The Diversity of the Work

Dear All,

One of the most difficult things about writing is in deciding which of our very diverse activities would be of interest to you. Most importantly, we want to write about things which will uplift you and serve to increase your faith. The greatest part of serving a mission is that you witness the Lord's hand every day you serve. We pray frequently for protection and guidance from Him and certainly see those prayers fulfilled on a regular basis. Our faith has been increased tremendously as a result of our missionary service and we hope that yours will also be increased through reading our messages.  

Our senior couple in Grahamstown, the Petersons, called the other day and said that they were stopped by a lady who wanted them to send missionaries to see her nephew who was in the hospital in Port Elizabeth. So, we went to visit this young man, Luvuko, and found that he had been stabbed in the back and it did major damage to his spinal cord. He has no movement in the lower extremities and cannot move his fingers. He explained that he was in a tavern drinking with friends and they got into an altercation with another group which led to him being stabbed. Whenever we ask someone in the hospital what we can bring them they always say food. They receive very little while there and it is, reportedly, awful, We have taken Luvuko food and have spoken with him about faith and hope. He says, without hesitation, that he will never go to taverns again, and he has opened his heart to the message of the restored gospel. We love Luvuko and know the Lord will bless him in his trials.

We spoke in Sacrament Meeting of the Cleary Estate Ward last Sunday. We then hurried to Motherwell where I spoke in their Sacrament Meeting. We felt the spirit in both meetings and felt that our messages were well received. It is great to see many in the congregation nodding in approval to what you say! While we enjoyed being in Cleary Ward, and in their fancy carpeted chapel, there is nothing like being with our Motherwell brothers and sisters in their little overcrowded classroom. I spoke on the second great commandment, to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is a vital principle/commandment which we must strive to live each and every minute of every day if we are to be found acceptable to God. In reality, it is only by living the second great commandment that we will be living the first. By so doing we are demonstrating our love for God in a meaningful way .

We had a young white couple in Motherwell Sacrament meeting on Sunday. It was Brother and Sister Black, newlyweds of about one month. They are from Alabama and he served as a missionary in Motherwell about was 4 years ago, not long after the Branch was established. He participated in the teaching, conversion and baptism of three or so families in the branch. It was wonderful to see the love these people had for him. The members here love the missionaries and especially those who were directly involved in their coming into the restored gospel. 

We are loving our mission. It is certainly challenging at times; however, we feel loved, we feel needed, and we know we are doing what the Lord would have us do at this time in our lives.

Lest you forget, we love our amazing family and dear friends very much and do miss you all greatly.

With all our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

Picture above:  These are missionaries from the KwaNobuhle Zone. They come from England, Ireland, Germany, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the USA, and each one is wonderful.

Here's the Port Elizabeth Zone, minus the 4 in the George District, which is 4 hours away. As you can see, they don't like each other much. 😉 It's a bunch of Americans with one from New Zealand and one from South Africa.

I have always taken great pride in my prowess as a furniture packer. Well, pride is not a good thing, and it comes before the fall. I had this once lovely table stacked on a carpet in a trailer loaded with furniture. The carpet went flying and so did the table...and it's not so lovely now! Thankfully, it missed hitting the care behind us but just by a little. 

Here's the mighty George District! Eight of our Elders were transferred out yesterday but ten new ones joined us, including two to open a new area. Elder Lane (second from left) was one who was transferred. We became close to him as we helped him after he was stabbed and as he opened a remote area where he enjoyed great success.

On the Road Again

Dear All,

We have found that senior missionaries can be as busy as they want to be while serving. There is always something to do and, as was the case this past week, often more to do than time allows. 

A main focus last week was to prepare a home for a new couple, Elder and Sister Stevenson, who will soon arrive in the mission. They will be serving in East London, a city with a population of about 750,000 and located 175 miles to the East of where we live. We drove a pickup truck and trailer loaded with appliances and furniture, along with an assortment of other items needed by the Stevensons during their service. We worked with Elder and Sister Davies, another couple who serve in that area, to prepare everything that is needed for a comfortable life in the nice little two bedroom home which was rented.  One of the benefits of the trip was to see several missionaries who have served in our area during the past months. Missionary reunions, no matter the circumstances or length of time in between, are very special occasions. 

We will return to East London this coming week and spend some time instructing the Stevensons relative to their specific responsibilities and life in South Africa in general. It will be nice to become acquainted with another missionary couple. While in East London we also plan to tour the Mercedes Benz factory, something we have heard is very enjoyable.  

While in East London, our mission president asked us to travel to Mthatha, a town of about 150 miles East of East London with a population of about 100,000 people and on the far Eastern edge of our mission. Our assignment was to conduct a special interview and to give encouragement to the missionaries there. We have 4 Elders serving in the area, one of whom is our dear Elder Ivins, with whom we served in Motherwell more than 6 months ago. It was such a pleasure to be reunited with him and to see how he has grown as a missionary. 

Our new Mission President, President Lebethoa, was here this past Friday and Saturday to oversee training and conduct interviews of the 28 missionaries who serve in our area of responsibility. We are now blessed to serve under a second leader who is a master teacher and we greatly enjoy the instruction we are receiving as missionaries.  President Lobethoa, now 41 years old, told us of his conversion to the gospel when he was in his early twenties and of the first callings he received. The first was received right after his baptism and was as a counselor in the stake mission presidency. Not long after he was called as a high councilman and was told he would need to be ordained a High Priest and he said, what's that? Well, in a relatively few years he has certainly learned what it is to be one with the responsibility to preside and how to bless the lives of others. We look forward to continuing to be led by him and to gain more insights from him relative to gospel principles.  

      

Life is good in the mission field. We meet new people every day and have met very few who are not open to speaking with us. Most are extremely kind and many we come to love soon after meeting. Without doubt, the greatest joy in life comes from our association with family and friends. We are so very grateful that these relationships can be forever!

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson 

This is Mike and Phebie Rugara and their girls, Lynn and Lianda. They are converts from Zimbabwe who will be united as an eternal family in the temple next month. We love this little family and have greatly enjoyed helping them prepare for this special event. (BTW, the large belly on the old guy is indicative of the great food here.) 

One advantage of road construction stops is that we meet very nice sales roadside salespeople. The orange on her face is a sunscreen. She is working hard for little money. Five Rand got us two lolly pops and the photo...not a bad deal.

We loved meeting these missionaries in Mthatha and especially seeing dear Elder Ivins (next to the old guy) once again. He has a special place in our hearts, and in the hearts of many others here.  

Picture above:  It was an extreme pleasure to interview "KK" as she prepares to be baptized. She is one of the sweetest and most faithful people we have met here. She owns and operates the "Sugar Shack", the little roadside stand pictured behind the group and where she sells all sorts of handmade linens. She lives in the garage of the home in the back with here two children. She has an ever-present and infectious smile. We love KK! 

Goodbye Tent

Dear All,

Well, the big news is that the Motherwell Branch was able to secure a new meeting place and move out of the tent. Even though we are in the middle of winter we had been very fortunate to enjoy reasonably good weather while worshiping there theses past 3+ months. The main problem has been the dirt and dust being stirred up, and that there were no chalk boards for use in teaching. Anyway, our new meetinghouse is another school. We will use five classrooms, none of which is very large. We had about 90 people at church on Sunday and every chair was taken, so no room to grow. 😩 There is one large classroom but another church is using it.  They meet on Saturdays so we suggested that we ask about sharing with them, with us taking it on Sundays. The branch president wasn't too keen on the suggestion but maybe he'll change his mind. It was wonderful being  in a real building however. Maybe next week we'll even have electricity. 😊   

We spent an afternoon at the South African National Arts Festival this past week in Grahamstown (1.5 hour drive from our home) and enjoyed seeing a huge exhibit of the native arts and crafts. We also attended a performance of song and dance that evening. The majority of the performances were by Xhosa, who are native to this part of the country. It was a wonderful show and gave us a great overview of the music and dance which is part of the Xhosa culture. The best part of the performance was watching the faces of each person on stage. They truly put their whole hearts into what they were doing and obviously loved performing. This is quite representative of how they live their lives, with lots of emotion and passion.

Yesterday was quite a day, and was somewhat representative of our mission, in that it was filled with diversity and even some drama. In the morning I pick up the Motherwell Elders at the auto dealership after they dropped their car for service. I took them to their home and left them with two bicycles to use for the day. (They were quite excited about being on bikes for the day, even though it is about a 30 minute bike ride to their area.) We went shopping for items for our storehouse (cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, etc). We went to the bank for business which took about 4 times as long as it would in the US. We then went to see a woman in the large public hospital here in Port Elizabeth. She is a member who happens to be from Grahamstown. She fell and suffered a severe fraction which will requires surgery. It took us about 30 minutes to locate her, as there is no central registry. Even though she came to the hospital the day before, she was still in the "Casualty", department, which is equivalent to the ER. There must have been 70 to 80 people in this department just laying or sitting on gurneys and waiting for care. One nurse finally gave us her attention and pointed to the area where the sister should be. So, we went around the area calling her name with no results. Finally, one person pointed to a lady sleeping and said "I think that is her". Thankfully it was her and we had a nice visit. We asked what she might need and she said soap and a skirt. She had forgotten to bring them, so we headed off to a nearby store to buy them for her. She was very appreciative when we returned. By this time it was mid afternoon and we headed to Motherwell to visit members and teach a couple preparing for marriage. As we approached Motherwell we received a call from one of the Elders. They had pushed their bikes to the township and had gone walking on splits with two of our local fellowshippers. One fellowshipper is Mzolisa (Mzo) Mgqali, a young man who has been preparing for many months to serve a mission but has been rejected because he has diabetes and it hasn't been well controlled. So, the Elder told us that Mzo was not feeling well and he asked if we could check on him at a member's home where he had stopped. When we arrived Mzo was in a comatose state and was completely unresponsive to us. We immediately gave him a blessing and then carried him to our car and headed for the Motherwell Health Center. By this time it was well into the evening and just the small Casualty Center was open. We carried him in and laid him on a gurney where a nurse soon came and checked his blood sugar, finding that it was dangerously low. She started an IV to correct the situation so we took off to pick up the other missionary and took the fellowshipper who was with him home. We then picked up the bicycles which were nearby and headed back to the Health Center. By the time we arrived Mzo was sitting up and being his old self, so we took him home. By the time we dropped the Elders off at their boarding and got home it was after 9:00 PM, and were very tired, as we are every single day of the week.  

To say that the sights, sounds, tastes, and the smells, of South Africa are unique is certainly an understatement. As time has passed our ability to feel comfortable with them has increased to where we now embrace it all and are very much at home. Above all, the people are what make this part of God's creations special. We love them and hope that our time here will help bring them a bit closer to heaven.

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

Pictured above: Elders Paskett and Nkosi are Zone Leaders and they accompanied us to Knysna and George to visit our missionaries and provide training. It was a real treat for all since it is about a 4 hour drive from Port Elizabeth and not often visited.    

We see many of the Xhosa women carrying large burdens on their heads. However, this one was somewhat unique, and she was going up a steep hill. She laughed when we asked for the photo. Wish you could see her bright happy face, even while under such a load.   

Here are Elders Hernandez (Mexico), Nkosi (South Africa) Latu (Samoa) and Paskett (Cedar Hills, Utah). Elder Paskett made a traditional Xhosa meal for us on Saturday...no utensils required. 

I had the privilege of interviewing this young man recently as he prepared for baptism. He was introduced to the church by his friend pictured with him who is a recent convert, and who is preparing to go on a mission. His English is lacking so she interprets for him each Sunday. His knowledge of the gospel is really quite amazing. A challenge for him has been to forgive his mother and father. He never knew his mother and his father abandoned him when he was young. It was an honor to help him get past that and to see the relief he found thereafter.  

A Job Half Done

Dear All,

That's right, today marks nine months of missionary service for us. We have had a marvelous experience thus far but feel like there is much to be done and not enough time to do it. The good thing is that we have learned much more about what is expected of us and, hopefully, have become better able to accomplish it. We look forward to what the future will bring to us as two of the Lord's weak but willing missionaries.  

This past week we were thrilled to visit with the Orme family, Kelley, Denise, Spencer and Natalie, who were passing through Port Elizabeth on vacation. It was the first time we have seen anyone from home and it was a real treat. They are special friends and we love them. A bonus was that they were couriers of special treats from home (as Kelley often is to missionaries).

They brought us corn tortillas, chocolate chips, and Crisco. None of these items are available here, at least not of the quality of which we are accustomed. Thanks Ormes!!     

Almost every companionship in the mission was affected by transfers this past week and we said a sad goodbye to nearly half of those missionaries with whom we serve in our slice of heaven. The good news is that those who arrived are just as awesome as those who left. As before, it will be a pleasure becoming acquainted with each one and benefiting from their positive influence. We now serve with Elders from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Taiwan, England, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Mexico, and America. Even with the vast differences in their cultures, education, economic status, and family support, they are fully united in one eternally important cause. They love the work and are fully united in it, they love each other, and they love the Lord. They even have a little love left over for the two of us, and that is one of the great joys of our service. 

Motherwell Branch is still meeting in the tent...and it's getting cold! We'll keep you posted.

We greatly miss friends and family at home, but we're healthy and happy while doing our small part to bring salvation and eternal life to our brothers and sisters of South Africa. 

All our love,

Elder and Sister Watson

The picture above is from our last time with President and Sister Merrill. We will miss them greatly!!

We love the Ormes and it was such a pleasure spending some time with them.    

 This is the Philander family. Mom, dad and the two oldest were just baptized. Sister Philander said that she was going through a particularly difficult time in her life and she felt that there must be something better.  She said when she saw these two young men walking down the street in their white shirts and dark pants she knew immediately that they held the answer to her questions. She accepted the gospel right away but Brother Philander took a little while longer.  He had a very strong addiction to cigarettes and reported  to us later that he fasted for three days in order to overcome it. They are beautiful and amazing people! Looking at them it is difficult to believe that they live in a small "shack" with no electricity or running water. We wish everyone could meet this family and benefit from their strong faith and love.

This wasn't meant to be a work of art, but it is. Love the Dutch door on it, which provides good light when your reading. 😉

Inspired Leadership

          Dear All, 

Big changes are coming for the South Africa Cape Town Mission. July first marks the change of presidents in many missions throughout the world, including ours. President Steven Jay Merrill and his wife will be returning home after three years of faithful and inspired leadership. We have always had great respect for those who are called to lead missions, but that respect has been heightened greatly as we have had a closer view of all that the calling entails. It is a tremendously demanding, 24/7, job. No question that the Lord knows which of his children are capable of fulfilling this tremendous task, and He then gives them the seemingly super powers to do the job. We so appreciate having the opportunity to observe the Merrills in action and benefit directly from their wise counsel. They will be greatly missed by all in the SACTM!

Our new mission president will be Thabo Kula James Lebethoa. He is 41 years old (same age as our youngest child) and from the largest township in South Africa, Soweto, where he has been serving as a stake president. He joined the church as a young adult and will have the distinction of being the first black mission president in South Africa (there are three missions). He and his wife have four children, so life in the mission home will be a bit different than in the past. We are very excited to meet the Lebethoas, enjoy our association with them, and benefit from their inspired leadership.

As mentioned before, one of the great things about serving as a senior couple is enjoying the association with other senior couples. Our mission is very large, taking about 20 hours if you were to drive from one end to the other. The closest couple to us, the Petersons, is about 1 1/2 hours away. Therefore, it is a special treat when we can spend time with one another. Such was the case several days ago when Elder and Sister Andrews came from Cape Town to spend four days with us. He is the financial secretary for the mission and she handles all travel arrangements for transfers and arriving and departing missionaries, along with several other responsibilities. We had a great time together and enjoyed becoming better acquainted. Highlights of their visit included: Hiking to the draw bridge at Storms River Mouth (Google it), walking with the Cheetahs at Tenikwa Wildlife Centre, Visiting Monkeyland, attending an awesome party with members of Motherwell Branch, attending Sacrament meeting and singing hymns with our Motherwell brothers and sisters, and enjoying a great burger and chocolate shake at RocoMomas. So, you can see it's not all work and no play, especially for senior missionaries. 😊   

We testify that missionary work is the Lord's work and we are richly rewarded for being involved in it. When performing missionary work we are fulfilling the Lord's direction to "feed my sheep" and, by so doing, we demonstrate our love for Him in a very real way.

All our love,
Elder and Sister Watson

Picture Above:   At Storms River Mouth (where the river flows into the Indian Ocean) with Elder and Sister Andrews.

We had the pleasure of being with President and Sister Merrill for her birthday recently.
(Nobody complains about the food in South Africa!)

Coming to South Africa Cape Town Mission on 1 July 2017, President and Sister Lebethoa and family. Can't wait to meet them!

Party at the church (tent) with Elder and Sister Andrews, and with Sister Vena, our beloved Relief Society President. 

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.