Dear All,
First, we will give you an update on the Missionary Transport Plan which was devised after the loss of 4 cars to hijackers within 3 months. After about two weeks of paying members to provide transport for the missionaries, it was decided to have them use public transportation instead. It was too much to expect the members to respond promptly to the missionary's calls throughout the day. On the other hand, there are a large number of taxis (small vans) which cover the proselyting areas. Additionally, there are private drivers, most with old and really junkie cars, which drive throughout the area looking for passengers. The missionaries in Zwide, an area which lost 2 cars to thieves, is now using these forms of transportation, plus doing much more walking than before. The cost of such is much less than operating a car, plus the Elders are coming in contact with more people throughout the day. They say that they are feeling more a part of the community, which is a very good thing. It is anticipated that there will be fewer cars in the future and more reliance on the other forms of transport mentioned.
We attended a regional conference today. It originated in the Conference Center in SLC and was broadcast to meetinghouses throughout the South East Africa Area, which includes South Africa and 27 other countries. Elder Neil L Andersen, of the quorum of the twelve, was the concluding speaker, and he spoke about something which has been very evident to us during our time in Africa. He spoke of the great faith, perseverance, and sacrifice of the first Christian missionaries who came to the African continent. He said that with the bible in hand they were able to convert thousands to a belief in Christ. He stated that they laid the foundation which the missionaries of the restored church, with Book of Mormon in hand (as another testament of Christ), are now building upon. We see that the people who are native to Africa not only have a deep faith in Christ and the Bible, but we also see that many of their long-held traditions closely align with the teachings of the restored gospel. It is no wonder that the church is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else.
We plan to meet on Thanksgiving Day with three other senior couples in Port Alfred to enjoy the day together. It is always a pleasure to spend time with other missionary couples, but our hearts will long a little more than usual for our family at home. Words cannot express how grateful we are for our faith, our family, and our friends. Our love and sincere wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all!
All our love,
Elder and Sister Watson
We enjoyed dinner recently with Elder Joni L Koch, of the Seventy and a new member of our Area Presidency, and his wife (left center), along with President and Sister Lebethoa, and Elder and Sister Peterson (far end of table) and Elder and Sister Bullman (near right).
Some of the wonderful soup chefs!
The young women of Motherwell Branch recently organized a service project where we prepared two large kettles of chicken soup. We took them to a very impoverished part of Motherwell at lunchtime on a Saturday and set up in front of a small church. Within a few minutes of arriving we had a large group of people who had gathered, many with bowls or cups in hand. As people continued to come, we thought there was no way that we could feed everyone. Well, all who came were fed...it was like the story of the fishes and the loaves! It was a very rewarding experience for all. (The photo shows only a few of those we served.)
Two very hungry recipients of the soup and bread we offered.
