Education moments: 'I feel like a pioneer'
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While serving a full-time mission for the Church, I would ask my companions what they did before they went on a mission, and the answer was always "school." This experience wakened in me the desire of furthering my education. A few weeks before I completed my mission, I worried about how I was going to get the funds to continue with school. At first it seemed almost impossible, especially considering my background. What's more, I knew that things back in my home country of Zimbabwe were not so good politically and economically.
After my mission, I decided to move to South Africa and apply for a loan through the Church's Perpetual Education Fund. However, to apply I needed to have been a resident for two years, and I had been in South Africa only a few months. A PEF missionary couple encouraged me to apply for a residency exception, which I did. As I waited for the Church to get back to me, I learned, in a deeper sense, the principles of patience, prayer and fasting. Finally, I was approved to receive the aid of the Perpetual Education Fund in South Africa, and I was accepted to study electrical engineering at one of the best universities of technology in the country. Engineering is a growing career in South Africa, and as a qualified engineer I will be able to take care of my family sufficiently and better serve the Lord and His Church.
The Lord has been merciful, and I continue counting my blessings. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of self-reliance, prayer and trusting in the Lord. As the first person in my family to attend a university, I feel like a pioneer. Two of my nieces have since joined the Church, and they also want to attend college.
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves. … I believe the Lord does not wish to see His people condemned to live in poverty. I believe He would have the faithful enjoy the good things of the earth."
How grateful I am for this inspired program.
— Josiah Madondo, Soshanguve Branch, Pretoria South Africa Stake
