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.