Mission Adventures in Uganda: Preparation Day and Zone Conference in Masaka

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Preparation Day and Zone Conference in Masaka

We had a few interviews at the mission home this transfer. The mission home is in a perfect location where the missionaries can take a taxi from either side of town, and then it's just a quick walk to get there. We had one district that came, and I couldn't help but take a few pictures. These are all really strong, great missionaries!

Elders Bimpeh, O'Hagan, Boglo, and Crankson

Elder O'Hagan and Elder Bimpeh

Elders Boglo, Crankson, and Bimpeh

We were so happy to go to church and see our friends, Kassan and Alex. As I said before, they were the first people we taught and baptized here in Uganda. We lost track of them for almost a year. It was so nice to see them again, and see that they are still strong in the Gospel.

On Monday, we spent preparation day in Masaka which is about 3 hours outside of Kampala. We usually have the Masaka Zone come to Uganda for Zone Conferences, but felt like it would be nice to spend some time with them. We drove together to a game park, and we were able to see zebras, spring bok, wart hogs, etc. The missionaries really enjoyed it. We then went to Cafe Frikadellen and most of the Elders ate Monster Burgers. A rite of passage in Masaka. The sisters stuck with just a cheeseburger. (Good choice)

Preparing to leave for the game park.

Sisters with Zebras

Sisters Khumalo, Macanda, Mangwegape, and Kigalu

I prefer to take pictures of the missionaries. They had such a good time.

Elders WEight, Denison, Winn, and Ofori

Elder Weight and Hardy with President Collings and a few local people

Most of the missionaries finished the MONSTER burgers.

Our view of Masaka from the hotel. Beautiful sunrise.

On Tuesday morning, we got up and went on a run with the entire zone. I went with the sisters, and we detoured on a back road to get to their house. President Collings took a picture at the end of the run. But you can see all the Elders from the zone.

Elders Winn, Hardy, Ofori, Anim, Denison, Jensen, Young and Weight with President Collings

We then enjoyed zone conference. This is a strong zone. We are so thankful we were able to spend two fun days with them. The training was done by myself, President Collings, Elder Anim and Elder Young. It's fun to see the missionaries step into their leadership roles. They really become comfortable as they study the Gospel and teach people every day. I just sit back and enjoy it each time we listen to Zone Leaders train.

I feel like the two Masaka Branches are in good hands with these powerful missionaries!

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.