Matero Ward

This is the building where we meet.  It's a large rented home, but there are plans to start a new building pretty close by soon. We have about 90-110 members at church each week--that's after the Sacrament!  Before the Sacrament, there are probably 50.  Bishop keeps encouraging people to come on time, but they just don't.  Transportation is hard here and many of them walk.  You never know what they encounter on their way, so we try to be patient. 

 This is two of the people baptized our 2nd Sunday there.  Annie Musunga and her daughter, Judith were baptized.  Her husband, Kennedy, has been less active but is now active and baptized his wife and daughter.  They have 3 other children who will be baptized when they are old enough.  The little girl here is Fitus.  She's in our Primary class and comes from a very active family. 

 These three provided the prelude music before one of the baptisms.  They don't have a piano or keyboard here so we always sing acapella.  They really know how to sing in the Matero Ward and they harmonize very well.  We have lots of RMs and they love the hymns of teh church. 

 Sister Annie and her darling baby girl.  It's amazing to me how they carry their babies on their backs. It's interesting to watch them get in position to tie the chetange around them to hold the baby.  I hope to get more pictures of this type of thing.  It really is beautiful!

 The baptisms are conducted in about knee-deep water which has to be carried into the church from the Elder's flat.  I just didn't believe they could be totally immersed in such shallow water, but it worked and the saving ordinance was completed!  I was so relieved!

This is Sister Zulu and her nephew on her right and Batiste--the best Primary Teacher in the Matero Ward--on her left. 

 The Musanga family, except Annie as she was not feeling well that Sunday.  Kennedy, Deborah, Samuel (a nephew), Blessings and Judith.  They are a great family and a great addition to the Ward. 

 Bishop Chifunda (pronounces Shifunda) and some of his family. We have been visiting members several Sundays with him and his son, Davis.  He is a great man and the family is very active.  Davis is preparing for a mission.