Can I just say how much we love our senior couple? We have only one in the mission, but they do the work of four couples. We are so blessed to have Elder and Sister Maughan. They were called as an MLS couple, which is member and leadership support. They have fulfilled their mission 110%, and still have over a year to go.
President Collings has asked them to help the new districts to get up and running smoothly, and help them understand how things are supposed to be done. They stay in Rwanda, but have traveled to Uganda a few times to do training of the new Masaka and Busia Districts. It has been so nice to see them supporting and helping the District Presidencies, and to see the joy that comes to these Presidencies when they really start to understand their roles.
The last time the Maughans were in town, Sister Maughan requested a stop at Pizza Hut. Can you believe we have Pizza Hut in Uganda? And it's really good!! She deserves whatever she asks for, we are just so grateful for all they do!
This weekend we traveled to Rwanda for our final Conference with the Kigali Rwanda District. We are in a unique position because the Area Authority, Elder Chatora, is also the future Mission President of this mission. Well, he was also assigned to be the Presiding Authority in the District Conference. President Collings has worked with him very closely over the past 3 years. Here's an interesting fact, our first District Conference was in Ethiopia in 2016, and the Presiding Authority was Elder Chatora. We have come full circle as he was at our first and last District Conferences in the Uganda Kampala Mission. It's amazing how the Lord works. We feel so blessed to know him, and we know he and Sister Chatora will lead this mission wonderfully.
The conference was really nice. We had two days of teaching and training. With meetings for the Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders, and visits to members homes by the Priesthood Leaders, as well as an Adult and General Session.
The Priesthood and Auxiliary Leadership training took place on Saturday afternoon. The focus was on ministering, and it was mostly an open discussion. Elder Chatora showed a few video clips and then asked the leaders what their thoughts were, how they could implement the things they saw, how they are doing on ministering now, and what they can do better moving forward.
D. Paul, an Elders Quorum President talking to Elder Chatora
There is room for improvement, but I think the point that got across was, don't worry about if you're going to make a mistake, just start doing it and the Lord will lead you in the right direction.
Next was the Adult Session. It was held in the new K1 Chapel. The chapel is divided into two rooms with a wide walkway between them. There was a camera that sent a feed into the next room where the image was projected on the wall. We filled both rooms with people. The missionaries were told they could come to the adult session if they brought people they were teaching. There was a very good mix of church members, and people investigating the church.
Both rooms were able to see and hear the speakers.
During this session we tried to focus on ministering as well. Many of the members have been waiting for a phone call from their Branch President, Elders Quorum President, or Relief Society President, asking them to minister to others. President Collings did a simple role play with D. Paul Hakizimana, who is the Elders Quorum President in the K1 Branch. He simply had a phone conversation with him. President Collings said that he had just returned home from his mission and was anxious to receive his ministering assignment, so he called the Elders Quorum President. D. Paul told him that he would like to pray about it and would call him back in a couple of days. He called back and gave him the assignment. President Collings then called him back again and said that he wanted to have a ministering interview, because he wanted to share how this person was doing. I think it really opened the eyes of the people, that you don't have to wait, you can ask and follow up with your leaders. Then there isn't the excuse that the leader isn't doing his or her job, instead we are "agents unto ourselves" as it says in D&C 58. It was a fun, interactive way to help them understand.
The General Session was held at the Marriott Hotel in their conference room. We had a really great turn out. I'm not sure how many chairs were set up, but during the meeting they had to bring in more because there were not enough for all the people that came to the meeting.
The General Session was held at the Marriott Hotel in their conference room. We had a really great turn out. I'm not sure how many chairs were set up, but during the meeting they had to bring in more because there were not enough for all the people that came to the meeting.
The District has been working really hard to build the foundation of the church in Rwanda. That starts with having Melchizedek Priesthood holders, and families who receive the blessings of the temple. The Branches have been preparing men to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood for the past few months, and it was thrilling to see 15 men sustained, who will be ordained in the coming days. It is such a boost for the branches!
New Priesthood Holders
The other area that has really been a focus is helping families receive their temple ordinances. There were 16 adults who have been working towards going to the temple. Many of them are married couples who will go through with their children. There was so much excitement as these couples received their temple recommends, and are now one step closer to going to the temple.
As part of the Saturday visits, several families were invited to come back to church, who may have been away for a while. They were able to talk through some of the concerns they had with the District and Branch Priesthood leaders, along with President Collings and Elder Chatora. It was so exciting to see several of those families come to the District Conference on Sunday.
During the conference, we heard from members of the District Presidency. At one point, there were people who were asked to bear their testimonies to the congregation. One was Sister Jeanne Ingabire, who just returned from her mission in Liberia.
Another one was Elder Kampleya, who is serving right now in Kigali, but will be returning home this week. There are also two women who have put in their paperwork to serve full time missions. Both are waiting for their mission calls. They are both so strong, and will really bless the missions where they are called. They will represent the Kigali Rwanda District very well.
Another one was Elder Kampleya, who is serving right now in Kigali, but will be returning home this week. There are also two women who have put in their paperwork to serve full time missions. Both are waiting for their mission calls. They are both so strong, and will really bless the missions where they are called. They will represent the Kigali Rwanda District very well.
We heard music from the District Choir, which always does such a great job! They work really hard and the music is beautiful.
Sister Cecile spoke about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She just recently received the ordinances of the temple, and is now working with the translation team.
President Collings talked about the power of the priesthood. It was perfect because of all the men who are receiving the priesthood. He told a story about one of his employees before our mission. This employee was working very hard vacuuming a large office space. He was putting in all this effort, but had forgotten to turn the vacuum on, so there was no power behind it and he didn't see the benefits of the vacuum. He related this to the power of the priesthood. Just because hands are placed on your head and you are ordained to the office of an Elder, does not mean you will be able to exercise power. It has to do with the way you are living, and the choices you are making. One man approached him after the meeting and said he will never forget that story, and will remember to live righteously so he can bless others with the real power of the priesthood.
Elder Chatora was the concluding speaker. He talked about being consistent in doing the things we are told to do by our prophet and church leaders. It was good to see him connecting with the members of the District.
The District Presidency
District Presidency with Branch Presidents
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So we have another "Last" to check off of our list. For our final District Conference, it was a memorable one. We are very grateful to have met with all the members of the District. They hold a special place in our hearts! We are sure to see many great blessings in the future for this area of the world.
