Dan and Diane Erickson Mission to Cape Verde and Atlanta, Georgia: The Church in Cape Verde

Returned Missionaries

Approximately 80 percent of the members of the church in Cape Verde are under the age of 30. Many have served missions, many are currently serving missions and many are preparing to serve. Below are pictures of a few of those who have returned recently.

This young lady returned to Cape Verde last week after serving an honorable mission in Brazil.

As these missionaries return home, they are typically called to leadership positions in the ward or stake.

Kevin spoke today in sacrament meeting. He returned home two months ago.

The institute class in Mindelo has over 40 young adults attend on a regular basis.

Mary is a leader on the institute council and is now engaged to another returned missionary.

Not all of the young adults have had a chance to serve a mission but they are also stepping up to fulfill positions within the Church.

Maria was recently baptized. Dirce serves in the ward Relief Society presidency. Jacileila returned from her mission last September.

It seems like every month at least one young man or woman in the stake is called to serve a mission and at least one missionary returns home. Each of the three stakes has between 15 to 20 missionaries out at a time.

Ministering

Sister Erickson and I have been working with the Mindelo 5th ward and once a week we go with a ward leader to visit various families.

Ivanilda, in the center, is the ward primary president and knows just about everyone in her neighborhood. Here we are visiting with Christina who is currently less active but is being encouraged to return to church again.

We walked about three or four blocks and met with 7 or 8 different member and other families. Frequently as we walk around town, less active members will come up to us and talk. They fondly remember their baptism and the missionaries that taught them. Usually they have pictures of the missionaries in their homes along with a picture of Jesus Christ and one of the temples.

This family is preparing for baptism. India, on the left, and her husband are working toward marriage. They have two small children. Once married, they will be ready for baptism.

Each week baptisms are scheduled at two of the chapels in Mindelo.

Yesterday Elaine was baptized after being taught by Sister Forsyth and Sister Ayers. Other members of the ward showed their support by attending the baptism.

The Cape Verde Temple

On Friday, the Church announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the recently announced Cape Verde Temple will be held on May 4, 2019 in Praia. Here is an artist rendering of the new temple.

Members of the Church are so excited. Soon they will be able to do the ordinance work for themselves and then for their family members who have already passed on. Many members are beginning to do family history work.

It is absolutely amazing to see the Church function here in Cape Verde. Twenty nine years ago in 1990 the first missionaries starting working on the islands. Now there are stakes, districts, and a mission, and soon a temple.

The Couple of the Week

Elder and Sister Freckleton from San Antonio, Texas. They are retired health care professionals and are working with refugees in Lebanon. They have their hands full!