Latter-day Saint Women Around the World: Filicity from Cape Province, South Africa

Somewhat religious to fit their agenda.

Are business and stores closed on Sunday?

No

Do most people attend church?

Yes

2. How long have you been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Please tell us a about your conversion.

I’ve been a member for 18 years. I worked as a security guard in a shopping centre. The rules of the centre was that no one is allowed to sell anything inside except those that were there. A couple of times we had to ask Jehovah Witness groups to not sell their Watch Tower there. One particular morning I saw four sisters and I thought they were from that religious group. I asked them what they were doing. They gave me a pamphlet on The Second Coming of the Saviour. I wasn’t interested. One of my supervisors was very religious and I gave it to him. He showed no interest in it. I read some of it and tried getting hold of the missionaries. I called around at the same time but couldn’t get a hold of them. Three days later a minister walked in and I asked him where I could find these people and the Church. He told me they were of the devil and that I needed to stay away from them. That same morning I called them again and got hold of them. I asked if I could come and see them. We made an appointment for that day. As I walked into their flat I looked for any signs that might portray some devilry signs. I told them about my experience and what was said about them. They just laughed. They shared some of the gospel and gave me a Book of Mormon. When I first held it in my left hand I just knew it was true. It felt physically like a heavy weight I was carrying.

We set up appointments. Because of the political unrest in my area they were not allowed to enter. We met in the flat block’s lounge area. That was put to a stop by my management and we met in their flat. I could not get enough of what I was taught. I read with such an enthusiasm. My questions never stopped. The sisters helped feed that hunger for more. Just before I got baptized I got cold feet. The Wednesday before my baptism the sister missionaries wrote me letters. That was so inspired. I will never forget that. I still have their letters. I got baptized in Feb 1993, endowed in 1995, and am still going strong.

3. What is the LDS church attendance like in your area?

Fantastic. Our chapel is full on Sundays

How many stakes, wards, or branches are there in your area?

We have got seven Stakes, Centurion, Bedfordview, Benoni, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Roodepoort, Soweto. In my area there are seven wards.

On an average Sunday how many members attend church?

I think around 75% or more.

Do people have to travel far to attend church?

Some

What are the demographics of your ward? Are most members young, old, married, single, are there more women then men? Or it is it a good balance?

It’s a good balance.

Somewhat

Do most people in your country know about it?

No not really.

Don’t know what it is or prejudiced.

Are people familiar with the church?

Somewhat

Do you often have to defend or explain your beliefs?

Yes

6. How is missionary work in your country?

Amazing. The work is truly moving forward.

Would you say that it is difficult or easy for missionaries to find people to teach?

Some areas is more easier than others.

How often do you have a new baptism?

In my ward, at least three a month.

What are the greatest barriers to missionary work in your country?

Members fear of sharing their beliefs.

7. How many families do you know (LDS or not) who have more than two children? If a family with four children moved to your area, would their family size seem unusual? What about a family with six children?

LOTS!