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.

Our Joy is Full

Dear All,

What a wonderful week we have had!  Highlights included a very inspiring and instructive bi-zone conference which was presided over by Elder Stanley G. Ellis of the Seventy.  He is the first counselor in the Southeast Africa Area, and he and his wife toured our mission before his becoming an emeritus General Authority later this year.  He is a master teacher and our time with them was so enjoyable, but just too brief.

Our two zones were blessed by having 22 people baptized this weekend, 10 of whom were from our beloved Motherwell Branch.  It was an amazing Sacrament Meeting yesterday as all 10 were confirmed members of the Lord's church.  It has been a wonderful experience to interview several of these people and learn of their strong faith and of the very positive and dramatic changes which they have made in their lives while preparing for baptism. 

One who was baptized on Saturday is Yamkela Adons.  We spoke of him in early November.  He was the one who was introduced to the church in a taxi by one of our branch members.  He had received a few lessons, and had gained a strong testimony, but then had to move a long distance back to his family home and making it impossible to attend church.  We stayed in touch by phone and missionaries closer to where he lived were able to make occasional visits, but he could not be baptized due to not having access to a church.  Well, he moved back to Motherwell about three weeks ago and was one of the 10 baptized on Saturday.  He bore a strong testimony in church this past Fast Sunday, and then again on Saturday after his baptism.  After being confirmed yesterday, he was approved to receive the Priesthood and was sustained as a counselor in the Young Men's Presidency.  He will be an awesome teacher, leader and example to the youth of the Branch, and to all who know him.    

We must tell you about Lisakhana Billy, who was baptized this past November.  She just turned 13 years of age, is beautiful, very bright, and is an awesome missionary.  She regularly invites friends and family to attend church with her saying: "you don't need to join, but just come and see if you like it."  Well, three of the 10 baptized on Saturday were because of her obvious love of the church and her obvious desire to share the great gift which she has received.  What an example she is to us all!   

Every once in awhile we have the opportunity to take a break, and today is one of those. Elder and Sister Hansen, one of our office couples are coming to stay with us for a couple of nights.  The four of us, along with Elder and Sister Smith, who serve 3 hours from us, are going to visit "Penguin Island" this afternoon.  As the name denotes, there are reportedly huge numbers of penguins to be seen there, along with dolphins and other wildlife.  We'll report later.

Our dear Elder Lloyd is recovering well from the open heart surgery and is being released from the hospital today.  Considering the seriousness of his problem, it is likely that he and his wife will be sent home to Australia before completing their mission.  This will be a sad thing for them and those they serve.  We consider each day that we are able to arise and serve as missionaries is a precious gift.

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

The pIcture above is Lisakhana with two cousins who she introduced to the church.

 Elder and Sister Ellis on their mission tour.  We enjoyed our day with them so much. 

Here are the ten new members of the church, in the Motherwell Branch.

This is the preschool where we teach English and numbers most weeks.  This was on Valentines Day when most wore red.  There were 41 attending that day.  Can you imagine spending all day in a 12' X 12' room with that many?!  The two teachers are angels!       

Never a Dull Moment

Dear All,

It has been said that the work of salvation is hastening upon the Earth.  We certainly find that to be the case here in South Africa.  There is no doubt that the Spirit is touching the hearts of the good people here and the work in which we are blessed to be involved certainly is hastening.  While the young Elders do the majority of teaching, we have some outstanding senior couple  missionaries here who are also doing much to further the work.  Two such couples are the Stubbs and the Lloyds.  Both are working in towns with relatively small branches of the church.  They are providing very valuable support to the members and leaders in those areas, and they are finding good success in teaching and baptizing.  The Lloyds had four converts last month and the Stubbs had five.  Way to go senior missionaries!  

Elder and Sister Lloyd live in Grahamstown, which is a one and a half hour drive from Port Elizabeth. Last Friday Elder Lloyd noticed a major reduction in his energy, and his pulse dropped to half the normal rate.  They visited a local doctor who told them to go immediately to an emergency room in Port Elizabeth.  Well, they waited until the next day before so doing.  We met them at the hospital and the first diagnosis, by an ER doctor, was that Elder Lloyd was in need of a pacemaker.  We were all relieved that it wasn't as serious as it might have been.  With it being a weekend, the cardiologist didn't examine him until the next day.  After so doing, the diagnosis changed and the report was that Elder Lloyd had a major blockage and would require open-heart bypass surgery.  That surgery was successfully performed this morning and Elder Lloyd is resting well tonight.  Two amazing things transpired in all this.  First, given the very severe condition of Elder Lloyd's heart, it was a miracle that he did not have a major heart attack before getting to the hospital.  Second, it was amazing to witness the coordination which took place between the cardiologist in Port Elizabeth, the church doctor in Johannesburg (Area headquarters), and those at the church headquarters in Salt Lake City.  Even a member of the Seventy was involved in the decision regarding the care of Elder Lloyd.  The Lord and His church leaders obviously care about the missionaries and great care and attention is given in their times of need.    

Today, we participated in our monthly Mission Leadership Council meeting, which includes all the zone leaders, two assistants to the president, and the Mission Presidency.  This is held via Skype at four different locations, one being at our home with four zone leaders.  It was about a four hour meeting in which many different subjects are discussed.  At the end of the meeting we heard testimonies from those Elders who will be going home prior to our next meeting.  What a wonderful experience it was to hear these young men, and to see the growth, wisdom and strength that each one had obtained.  Elder Greening is one who spoke and is one of the zone leaders here in Port Elizabeth.  He is a big, strong, and good looking young man who has showed little emotion as we have worked with him. Well, there was much emotion shown as he spoke of his love for the people of South Africa and for the gospel.  He told of one of his first transfers, and of telling President Merrill that he didn't want to leave the area he was in, that it would hurt too much to leave the people he loved.  The President told him "good".  "That means you are doing things right."  Well, he certainly showed emotion today as he contemplated going home and leaving these wonderful people.

Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and was chosen to usher in the restoration of all things in this last dispensation.  We know this to be true.  This is the work of the Lord.

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

The picture on top is Nanau from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  He was just baptized and will undoubtedly be a strong member and leader in the church.  He has quickly become our good friend and dear brother.    

  

Elder Stubbs with the five wonderful people he and Sister Stubbs taught and prepared for this 

great day

 Nanua and others were baptized in a river about two blocks from the chapel in Grahamstown.

One of our beautiful South African sunsets...weird because the ocean is on the other side!

The Work is Hard but so Rewarding

Dear All, 

The last two weeks have included a wide variety of activities for us.  We have done lots of driving for participation in a marriage, interviews, baptisms, sending off Elders, welcoming Elders, responding to missionaries's car crash, closing an area and emptying and cleaning the boarding, visiting people in the hospital, car and boarding inspections, and delivering supplies.  All this, along with our normal visits to the homes of branch members and those investigating the church.  Our days are quite full and the work is hard at times, but we really are enjoying the whole experience.  As we continually state, associating with the wonderful people here is the best part of all and it makes any amount of sacrifice or effort which may be required well worth it. 

Two weeks ago we visited the home of a couple who live in the most humble of circumstances.  They were being interviewed for baptism and were planning to be married just prior to that special event.  Their home consisted of two very small rooms in which they and their two children live.  It is made of just scraps of wood.  There were no windows and about a 10 watt light bulb hanging in the doorway between the two rooms. We were so impressed with the kindness, sincerity and intelligence of these people.  It turns out that the man has a regular job but is not only supporting his own family but also 14 members of their extended family who live elsewhere.  We attended their marriage and baptisms this past Saturday and it was so wonderful.  These people have embraced the gospel with all their hearts and the increase in faith, hope and happiness they now have is very apparent.  They are true believers and will certainly receive an increase in the Lord's choicest blessings as they go forward.

We must tell you about the hospital we visited.  Actually, it is impossible to describe what it was like.  It is way overcrowded, understaffed, and downright dirty.  And, if you want to eat while there, someone will need to bring food in for you.  Out of all the contrast we have seen between living in the US and in Africa, this is certainly one of the greatest.  It really makes many of the complaints aired by us Americans seem petty.  

The Lord's church is on the Earth once again and it is the one and only source of true and eternal happiness.  We know that Missionary service is the Lord's way of taking this message to His children.  We highly recommend serving a mission to all who might qualify.

Much Love,

Elder and Sister Watson    

The top photo is Sister Shelia who was just baptized.  She is a wonderful woman, and now church member.  We were able to teach her a couple of lessons before turning the job over to these very capable Elders (Ivins and Hawkins).  

 It's 6:00 AM in the Port Elizabeth Airport.  Most of the ones with ties are heading off to new assignments.  The mission is so large that nearly all transfers are done by air.  We will miss those leaving, but will welcome new ones later in the day.  

These are the Young Single Adults of the Motherwell Branch.  They are a fun group and most contribute much to running the branch.  The one seated in the yellow shirt is the YSA leader and often leads the music, and does so with contagious enthusiasm.  She starts clicking hers fingers to the beat if she thinks the song is dragging.  

We take a break on occasion to enjoy this beautiful place.  This was from the balcony of our B&B in Knysna.  The photo certainly doesn't do it or her justice.  

I love to see the Temple

Dear All,

As previously mentioned, we were able to attend the Johannesburg Temple this past week.  The round trip took nearly 24 hours but it was well worth it.  We greatly enjoyed being with Motherwell Branch members, some of whom were there for the first time.  It was a pleasure to share their excitement and to feel the special spirit which is only found in the temple...it is the House of the Lord.  

Another reason we enjoyed the trip to Johannesburg so much was that we were able to stay with our old and dear friends, Elder and Sister Ludwig.  They started their mission (their fourth) shortly after us and work in the Southeastern Africa Area offices. Elder Ludwig is the Executive Secretary to the Area President and Sister Ludwig receives and processes all the missionary applications which come from the area (more that one half of Africa).  We lived in the Marana Ward (Tucson North Stake) together nearly 40 years ago. Elder Ludwig was called as our bishop and I served as a counselor.  He was only 30 years old (me 30 something), and was a fairly new member of the church.  I thought at the time that this young guy and new member of the church couldn't teach me anything, but wow was I wrong!  He was a wonderful mentor with wisdom far beyond his years.  Sister Ludwig was our son Scott's second grade teacher.  That was a wonderful school year for him and he loved her.  The Ludwigs have had a great influence on our family, and continue to do so. 

On a more serious side, there are three things that we are NOT enjoying about South Africa:  

1. Speed Bumps!  They have few police on the road so they control speed with these annoying bumps...everywhere!  

2. The SA banks!  We have probably spent a total of about seven hours in four different offices of the same bank and we still do not have an account that will allow us to put money in and take money out.  

3. Bugs!  We have awaken several morning with bites from head to toe, and they itch like crazy!

So, that's it as far as what we don't like, and there are so many things we love so it's all worth it.      

Giving a quick report on Motherwell Branch, we had 97 people at church on Sunday!  That is a good 20-25 above average.  Our little classroom chapel was completely filled and it was wonderful.  The testimonies were awesome and the singing was extraordinary, as usual.  One funny thing, at the end of testimony time the Branch President stood, looked at me and asked why I didn't bear my testimony.  Not often you'll see such a thing!  He laughed along with everyone else.  I suppose it was because I don't miss many opportunities to express my love of the gospel and for the people.

The gospel of Jesus Christ and Priesthood power have been restored to the Earth.  We know this to be true with all our hearts.  It is the greatest source of happiness in this life, and is the only way by which eternal joy can be obtained.   

With love,

Elder and Sister Watson

Faith + Hope = Happiness and Peace

Dear All, 

2016 was certainly an eventful year for us, as we sold our home of 20 years and are now living half way around the world.  This was all done because of our faith in God and in a sincere desire to serve Him by serving others.  The arrival of a new year has caused us to more closely consider how the decisions of the past year have impacted our lives.  Well, big changes obviously bring dramatic results.  Let us name a few which stand out:

• We miss our family and friends very, very much, and our love and appreciation for each one of you has never been greater.  "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"...it most certainly does, and we long for the day when we are in your presence again. 
• We know, without doubt, that God lives and He is the Father of us all.  He loves us all unconditionally and wants us to love one another.  The people with whom we now associate each day have taught us a great deal more about the love which God wants us to have for one another, and we are so very grateful for that.  
• Happiness, true and abiding happiness, is not found in the possessions we obtain.  This is something we have always believed but to see how very happy these wonderful South African people are amidst their extreme lack of material things is profound and undeniable evidence of where happiness lies.  
• Finally, we have learned, without equivocation, that an exercise of faith brings a bright and abiding hope, and that hope then brings a level of happiness and contentment which is available in no other way. Our greatest desire is to now bring the happiness which we enjoy to those we love.

While we are very happy in this work to which we have been call, the pace of life and weight of the responsibilities we have been given are a bit daunting at time.  These past couple of weeks have been especially busy, but enjoyable.  The week between Christmas and New Year's Day are particularly slow for missionary work since many people are traveling or busy with other things.  With this being the case, the Mission President has instructed that this time be used for a "deep cleaning" of the missionary's boardings (flats/apartments).  Since one of our responsibilities is to conduct regular inspections of these boardings, we were well aware of the need for some extra effort in this regard.  Sister Watson prepared a special deep cleaning checklist which the Zone Leaders used to organize and oversee the cleaning of each boarding by all the Elders .  It even included taking furniture outside and emptying the cabinets and closets before the thorough cleaning.  Windows were washed which, in some cases, had not been cleaned in this decade.  Anyway, the result was that these elders have a better appreciation for what the word clean really means and are enjoying a more Celestial living environment.  

We are driving a lot!  The past several days we have traveled to areas 2 hours away in one direction and nearly 4 hours in another direct from our home.  All this was needed to conduct baptismal and temple recommend interviews, to speak in church, and to serve the needs of the missionaries serving in those outlying areas.  This morning we will soon leave for a 12 hour drive to Johannesburg to attend the Temple with members of the Motherwell Branch.  This is there annual temple trip and we are so excited to be with them for this special occasions.  So, we're driving a lot but are enjoying the journey greatly!

We extend our heart-felt love to you all and best wishes for Peace, Happiness and Contentment in this New Year!

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson  

On New Year's Eve Day we visited Monkeyland, a beautiful preserve in the jungle which contained several hundred monkeys of 11 different species.  Many would come right up to you.  One guy had his sunglasses taken right of his hand by a monkey....and then it went off into the trees.

What a face!

This old guy lost his mate and lives a sad and lonely life.  The guide said that they would often be hugging each other.  So sad!

 Not a Raccoon.  

We also visited the Birds of Eden park (near the Garden of Eden). It is a huge aviary created in a beautiful jungle area.  This is simply one of the hundreds of exotic birds which live there.