July 31, 2017
Sorry, I was hopin' that the title was going to be more exciting and stuff i was gonna title this email "4 v 1 @ The Hindu Temple" and kinda beef it up with slangish words, and my story tellin' skills, but I'm like, super bored of writing, 'cause I just typed this whole thing up to someone else. Cool experience though!
While street boarding, Elder Jack and I met a nice lady named Shradha. We had a short discussion with her, and we gave her a pamphlet, and came to learn that she is from a Hindu temple called "Hare Krshna". We exchanged phone numbers and told her that we would love to have a discussion on religion with her some time. She accepted and seemed very interested, but initially we did not think much of it. Later in the week we got a text from her, asking if we would be interested in going to the Hindu temple and having a discussion with her and a leader of her church from Nairobi. We accepted and were really excited to go. One, because it was a great opportunity to fellowship others and teach about our beliefs, and two, we thought of it as a great learning opportunity to hear from their side of things. We arrived at the temple on the designated day. We did not feel hesitant, but a little nervous, and proceeded with a tour. They showed us their paintings and different things in their holy house, and then we sat down and began to participate in a "question and answer" type thing. We told them of our great appreciation at the chance to talk about our religions, and we assured them that we were not there to argue. It was a great relief when they told us the same! But, we started with the questions, focusing on questions such as "the understanding of deity and scripture" as well as the three questions answered in the plan of salvation. All parties began feeling comfortable with the setting and we got into a delightful discussion! We bonded over similarities with our religions such as our observance of the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. They actually have commandments similar to those in their religion! They don't take tea or coffee either! And in the short time that we had together, we were able to develop a nice relationship. There was a point though that struck me like no other. The Hindu pastor raised a question, which for them is a big hindrance on their views of Christianity. He said "Why do Christians say they follow God, yet continue to sin without even really batting an eye" (I kinda put that question into my own words sorry...) But immediately the spirit put the scripture Mosiah 3:19 about the natural man in my head, and I shared it with him. He read it they both looked up at us and he said "That's beautiful!" and ya know it was like a punch in the face. The spirit really rushed in and I thought to myself, "Look at this- two devout followers of a completely different religion, are finding answers to their question in our scriptures and feeling the spirit so strong to be able to call it beautiful?!" Woah! and also I'm never going to be able to stand with such authority and confidence, to face others than when I stand as a representative of Jesus Christ. It is a very special opportunity, and it is only limited. I don't wear this tag forever. I gotta make the most out of it while it stands here on the outside of my chest and not just the inside!
Also, as a continuation on that story, they liked us so much that they gave us 2 whole books of the Gita (their scripture) and another book by a guru of theirs! They also wouldn't let us leave without feeding us! And Shradha came to church on Sunday! It was awesome! I have so much to tell you guys, but it's just so hard to in an email...While street boarding, Elder Jack and I met a nice lady named Shradha. We had a short discussion with her, and we gave her a pamphlet, and came to learn that she is from a Hindu temple called "Hare Krshna". We exchanged phone numbers and told her that we would love to have a discussion on religion with her some time. She accepted and seemed very interested, but initially we did not think much of it. Later in the week we got a text from her, asking if we would be interested in going to the Hindu temple and having a discussion with her and a leader of her church from Nairobi. We accepted and were really excited to go. One, because it was a great opportunity to fellowship others and teach about our beliefs, and two, we thought of it as a great learning opportunity to hear from their side of things. We arrived at the temple on the designated day. We did not feel hesitant, but a little nervous, and proceeded with a tour. They showed us their paintings and different things in their holy house, and then we sat down and began to participate in a "question and answer" type thing. We told them of our great appreciation at the chance to talk about our religions, and we assured them that we were not there to argue. It was a great relief when they told us the same! But, we started with the questions, focusing on questions such as "the understanding of deity and scripture" as well as the three questions answered in the plan of salvation. All parties began feeling comfortable with the setting and we got into a delightful discussion! We bonded over similarities with our religions such as our observance of the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. They actually have commandments similar to those in their religion! They don't take tea or coffee either! And in the short time that we had together, we were able to develop a nice relationship. There was a point though that struck me like no other. The Hindu pastor raised a question, which for them is a big hindrance on their views of Christianity. He said "Why do Christians say they follow God, yet continue to sin without even really batting an eye" (I kinda put that question into my own words sorry...) But immediately the spirit put the scripture Mosiah 3:19 about the natural man in my head, and I shared it with him. He read it they both looked up at us and he said "That's beautiful!" and ya know it was like a punch in the face. The spirit really rushed in and I thought to myself, "Look at this- two devout followers of a completely different religion, are finding answers to their question in our scriptures and feeling the spirit so strong to be able to call it beautiful?!" Woah! and also I'm never going to be able to stand with such authority and confidence, to face others than when I stand as a representative of Jesus Christ. It is a very special opportunity, and it is only limited. I don't wear this tag forever. I gotta make the most out of it while it stands here on the outside of my chest and not just the inside!
Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar mis amados amigos y familiares. Los amo mucho y deseo la mejor semana para cada uno de ustedes.(translation: till we meet again my beloved friends and family. i love you all very much and i wish the best week for each of you.)
Elder Fraga
