27/07/2026
"Feed My Sheep" (ELDER SALUBENI UPDATE)
John 21:15–17
«"Jesus saith unto him... Feed my sheep."»
It's official! My MTC group, including Elder Paradza, and I have just three months remaining before we complete our missions. We have made a covenant with the Lord, our families, friends, and Church members that we will finish our missions with peace, faith, and honor.
One lesson I have come to understand is why not everyone serves a full-time mission. Many are called, but only a few choose to prepare themselves and become worthy to answer that call.
As I reflect on December 2024 at the Ghana MTC, I remember being taught that before we can share the gospel with the world, we must first gain our own testimony of it. We were also trained on how to use Preach My Gospel and how to use technology wisely in the Lord's work.
Technology was one of my greatest challenges. It took me several months to change the way I used it. Through the guidance of Heavenly Father, my mission presidents, assistants to the president, and the words of living prophets, I learned obedience. As I became more obedient, I began to experience the promised blessings that come from following the Lord.
I have been greatly blessed by heaven to serve in Senegal 🇸🇳 for nearly a year. Serving the people of Senegal and sharing the restored gospel has helped me develop Christlike attributes such as charity, love, hope, humility, and patience.
Missionary work in Senegal has not been easy. It has stretched me in ways I never imagined. Finding those prepared to receive the gospel was challenging. Many days were spent knocking on doors for six or seven hours. Because the majority of the population is Muslim, many were not interested in hearing about Jesus Christ. In their beliefs, Jesus is respected as a prophet, while Muhammad holds the central place in their faith.
Despite these challenges, I witnessed miracles. I had the sacred opportunity to meet General Authorities, including Elder Kyle S. McKay, Elder Larry S. Kacher, Area Seventies, Elder Morrison, and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Gary E. Stevenson. His visit brought great blessings to Senegal. Since then, the work has continued to grow, and the number of baptisms has increased.
One of the greatest miracles I witnessed was seeing my final area in Senegal grow into a branch. I still remember when it was only the missionaries and one faithful member gathering each Sunday to partake of the sacrament and share messages. Today, the Lord has truly blessed His work there.
Throughout my mission, I have learned to teach the gospel with love, joy, and, above all, by relying on the Holy Ghost. The Spirit has become the greatest key to conversion. My companion and I can teach the lessons, but it is the Holy Ghost who changes hearts.
I have been blessed to witness many baptisms with my companions. However, counting baptisms has never been my purpose as a missionary. My purpose has always been to find the elect and invite them to come unto Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants 29:7
«"And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts."»
Working together with members has helped my companions and me bring many souls unto Christ—the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Being a missionary is not defined by wearing a name tag. Every disciple of Jesus Christ is a missionary. Some are called as full-time missionaries for two years, while others serve faithfully as member missionaries every day through their examples, invitations, and testimonies.
My testimony of Jesus Christ, His restored Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon has grown stronger than ever before. I know that God lives. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know this Church is true, and I will stand by that testimony forever. Until we meet again.
INCHALLAH, JEREJEF, A' BIENTÔT
