Hey! I hope everyone had a great week! We have been busy and it is great (and cooold) here in Nairobi. Well I only say cold because I came from Dar and I was used to being so hot all the time. But all is well!
Obviously the big news was the President of the United States was here, along with hundreds of Secret Service and tens of thousands of security men and women.
So Monday was cool, talked with the guy next to me on the plane ride from Dar. Got here, emailed, and went and sat in the famous Nairobi traffic for a few hours picking up Elders from the bus station.
Then Tuesday, sent some Elders off and got settled in. The rest of the week we had some great lessons and one of our investigators is an Oral Surgeon and was in Salt Lake for a meeting/conference and went on a tour of Temple Square, and then when he came back he contacted us. So it will be great working with him, as his office is not too far from the mission office. Oh and we were supposed to have an appointment with him Thursday, but we got there and he was too busy drilling on patients' teeth, so we rescheduled for this week.
We saw some recent converts and we have a lot of things to do. On Fridays we are here in the office doing online Mormon.org referrals and anything else we need to.
Friday evening, and Saturday during personal study at 8:30am, huuuge powerful US choppers interrupted us and they were around until Sunday when he left. We live veryyy close to the Statehouse (aka the White House of Kenya) in a really nice area which is where Obama had meetings on Friday and Saturday, so the choppers were around a lot and they had our road closed for him to pass.
We went out contacting Saturday towards town and we got stuck with roads shut down and we had to wait for 1 1/2 hours until Obama and his convoy passed which was interesting. Then later we were at the office then we went contacting into some places both of us had never been and came out right next to Statehouse, which was the same exact time he was leaving Statehouse press conference, so we saw him again in his convoy in one of the two 'Beasts' he brought.
Church on Sunday was great, we cover 2 areas- South B and Upperhill. Upperhill is the ward that meets next door to the mission offices. We attended South B which is an hour walk away and I bore my testimony- and when Sacrament Meeting started I was thinking of what I should say and then when the time came I got up there and my mind was filled with something totally different. It is amazing how the Holy Ghost helps us and can give us the very words at the very moment. All I remember is something about how in God's eyes we are all equal. I gave the example of how Obama comes with airplanes, dozens of different kinds of choppers, and so many staff, gets the roads shut down and anything he needs. But in the eyes of God we are all the same. He is the same as me, who is the same as you, who is the same as the beggar on the side of he street and the same as the CEO of your favorite big company. Then I tied it in to how we learn more about that in the Temple and encouraged everyone to prepare and go who has not been. Anyways I just thought that was interesting.
And something funny- this week my companion got a haircut a a really nice place and then I opted at a cheaper, more local, village like Kinyozi. The guy was a Maasai and didn't even speak English and just a lick of Swahili. Imagine trying to tell him how to cut my hair. It didn't go so well. And right when he started my companion looked at me and I thought of a talk I read earlier in the week and I started laughing. link to he talk-- https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng
And long story short the guy kinda saved the haircut from what it was heading to and I turned out looking like a US marine. Sometimes you just have to laugh things off. A great talk though!
The whole week we would walk by people and hear things like 'Secret Service' or 'watu wa Obama' which means 'Obamas people' among others- it was pretty funny. Much happier being the Lord's servants.
Questions:
How is the new area? Super great.
Do you work with the AP’s? Yeah a lot. They live next door and we are together a lot, and also the couples live next door (powerful dinner appointments)
How is the apartment? Pretty nice. The APs have the only washer and dryer in the Mission so we get to use that which is a bonus.
How was the visit from the Pres? Alright I guess- Nairobi was DEAD and locked off.. nooobody was out as everyone had a 3 day weekend because Obama gave it to them.
Did you get to hear his speech or did the Elders all stay in during his visit or?? No, and no.
Did the phone or internet get disconnected? Surprisingly, no.
What do you think of Nairobi? It's good.
Enjoying your new comp? Hahaha yaaaa it's great.
How do you get around town? By driving my feet.
How long does it take to get from your place to the Mission Home? 25 minutes walking, 8-10 in a car with no traffic.
Well have a great weeeeek!
Elder Eveson
Kenya Nairobi Mission
Referral Secretary
Upper Hill Road
Next to Citigroup
PO Box 46162-00100
Nairobi,
KENYA
mormon.org
Monday, July 27, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
Week 91: Jumping for JOY and DAR to NBI to DAR to NBI
Hey! Well sooo many things have happened and we are really busy.. basically the week has been great, Tuesday we went to Nairobi for Mission Leadership Council, which was Wednesday, then flew back Thursday to Dar es Salaam, and saw a powerful family in the evening.
Friday we were asked to deal with some few things and did that, then saw some people. And Elder Steed from Lethbridge was with us the whole week the time that we were in Dar as he was headed to Nairobi Saturday morning and flying home Monday (today).
Saturday we had a great day we went to town and got a ferry to Kigamboni (which is about a 6 minute ride..) and saw one of our powerrrful investigators, Martin, and his family that lives that side. We went with Brother Fadhili (recent convert) and he showed us around, then we met his Mom and brother who stay there and taught them. Then we got back and were running late so we didn't have time to go change so we played basketball in our white shirts and dress shoes. Check out this hilarious "Church Ball Anthem": Church ball!
Then that night we got transfer news and I have been transferred to Upperhill, Nairobi to finish my last 2 transfers as a zone leader with Elder Warwood who is from Battle Mountain, NV. He is headed home this transfer so next transfer I will get a new companion again following this transfer.
So Sunday I bore my testimony and the Wilson's gave powwwwerful talks on the Book of Mormon and it was perfect because Helter and his brother Elias were there along with many others to hear it.
After Church, Elias and I were talking, and he told me he has decided he wants to join the Church. I wanted to jump for joy when he told me that and go fill up the water for his baptism. But Elder Lopeyok and his new companion will teach him and do that work. That is a greattt family and they can really help the church. And Helter told me also that he is applying to BYU Idaho and also Elias told me he will be applying to BYU Provo. Basically that made the last 9 months a success for me.
Sunday evening a member had us over for a district Young Single Adult function type thing and it was great because I saw lots of people I know there for the last time and I saw one of the Sisters' investigators that was baptized like 2 hours before, whom I did the baptismal interview for. He is a greattt guy. I wish I had more time to talk about him. Anyways, he has been realllly prepared by the Lord. And you would never know he was just baptized. He fit right in and looked super sharp just like every other Priesthood holder. A great evening with great people. Just enjoying every moment.
Sunday night I stayed up all night packing (seems I haven't changed hahaha) and left at 6am to the airport and now I am back in Nairobi. And it is cold in comparison to Dar es Salaam.... Now we are headed to pickup some Elders and help with transfers.
I am looking forward to everything that awaits me in these 2 transfers here. And I already miss speaking pure Tanzanian Swahili..this place is all English
We now email from the office and the timing is a bit earlier than what I was doing in Dar just FYI.
And all the preparation for Obama coming here this weekend are crazy-- haha and he will have over 13,000 security people. Anyways we'll see how everything shakes out. I have heard they will cut all cell phone communication and internet. We'll see.
Will send pics next week.
Love you all!
Elder Brandon Eveson
Much love from the KNM
Friday we were asked to deal with some few things and did that, then saw some people. And Elder Steed from Lethbridge was with us the whole week the time that we were in Dar as he was headed to Nairobi Saturday morning and flying home Monday (today).
Saturday we had a great day we went to town and got a ferry to Kigamboni (which is about a 6 minute ride..) and saw one of our powerrrful investigators, Martin, and his family that lives that side. We went with Brother Fadhili (recent convert) and he showed us around, then we met his Mom and brother who stay there and taught them. Then we got back and were running late so we didn't have time to go change so we played basketball in our white shirts and dress shoes. Check out this hilarious "Church Ball Anthem": Church ball!
Then that night we got transfer news and I have been transferred to Upperhill, Nairobi to finish my last 2 transfers as a zone leader with Elder Warwood who is from Battle Mountain, NV. He is headed home this transfer so next transfer I will get a new companion again following this transfer.
So Sunday I bore my testimony and the Wilson's gave powwwwerful talks on the Book of Mormon and it was perfect because Helter and his brother Elias were there along with many others to hear it.
After Church, Elias and I were talking, and he told me he has decided he wants to join the Church. I wanted to jump for joy when he told me that and go fill up the water for his baptism. But Elder Lopeyok and his new companion will teach him and do that work. That is a greattt family and they can really help the church. And Helter told me also that he is applying to BYU Idaho and also Elias told me he will be applying to BYU Provo. Basically that made the last 9 months a success for me.
Sunday evening a member had us over for a district Young Single Adult function type thing and it was great because I saw lots of people I know there for the last time and I saw one of the Sisters' investigators that was baptized like 2 hours before, whom I did the baptismal interview for. He is a greattt guy. I wish I had more time to talk about him. Anyways, he has been realllly prepared by the Lord. And you would never know he was just baptized. He fit right in and looked super sharp just like every other Priesthood holder. A great evening with great people. Just enjoying every moment.
Sunday night I stayed up all night packing (seems I haven't changed hahaha) and left at 6am to the airport and now I am back in Nairobi. And it is cold in comparison to Dar es Salaam.... Now we are headed to pickup some Elders and help with transfers.
I am looking forward to everything that awaits me in these 2 transfers here. And I already miss speaking pure Tanzanian Swahili..this place is all English
We now email from the office and the timing is a bit earlier than what I was doing in Dar just FYI.
And all the preparation for Obama coming here this weekend are crazy-- haha and he will have over 13,000 security people. Anyways we'll see how everything shakes out. I have heard they will cut all cell phone communication and internet. We'll see.
Will send pics next week.
Love you all!
Elder Brandon Eveson
Much love from the KNM
Monday, July 13, 2015
Week 90: Small Changes make a Big Difference
Lots of things happening and a busy week but just something short--
This week we were able to go to Fredrick's place as he works selling secondhand jeans on the side of the road, and we have known for him a while from just passing by on the way to places. Great guy and we started talking with him one day, and it turns out he is a Civil Engineer but couldn't find any work so he settled with selling jeans.
He is a great guy, great family man. They are all Roman Catholic but we were finally able to sit down with him and his family and talk about all the questions he and his family had for us about the Church, the Gospel and us. He is married and has 2 kids. We are looking forward to meeting them more.
Church switching to 10am has really made a big difference and it has only been 2 Sundays so far. And with the switch from Sacrament from last to first, now people are actually staying all 3 hours and coming on time. We had 36 men in Priesthood class including nonmembers and 30 of them were in white shirts was powerful- I was used to starting at 9am with the missionaries, branch presidency and 2 members-one of whom was the teacher.
Tomorrow we are headed to Nairobi for Mission Leadership Council on Wednesday, then back Thursday!
Questions:
What is street boarding?
Not sure how it got the name, but basically put a table outside on the street with flyers and a board with pictures and give everyone a pamphlet who passes by and invite them to church. Basically just contacting.
Have a great week!!
Love Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
This week we were able to go to Fredrick's place as he works selling secondhand jeans on the side of the road, and we have known for him a while from just passing by on the way to places. Great guy and we started talking with him one day, and it turns out he is a Civil Engineer but couldn't find any work so he settled with selling jeans.
He is a great guy, great family man. They are all Roman Catholic but we were finally able to sit down with him and his family and talk about all the questions he and his family had for us about the Church, the Gospel and us. He is married and has 2 kids. We are looking forward to meeting them more.
Church switching to 10am has really made a big difference and it has only been 2 Sundays so far. And with the switch from Sacrament from last to first, now people are actually staying all 3 hours and coming on time. We had 36 men in Priesthood class including nonmembers and 30 of them were in white shirts was powerful- I was used to starting at 9am with the missionaries, branch presidency and 2 members-one of whom was the teacher.
Tomorrow we are headed to Nairobi for Mission Leadership Council on Wednesday, then back Thursday!
Questions:
What is street boarding?
Not sure how it got the name, but basically put a table outside on the street with flyers and a board with pictures and give everyone a pamphlet who passes by and invite them to church. Basically just contacting.
Have a great week!!
Love Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
Monday, July 6, 2015
Week 89: Happy 4th & The Gospel is for EVERYONE!
Happy late 4th! What a great holiday for a great reason. And hearing that USA Women's National Team won the WORLD cup on the same weekend- wow!
On another note, things have been going well this side of the world.
During District Development Meeting, my companion was giving a training on finding people, finding families, and as he was speaking, I opened my scriptures to a reference in Preach My Gospel that I noted but never remembered what the verse said. It was Doctrine & Covenants 61:3.
3. But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief.
I can say that single verse hit me with impact and reminded me that I need to talk with everyone. The way which the verse is worded is perfect. It seems we take 'everyone' too lightly. But every single person we see and pass by. People are perishing because they haven't heard the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and don't know where to find the truth. It is amazing what the spirit does to help us in small and simple things.
We did streetboarding for just an hour and met with some solid potential investigators. We are also working with some really great people right now..continuing the finding and teaching.
I heard President Boyd K. Packer passed away- he has really helped all mankind with the example he set and the teachings he gave. It's a great thing we will have all his teachings and talks he has given written down.
Not too much else for this week, so take care, and have a great week!
Love Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
On another note, things have been going well this side of the world.
During District Development Meeting, my companion was giving a training on finding people, finding families, and as he was speaking, I opened my scriptures to a reference in Preach My Gospel that I noted but never remembered what the verse said. It was Doctrine & Covenants 61:3.
3. But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief.
I can say that single verse hit me with impact and reminded me that I need to talk with everyone. The way which the verse is worded is perfect. It seems we take 'everyone' too lightly. But every single person we see and pass by. People are perishing because they haven't heard the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and don't know where to find the truth. It is amazing what the spirit does to help us in small and simple things.
We did streetboarding for just an hour and met with some solid potential investigators. We are also working with some really great people right now..continuing the finding and teaching.
I heard President Boyd K. Packer passed away- he has really helped all mankind with the example he set and the teachings he gave. It's a great thing we will have all his teachings and talks he has given written down.
Not too much else for this week, so take care, and have a great week!
Love Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
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