It’s not often that a sacrament meeting is interrupted with applause. But on a February Sunday in Boise, Idaho, reverent quiet gave way to joyful celebration as a new bishopric was announced—marking the creation of the first Swahili ward in the United States.
For members of the Treasure Valley Ward (Swahili), the moment represented years—if not decades—of faith, sacrifice, and divine preparation.
“These men were prepared before this life,” said W. Blake Bybee, who served as president of the Treasure Valley Swahili Branch before it became a ward in the Boise Idaho Stake. “God was simply waiting for His time to place them in these callings.”
The chapel was filled beyond capacity. Women wore colorful dresses and headscarves; men donned bright suits and ties. Translation headsets buzzed softly as each talk was interpreted into Swahili, French or English. In attendance were 177 ward members, 21 current and countless former missionaries who had served the group, along with friends and family. Others joined virtually from Africa, France, and across the United States.
“This work felt like something that couldn’t happen—but should,” said Justin Bailey, a high council member assigned to the branch and later the ward. “We are here because God brought a miracle through your faith.”
Read the full article on the Church News.
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