Doing Our Thing

Dear All,

Prior to coming to South Africa we heard of Elder and Sister Smith who were serving in the Motherwell Branch at that time.  We even had the opportunity to speak with them on the phone and hear about some of their experiences.  Among other things, we heard that they were helping people establish home gardens.  We also learned that they were conducting addiction recovery classes, something that was greatly needed in the area. While we were excited about the opportunity to serve, we felt inadequate in our abilities to carry on with the wonderful work which was being done by the Smiths.  These feelings prompted us to have a conversation with President Merrill, our mission president.  After telling him of our anxiety, he simply said, "don't worry, you will find your thing to do".        

We have just completed six months of missionary service and we can report that we are finding our thing to do.  In fact we have found many things which we have the experience and ability to do.  And, we expect we will find additional things we can do in the future. We have truly seen that the Lord does qualify each of us to do the work we are called to do.  We have witnessed this in our own experiences, and we have witnessed it with other senior couples with whom we serve.  All of us have the ability to make a significant contribution to the vital work of bringing people to Christ, and in helping them find the joy and happiness in life which we have received.  All we need to do is have a sincere desire to do this and be willing to make the sacrifices which may be necessary to serve.  In the end, they really aren't sacrifices, as the blessings from heaven far exceed whatever we might give.

So, life is good.  We awoke very early Sunday morning (our 51st wedding  anniversary) and drove about 4 hours to the town of George to attend church.  After spending the night, we took care of some business in the area and headed home, arriving Monday evening.  The drive along what is called "The Garden Route" was spectacular, and was especially nice with the sunrise behind us going and the sunset behind on our return.  However, the thing that was amazing was how wonderful it felt to be home, even after only one night away!  Home is a wonderful place to be.  Home is where we are nourished, both physically, intellectually, and spiritually.  Home is where we learn to love and are loved.  No matter how humble, home is our safe haven and it is where we want to be.  With this being said, please consider the purpose of this life.  Simply put, it is the time to prepare to return to our Eternal Home.  That is what missionary service is all about.  It is to help prepare the Lord's children to be worthy of that great reward.  We encourage all to contribute to this cause whenever and wherever you can.  The rewards for so doing are amazing.

All our love,
Elder and Sister Watson  

  The photo above is the Singata family who have become very special to us.  Viwe, in the black, is the girl who has had two surgeries, one on each leg, due to infections.  We have made many visits to the hospital to see that sweet girl.   

Sister Willie and Sister Sam with their boys at the Relief Society Birthday Dinner.

Brother and Sister Van Nie Kerk, along with Elders Diepeveen and Keech.  We visited this couple at their beautiful home in Jeffries Bay to discuss the possible beginning of "cluster group" meetings in their home.  They currently drive one hour to church and bring three non members with them.  The hope is that, as a result of their missionary work, church meetings and a unit of the church might begin in their home.  These two wonderful Elders certainly will help make it happen.   

Our last conference with the Port Elizabeth and Kwa Nobhule Zones.  Our visiting authority, Elder Ellis, and his wife are seated between us and the Merrills.  The other couple are the Stubbs.  They have become dera friends but will be heading home to Parowan, Utah in about three weeks. 

The Hand of the Lord

Dear All,

We hope our message finds you all well and happy. We miss our dear family and friends so very much, but we are content in the work to which we have been called. 

The most significant event of late was an attack on one of our dear missionaries, Elder Lane.  He and his companion were at a member's home and, when he returned to retrieve something from the car, a man walking by pushed him into the car and stabbed him in the back. His companion, Elder Allred, rushed him to the hospital where we met them and where he received quick attention. Thankfully, the injury was not severe and he was treated and released within a few hours. This was obviously a frightening event for this young Elder, but we have been amazed in the way he and his companion have dealt with it. They have responded with unwavering faith and an attitude of peace and love for all.

I accompanied them to report the incident to the police and explained to the captain of detectives that our purpose in coming to South Africa was to bring people closer to Christ. However, we would not allow our missionaries to serve in Zwide until we knew this dangerous man was in custody. The captain had previously explained the lengthy process involved before the man was arrested. However, after my comment he said, "we need you here", and he promised swift action. We have since seen considerable action and expect the Elders will be able to return to the area soon. We have seen the hand of the Lord in protecting Elder Lane from what could have been a much more serious injury.  Also, we have heard that many from within the community know of the attack and are very concerned about the welfare of our missionaries. I suspect they will receive even more positive attention than in the past.  

Since arriving in Port Elizabeth last October first, and beginning our service in Motherwell Branch, we have had the privilege of serving with a missionary from the Salt Lake area, Elder Ivins. It has been a great pleasure to serve closely with this young man and to witness his growth "up close and personal". We witnessed in him something that happens in all those missionaries who do as the Lord would have them and lose themselves in the service of others. Well, Elder Ivins' time and service in Motherwell ended recently and this occurrence was met with much sadness on the part of the branch members, and us! It was a touching and memorable occasion as he expressed his thoughts in testimony meeting and concluded by bearing testimony in Xhosa. Immediately, as he started to speak in the native language of these dear people there was a rush of excitement and deep emotion. We saw, though our own tears, the tears of many of the 115 who were in attendance. The South African members love their missionaries and we love them!   

While we are fully engage in a very important work, we greatly miss our association with family and friends at home. Our prayers always include an appeal to our Father in Heaven that you will be well, will be protected, and will be worthy of divine guidance. We hope that each one of you will receive this vital blessing.

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

We visited Addo National Park where there are several hundred elephants roaming over a large area. We were fortunate to see quite a number of them. 

Elder Allred on the left, then the captain of detectives who came to our aid, then Elder Lane, on far right a captain of the precinct. I told the officers that the elder's mothers would love to see who is helping to protect their sons, and they seemed to take pride in that.   

Easy to see the love the members have for Elder Ivins, and I'm sure the men do too! Many woman worn native attire and face paint to honor him.

Elder Ivins with us on his last Sunday serving in Motherwell. Notice his handmade tie with the Guinea Hens, which are quite common here.