Bishop Matswagothata from Botswana

     Bishop Matswagothata is an inspiring Bishop of the Broadhurst Single Adult Ward.  

One day, as we sat together in his office, he shared this touching story of faith and 

the principle of brotherly love.

     Bishop's friend, Brother Langston, joined the church around 1990.  Something went 

awry and he lost his membership and became very angry, which is often a common reaction.

  Years ago he had actually been Bishop Matswagothata's senior companion as a home teacher.

     Bishop decided to start emailing his friend about once a month to just check in and say hello.

After several months, Brother Langston sent back an answer saying, "I'm not interested in the 

church.  I want nothing to do with it.  Please stop sending me emails."

     The Bishop answered, "I once had a home teaching companion and we went to visit an 

older brother who had left the church and he asked us not to come again.  You answered him 

by saying--I love you too much to not return,"

     "So brother, I say to you now--I love you too much to quit writing to you."

     Well, time goes by.   The Bishop got busy and he missed a few months.  Brother Langston 

them sent him a long email and asked him, "Why have you quit communicating with me?"

     So, of course the Bishop began to respond more diligently.

     Then Brother Langston gets married and has two children (now ages 5 and 2.)  The Bishop and

he go to lunch one day and the Bishop asks, "How long are you going to keep this going?  

You have two children and you're not teaching them about God.  Take them to church!"

     He answers quietly, "I can't.  There is only one church and that is the LDS church."

     "Well, then,"  the Bishop replies, "Come back."

     Slowly, he begins his way back.  He goes to the Young Adult Ward where Bishop 

Matswagothata is the Bishop.  He wears a blue shirt and sits at the back.  Then he changes to 

a white shirt, and then to a suit and tie.  Currently, he is bringing the family to church with him.

     Now here is the interesting part that concerns our mission a bit.  He tells the Bishop that 

he may miss a few meetings because he is going to run for a Government Office in Parliament.  Botswana, like most African nations, has constant issues with visas for the missionaries to be in 

their country,  To have a member in Parliament would be an invaluable friend for the church.  

The Lord moves in mysterious ways to accomplish moving the church forward in this land.

     This Bishop's tireless efforts for several years as a dedicated home teacher and friend, will 

most likely evolve into a significant blessing for the church in Botswana.