Today in Dombo Tombo

by Esinath Mutumanji

Her honesty was rewarded—with something far more important than money.

Editor’s note: We were touched by the spirit of this 17-year-old African girl’s experience and wanted to share it with you. We received it thanks to Elder Allen H. and Sister Carmen Tuttle, who are serving a full-time mission in Marondera, Zimbabwe.

Early in the morning today I went to the municipality offices in Dombo Tombo, and while we were in line a woman dropped a $20 note on the ground. I saw it fall and told her about it. She picked it up and said, “Thank you.”

Many of the other people in line said to me, “You are stupid. You are foolish. Why didn’t you take the money and buy your own things?”

But I said, “No, I shall never do that because I am a child of God.”

When the others calmed down, an older man who was standing behind me said quietly, “Do you go to church? It seems as if you are a good girl.”

And I said, “Yes, I go to church.”

And he said, “What is the name of your church?”

I said, “It is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you want to, you can come to the Dombo Tombo Hall on Tuesday nights at 5:30 P.M. or on Sunday at half past ten and I will meet you there.”

And the man said, “Oh, yes! I will come!”

So I am very happy about what I did today.

Illustration by Steve Moore