September Book Club: Go 'Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree' with Elder Edward Dube

Elder Edward Dube, General Authority Seventy and current First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, grew up in rural Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia), against the backdrop of civil war. From humble beginnings, he worked hard in the fields, walked miles for water, and sacrificed for the privilege of education. There, in Silobela, his mother would sometimes gather her children and teach them in the shade of the mango trees near their home. But we can't learn everything we need to know if we stay in the comfort of a tree's shade.

Elder Dube’s story is in some ways the same as many of God’s children’s—at first a story of doubt and struggle, later one of enlightenment and hope, and finally a realization that he can become all that God wants him to be. Yet, in other ways his experiences are vastly different. From growing up in war-torn Zimbabwe, where he discovered the gospel at age 22, to his Church leadership experiences in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States, Elder Dube’s stories and insights offer fresh perspectives on core gospel teachings.

And for the month of September, the LDS Living Book Club is going to dive into more of Elder Dube’s story alongside his applicable teachings from latter-day prophets and the scriptures in Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree.

In this remarkable new book, Elder Dube teaches us that we can come to see ourselves as the Lord sees us and recognize our divine potential. He shows us how our Heavenly Father speaks to and magnifies His children who turn to Him. In his book, he states, “As we strive to come unto Him, learn of Him, and take His yoke upon ourselves, we begin to see Him as He really is. And He begins to teach us who we really are: God’s divine children with a divine destiny.”

• An easy-to-follow reading schedule
• Poignant quotes and discussion of the topics addressed in the book

Each month we choose a new book to read together. Joining is easy! Simply follow @ldslivingbookclub on Instagram for reading reminders and insights.

Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree shows us how our Heavenly Father speaks to and magnifies His children who turn to Him. Through Elder Dube's own personal experiences along with teachings of latter-day prophets and the scriptures, Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree teaches us that we can come to see ourselves as the Lord sees us—His beloved children, with the potential to become like Him.

Beyond the Shade of the Mango Tree is available now at Deseret Book stores, DeseretBook.com, and on the Deseret Bookshelf mobile app as an ebook.

Edward Dube was born in Chiramanzu, Zimbabwe. He and his wife Naume Keresia Salizani are the parents of four children. He has served in several Church callings, including full-time missionary in Zimbabwe, district president, branch president, stake president, president of the Zimbabwe Harare Mission, and Area Seventy. He is currently serving as the First Counselor in the Africa South Area Presidency. Prior to this assignment, Elder Edward Dube was serving as First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency. He has worked in many positions for the Church Educational System in Africa for over 15 years.