Dedication brings its rewards

Dear All,

We traveled to beautiful Knysna this past Saturday to fulfill an assignment from President Merrill. Knysna is not in a stake but is in the George District which is presided over by our Mission President. The assignment was to interview and set apart a young woman, Florenec Mthembu, as a full-time missionary. We had met Florence and her family on an earlier occasion and knew what a wonderful young woman she is. Her family is from a small country, Malawi. Her call is to the Luska Zambia Mission, which includes her home country. It was a privilege and pleasure to be with Sister Mthembu at this special time in her life.

Speaking of Knysna, we took missionaries out of there early this year. Unfortunately, it had been approximately one year since there was a convert baptism in the area. Well, the decision was made to reopen the area and President Merrill assigned Elder Lane, the missionary who was attacked and stabbed this past February. He and his companion, Elder Grover, began serving there just six weeks ago. The Knysna Branch has experienced some amazing growth during this short time. There were 56 people in church this past Sunday, which is nearly twice the number of six weeks ago. In Priesthood meeting the branch president looked at me and said, "tell President Merrill we want these elders (specifically Lane and Grover) here for at least six months...before they came we had maybe 10 priesthood holders attending...today we have 26." Beyond the increased activity of the members, many are being taught and being prepared for baptism. The elders expect approximately 12 new church members in June. It is so gratifying to see the excitement of the branch president, and other members, and to see how these elders are being rewarded for their dedicated service.            

We have been blessed to serve with Elder Hawkins, a young missionary from England who began his service in the Motherwell Branch nearly six months ago. He was trained by Elders Ivins and has subsequently trained another Bristish missionary, Elder Warren. Sadly, Elder Hawkins will be leaving us tomorrow morning. He and his companions have averaged one convert baptism per week during the time he has served here. These are all wonderful people whose lives have been greatly blessed, in no small part by the dedicated service of Elder Hawkins and his companions. We will miss you dear Elder. 

There are very special rewards which come to those who lose themselves in the service of others. This losing oneself is most certainly something which can be done as a missionary leaves the comfort of home, and the presence of friends and family, and is set apart to serve the Lord in a full-time capacity. It is NOT easy, but the rewards are indescribable. We highly recommend such service to all who are able.

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

The picture above is Sister Florence Mthembu, a new full-time missionary headed for the MTC in Johannesburg, South Africa and then on to the Zambia Luzaka Mission. (they say the camera adds 20 pounds...looks like it's all around my waist!)

Elder Warren (left) Brother Tungata and Elder Hawkins. Love these British Elders! 

The very sweet Mthembu sisters. Florence is setting a great example for the younger ones.

Elders Grover and Lane standing in the township overlooking the beautiful bay at Knysna. You can see the fog rolling in from the Indian Ocean in the distance.