13/06/2018
Zimbabwe Early Morning Seminary Rises With the Sun
Early morning Seminary is relatively new in Zimbabwe, but several Latter-day Saint groups in the Harare area are implementing it with success. Dozens of classes of teen-aged youth in Harare congregations gather daily, usually in near-by members’ homes so attendees can walk to class.
At 5:20 a.m., on a recent cold dark morning, seven high school students gathered at the home of Seminary teacher Sister Linda Chinengundu, arriving on foot before the sun had sent out even the faintest beams of a sunrise. All students at Mufakose 2 High School in the Marimba Park area of southwest Harare, the students sat bundled up in the snug living room and bowed their heads in prayer.
They opened their well-thumbed copies of The Book of Mormon to Alma chapter 38 where the prophet Alma counsels his son Shiblon. They took turns reading verses, and Sister Chinengundu quietly asked them to express their thoughts and impressions.
The teens spoke freely of obedience and humility in receiving instructions from inspired leaders. The mood was lively as they commented on certain passages, and their enthusiasm seemed to warm the morning chill.
Afterwards, as they left for school, 15-year-old Tanatswa commented, “Seminary comforts me through the day. I feel it is the Holy Ghost that stays with me.” Her twin brother Tendai added, “Before this class, I wasn’t a person to read the scriptures much. I have more faith in the Lord Jesus Christ than I used to have.”
Munashe, 18, said, “I used to read the Book of Mormon and didn’t understand some things, but Seminary really helps me understand. It’s the greatest thing happening in my life now.”
With a big smile, Tafara, 15, said, “I’m not yet a member; I’m still negotiating with my mother for permission to get baptised. It’s hard to wake up so early, especially when it’s cold, but I don’t like to miss,” he added.
“It was overwhelming at first [to be called to teach Seminary],” said Sister Chinengundu, “but it’s an experience I needed. I had never taught the youth before, and the principles I’ve learned from the Book of Mormon have helped me as a mother.”
Rumbidzai summed it all up by simply saying, “I like it!”
