South Africa trains own missionaries
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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The new Johannesburg Missionary Training Center welcomed its first missionaries the week after Elder Robert C. Oaks of the Seventy dedicated it July 20. The new facility, which also houses offices for the South Africa Johannesburg Mission, is somewhat smaller than other missionary training centers throughout the world, and houses 32 missionaries.
"The purpose of the missionary training center is to better prepare new missionaries by providing experiences that will strengthen their love for the Savior and their testimonies of His mission, teach them how to more effectively study the scriptures, teach them to improve their teaching skills and help them to refine their social graces," said Sister Peggy Orton, who is serving a public affairs mission in the Africa Southeast Area with her husband, Elder Ferrin Orton.
Also attending the dedication, along with Elder Oaks, who is president of the Africa Southeast Area, were new missionary training center President Jerry McCleary and Johannesburg mission President James W. Fitch, along with stake presidents and bishops. A trio of young elders from the Johannesburg mission provided hymn that touched the hearts of those in attendance, Sister Orton said.
An open house on July 19, Sister Orton reported, welcomed members and friends to the building, which includes an oak wood interior and religious paintings that "encourage the feelings of peace and refuge from the everyday activities of the world."
"The open house was well attended and a few who came were excited young elders who would be in the first class of missionaries entering the following week," she said.
