Hosting Asser Kapere to Salt Lake City

One of our opportunities as Public Affairs Missionaries is to host prominent government
leaders to Salt Lake City.  Namibia has issues related to our missionaries and their visas.
The Honourable Asser Kapere is the Chairman of the National Counsel, Parliament of
Namibia.  That's equivalent to the President of the Senate in our National Government.  We
invited him to come to Salt Lake and we were delighted when he accepted.  So we flew
 home on October 23, 2012, to help with hosting activities.

Himuvi Mbingeneeko, assistant to Chairman Kapere, Brother Steven Bennion, The Honourable
Chairman Asser Kapere of Namibia, and Sister and Elder Roberts.

Our introduction to the Church at Temple Square was to attend the Music and Spoken Word
Performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Chairman Kapere and Himuvi were introduced
as special guests from Namibia.  The choir was outstanding and we especially enjoyed the rendition
of "Nearer My God to Thee."

We then met two young sister missionaries who led us on a
tour of temple square.  We viewed the exhibits in the visitor's
center and learned a little of the Mormon History.

The temple is an integral part of the Church. 

We met Lloyd Newell which was a pleasant surprise.  He was
 so warm and friendly.   Many stopped to shake hands with our 
guests and to welcome them to Utah.

The Assembly Hall, which was one of the first buildings erected in Utah by the early saints.

Our tour continued past the Tabernacle.

The Tabernacle, which was where we heard the Tabernacle Choir
perform, was built in the 1870's.  One interesting fact is that they
used wooden pegs instead of nails. 

We then moved to the other Visitor's Center and enjoyed numerous pictures telling the story of
Jesus' MInistry on Earth.

And a highlight of the day was to stand before this beautiful statue of Jesus,
unified as friends who love our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

We then went across the street to see the Conference Center.  They had just had a
Latino Celebration and the decorations were all in place.  The size of this building is
impressive and there is no admission charge for any performance.

We went to the top of the building and enjoyed the view
of Salt Lake City

and the temple in the background.

Our last event for the day was to cross the street again to the
Joseph Smith Building and attend a Sacrament Meeting.
Chairman Kapere was surprised that the main speakers were
a newly married husband and wife and that they were so
articulate and knowledgable about their religion.