Hey!
We have had a great week still being a companionship of three.
Mormon Helping Hands on Saturday went very well at St. Catherine's orphanage/school in South B area which was great to be a part of. Upperhill and South B combined, and there were only like 35 of us, but the orphans who stay there all helped out and we did a lottt which was great to see. Then President Hicken invited us over to his place to play bocce ball afterward, and then out to Chinese..yeah it was faaantastic.
We picked up a greatt new investigator, Wendy, who actually contacted us trying to sell life insurance to us, then we flipped it and contacted her. We have met with her and she is a nice young lady. We have had a great lesson with her, and are looking forward to more with her and the friends she wants to introduce us to. We used Sarah (one of the guards here who is a member) as her fellowshipper, which went very well.
Friday we had our office day, then went and had a powerrrful dinner appointment and lesson with a member family who are from Ghana, lived in Atlanta and had kids there, went back to Ghana, and now are here in Nairobi. Hahaha super great family to be around.
On Sunday at Church, we had a lady here visiting from Toronto, Canada, and she thought maybe we were from around here because she said we picked up big accents -- but to us, we were the ones thinking she had the accent. Haha it was pretty funny.
It seems with overall regards to the Zones, numbers have been pretty low since I have been here. My companion and I have talked about it, and we will be having a ballllin Zone Training Meeting this Wednesday to hopefully get things on fire here in the Upperhill Zone.
Questions- (willl answer the rest next week)
You are an office elder? What are your responsibility?
You know on mormon.org where you can put in someones info for the missionaries to visit? That's what my companion and I check, then send that info to the Missionaries serving in that area, or send them pamphlets if they stay where there is no Church. We also do other office duties.
This coming 'supa sato' (super saturday) we will be all over Nairobi checking the other missionaries flats so that should be fun. Driving in Nairobiii.
And next Monday we have a ssssuper sweet pday set up since it is my companion's and Elder Harding's last Pday on mission, as the following meeting they have their flights to catch.... Stay tuned next week.
Have a faaantastic week!
Love, Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
Monday, August 17, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
Week 94: Gratitude for the Lord's Plan, Another Companion & A Meat Fest
Hey! I don't have too much time but here are some highlights from the week:
This week was good, I learned a lot at Zone Conference and my companion and I will be implementing the things we noticed we need to work on.
The same day we received Elder Ngambonziza to be with Elder Warwood and I, which has been great, although 3 is a crowd. He is with us until things get worked out with his work permit- which depends on if he will start serving here in Kenya or go to TZ. He will be a great missionary and it is like Elder Warwood and I are his trainers before he gets his trainer.
Elder Ngambonziza is the first missionary from Rwanda to come to the Kenya Nairobi Mission, and only the 11th ever to leave the country to serve the Lord for 2 years. I have a cool story to share another time -- but he met and taught someone from his home place already with us, in his home language.
There are no coincidences, I am thankful for the Plan of the Lord in helping His sons and daughters understand a little more about the True Gospel that has been restored to the earth.
It was kinda funny, we had been together in the trio for about 10 minutes and he thought both me and my companion were from South Africa because of our accents. Hahaha actually quite a few people think that- you would be surprised.
This week Elder Harding, Elder Warwood and I went out and spoiled ourselves. It is nice to do that once in a while. We went to Carnivore restaurant- which they boast the title 'Africa's greatest eating experience'. I could say so. I was king of the table. We ate pork, beef, lamb, chicken, crocodile, rabbit, and bull (some parts of the bull). It was powerfullll!! The following morning was another story....I hadn't eaten that much meat before and long story short, right after I received a Priesthood blessing I felt better, and didn't have any more body problems -- and we had a powerful day.
Questions-
Do you actually get P-days anymore or is it just another office day?
P days! But we do fun stuff so we don't email that long!
What is Nairobi like? Cold!
Are people generally friendly or guarded? Depends
Do they yell Mzungu, or approach you or ignore you?
Everyone is about their business, we approach people. Just like everywhere else
Are they receptive to Americans?
Yeah, because of Obama we are all related here...that's how it goes right?
So how is the new area?
Great, so far so good we have some nice people we are teaching
Are you one of the office elders?
Yeah me and my companion are the Office Elders
Much love from the KNM,
Elder Eveson
This week was good, I learned a lot at Zone Conference and my companion and I will be implementing the things we noticed we need to work on.
The same day we received Elder Ngambonziza to be with Elder Warwood and I, which has been great, although 3 is a crowd. He is with us until things get worked out with his work permit- which depends on if he will start serving here in Kenya or go to TZ. He will be a great missionary and it is like Elder Warwood and I are his trainers before he gets his trainer.
Elder Ngambonziza is the first missionary from Rwanda to come to the Kenya Nairobi Mission, and only the 11th ever to leave the country to serve the Lord for 2 years. I have a cool story to share another time -- but he met and taught someone from his home place already with us, in his home language.
There are no coincidences, I am thankful for the Plan of the Lord in helping His sons and daughters understand a little more about the True Gospel that has been restored to the earth.
It was kinda funny, we had been together in the trio for about 10 minutes and he thought both me and my companion were from South Africa because of our accents. Hahaha actually quite a few people think that- you would be surprised.
This week Elder Harding, Elder Warwood and I went out and spoiled ourselves. It is nice to do that once in a while. We went to Carnivore restaurant- which they boast the title 'Africa's greatest eating experience'. I could say so. I was king of the table. We ate pork, beef, lamb, chicken, crocodile, rabbit, and bull (some parts of the bull). It was powerfullll!! The following morning was another story....I hadn't eaten that much meat before and long story short, right after I received a Priesthood blessing I felt better, and didn't have any more body problems -- and we had a powerful day.
Questions-
Do you actually get P-days anymore or is it just another office day?
P days! But we do fun stuff so we don't email that long!
What is Nairobi like? Cold!
Are people generally friendly or guarded? Depends
Do they yell Mzungu, or approach you or ignore you?
Everyone is about their business, we approach people. Just like everywhere else
Are they receptive to Americans?
Yeah, because of Obama we are all related here...that's how it goes right?
So how is the new area?
Great, so far so good we have some nice people we are teaching
Are you one of the office elders?
Yeah me and my companion are the Office Elders
Much love from the KNM,
Elder Eveson
 |
| My Meat Fest Boneyard Plate |
 | |||||
| Elder Harding, Elder Warwood and Me at Carnivore |
Monday, August 3, 2015
Week 93: Followed Promptings Changes Lives ~ Miracles from the Least Expected Events
Hey we have had a great, busy week.
One of the highlights was President Hicken did some training with us office elders and the APs on Thursday with the movie Cains Mutiny and it was great to learn from as he paused it often and explained it and related it all to Gospel Principles and life situations and so on. I really enjoyed it and took away lots of life advice from it.
The tough thing about serving here is we haven't been able to have many members work with us. I think it is because where our area is, is where lots of people work, not live. We have discovered that from contacting as well- we find great people then they are just in the area for work then they go back to where they stay in other missionaries areas. But no effort is lost!
As far as progressing investigators- We have 2 that are really progressing and one we started teaching this week who we will be extending a baptism date to. The progressing are Joel from South B and Jiarus from Upperhill. Jiarus is 29 years old, and a Solider for the Kenya General Service Union and had been sooo busy the 2 months before Obama came now he is a lot more free and is a very powerful investigator. When Obama was here he was around him a lot which he said was pretty cool. This week he will be visiting his home place, but next week he will be back in Nairobi and we will continue teaching. He is currently schooling as well and has a wife and a kid whom we have yet to meet.
And the new investigator Fred was at Church in Upperhill on the 26th (when we went to South B) that was invited by a member named Stella. We did a Church tour and had a powerful lesson with him and his daughter who is visiting from Canada, as she is schooling there. His wife, son and daughter are all in Eastern Canada schooling, but we will see if we can refer them to the missionaries there.
We have not tried streetboarding yet here, just lots of contacting. We are trying to find a good place to do it were people live around, not just work around which is a bit tough.
Zone conference on Wednesday should be powerful as always.
Questions:
How do you like your new comp? He is super great we are having a fun time together.
How is life in Nairobi? Good.
Do you get a lot of referrals coming in to the office? Yeah off Mormon.org
Do you communicate on Skype with people to tell them about the Gospel, or just send the names to the Elders/Sisters in their area? Just call them and see where they stay then we send them some things about the church and if they stay where missionaries are we refer them to those Elders or Sisters.
How are things going with the Kenya area you were in before you went to Tanzania? Mautuma- everything seems alright from what I hear.
Is Kenya / Tanzania finally letting new Missionaries in? The only problem is Kenya.. and not sure as of now- things are still getting worked out.
Did your buddy in Dar get baptized as planned? Elias will be baptized this Sunday!
Do you get to keep in touch with anyone you taught, or the Missionaries you have worked with, while still there? Yeah, whenever.
Did the landlords that found your Liahonas (Ensign Magazines) after the flood (in Kenya) ever join the Church? I just asked right now the branch President of the Rongai branch who works for the church here- Peter Ondigo- and he said the whole family that stays here in Nairobi has been baptized- the landlord and all his family! Powerfullll. He is not sure about the other part that stay up there in the bush but I will find out. And Vincent was my good friend (landlord) so I will have to follow up and see how he is doing and meet up with him.
Not too much else- take care everyone!
Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
One of the highlights was President Hicken did some training with us office elders and the APs on Thursday with the movie Cains Mutiny and it was great to learn from as he paused it often and explained it and related it all to Gospel Principles and life situations and so on. I really enjoyed it and took away lots of life advice from it.
The tough thing about serving here is we haven't been able to have many members work with us. I think it is because where our area is, is where lots of people work, not live. We have discovered that from contacting as well- we find great people then they are just in the area for work then they go back to where they stay in other missionaries areas. But no effort is lost!
As far as progressing investigators- We have 2 that are really progressing and one we started teaching this week who we will be extending a baptism date to. The progressing are Joel from South B and Jiarus from Upperhill. Jiarus is 29 years old, and a Solider for the Kenya General Service Union and had been sooo busy the 2 months before Obama came now he is a lot more free and is a very powerful investigator. When Obama was here he was around him a lot which he said was pretty cool. This week he will be visiting his home place, but next week he will be back in Nairobi and we will continue teaching. He is currently schooling as well and has a wife and a kid whom we have yet to meet.
And the new investigator Fred was at Church in Upperhill on the 26th (when we went to South B) that was invited by a member named Stella. We did a Church tour and had a powerful lesson with him and his daughter who is visiting from Canada, as she is schooling there. His wife, son and daughter are all in Eastern Canada schooling, but we will see if we can refer them to the missionaries there.
We have not tried streetboarding yet here, just lots of contacting. We are trying to find a good place to do it were people live around, not just work around which is a bit tough.
Zone conference on Wednesday should be powerful as always.
Questions:
How do you like your new comp? He is super great we are having a fun time together.
How is life in Nairobi? Good.
Do you get a lot of referrals coming in to the office? Yeah off Mormon.org
Do you communicate on Skype with people to tell them about the Gospel, or just send the names to the Elders/Sisters in their area? Just call them and see where they stay then we send them some things about the church and if they stay where missionaries are we refer them to those Elders or Sisters.
How are things going with the Kenya area you were in before you went to Tanzania? Mautuma- everything seems alright from what I hear.
Is Kenya / Tanzania finally letting new Missionaries in? The only problem is Kenya.. and not sure as of now- things are still getting worked out.
Did your buddy in Dar get baptized as planned? Elias will be baptized this Sunday!
Do you get to keep in touch with anyone you taught, or the Missionaries you have worked with, while still there? Yeah, whenever.
Did the landlords that found your Liahonas (Ensign Magazines) after the flood (in Kenya) ever join the Church? I just asked right now the branch President of the Rongai branch who works for the church here- Peter Ondigo- and he said the whole family that stays here in Nairobi has been baptized- the landlord and all his family! Powerfullll. He is not sure about the other part that stay up there in the bush but I will find out. And Vincent was my good friend (landlord) so I will have to follow up and see how he is doing and meet up with him.
Not too much else- take care everyone!
Elder Eveson
Much love from the KNM
Monday, July 27, 2015
Week 92: Experiencing Nairobi and Views of POTUS Visit
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
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 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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