Elder & Sister Hamilton

On Sunday, August 11, we had the privilege of going with Elder and Sister Kevin Hamilton to the Tembisa Ward.  We picked them up at the Area Presidency Residence and drove them to Tembisa.

It was a very special Sunday.  Bishop MKambule said it was a Sunday he would always remember; he was overjoyed.  In addition to Elder Hamilton, President Armstrong, the temple President spoke in Sacrament Meeting.  President Chatora (Centurion Stake President) was also sitting on the stand.

The Hamiltons just arrived in South Africa.  He is a newly called member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and is second counselor in the Area Presidency.  They have six children; 5 of which are married.

Last May, we met Elder Hamilton’s mother in the garment distribution at Deseret Book near the Seattle temple.  She told us about her son’s call; and how excited and proud she was of him (as any mother would be).

President Armstrong talked about the temple and the sealing covenant.  He explained that sealing blessings not only include the sealing of your spouse, posterity and ancestors to you, but also include your sealing to the Abrahamic Covenant, and sealing to our Heavenly Father as his child.

Elder Hamilton asked the congregation the question, “Why are you here?”  He taught us that Christ sacrificed for us; he accepted and followed the Lord’s plan; this allowed us to come to earth to receive a body and progress.  We are here in church because of His sacrifice and because of our love for Him.  We sacrifice our time and talents in building up the kingdom.  We are here because we desire to return to Him.

Following sacrament meeting, there was a group of youth that were going to be baptized.  We gathered for pictures on the church lawn with the young children and the Hamiltons.

We brought the Hamiltons back to our flat for a light lunch.  What wonderful people they are.  We look forward to hearing from Elder Hamilton in the Sunday afternoon session of October Conference.

I have to add one more thing that was a bit humorous.  Sister Armstrong, temple Matron, was supposed to speak with her husband, but she got a nosebleed and had to leave the meeting.  After sacrament meeting I was chatting with her and she said "Yes, the Lord wanted to have some time for Elder Hamilton to speak today so he gave me a nosebleed"  I laughed and teased her a little saying "ha ha..you're blaming God for your nosebleed?"  She said "No, I'm giving him the credit!" :)