Church Representatives Visit Ukhozi FM

In July of 2014, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited members of the radio team, Ukhozi FM, to Salt Lake City, Utah to become more familiar with Church programs, practices, teachings and community interactions.  They visited Church historic sites, Brigham Young University, agricultural farms, welfare services, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and participated in many “Utah” activities.

In early March, Sean Donnelly, Area Public Affairs Director and Clark Hirschi, International Public Affairs Director visited Durban to renew friendship with the Ukhozi FM team.  One of the highlights of their visit was when they were invited to be guests along with Bishop Graham Sabela of Pinetown on Ukhozi FM Radio with presenter Sbu Buthelezi. Together they reminisced about the trip to Salt Lake City and discussed the importance of spiritual and temporal self-reliance. 

“What motivates all that we do is trying to follow Jesus Christ,” said Clark Hirschi when asked the question, “How do you instil this sense of self-reliance among your people?” Brother Donnelly responded, “I think it begins with a spiritual self-reliance which means you are converted, you have a change of heart and it make you want to do something and be more like Christ.”

Brother Donnelly also commented, “Young people in our circle are taught from a young age principles of the gospel and are taught to practice those through service. When these young people turn 18 and 19 years old we send them on a volunteer mission to various countries throughout the world….they serve Christ and it makes a huge difference in their lives.”

In closing, Brother Donnelly invited all the listeners to come and visit churches that are located throughout South Africa, “Come and see what we are doing, it’s something special.”

Sunday afternoon, the Ukhozi FM family was invited to a luncheon at the home of President and Sister Zackrison.  President Zackrison is the Mission President for the South Africa Durban Mission who is responsible for 140 young missionaries preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are three missions in South Africa with over 61,000 members.   Friendships were renewed and new friends forged at the gathering.  Sean Donnelly and Clark Hirschi went away from Durban filled with thankfulness in their hearts for their friendship with the people of Ukhozi FM and its relationship with the Church.