John's story

Arrey Mbu (John) is an amazing young men, he is one of the people baptized last Sunday and will be Confirmed tomorrow in Sacrament meeting. We met with him and the missionaries last night at a meeting with the ward mission leader. I told him that he reminded me very much of our grandson Jaden, the same smile and similar personality appearing somewhat shy but a giant of a spirit inside. John told us part of his life story. His Father back in Africa has always been wealthy and able to support a large family so he has five wives and 21 children. Only four daughters and the rest sons. When John's mother married his Father, her family was totally against it to the point that when John was born his aunt immediately took him away and kept him away from his Father. He lived with her and her family but was abused horribly. He told us that when he was about 12 or 14 he could stand it no longer, he wanted to see this Father so he sold all of his personal belongings including his woodworking tools and ran away. He found himself alone on the side of a road when a woman asked him who he was. When he mentioned his name she told him where he could find his Father. She drew out a map on how to get there using public transportation and he followed her directions. When finding the home he was told that his Father was in prison but would come and visit every Sat and Sun. He stayed there until the weekend and when his Father finally met him the Father fell back and collapsed he was so happy to see him. They took both the Father and John to the hospital. The reason John had to go there also was because his right leg was swollen to twice the size of what it should have been. He had been having trouble with it for a long time and the infection was so extreme that the doctors wanted to amputate the leg. Both John and his Father refused to let them do it. His giant of a spirit took over and believing in God, his leg was healed. He now walks normally and his leg is better.

We had to cut the evening short because the Elders had to go home (they have a curfew). I am eager to hear the rest of the story and of how John made it to Belgium. He speaks English but not as well as he would like and has a difficult time expressing himself. The spirit was so strong however it was not all that hard to understand him.

One thing John did mention last night was that he was very impressed that there were children in church here. He always believed that only adults were allowed in church and loved the fact that children were not only allowed but welcome. Ben reminded him that the Saviour set the example for us by insisting that the children be allowed to come to him.

We are hoping that we can stay in close contact with John, he is one young man I will never forget. He has been going with the missionaries when ever he can to share his testimony. He said a prayer just before leaving and it was one of the most powerful prayers I have ever heard. Not exactly the typical prayer but a genuine conversation with his Heavenly Father. I'm sure this prayer did not bounce off the ceiling.