Final Suriname Zone Conference

There is something special about Suriname.

I love the beautiful, kind people.

And the missionaries are obedient, united and devoted to their work.

Can you imagine getting a mission call letter saying "You are called to serve in the West Indies, Dutch speaking"? I don't think I have talked to a single elder (from the US) who understood where he was going at first. They have quite an adventure as they learn Dutch and travel to South America.

There are sixteen missionaries serving in Suriname right now and most of them will spend their entire two years in that country. That can lead to wonderful bonds of friendship.

To honor us on our last visit, the elders decided to wear their suits - despite the heat (and no AC).


(even my lens was hot and foggy)

We were dazzled

Don't they look handsome?



I suppose most missionaries around the world wear suits - but here in the West Indies this is rare. The elders do all their work in short sleeved white shirts and ties.

The great French Guiana elders travel to Suriname (via car, canoe, and taxi) for zone conference. They are truly in the frontier of the mission - the only country with no missionary couple (if you know of a senior couple who would like a French adventure - please let me know!)



We continued our study of 'study'














Because of the diversity of this zone, we were able to hear a musical number in French, English and Tahitian - provided by the French Guiana elders



Lunch was my favorite - Saoto soup - provided by these wonderful Surinamese sisters



This is for you, Moms - close up pictures of your handsome, happy, hard-working sons!


Elders Tholen and Riding, and future Elder Bishasr (called to serve in Puerto Rico)


Elders Mecham, Holtz and Muse


Elders Pence, Harding and Baantjer


Elders Koenen and Lubberink


Elders Schroath, Shakespear and Croese


Elders Kempenaers and Biver


Elders Butler, Taerea, Temarono and Maihota


Elders Kinghorn, Swart and Vernes

At the end of the day we chatted, shared pictures, and finally - we just had to say goodbye

A Royal Farewell

We said goodbye to our Surinamese friends tonight in a fireside.

They treated us 'royally'

Kind Sister Fer made us traditional Amerindian capes - worn during special celebrations



We love these fine people







The Ibrahim family



My Surinamese 'Oprah' friend

Special Gifts in Suriname

"We must seek after spiritual gifts. As we do with the intent to build the Lord's kingdom, with no motive but to accomplish the Lord's will, then the Lord blesses us."

I read that quote from Elder Neil L Andersen this morning in the Church News (April 18, 2009, p 6) and it reminded my of an experience in Suriname.


I was sitting next to my husband on the stand in the small Wanica Branch on Easter Sunday.

I noticed this beautiful young (19-20 year old) sister sitting at the keyboard.



You need to know that there are very few members who play keyboard in the West Indies. Generally we sing hymns A cappella - often without even a starting note. The chorister stands, hold up his or her arms and says, "three....four..." and then the congregation begins singing and makes their way to a unified key (eventually - or sometimes never).

We sang some beautiful Easter hymns that day and this sister accompanied us beautifully - with both hands. I was impressed.

After the meeting I went over and complimented her. I was stunned to find out that she had only been playing in earnest for three weeks. She had played a little with her right hand before, but three weeks ago Elder Vernes, the most talented pianist and organist in the mission, started coaching her. He told me she learned incredibly fast.

He had started her on "All Creatures of our God and King' a week earlier and she played it perfectly in church that day.





But that is not all....

Elder Vernes told me that Valerie has a little keyboard at home for practicing but lately it has been out of batteries. Her home (where she lives with her family including 3 or 4 sisters who are also members of the church) has no electricity. So she has been practicing by just running her fingers over the silent keys!


Here is another story from that same sacrament meeting in Suriname

The branch mission leader got up to bear his testimony and referred to Moses' call as a prophet when he told the Lord that he was "slow of speech" (Exodus 4:10).

This man said that when he joined the church he couldn't read and didn't have much school. He didn't even speak the language (Dutch). As a new member he accepted callings, studied and learned how to read. He said that as he read the scriptures he prayed for wisdom.

He testified:

"God loves his children. If we don't do anything we won't have success. We need to help the Church grow and our faith will grow. Five years ago I was not able to speak Dutch. Now I can speak and read Dutch and stand before you and bear testimony. Without this Church it would not have been possible."

It's amazing to see the gifts and power God has prepared for us as we turn to Him and do His work.

"And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God." (D&C 46:26)

Easter Monday in Suriname

"And we did magnify our office unto the Lord"
(Jacob 1:19)

That is the theme of zone conference for April

Our topic is PLANNING

I love Elder Ballard's description of young missionaries:

"Most of them have never had to plan anything. They haven’t even had to plan to pick their socks up." (Mission President Training, 2003)

Isn't that so true?

So - we expected a challenge - but found wonderfully prepared and dedicated missionaries

As usual, we started our tour in Suriname.

And, as usual, the elders there were stellar.

The French Guiana elders traveled to be with us by car, then kayak, then taxi.

At the beginning of the conference we always recite my purpose from Preach my Gospel (a slightly modified version of p 11 'remember this' box)

I love watching the Suriname elders stand up and recite in Dutch (such an interesting language) and then the Guiana elders recite in French (the language of heaven according to my husband).

We sing the hymns in Dutch - always a challenging experience

The lesson is taught in English (thank goodness)

We started with doctrine - how ordinances and covenants fit into the plan of salvation

Next we talked about principles - developing our full potential

And finally, we finished with applications - using the teaching record, setting goals and planning to achieve them

Here are some great West Indies planners at work:











We had lots of prospective missionaries present - two of them under call



Here they are - the missionaries of Suriname and French Guiana - district by district


Elders Schroeth, Shakespear, Lubberink, Harding (back)
Elders Koenen and Baantjer (front)


Elders Kinghorn, Mecham, Croese, and Vernes


From far away Nickerie - small in numbers but great in stature:
Elders Pence and Holtz


Elders Tholen, Riding, Swart and Ash


The French Guiana district:
Elders Butler (brand new), Kempenaars, Tevero, Temerono, Pahio, and Taerea


My favorite Saoto soup for lunch

Suriname Zone Conference - Monday, March 16

As usual, we started our zone conference tour in Dutch-speaking Suriname.

And, as usual, the elders were clean, crisp, and eager to learn.


During the conference...

some graphs with Elder McDaniel


lots of practice






and plenty of delicious food














and some far better food (Elder Croese)


Here they are!

The missionaries of Suriname


and French Guiana


Elder Pahio and Tevaro


Elder Vernes and Lubberink


Elder Kinghorn and Harding


Elder Ash


Brand new Suriname couple - Elder and Sister Dirkmatt


And newly called missionary Ralph Wehl - who will be serving in the West Indies Mission!!!


(Thanks to Sister Millet for taking these pictures)