Thoughts from Joburg: Sabbath in Johannesburg

Yesterday under blue skies we drove to a stately brick meetinghouse surrounded by terraces of green grass and rose bushes awash in white blossoms. We were warmly greeted at the door by Melchizedek priesthood holders in tailored suits. Finding a space on a bench in the quickly-filling chapel, we greeted the people sitting behind us as we settled in and were greeted by members sitting to the side and in front of us.
Hymns were quietly played on the piano in the minutes preceding our being welcomed by a bishopric counselor who carefully followed his outlined agenda. The opening and sacrament hymns were familiar and clearly sung by the congregation. The chapel was quiet as members were reflective while the sacrament was blessed and passed by handsome young men in freshly pressed white shirts and suits.
An articulate young man spoke about the blessings of the priesthood which are available to men, women and children in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A young mother spoke of the influence the Young Women's Personal Progress program has been in her life as she prepared for temple marriage and motherhood. The ward clerk, a man in his late 20's, spoke regarding proper record keeping within the Church. Each of the three speakers referred to scripture references in their remarks and pages could be heard being quietly turned in the audience. All around us we were surrounded by attentive, reverent members and investigators who filled the chapel.
In the closing minutes of the Sacrament Meeting the bishop referenced Moses 7:18 regarding becoming a Zion people and encouraged us to improve the quality of our lives and obedience to the Lord.
The second hour we attended a Gospel Principles class taught by a full-time missionary elder from Madagascar. There were a total of 26 people in the room, 10 of whom were new members, missionaries and friends who had brought 16 investigators. Many are university students and immigrants from various countries of the continent.
This day was representative of the experience we have each Sunday in the Johannesburg 2nd Ward. One of the first chapels built in South Africa years before the priesthood and temple blessings were extended to all worthy male members of the Church, it sits in the inner city African community of Hillbrow. Part of 'Invictus' was filmed in the stadium across the street and a glimpse of the meetinghouse can be seen in the movie. Only one woman of European descent currently resides as a member of the ward. Often we three are the only nonblack Africans present.
Last Sunday Laurene presented a Family History fireside in the chapel following the three hour block of meetings regarding oral history pedigrees and over 50 people stayed the additional hour. There is definitely an interest in family history and temple work.
We feel honored each week to be welcomed and acknowledged by these remarkably studied, faithful members in this corner of the Lord's vineyard. They are warm, gracious people who are very patient with us as visitors.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading quickly among the African people with some branches and wards baptizing 1-4 people each Sunday. They are people of deep faith, well studied in the Bible who immerse themselves in the study of the Book of Mormon and Ensign/Liahona magazine addresses as they thirst for the words of living prophets.
On Saturday we drove an hour and half north to a valley with small towns surrounding a dam and reservoir. We browsed at an Afrikaner market and bakery where everything was listed in Afrikaans and our choices were tasty. Locally produced items are reasonably priced with imported items more expensive.