Into Durban and Off to New Germany

[From President & Sister Zackrison of the Durban, South Africa Mission]:

We are delighted that Elders Hammon, Moline, Eveson, and Scrimsher have arrived safe and happy in the South Africa Durban Mission.  President Zackrison and I have enjoyed being with them at the mission home today.    We would love to have them here for their whole missions, but we understand visas are a factor.

I want to send this quick note so you hear something before their next Pday, Monday, November 4.  Today the office couples gave them a driving test and an orientation.  President Zackrison interviewed them.  And they met their new companions.

Elder Eveson is with Elder Rajaonarison in New Germany

Click here for link to Map of New Germany, SA

Here is the best address for letters and packages.

Elder Brandon Eveson
Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
PO Box 1741
Wandsbeck 3631
South Africa

We thank you for helping your sons prepare for their missions.  They will be strengthened and supported by your prayers.  President Zackrison and I are happy to be here to support and work with them.  Their purpose is to follow the prompting of the Spirit and invite people "to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end." (Preach My Gospel)   As they do this they will be blessed in joy, growth and wisdom during their mission years.

Warmly,
Sister Zackrison

This photo was taken today in the back yard of the mission home.

Week 2: The Only Constant is . . . Change ~ Durban, SA, Here I Come!

[From Sister Janet Reber of the South Africa MTC]:

Guess what!  Things have changed.  Tomorrow, instead of going to Kenya....your missionary will be going on a temporary assignment to another mission.  This is due to a visa (temporary work permit) issue in Kenya. 

Following is their new assignment and where they will be flying tomorrow.

It has been a real shock to all of us!  However, we put our trust in God and His plan for us.

We sang as a group "I'll go where You want me to go Dear Lord"...and that was healing.

Tomorrow morning....they will all fly out.

Love from me and ALL of your children,

Sister Reber

Elder Brandon Eveson is heading with 3 other Elders to Durban, South Africa.  They are Elder Tyler Moline from Canada (5 hours north of Edmonton), Elder Travis Hammon from Utah, and Elder Jener Scrimsher from Utah. 

Elder Eveson's buddy, Elder Kash Ellingson from Canada is heading to Cape Town on the other side of South Africa, with Elder Kody Harvey from Utah.  [Hopefully Eveson and Ellingson will serve together at some point after they finally arrive in Kenya.]

Brandon's current companion, Elder Bakubamutwe, does have a permit for Kenya and is flying there tomorrow.  3 additional African Missionaries are heading to Zimbabwe temporarily, and 1 to Zambia.

It is unknown how long they will be in their temporary area.  The work permit visas can take time to process.

I also do not have an updated mailing address for his temporary assignment.  As soon as I receive one, I will forward and post it.  

Life is filled with change.  Looking forward to hearing from Brandon ~ guessing his P Day is still next Monday.

In the mean time, here is a news clip and article on the LDS Church in Africa:  http://www.ksl.com/?sid=24130150

A temple has been announced for Durban, but the exact location has not been determined.  Currently, their closest temple is 350 miles away in Johannesburg.

Before & After

Sister Janet Reber of the South Africa MTC asked for a "Before" photo of Brandon.  Photo credit to Jamie Pearson, as she shot the "before" picture below while we were in Tahoe this summer.  Thank you Jamie!

Sister Reber surprised all of the missionaries with a Going Away presentation.  Here is the slide she created for Brandon:

Study Time . . .

[From Sister Reber of the South Africa MTC]:

This is a great photo of Elder Eveson studying in his room during personal study.  Note his new scritpure case.

Elder Eveson is a fine young man and we are so blessed to have him at the MTC.

Love, Sister Janet Reber

Service Time . . .

[From Sister Reber of the South Africa MTC]:

During the missionary's stay at the MTC, they have one opportunity to do service....for 30 minutes.  Here are the photos I took during this morning's service time.

If they look happy, it is because they are!

Love, Sister Janet Reber

A Little Bit of R & R

[From Sister Reber of the South Africa MTC]:

Seven times, while the missionaries are at the MTC, they are given one hour in which to go outside and play some type of sport.

Here are the missionaries who participated in soccer, ping pong and volleyball.  There are some very talented athletes in this group.

Love, Sister Janet Reber

Elder Scrimsher's Bday Party

[From Sister Reber of the South Africa MTC]:

Tonight we celebrated Elder Scrimsher's 19th birthday.  It was really exciting.  He was sung to in: English, Shona, French, and a couple of languages I haven't heard before.  

The candle was neat and the cake and ice cream superb.  Everyone enjoyed the party and Elder Scrimsher said he will never forget it.  

Now, several Elders and one Sister came and told me that their birthday is tomorrow.  I have their passports, so I know better!

Love, Sister Janet Reber