries may not know nor realize this, but they also did this unto the Savior and to their eternal welfare.

    So there are many unwritten and unknown acts of faith and tender moments of mercy.  That is why you have sent your sons and daughters on missions.  You too are blessed.  All of you.  I thank all who help in anyway, the reward is the same.

     I wish all of you well.  

              Elder Semken

Semken Ramblings 8.20.13

Hello to all of you,

     Your missionaries are doing well.  We all have our ups and downs, like the waves on the ocean.  Sometimes your on the crest and other times you are in the trough.  Your missionaries are learning the various lessons of life.

    1.  We had a missionary who got sick in about April and after extensive tests and exams we found the problem; which probably started when he was 10 and finally became a problem.  He is from Africa.  He is the only member of his family.  His father in the Military.  President Weed visited with his dad and his dad said that he was supportive.  The elder wanted to return once surgery and recovery was completed.  We hoped so.  He return home, had surgery and received clearance from his physician that he could do the mission labors.  He returned last week.  We were very pleased to have him back.  Several lessons to learn.  Your missionaries are supportive and will be able to learn many lessons from this experience.

  2.  Your sons will learn some more lessons in the next few months about preparation, like food storage.  They are protected here in this mission.  As I believe I have stated there has been a severe drought this past season.  I am told that many, many crops will not be harvested in neighboring countries as well as Togo and Benin.  I don't know the impact on the economy and food availability for sure, but hopefully it won't be to severe.  But, I do hear some talk.

    3.  This past Saturday the church held its annual service project day.  This year rather than having one major project, the branches were clustered into groups and we had 3 or 4.  I think there were about 500 in Benin who participated.  Some worked at a government institution, hospitals and things like that.  We worked side by side with our neighbors of Africa.  There was a lot of excellent TV and Radio coverage.  One set of elders receive 5 significant teaching engagements.  These people who didn't know us before were excited to see us and participate with us.  When in the service of your fellow man, you are in the service of God.

    4.  The elders learn other great lessons.  Sister Semken and I were on an errand later in the day but before the sun goes down (about 7pm).  We got a call from a recent convert.  She is known very well in her company and whenever anyone needs counsel the owners of this prestigious company approach her and ask her to give counsel.  Well, one of the employees was having some problems following the birth of a child about 3 or 4 months ago.  This convert had visited with her before.

Well this convert requested that we come and give her a blessing.  The boss told her to help solve this employees problem.  So, I asked a missionary companionship to assist me.  We arrived at the office and 6:30.  We were greeted by the owner of the business and taken into his small office.  The employee was there and not feeling well.  The owner left the office and said thank you for coming.  I gave some thoughts in English, translated by the convert and the missionaries.  We then had a kneeling prayer.  Just prior to the blessing I asked one elder to give the blessing.  He had to review how to do it. I don't know if it was his first time or not.  I gave him some further instructions and told him to have patience and take in giving the blessing.  A blessing he gave which will be remember by all of us.  At the conclusion of the blessing the young lady stood up and immediately felt better.  The Elder said that it was a wonderful experience.  Only he knows what he learned.  But, another lesson learned by serving.

    We are proud of the way these young men behave.  They learn the blessings of obedience and the the power that comes from magnifying their calling.  It is our privileged to serve side by side with them.  It is a wonderful thing to see the lessons learned.

            Elder Semken

Semken Ramblings 8.2.13

To all:

      This early morning I walked to the local bakery.  As I entered I could smell the aroma of hot fresh bread which filled the whole bakery.  It reminded me of  the homemade bread made by Francine and my mother too.  Two minutes is all it took for me to return home and slice the hot bread.  I put butter on it and wished that I had some honey.  What a wonderful way to start the day.  

     We do not have any new missionaries coming or going home in August.  This will allow the missionaries to settle in without any interruptions that are caused by entering the mission field.  That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it provides a time for some longer term planning, and teaching of their investigators by the same set of missionaries.

      We now will have 18 new missionaries coming to the mission on October 16th.  Who knows if they will send more then.  They are all from Africa.  We do know that we will get another 6 sisters by then. Bringing the number to 18.  I think we will slowly continue the number of missionaries up to 120.  We will have about 110 by January.  I wouldn't be surprised to see more.  We could double the number of missionaries in our mission.  All of the missionaries would continue to teach 7 or more lessons a day.  However, it is very important to grow prudently.  We are climbing mountains one step at a time.  We do it as the Lord wants it done.  Constant and Consistent.

     These young men and women are well prepared as they enter their field of labor.  Sure, they have a lot to learn, but they are ready for this great task.

      Someone said, I hope that You, elder Semken don't judge Benin and Togo on just the city life that we see.  Please don't leave until you have seen more of the countries.  Last week, the President and his wife along with Francine and I were invited to travel about 1 1/2 hours north of Cotonou to visit a village of only 600,000 where a member grew up.  He showed us some marvelous scenery and groves of Teak Trees, etc.  I took the time to look for and photograph butterflies.  Yes, this is a beautiful country.

     The rainy season that didn't happen.  I am told that this was one of the driest seasons recorded.  Many of the crops will not produce.  There is a second mini season that starts in about a month and lasts for about 2 months.  I hope these people get the proper and necessary rain for the production of food.

     A branch was divided last week; and I know two more will be divided in a the next month or so.  So, you can see your missionaries are doing their work well.  they appreciate your support.

      See, you later,

             elder semken

Semken Ramblings 07.21.13

members of the Cococodji Branch

July 2013

     I take this moment to inform you that today the Cococodji Branch was created.  A long time member and friend, Paul Dansu, is the new branch President.  He is our egg man.  He started an egg farm with the encouragement of the Southams and has done well.  His first counselor in Elvis, a young returned missionary, he and his wife recently had their first child.  

     This is the first branch that Francine and I had an opportunity to have a lot of involvement.  The missionaries were assigned to this area only in February of this year (2013).  The mission president had a tug-a-war as to where we should send two sets of missionaries because of the very limited number of missionaries in the field.  He could have sent them to Porto Novo which was the expected place to send them since their are several members there.  Another area that was a possibility was Calavi. The members out in Cococodji were being serviced very well by the Menotin Branch.  The President sent me out to explore all three areas with an office elder.  A set of Assistants to the Mission President were also sent to Porto Novo to get their opinion.  Our reports said that all three areas could support missionaries.  The President consulted with the Branch Presidency.  There input was invaluable.  They liked Calavi and Cococodji.  The President then decided after careful consideration and imploring with the Lord what he should do.  He decided to send them to Cococodji.

    As I have mentioned the first week we had 47, then 54 and today there was 103 on a rainy day.  Last week there were 110.  

    Getting the building we now meet in was an interesting event as well.  Today was the first day of meetings in this beautiful building.  This building can accommodate two branches at the same time.  The lot is beautifully landscaped.  I love it!  And I have some new ideas that I could incorporate in my yard.  Not that I could have the same vegetation, no palm trees grow where I live in Utah.  Nevertheless I have some new ideas.  Oh dear, says Francine.  

     The available buildings for a branch were in reality not in existence.  We us Paul Toffi to help us find apartments.  I requested his assistance.  In a day or two he was at the office explaining to us what he had found.  Now it seem that Paul knows everyone.  He found a building that was occupied some Chinese road consultants that were about to vacate the building.  He found the building because he knew someone who knew about this landlord.  So we entered negotiations.  The price was way to high which is normal. We got it down to where we could be serious about it.  The members in the area frequently could not go to the Menotin Branch building because of its cost.  So, Paul went a days journey north to visit the landlord (the wife and owner)  her husband was in Liberia.  As it turns out the village Paul went to is where Paul had lived and he knew the wife.  They agreed on a price and then he brought the proposal back to which we negotiated the final agreement.  The Lord absolutely knows and directs people to fulfill his purposes.  He is involved in the details.  I am but an instrument in his hands for I could never have known about this place, I didn't know the landlord, I didn't live in their village as a youth, I don't speak French.  Stop and think how things can turn out.  

     Yesterday, Saturday 20 July 2013, the elders and I went to prepare the building for the meeting.  We had to make five trips to take chairs, etc.  I wasn't surprised when many members just showed up to work.  Youth and adults and a couple of babies.  I had Elder Welch be the supervisor.  His companion Elder Mulumba was the chief coordinator to the members.  The work that was completed was nothing short of spectacular!  People just went to work! Willingly!  A couple of sisters swept the entire long driveway (125 yards long)  and the walkways that beautifully mark the attractive landscaped facilities.  Of course the women were their beatiful clothes to perform this service.  They do not wear "grubbies" for work done for the Lord.

     I am so touched by the respect that they have for the church grounds and that they know that the Lord is well pleased.

     Today, there was adequate room for everyone.  They were as excited as children opening presents on Christmas morning.  Though that for them is but a dream.  But, they feel and felt the need to be there to perform this task.  

     I took a lot of pictures.  After the meeting everyone wanted their picture taken.  It really started when a father requested (in French, but I understood perfectly what he wanted) that I take his picture with his family.  You see this marks a great day in the lives of these people.  And it does.  It also, makes a great day in Francine and my life as well.  They were very reverent and respectful during the services.

     Thank you for your missionaries and for your support and prayers,

               Elder Semken

Semken Ramblings 07.16.13

Elder and Sister Semken work in the mission office and he sends these emails out every couple of weeks.  He gives a perspective to living over there that adds what Elder Jenkins sends home and helps with understanding the culture, and I thought it would be fun to add to his record.  

16 July 2013

Hello to all of you,

      Yesterday was a very unusual day.  All of the missions were given some direction to provide or make available more zone activities on a regular basis.  So about once a quarter a zone (about 12 missionaries in our mission) will have some kind of activity.  Like playing basketball, or going somewhere or to the beach.  Benin and Togo are not teeming with very many interesting places to go like in the U S.  In the U S they can go to museums, they can go to Mormon Night baseball, they go air craft carriers,  they go to state parks, they can visit the Empire State Building etc.  None of that exists here in the cities of Lome nor Cotonou.  Our two cities are concrete and dirt. But, this one zone was informed about some valley near Porto Novo that was unique.  It was told to them that there are only 2 valleys like this in Africa.  One of the valleys is in the Nile River drainage and the other here in Porto Novo.  This valley I am told by the member, who is reliable, that this valley has rich and fertile soil.  Most of Africa's soil has been used over and over and over.  There is no resting of the soil for a season like in the US.  We have winter and the soil rests.  Well they put together a zone activity with the member's help.  Francine and I were the bus drivers.  The location is 80 km (50 Miles) away.  It takes  about 1 1/2 hours to get there.  This means we had good roads for Africa. The member got us to the valley and sure enough it looks great.  But, what do we do now that we have seen it.  I suggested to this member that maybe we could find a road on one of the hills of the valley so that we could hike for a while.  We went back across a bridge and found a path that we might take.  So we did.  As we walked we found a river on our left side.  We walk about 1 km and could see a small village.  It has about 25 members.  The children came to greet us.  A little timid at first.  Then we shook their hands.  It was obvious that they hadn't seen very many white people and one or two had never seen a white person. Three women came to see what was going on and two men then came a met with us.  The member visited with them.  And they were friendly enough. They spoke Fon.  One of many tribal languages.  So, I asked if we could visit the village.  They said yes and they would take us to the river.  We walked into the village which was right next to a river.  Not the same one we saw we hiked next to on our way in.  The hike was not extreme in the least.  It was more like a stroll along an irrigation ditch.  This river was about 100-150 yards wide.  We did a little looking around and visited and asked questions and took pictures.  One of the elders from Scotland asked about animals and they said that their were crocodiles.  I couldn't confirm if this was a current sighting or in the past.  They did say that their used to be many croc's but they were hunted and are nearly gone.  They told me that they had a farm across the river. I asked what they grew.  Maize, beans, casaba, etc.  I asked if I could go to the farm when I came back.  They said yes.  

    The river was about 5 to 6 feet (2 meters) below the bank.  In the second raining season (about September)  the river generally will rise about three feet (1 meter) above the river bank.  Wow, would this be an impressive sight to see!  I hope to go there then as well.  I then examined their huts and sure enough they have been build up on bricks or mounds of dirt so they won't be flooded.  They then get to the road by canoe.  If this is the case then I can see why this would be such a fertile valley.  

     I took several pictures and they said that they would love a copy when I came back.  We found two or three species of birds that I haven't seen.  I am sure that there is a lot that I didn't observe. I also found a couple more butterflies and flowers  Back to the river.  They are sandwiched between two rivers.  We will look on google earth to see where we were.  They do not have any water, other than the river and they do not have any electricity.  This village, though small, is what one we might think of when we read about African villages.

     The valley was very beautiful.  The earth is full and there is enough, and to spare. 

     As I asked the missionaries if they enjoyed the trip.  Without exception they thought this might be the best activity they had.  One of the new elders said; this is a most welcome relief, it came at a good time for me. 

     One more thing, apparently we are in a severe drought.  This is the second year in a row.  With this year being more severe.  From what I can piece together the crops for this harvest will yield very little.  Even if we got rain now, it wouldn't help for the current crops and of course would benefit the next crop.  Things to grow year round but even so, there are seasons.  Not like in the US or Canada nor Europe, but seasons when things grow better than others.  

     We are getting ready to occupy a new branch building in Cococodji in the next week or two.  Remember, this area was opened for missionary work in Feb/Mar.  The first group meeting was held in May.  There were 47 in attendance.  From the very start the room we met in was not able to hold the number who attended.  Last week there were 110 in attendance.  35 inside and 75 on the patio.  It is a marvelous thing to see the literal fulfillment of prophesy.  The gospel is being taken to the whole world.  

     We are now preparing the required paper work to organize a Stake in Togo.  I wouldn't be surprised that this will be ready by the end of the year. I don't think that I will be here for the first stake in Benin, but just 3 months after we complete our mission and just before the President has competed his assignment, their could be a Stake in Benin.

     All of a sudden, it seems as their has been several illnesses.  Most can be treated like the flu.  I hope they get over it soon.

     As reported we are having 24 missionaries go home over the next 2 months, 6 left this past week.  I thought we would drop down the missionary count of when I first arrived (about 90).  But, as of yesterday when the final 6 of the 24 go home, the next week we will get 16 new ones and with the other 6-8 we will be at 104.  It now appears as if we will climb to 120 over a period of time.  

     Well, the elders are faithful in these trying circumstances.

                Elder & Sister Semken