Several Changes Noted in Church Units/Elder Sitati Speaks to Journalists about the Nairobi Kenya Temple

Hello, all! Within the last several hours, the LDS Church Temples site has posted a number of unit changes that were interesting to read about. You can find that information here.

Additionally, Elder Joseph W. Sitati, the first GA Seventy from Kenya, spoke to African journalists regarding the announcement of the Nairobi Kenya Temple. His remarks were inspiring to read, and focused on his experiences as a Kenyan Latter-day Saint and the sacrifices his family made to attend that temple, as well as his joy that the people of his homeland will not have so far to go in the future, not just because of that Kenyan temple, but in view of others that will soon be in operation on the African continent. You can read his remarks here.

As I read them, I was reminded of a similar trip my mom's family (South African natives) took to the nearest temple, which, if memory serves, was then in England. Since that time, temples have continued to dot the earth, and have been built in locations that could not have had a temple earlier. The miracle of the growth of the Church, particularly in Africa, is that the gospel is spreading well there. And that is evidenced by the fact that the last three times temples were announced, African Saints received word of another new temple.

As noted, the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple is anticipated to be completed next year, as is the Durban South Africa Temple. And, if my estimates are anywhere close to correct, within the next two or three years, the other three temples announced for Africa will also be under construction. I am grateful that the African Saints have had their prayers answered for temples in their midst. And I have every confidence that the Lord will continue to bless these faithful Saints with many more temples.

If the statement from Elder Wilson is correct, and 85 or more temples are in the running to be announced within the next 15 years or so, we will likely see many temples rise all over the world, and that is amazing and wonderful to think about. Just wanted to share these thoughts, for what they are worth. I am doing my best to keep informed of temple-related developments and will be sure to continue to pass on any news in that regard. Thanks for taking time to read this. Any thoughts are welcome, if you are able to share them. If not, please do let me know. I have worried a lot that the problem with people being able to comment has not been properly dealt with. I value your readership and interest in things I post. Thanks so much.

Work not yet begun on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple/Minor developments reported on two others

Hello, all! While I have been trying to work as hard as possible on my estimated timeline for temple-related events, I have continued to follow ongoing current developments. And with the news yesterday that some future developments might not occur as quickly as was originally thought, it is obvious that progress of temples in many world areas may be subject to more delays than anyone realizes. Earlier this month, I had predicted that earnest construction would begin in Winnipeg before the month's end. With the recent report that building permits are being acquired, we have a step in the right direction, but it seems apparent that work will not formally begin for at least a couple of weeks. So I did have to adjust my thinking there somewhat. I wanted to report that correction. At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if full-scale work does not begin on that temple until sometime in August.

In the meantime, I read today of developments in the construction of two temples that I wanted to pass along. While my last posted report showed no change in that status of the Kinshasa DR Congo and Barranquilla Colombia Temples (aside from the already-noted completion estimates), today, it was reported that in Kinshasa, exterior brick was being laid, and that braces were being attached to steel roof trusses. Also, for the Barranquilla Colombia Temple, an article in a Colombian newspaper was the source of the need to alter the completion estimate there. And stone cladding for the temple, which was underway on the north and east walls, has now shifted to the east and south walls.

As evidenced by this minor progress, things are moving along, if not as speedily as once believed, then at least steadily. In the coming days, I hope to be able to report other progress. But if there is one thing I have learned in following and reporting on these things, it is that the Lord's timing is vastly different from ours. And for my part, I am infinitely grateful that this is the case. As more developments unfold, I hope to be able to report them more regularly. For now, this is the latest news on the temple construction front.

Thanks for taking time to read this. If you would like to and are able to do so, please feel free to comment. If the commenting issue is still an issue, please let me know that as well. Thanks.

Church officially confirms: Elder Bednar dedicated Senegal for the preaching of the gospel

On the Church News website just 3 hours ago, it was confirmed that Elder Bednar did indeed dedicate Senegal for the preaching the gospel. Until today, that was unconfirmed. Click here to read more about that. Enjoy!