Incredible, Strong People

Today in our worship service (which we call "sacrament meeting"), a young man in his late twenties spoke.  He told us the story of his hard life.  When he was 12 years old, his mother took him for a walk one day and told him that she needed to leave for a year.  (Here in Kenya, families are often separated because of the need to go elsewhere for work).  His father was already gone to another country for work.  His mother told him that she needed him to be strong and to take care of his three younger siblings and that she would be back in a year.  Can you imagine?!  Remember . . . he was only 12 years old!  She asked him to stay strong, stay active in the gospel and do what was right.

It was at that time that he knew he needed to get a testimony for himself.  He needed to know that it was right to obey the Word of Wisdom (no alcohol, no tobacco, no drugs, no coffee) and that it was right to stay morally clean.  He needed to know that it was right to read the scriptures and to go to church each week.  He needed to know because he would be the man of the house.  He plead with the Lord and got his answer.  He knew the gospel was true!

He was able to care for his brothers and sister.  He went on a mission.  He got an education.  And now he is serving in the branch presidency and at the same time he is Stake Young Men president.  What incredible, strong people there are here in Kenya.  So glad we got to know Joseph Poche!  We really love him and his wife, Sharon, who is serving as the ward Primary president.