Mission Adventures in Uganda: Large Zone Conferences and a Wedding in Ethiopia!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Large Zone Conferences and a Wedding in Ethiopia!

For the last couple of transfers we have decided to combine zone conferences in Kampala and Jinja. President Collings and I do our training, and then we separate into zones and have the zone leaders teach their own zones. It has really worked out nice, and has given us more time to spend individually with the missionaries. On Thursday, August 9th, was our latest combined Zone Conference with Kampala North and South Zones. And on August 16th, was Jinja and East Zones. It was a pretty good size group, but the Spirit was felt, which is most important!

Kampala South Zone

Kampala North Zone

Jinja Zone

Uganda East Zone

Sister Christine provided the meal for North and South Zones, and there was PLENTY for all the missionaries. I really appreciate her making the meal, and the missionaries love how much food she brings! It was really a yummy lunch.

Sister Mbiro provided the food for Jinja and East Zones. She always does a great job as well. There is always so much to eat, and it tastes so good!!

President Collings and I had a wonderful experience in Ethiopia this month!! This is an experience that we never thought would actually happen while we were here in the Uganda Kampala Mission. President Okello is single. He was called to be in the mission presidency, but it's really rare for a single man to be in the mission presidency. Each time we would travel to the outer branches for branch conferences or firesides, President Collings would stand up and announce that President Okello was available and looking for a wife. All the ladies would giggle. As we have spent time together with him, President Okello started to tell us some of the attributes he is looking for in a wife. As he was describing her to us, President Collings said, "I know just the person you are looking for." There is a woman, Martha, who lives in Ethiopia, she is very sweet, and a strong member of the church. As he talked to Richard more about her, things just started to fall into place. On August 11, 2018 Richard married Martha!! We were able to be in Ethiopia to enjoy this special time with them. Martha's Branch President did the actual wedding ceremony, but President Collings was asked to say a few words before that. It was a rainy day, but that didn't douse the great feelings that were there as Richard and Martha said, "I do."

Four of our six missionaries who attended the wedding.

Biographical Information

Steve and Tracy both grew up in Utah. Both born into large families who were active in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Steve loved basketball and track, and anything outdoors. He was the second of 7 boys. Tracy was the second of 8 children. She was a gymnast, loved dancing, and always loved babysitting her siblings or the children in the neighborhood. Steve served in the Washington DC South mission, and upon his return was set up on a blind date with Tracy. They were married shortly thereafter. They were blessed with four children, who made life very exciting. Steve pursued a career in business management, and has started and sold several businesses. He has especially enjoyed teaching others about business, and watching them grow and excel in their careers. He has always tried to lift others to their greatest potential in work and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As their kids grew older, Tracy went to nursing school. She loves being able to care for those in need, who can't care for themselves. After 30 years of marriage, they have learned to rely on and lift each other. They have been humbled as they have seen all four of their children married and starting families of their own. They love their six grandchildren and can’t wait to meet them when they return home.