As this transfer ends.....

President Dunn's last words sent in his final letter to the missionaries:

As this transfer ends, it is also time for me to bid farewell. And while I am very much feeling the sadness of parting with you and our great work here in Africa, I have much joy as I think not only of our service together, but by envisioning the amazing miracles that will no doubt occur during the remainder of your ministry. And to keep you energized about the special and sacred opportunity it is to serve in Africa, I close with a few thoughts from some living prophets and their impressions of this land and its people—and the promise of the divine work being performed here by you:

“Africa has been held in reserve by the Lord.” —Jeffrey R. Holland

“The African people are a kind and patient people. They don’t have a lot of income or resources that allow them financially to do things, so they just do them out of sheer effort. They will walk miles and miles and miles to accomplish something that they are prompted to do by the Holy Ghost to further the work.”  —Elder Richard G. Scott

“Truly the Lord is hastening His work throughout the world. We saw evidence of that hastening in every country and city we visited in Africa. The devoted and faithful members of the Church on that continent are anxiously engaged in following the example of the Savior and establishing His gospel and Church. I am especially impressed by their diligent preparation to enter the house of the Lord worthily and receive the blessings to be had therein.” —David A. Bednar

“We are not here to teach you Western culture.  We are here to teach you about the gospel culture.  Gospel culture takes precedence over any other influence.” —David A. Bednar

“Many African traditions are consistent with the gospel culture and help our members keep the commandments of God. The strong African family culture is superior to that of many Western countries, where family values are disintegrating. We hope the examples of love and loyalty among members of African families will help us teach others these essential traditions in the gospel culture. Modesty is another African strength. We plead with youth elsewhere to be as modest as most of the young people we see in Africa.” —Dallin H. Oaks

“This is the next stage of pioneers. There were pioneers in the 1800’s in Salt Lake City. Africa can be the next phase of pioneers in the Church.”  —David A. Bednar

“We were impressed with the strength of the priesthood leadership and the unity of the members. They come from many countries with different languages and racial backgrounds, but they are united in living the culture of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” —Quentin L. Cook

“Africa’s one of those special places where you get to see the glory of the Lord, the wonder and the miracle of the Restoration just, quite literally, unfold before your eyes.” —Jeffrey R. Holland

“Most in the Africa Southeast Area have experienced and are dealing with life’s ongoing tragedies. Very few have escaped the loss of loved ones. Very few have escaped economic challenges. Very few have escaped societal conflict.  None have escaped all. The Book of Mormon prophet, Mormon, illustrates how Christ and His Atonement can bring the proper  perspective to life’s difficulties. In writing to his son Moroni, after detailing the destruction of their civilization and atrocities done by both sides of the conflict. Mormon said, ‘…may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever’.”—Dale G. Renland