February 27 - 28, 2016 - Lubumbashi Stake Conference

February 28 - It was the Lubumbashi Stake Conference. We got there about 20 minutes early and the stake center was PACKED. Lucky for us, Emmanuel had some seats on the front row where we could sit. We were blown away with the number of people in attendance. There is another building adjacent to the stake center. It houses the Institute, facilities management, a small one-room distribution center. The large room there was used as an overflow and it was full.

The choir was AMAZING!! Sister Draper especially loved the choir. They sing out like a mini Tabernacle Choir.  As you may remember, Sister Draper organized a Christmas Choir Program with each of the 3 stakes in December. She led our missionary choir in it. She plays the organ very well and has accompanied choirs that her Dad directed in Calgary for many many years. The Spirit was very strong throughout the meeting.

 Elder and Sister Draper bore their testimonies. Sister Draper spoke in Swahili. She had written out her testimony and Solange translated it for her in Swahili and helped with the pronunciation. It was awesome!! Elder Draper did a great job in French. President Thomas also spoke in the meeting. I didn't understand all his words but I did FEEL the power of his testimony. He is a truly spiritual man. He has paid the price by study and pondering the scriptures.

Drapers came to our house for dinner today. I am going to miss her so much. We have gotten to be such good friends and so close in such a short time.

Emmanuel's daughter, Pemciany