“Walking to Church,” Friend, February 2025, 16–18.
Walking to Church
Kupa loved Sundays.
A true story from Zimbabwe.
“Momma, wake up,” whispered Kupa.
“The sun isn’t up yet.” Momma yawned. “Can’t you sleep just a little longer?”
“I’m too excited,” said Kupa. “It’s Sunday, and we can go to church!”
“OK. You win,” said Momma. “But I’ll need your help to get your sisters ready.”
Kupa liked to help Momma. She started by boiling cornmeal to make sadza for her little sisters, Agnes and Sheila. After they ate, Kupa helped clean up.
Kupa put on her favorite dress and chose clothes for her sisters. The room was filled with giggles as she helped them get dressed. She was so excited!
“You are a good helper, Kupa,” said Momma.
“Thanks!” said Kupa.
As they started out the door, Momma tied Sheila onto her back with a cloth wrap. “I am so glad you two are big enough to walk,” she said to Kupa and Agnes.
Momma took Kupa’s hand, and they started to walk down the dirt road. Far away, Kupa could see the temple that was being built in Harare. “I love seeing the temple,” said Kupa.
“Me too,” said Momma. “We are blessed to live where we can see it being built.”
They took a shortcut through the fields of corn. Sometimes, they stopped to rest and let Sheila wiggle and stretch. They talked, sang songs, and listened to the birds. After walking for an hour and a half, Kupa was so happy to see the church.
Kupa read the sign: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
“We made it,” said Momma. She untied the wrap around Sheila.
“And we are early again!” said Kupa excitedly.
Soon Kupa and Momma were cheerfully greeting the others entering the building. Kupa liked being with the people at church. She felt loved there.
Kupa and her family found a place to sit. Resting her legs felt good. When she took the sacrament, she thought about Jesus Christ. Then she listened carefully as the bishop explained it was fast Sunday and invited people to share their testimonies.
Kupa watched and listened as others came to the front of the chapel to share what they believed. She wanted them all to know she had a testimony too. Kupa walked to the front of the room. She felt a little nervous, but she knew what she wanted to say.
She breathed deeply, stood tall, and said, “I love to see the temple. I know it is a special place to learn about Heavenly Father’s plan. Our life is a special gift from Him. I know the scriptures are true. I know Heavenly Father and Jesus love me. I am trying to be kind and helpful like Jesus. I know the Church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
Kupa looked at the people in the room. They were smiling at her. Kupa smiled big and walked back to her seat. Momma hugged her when she sat down. Kupa was glad that she had the courage to share her testimony. Kupa loved Sundays.
Illustrations by Fotini Tikkou