Meeting a Legend

Dear All,

Okay, this doesn't have anything to do with missionary work but I must share. I am sitting in the chapel of the Knysna Branch when in walks golf legend, Gary Player, and his wife. The District President was sitting next to me and immediately asked if I would like him to introduce me to Gary. Of course I did and it was such a pleasure meeting someone who I have followed and admired for so many years. I knew that his wife and daughter were members of the church but I did not know he attended with them. I also did not know that they own a ranch near the beautiful resort community of Knysna and he attends church quite often. This is only one of many unexpected benefits which come from serving a mission. 😊 

We earlier wrote about two awesome young women from the Motherwell Branch who have received mission calls. Both are amazing, very bright, beautiful, and faithful young women. One is receiving the love and full support of her family as she prepares to serve. The other is receiving tremendous opposition from her family as she prepares. It is so sad as her desire to serve is as great as in any young man or women we have seen. We are fasting and praying for her and ask that you do the same if you are so inclined. Of course, the Lord knows her name so you only need pray for the Motherwell future missionary. Thank you!   

In case you're interested, here are a few of our activities this past week:

• 5 hours in the ER and 4 other trips to the doctor with Elders suffering from a wide assortment of ailments (none too serious)
• A 3 day trip to George and Knysna (approximately 9 hours of driving) accompanied by new arrivals, Elder and Sisters Beal, to introduce them to Branch Presidents and seminary and institute teachers who they will be guiding. Seven Temple Recommends were given while there.
• Teaching Temple Preparation and Strengthening Marriage Classes, and leading an Addiction Recovery group meeting
• Visiting new members and less active members
• Attending Branch Council meeting, and Sister Watson attended Relief Society Presidency meeting while I made visits with a member of the Branch Presidency.
• Assisting with the preparation of the first Motherwell Relief Society Newsletter
• Had a zone of missionarie to our home to view the special message from the new First Presidency, and met with another zone in the city of Uitenhage so they could view the message
• Attended a baptismal service but had to leave after the one being baptised had car trouble and was more than one hour late
• Interviewed two wonderful people who are preparing for baptism 

We viewed the message from our new First Presidency a several times and each time we gained a deeper appreciation for the Lord's plan wherein the leaders of His church are chosen. We bear witness that President Russell M. Nelson is a Prophet of God and is the Lord's designate to lead His church at this time. We Thank Thee oh God for a Prophet to guide us in these latter-days!       

  

Our love to all,

Elder and Sister Watson

Above:  We are fortunate to serve with some of the best people on Earth, and here are four of them, the Petersons (rear) and the Beals. 

 A beautiful branch member Zenela with her darling niece. We love their smiles and the love they always show for others, very indicative of all the Motherwell Branch members. 



A few of the missionaries with whom we are privileged to serve, from left to right, Elders Duma, Rebelo, Wamunyima, Makwakwa, van Niekerk, and Clark. Elder Clark is holding a photo of our beloved Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Lebethoa.

Our dear friends and faithful church members, the Motherwell Relief Society Presidency. 

(from left to right) Sister Oliphant, 2nd Counselor, Sister Ngweventsha, President, Sister Mzini, 1st Counselor