Travel Plans for South African Durban #4

March 21, 2020

Dear Parents and Priesthood Leaders;

Please do not respond to this email.  Our Inboxes are overloaded, and we’ll give you more details as we have them.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Church has decided to pull all non-native Missionaries out of South Africa.  North American Elders and Seniors will all go to the US on a flight on Monday or Tuesday.  All other non-South African citizens will also leave later in the week.

Those with less than 90 days left will be released and self-isolate at home for 14-days.   Others will be re-assigned to another mission in their home country.

We have pulled all the Missionaries out of Lesotho today, and are moving the North American Elders to Durban in the next couple of days in preparation for leaving.

We are also getting South African young Elders assigned to our mission who were serving in Missions that are closing, so the work will continue here.

This is the Lord’s work and we know that no unhallowed hand will stop it for very long.

We appreciate all the prayers in our behalf.  Thank you for your patience as we work through this process.  We will keep you informed.

Best wishes
President Lines


March 20, 2020

Bishop Moser,

We are receiving information in bits and pieces from the missionary department. I hope to have a little clearer picture of all that will be required soon.  One thing that I do know for certain is that I have been instructed to release all missionaries after a 14 day period of self-isolation.  I will send you additional information as it becomes available.

Thanks for your patience,

President Goodwin

Sent from my iPhone

Flight Plans

Elder Moser Flight

Inbox

x

Delta Flight 4141

Mar 22-Confirmation #NLP8GZ-No Updates

Salt Lake City SLC

5:05 PM

Idaho Falls IDA

6:12 PM

South African 2052

DUR to JNB Mar 21, 3:45 PM

South African 203

JNB to JFK Mar 21, 9:10 PM

Delta 2856

JFK to SLC Mar 22, 10:55 AM

Delta 4141

SLC to IDA Mar 22, 5:05 PM

South Africa Durban Mission	Fri, Mar 20, 2:26 AM (12 days ago)
to me

It just came through.

Sorry to lose him so soon!

Kind Regards,

Sister Allen

COVID-19 Update #3

March 19, 2020

Dear Parents and Priesthood Leaders,

We want to keep you updated on the latest information regarding the COVID-19 situation.  I am in near-constant contact with the Area Presidency in Johannesburg, Missionary Department and General Authorities in Salt Lake City.  We are being cautious and prudent.  

You may have heard that non-native missionaries in many African countries are being sent back to their home countries.  That is not the case for our mission.  All three missions in South Africa are continuing to function near-normally.  We are making changes in the mission so that our Elders will not be using public transportation.

We are sending several Elders home because they have underlying health issues, like asthma.  Their parents and Stake Presidents have already been notified. Those with less than 90 days left in their missionary service will be honorably released early.  Those with longer times remaining will be reassigned to a new mission in their home country after 2 weeks at home in self-isolation.

Senior Missionaries over age 60 in the Africa Southeast Area are being encouraged to return home, but may stay at their choice based on their individual circumstances. 

Church leaders continue to closely monitor conditions related to the outbreak of COVID-19 and will make further adjustments as needed. We love our missionaries and express appreciation for their devoted service.


Please let me know if you have any questions.

President Lines

(Q. Did we miss Elder Moser's flight plans?)

No. He is the only one I'm missing. I'll check again in a few hours. 

The last ticket came through after 10pm. They may have just quit and gone to bed. 

Sister Allen

Covid-19 Update #2

March 17, 2020

Dear Parents,

How grateful we are to serve with your sons in the Lord’s cause. We love these young men as our own. Please know that with the coronavirus, or COVID-19, affecting people here and around the world, our highest priority right now continues to be your missionary’s personal health and safety. 

To help ensure the missionaries’ continued physical and spiritual well-being, we are following the inspired and well-informed direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, our Area Presidency, and the Missionary Department. We also are instructing the missionaries in following local and national government guidelines and precautions, reminding them to:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay in their apartment whenever they themselves are sick. Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipes. 
• Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (which should always be done if their hands are visibly dirty), and, if soap and water are not readily available, to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

We are asking your missionary to contact us immediately if they feel sick so that we can involve health care professionals and our area medical advisers. If your missionary has chronic or critical health issues that we need to be aware of, we also invite you to reply to this email to make sure that we address any concerns. We understand very well that the current situation may be stressful and cause concerns for some of our missionaries and their families, but we will watch over your missionary carefully and will communicate with them often.

If it becomes necessary for our missionaries to only work from their apartments, we will provide additional funds for them to purchase food and supplies. We will help the missionaries prepare and make sure their needs are met. 

These are challenging times and circumstances, but to us this also is an opportunity to continue sharing the gospel. If our missionaries are required to work primarily from their apartments, they will continue to focus on their missionary purpose by teaching using technology, studying the scriptures and Preach My Gospel, language learning, family history, online community service and other activities as needed. This is also a significant opportunity for missionaries to work closely with local Church leaders to reach out to new and returning members, families where some individuals are not yet members, and members with special ministering needs. Our missionaries will continue to go outside for exercise and fresh air while observing wise guidelines for personal contact. All of these activities will help them continue the Lord’s work, grow spiritually, and bless those in the communities they serve. 

Going forward, we will continue to send updates to you as mission circumstances evolve. If your missionary is working from their apartment, they may communicate with you twice a week to share their status and experiences. 

Please be assured that we are completely dedicated to keeping your missionary healthy and safe. And we are most grateful for our loving Heavenly Father’s supporting hand in caring for them. May he continue to abundantly bless you and your family, each and every missionary, and the people we have been called to serve. 

With our greatest love and appreciation,

President and Sister Lines

Corona Virus Take Over

March 16, 2020

This week there is not much to tell about. My companion has become pretty sick, leaving us stuck in boarding. Now, the mission wants us to keep contact with anyone to a minimal and stay home if we are sick at all. I'm starting to get a little sick so that is fun too. Anyone remember what the world was like before all this virus nonsense?

We did meet someone who works at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga. Its the most expensive hotel in Durban, and she attended the temple and LOVED it. She said she had never felt a spirit like that before and wanted to know everything we could teach her. We taught her while sitting outside at Debonairs Pizza.

Other than that, there is not much to say. 

Till next week!

Elder Moser

To Mom:

Man, this week has been rough. My companion is sick...... :L

I have also been thinking a lot about how the church has been brought into our homes and food storage and all that good stuff, and it really strengthens my testimony about a modern day prophet, that is for sure! Sacrament meeting was strange, for it was only two of us and we didn't get permission to have it till the morning of. We cleaned our boarding according to the sacredness of the experience.

I don't know what the plan with this carona virus thing is, but South Africa just declared a state of emergency, and they are revoking all visas from countries with High risk, which includes America. I don't know what is going to happen from here.

Also, I'm drinking straight water lately. I don't feel any difference but I like the challenge :)

Letter From President Lines:

March 13, 2020

Dear Families and Priesthood Leaders of our Missionaries,

We are as concerned here in South Africa, as you may be in your home country, about the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  We are monitoring the situation closely and acting with faith and prudence as our Church leaders have directed.

First, the virus has reached South Africa, but at this time is very small and contained.  There are 8 cases in KwaZulu Natal and just one case in the Free State – the two states where our mission operates. 

Second, as directed by President Nelson, all regular church gatherings are canceled for the foreseeable future.  If there is a baptism scheduled it will be held with a minimum number of people present.  We are working on ways to hold Mission leadership activities using technology.

For now, the proselyting work will go forward, but with precautions.  As directed by the Southeast Africa Area Presidency all Missionaries have been told to follow the standard rules of hand-washing, keeping distance, avoiding handshakes and hugs, etc. We have our young missionary leadership following up weekly to ensure all preventive measures and standard rules are taking place.

Lekker Week

March 9, 2020

This week was awesome. The Online referral program is really saving us. If we didn't have it, I fear we would not have as much to do. We really do see miracles from it. I don't know how many times I have said that, so if you don't know yet, I LOVE it!!!

My skin has become like, 6 shades darker as we have trekked in the sun this week. There has been zero cloud coverage the entire week, but when we verbally express how we " Love the heat" it somehow makes our burdens lighter.

We have been grinding this week. I have been loving the work and trying to talk to people everywhere we go. Even to workers in stores. It feels so good to help people!!! Everyone is scared about the coronavirus, but I think they are all over reacting.

We had a really powerful experience yesterday after church. We had a man from the nearby township invite us to come and share something with him. The area is called Amaote and I have never been there before because all the Indians say it is too dangerous there and that we will be killed. We felt like we should go there anyways, so we took the hour long walk over a dodgy bridge that divides the area, then suddenly we were in a very busy township with everybody staring at these two mlungus walking around. Our guy, S'busiso came to meet us at the Library and then took us to his home. He told us to wait in his room while he gathered the "others" and then came back in with his entire family of like 6 or 7 people, and a bunch of kids. They had questions for us to answer: why are there so many churches and if God answers our prayers. It was perfect for us to teach the restoration and they heard everything we said. The men wanted to learn more about Priesthood authority so they could also baptize their family and bless them. They have righteous desires and a spirit you can feel. I'm super pumped to meet with them more!

I'm not sure if anyone noticed this but the last email I sent in comic sans.... Anybody? No? okay.

Love you all! Have a good week. Only a few seconds till mission is gone:(

-Elder Moser

March 2, 2020

Hey mom! 

I'm doing alright, but I could be better. I'm not getting much done with my companion and he hasn't done much since getting here. It is really hard for me to pull all the weight and it is getting the best of me. I wish it weren't like this haha. I've been studying the scriptures like crazy! It is the only way I can get myself out every day.

I miss the family a lot right now. There are so many things sgoing on back at home that I have a lot to look forward too, but I'm really scarred too. I'm not ready for the real world yet. Just trying to milk my mission experience right now..

Love ya

Miracle Week :)

February 24, 2020

Man, I thought this week was going to be a struggle but then we had some miracles happen. While trying to find a referral, we found the referrals brother instead, who was REALLY struggling. He confided in us and let us share how to keep satan from deceiving us with things that don't matter. That was nice to be a help, we will see him again next week.

We also visited a part member family, the Grandmother of a family in our ward. She visited the temple and felt the spirit so strongly when she saw the mirrors! Really cool.

Then, We walked in the heat of the sun to another referrals house and taught the restoration to him and his roommate. They had many questions and are eager to learn more!

Also got to visit a family of 3, yesterday after church. super cool family and we shared Moroni chapter with them and then shared about the Book of Mormon. The father even said, although he hasn't read the book yet, it seems completely possible and that he felt the spirit as we read from Moroni. The family committed to read it.

Twas a miraculous week.  I am super burnt and extremely tired, but I feel good about our efforts that we put in.

Love you!

-Elder Moser

I actually wondered this week if you miss me and talk about me all the time, so thank you for answering that question. The gae I play with my comp is chess. I'm getting better, and its kinda our bonding time together. He struggles with wanting to work, but I have talked to our zone leaders privately on how I can help him.

Temple Dedication!!!

February 17, 2020

We had a pretty ok week! We managed to talk to a few people who weren't JWs, but talked just as much if not more. In fact, whenever we got out of a good lesson, we would knock the house next door and it would be somebody who just wanted to challenge us. It has gotten old really fast and I have really had to Vent to my leaders. I'm doing okay though.

We have been helping more with the temple this week. I love having a temple close by. We receive maybe 5 referrals every day without even working for it haha, but let me tell ya, it is hard to stay on top of all of it. I don't even know some of the places these people stay in. But we had a youth devotional with Elder Rasband that we were invited to, so we watched the broadcast of that. Sister Rasband told a story of doing baptisms for the dead and having to take her glasses off to be baptized. When she would come out of the water she would see, clear on the screen, "smiling eyes" as if to show her those on the other side of the veil were accepting her proxy baptism. Out of 30, only one didn't have those smiling eyes, which made her heart drop because that person was not ready for it at that moment. It was really touching and super cool. As for Elder rasband, he spoke a lot about this "Vicarious work" That we need to perform. Something that stood out to me was that we do work here on earth for the living and the dead, so that the living AND the dead can have eternal life.

I understand the love that the brethren have for all of us more fully. Elder Rasband said, "well, how does christ love you? How does your heavenly father love you?" And I just really like how individual that love feels. Although it is addressed to everyone, it never feels like a collective love, but an individual one. I sure have felt that from reading the Book of Mormon and Jesus the Christ every day. I feel that relationship getting stronger, and I can feel my Savior's love, even when I feel alone:) But that's just my two bits.

Love you all!

-Elder Moser

New Transfer

2/10/2020

Hello friends and Family!

 We had transfers this last week. I had to say goodbye to my dear friend and companion elder Russell last Thursday. We had to sleep over with the zone leaders with no electricity and a hot room. I got to spend the whole of Thursday wit hthe zone leaders in my old area, Kwamashu.  We did some cool things, including giving a blessing to a sick boy, and teach many families out of the come follow me.  We talked a lot out of nephi chapter 5 And the things we need to do in life to be happy. I realized that day that the Book of Mormon doesn’t MAKE us happy, it TEACHES us HOW to be happy ☺

 We took a taxi at some point while in Kwamashu full of School girls. They all took pictures and videos of us on the taxi. I guess they have never seen 3 mlungus in a township on a taxi before????

 My new companion is Elder Siebert from….. Well, he is from everywhere. His dad is an ambassador, so he has been to like, most countries. We have been trying to kick start this area. I’m getting a little frustrated with this area as of lately though. Most of the people we talk to are jehovahs witnesses. In fact, we were just in a second hand store and had about a 20 minute discussion with one. Most people here wont even listen to us because they are “already believers.”  I usually love tracting, but now its just making me frustrated.

 So, because of that I needed more motivation. I started to read jesus the Christ and the Book of Mormon in the evening and night. I have felt the spirit so strong and really feel it motivate me to try harder and to be as obedient as possible. I’m looking forward to the days ahead☺

Pray for us y’all.

Have joy!

Elder Moser

My feet are good. I got insoles for them and they have been feeling much better. As for my pants, I looked at them after washing and they are torn in some weird spots, but I should be ok. There is that lady that we moved sewing machines for, I'm sure I could go to her if I need to.

The temple dedication is this sunday! Kinda cool how you know. We are just going to the Kwamashu chapel to watch it. We might watch all 3 sessions because My companion has never seen one before. Some members in our ward, including the bishop, get to attend the actual service. My temple recommend actually expires this month, so I'm so lucky! Coincidence? I think not.

Is this exchange student going to be there when I get home? Yes, I have a fly home date. June 12th. Mark that down on your calendar! 

I actually read a 200 page book on Joseph Smith this last week and there were multiple parts where I just had to set the book down and ponder what I was reading. you bet I felt the spirit! It motivated me immensely and brought me to tears. Many times. What a powerful family he had too. Jesse's dream really makes him like joseph, and I would definitely be Hyrum to him!

Temple x5

February 3, 2020

Really the only thing that happened this week was us going to the temple every day. We went with some of the people we are currently teaching! Every one of them could feel the spirit and the peace that is felt in the temple.

One thing I noticed while going through the open house was the simple beauty of the temple. It is the most magnificent building, but yet, the elegant details don't distract your thoughts from the Saviour and I really appreciate that :)

Enjoy some pictures!

My zone leader gave me a cosmic brownie and a Hershey bar!

I got to see a family from Bloemfontein that I never got to say goodbye to:))

TEMPLE YAY!