We had our first institute fireside tonight. Principal QaQa (ngaw ngaw) and his wife spoke about their conversion to the church. That woman is a saint. He certainly was a cross to bear for her before and after he was baptized. He was a tough guy; said that his mom and dad were in and out of prison. They earned their living intimidating people. When they were in prison people in his village would take care of him hoping that when Dad got out he would be nice to them in appreciation for taking care of his son. Brother Qaqa's goal was to be tougher than his dad. He ended up in a boarding school and became a famous rugby and soccer player. Well, the missionaries found her and she let them in. He would tell her to tell them he was not home, but she could not. She explained, "How could I lie in front of my children. How could I have them see me lie." It would make him mad when she told the missionaries that he would not come out. They were baptized, but she was the only one really converted. He continued to carouse with his friends and many night the bishop would find him drunk and take him home to her. He spoke of gratitude to the Lord for being given the truth, and the amazing love of Heavenly Father for all of us. She of the difference between being baptized and being converted. The YSAs sat in awe for 70 minutes. When they were finished Scott told me to end the meeting. I was so choked up that I prayed all the way to the front of the room for guidance and clear thoughts.
I told the YSAs that they had heard many messages and that I wanted them to take a minute and listen to the Spirit tell them which message they needed most. I watched as those wonderful YSAs took my challenge seriously and it was evident when they heard the Spirit whispering to them. That little respite gave me time to get myself together. I ended with my gratitude for the QaQas, and to Heavenly Father for giving us the blessing of the Holy Ghost.
The room was filled to capacity for which we were also grateful.
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