WK 3 of Lugazi transfer.....yum, grasshoppers!!

Elder Beck and fellow missionaries in Lugazi

Hello everyone. This week was a great week. Lots of things happening. Not sure if I can remember all the good stuff because I am a bit discombobulated right now. ha.

Tuesday we had a great day. Taught some lessons that were really powerful. Wednesday we had a nice DDM. Also got to visit an Rc named Francis. He has had a tough path in him and his families life, but for him he always says. If I have faith than it will all work out super powerful man. He also just received the Melchizedek priesthood this Sunday. It is amazing to see the great faith of the members here in Lugazi. Also he helped us this week big time in teaching lessons. he is great. We also taught a new family. They are really humble and friendly. They accepted a baptism date. They struggle a little with english, but a super humble family.

On Thursday we had a solid day. Nothing to complain about. On friday we went to Kampala early ( we woke up at like 5am) for interviews with the zone. It was super nice to be able to talk to President before he leaves at the end of this transfer and to learn as much as I can from such a wealth of knowledge. It is crazy that president is already going. He is a powerful man. I wouldn't be surprised to see him speaking in general conference someday. ha. One thing he told me is that something that has stood out to him the most on his mission is Obedience and the spirit. How important those things are too us. We need to be obedient to have Gods help and to even have the spirit with us and then we need to listen and act on the spirit. Then we came home to Lugazi and had a lesson. They fed us. WE had Grasshoppers. Posho. and greens and Mushrooms. It was actually super nice. I was enjoying big time. haha. Especially the grasshoppers. they are a nice snack. (guess what he'll be looking to eat when he gets home?!?  yum yummy!)

On Saturday we had a good solid day and even helped clean the church and it was looking fresh. ha. On SUnday we had a great day. 68 at sacrament and also got the family we taught on wednesday at church. It was awesome to see them walk in with a member that picked them up in the morning. Powerful. We also after church went with the entire branch presidency and the relief society president and visited two less active members. IT was awesome. The Branch presidency is powerful and the relief society pres is great as well. It is awesome to see how the branch leaders care so much and how big a difference that makes. Today we went to Kampala again for sports day at the super nice church building. I played some basketball and football and got to talk to and meet a lot of missionaries. It was fun. The Taxi ride was a different story. Not easy stuffing 21 people with bags in a 16 passenger van. hahaha, but it was worth it. It was a great week.

Something great I was able to come across many times was faith. Faith is amazing. Hebrews chapter 11 in the new testament just became one of my favorite chapers. It talks all about faith and what was able to happen because of faith. It is crazy to see how powerful faith is and how miracles, tender mercies, and amazing people can come from faith. Also the faith that Francis the RC has. That he trusts in god enough to not worry when he is going through these hard situations with his family. ALso the faith of the Branch leaders to go out and visit people with us and love the people so much. Faith is awesome. I love faith. I am trying to increase my faith everyday by the small and the simple things. Thanks for the love and support. Have a great week.

Love Elder Beck

MOM Questions..
1. What is your favorite treat to eat in Africa?

My favorite treat is either yogurt or fried grasshoppers.

2.  The girls are starting a new workout conditioning program for vb..... Are you doing a workout or is walking and digging enough?

I am trying to workout in the mornings.

3.I noticed how dusty your shoes are? Is that a daily occurrence? Are you shoes holding up?

Ya they get that dusty everyday.ALl the roads are dirt so they will get dusty. They are holding up pretty well.

4. Ps.. How about a, picture of you in your African tie?

Ok. I think I got your ties you got for me. I haven't opened the small package yet, but I think that is what they are.

Sugar cane....yum yum yum!

Sugar cane

Sugar cane prep

Bouncing and Burnt offerings - -Second week in Lugazi

Happy African trails to you!  Elder Beck into the sunset

Hell-o! THis week was a little slow in terms of teaching, but went by fast because of the spirit.

On Tuesday we had a solid day. We also taught a new family. The lesson went well. He seemed interested and i am sure he felt the spirit, but for some reason he could not understand me. SO... the member we had had to translate my english to their english, but hey it went well. A little frustrating. We also chowed down on some sugar cane with a member. Super nice, but the jaw is a little sore. haha. 

On wednesday we got bounced a ton, but had a nice lesson with a recent convert and she also gave us super hot tea ( not against the word of wisdom type of tea). It was nice, but super hot drink on a super hot day, not easy.

On thursday we had some service in the morning. Me and Elder Tesch chopped wood. It wasn't so easy with an african axe, but we got the job done. haha. I was sore the next day. haha. Then we got bounced like a basketball again, but no worries we still enjoyed. 

ON Friday we had a nice day. WE met this super awesome guy with a family on are way from a RC lesson. I saw this guy and I felt like I needed to talk to him. I love the spirit, but we always have to be listening to it. Then we had institute. After which we got bounced again, but then we taught a great lesson with a part member family. We are planning on Issac to join his family in baptism on the 12th of June. Then we had a district dinner at home. We had Calzones. Not as good as ones back home, but they are still nice.

On Saturday we got bounced some more, but we had a great lesson with a guy. He was asking really good question and he is super humble. I just hope his wife won't be too stubborn. Then we did some powerful finding and found a family that is super smart, but they seem really staunch in their religion. 

On Sunday we got ready and went to the church and got on taxi's with the branch to go to stake conference. It was good. Got to see a lot missionaries and some that I haven't seen in a really long time. Also we had a great stake conference under a huge tent. There were somewhere like 600 people there. President Chatfield and sister Chatfield are preparing to go home at the end of the transfer. They are awesome!! gonna miss them, but they have done some great things here in the mission. Then we came home and did some more powerful finding and found a couple more potential families. we also had a lesson with the family we met yesterday. They are staunch, but they understand well. I know the spirit will testify to them. We also chowed down on some more sugar cane. Today we had a zone activity. We played ping pong. I lost in the championship 22-20.....it was fun to be with the zone.

It has been a great week. It has been full of bounces, but preparing the way for this week. A couple scriptures that I have liked 2 timothy 1:7 and 2 timothy 4:7. Paul he teaches us about the spirit and how to recognize it. He also talks about how he has kept the good faith until the end. Those two seem to be connected. In our lives as we recognize the spirit and do not doubt our faith, then we will remain faithful until the end. The spirit is so important in our lives. It is the comforter, it guides us, it protects us, it teaches us. Rely on they spirit and recognize it. Thanks for the love and support. Have a great week.

Love Elder Beck


MOM QUESTIONS....

Mom questions.....
1. How many missionary couples are there in your mission?

There are like maybe 6? Not too many so encourage more people to come to Africa as senior couples. Everyone loves it that comes here.

2. Did you ever get the ties that I bought for you and Elder Grant?

 I didn't get the ties. I bought some of my own from her. I didn't hear anything about you paying for them, but oh well.

3. What are some animals and plants you see there that we don't see here?

We see a lot of lizards, mice, sugar cane, Goondy Birds, lots of different birds, not to much different things. Different fruit trees. Like Jack fruit?

Jackfruit!!

4. Do people ride mountain bikes there?

Not really, just really basic old bikes with sugar can or jerry cans on them filled with water.

5. How's the electricity and water situation where you're at now? Your bathroom looks a little sketchy but hey at least it's a flushable.

The electricity is great, but the water is running low because we have a leak in the shower, so the water goes quickly. but other than that it is not as bad as it looks. haha

6. Were the pictures you sent last week from people in Gulu or in your new area?

they were from both

Hello Mother.

It sounds like the house is coming along well Also it sounds like you had a pretty fantastic week. Biking, seeing some family, and an awesome sabbath day. wow. Things are going well here a little slow right now, but I see them picking up really quickly. I am enjoying and I have no complaints right now except our shower isn't working so bucket showers ya!. haha

Thanks for the email mother. I love you. Keep enjoying life.

Love Elder Beck

Burnt Offerings!!

Calzone!

Look how dusty my feet are!

Elders in my zone

Sugar Cane Sunset........aaaaaaahhhhhh

New area...... new companion

Elder beck and the ladies

Hello. It has been an interesting week.

On Monday, I played volleyball for the last time at FHE. and bore my
testimony. People were suprised that I was leaving already. They are
like you haven't even been here for a month. haha. On Tuesday I packed
and got a haircut and said goodbye to some families. It is hard
leaving this fast from an area, but at the same time it makes it
easier to say goodbye, but still. I met a lot of really cool people
and made a lot of great memories this last transfer in Gulu. It was a
blessing to be here.

On Wednesday, I did some last second packing and them we left at
around 7;20 in the morning to make the long journey to Kampala. It was
fun, but long trip. Also Kampala is super busy and traffic is a
nightmare there. I am going to miss the quite place of Gulu. We got to
Ntinda and saw a lot of different missionaries. We talked got some
lunch and then we left to go to our areas. I got to the apartment and
met Elder Tembo. He is a cool guy. He is somehow quite. he like to
play soccer. he is from Zimbabwe. He is the District leader. It is
going to be different to have a zone that is split and only really be
with 3 other missionaries, but they seem like cool guys. It is Elder
Tesch and Elder Roylance as the other two missionaries. All we did was
unpack and go out and get some food and stuff in the area in the
evening. On Thursday we got bounced a couple times, but visited a
couple Recent Converts. There are like 25 recent converts in this area
and even more in the other area in the branch.

ON Friday, we had a weekly planning. and taught a couple lessons. I
wasn't sure if one of the people we taught was drunk, but he seemed to
understand. haha. Nothing to interesting happened, but still learning
the areas and trying to remember all the names.ON Saturday we had some
good lessons and even helped to clean the church. It was a good day.
On Sunday it was cool to go to the church and see all of the people.
We had 47 at church which is pretty low from what I have been hearing
so hopefully we can get that up, but the branch has a great branch
presidency and some really strong members, but can definitely use more
strong families. Also people from the Stake High Council came to
speak. It is weird to have a HIgh Council because Lugazi is part of
the Jinja stake. It is great though.

Today we did some washing and also made a super nice meal of omlettes
and cinnamon rolls. Man they were good. hahaha. We also watched some
soccer and I got to play some basketball with some kids. I schooled
those kids and showed them how to really play. haha. Just kidding. I
am learning the area and getting to know the people. But is not easy
because I am horrible with names and faces here. hahaha. But it will
come.

I have learned a lot this week and I am grateful for everything I have
learned so far. I have also been reading in 3 nephi this week and just
read about Jesus Christ visiting the people in the U.S.A. It is really
powerful and a lot of great things He teaches right when gets to them.
Something that stood out to me was  3 Nephi 12:44 and 3 Nephi 11:29.
The first he tells us to love our enemies and to do good to those that
despise you and the next one is to avoid contention because contention
comes from the devil. and then at the end of chapter 12 he tells us to
be perfect even as he and his father is perfect. WOw what a hard thing
that Jesus Christ has asked us to do. Avoid contention, love those
that hate you, and be perfect. Jesus Christ new we couldn't do those
things just like that, but he tells us to work on those things and
that we will eventually be perfect just like our father and he is. I
know that through diligence and steady improvement that we can become
like our Father in Heaven someday. It is the great hope of the gospel
and I know it is because of Jesus Christ and his Atonement that make
it possible. Learn more about Jesus Christ and his Atonement and
strive everyday to become better and better. Thank you for the love
and the support.

Love Elder Beck

Mom questions......
1. We talked about tithing today in Relief Society and how it really has been a commandment from the beginning ...if you read in Genesis  And throughout the Bible. How do people in Africa feel about paying tithing? Is it a difficult thing for them?

Tithing is a hard thing here. That is what we really need. members
that are really willing to pay tithing. Tithing really shows if a
person is committed though. If someone pays tithing here you know that
they are converted to this gospel. It is somehow of a struggle.

2. Can you clarify what the click in the one missionaries name that you went on splits with means?

I am not sure. It is just how you say it.

3. We're hoping to hear more about the area you are in now. How is it different from your other areas?

It is a little more busy and loud than Gulu. It is still smaller
though. NOt like kampala. It is a cool place though. I am still
learning the area.

4. What are some interesting things about your new companion?

My new companion is from Zimbabwe, he loves to play soccer, he is a
super nice guy, He is a child of record. His family are members.

5.  What is the most curious thing that you saw this week and can you take a picture of it for us next week?

The super tall sugar cane here. This place is known for it's sugar
cane and sugar production.

Thank you for the email mother. I love you. Have a great week.

Love Elder Beck

Elder Beck and the picture wall

the elders and a family

I'm getting a new companion....again?  (nice sandals)

Smiles everyone!

Gulu Elders

Elder Beck and some nice folks

outdoor picture.....sugar cane??

I have a net and a fan....life is good!

slightly scary bathroom

This is where the real studying is found

Elder Beck and .......

The last 2 weeks...Chobe safari and transfer.. 6th companion

Elders on safari..... In chobe (no they didn't ride in a golf cart next to wild animals!)

Peek a boo elder Beck

Elder,Grant and Beck

Beck and Grant

Hello. It was a great week, but I don't want to be too long today.

Tuesday we had a good day,but at the same time got bounced some
because of the rain. We even found and taught some people in the
morning, but they didn't keep there word and come to church this
sunday..... Not easy. But we did have a nice lesson on the P.O.S with
our progressing family. THe spirit was there and the plan of SaLvation
is probably my favorite lesson because of the joy it can bring to
families and people. The plan of happiness and the plan of mercy. Many
different names for it because it can help us in many differnt ways.
The plan of salvation is true. Let it take effect for you!  On
Wednesday we had a fun day. We had a good couple of lessons and the we
traveled to a place somewhat far away kinda into the village to visit
a recent convert. It was fun, but when we got out there it started
raining pretty hard. so we waited for some time, but it continued to
rain and it wasn't letting up anytime soon, so we had to make a fun
trip through the village in rain, in the dark. It was fun. It was
probably the coldest I have been here in africa.ha

On thursday we had a good day, but we found out that one of the
families that was doing well and looking good for baptism in the
coming weeks. That the husband went to somewhere else in Uganda for
work and he was the one really helping the wife a lot. so we are going
to have to rethink it with that family, but praying for the best. On
friday we ahad a good day. We have a Less active member that we visit.
He is awesome, but he will put you to sleep. His voice is perfect for
sleeping. ha. We also had a good day though.

On Saturday. We had a tiring day of walking a lot. Most of our
appointments that we had planned for dropped, but we did some good
finding and found some potentially good families. We also had some
mexican food at a super nice restaurant. They sell some nice food. It
was nice. On sunday we had a good day. THe attendence at church was
low again, but we had some investigators at church still it was Peter
and his son, they are both pretty committed we just have to get the
rest of their family. We also had some great lessons. It was a great
day, but also tiring. This weekend was a hard weekend. Super tired,
but we got to go to Chobe. It was fun. We saw some animals and such,
but we had a nice breakfast and got to enjoy with some other
missionaries. It was fun. OVerall a great week.

I learned a lot this week, but something that has been standing out to
me is humility. I have really tried to be humble. It has made a
difference. Really looking at yourself and wanting to improve and
recognizing your mistakes and flaws and relying on the Lord. it is not
easy to be humble, but it really helps you realize things that you
never have seen before and helps you to avoid pride, which is the
start of all evil. Also I have been learning a lot about John the
Baptist lately. He is an awesome person. He was a humble and great
person. He new what he was suppose to do and he did it. He didn't show
off, He didn't seek to be greater than his calling, but he just did it
and let God really recognize what he really did. He is a great example
to me of Humility. Anyways have a great week. Love you.

Love Elder Beck

Hello! This was a great week. A great last week of the transfer.Not to much interesting happened. Played some volleyball at FHE. Tryingto dominate, but not easy in missionary attire. haha. On Tuesday wehad an interesting lesson with someone. HE can talk. He talk to us itseemed like forever about the war stories of Uganda. man Pretty crazyand also hard to get a word in with this guy. haha. Also got bouncedlike a basketball. On Wednesday we had ZDM. It was a powerful ZDM.

Learned a lot about being a good missionary and things that I can
improve. It is sad that it was the last time we would have ZDM with
this Zone. IT has been fun. Living with all 8 elders in the zone. We
grew pretty close and made some good friendships. A lot of good
missionaries in this zone. We also had a good lesson with Francis and
Dennis. THey a family we are teaching. They are the sons. The parents
are Peter and Vincentina. Great family. Super Humble. Want to learn
more.

On Thursday we had some service in the morning. Digging and weeding a
small field. It was fun, but always they don't believe white people
can dig. haha. Then we had a member go with us for almost the entire
day. It was good. We had some good lessons and even got fed some posho
and beans. Also had a powerful lesson with a recent convert about
Jesus Christ and his atonement. The spirit was there and the Atonement
is real. WHen you teach about the atonement the spirit is there so
strong because it is something so central, so important, so neccasary.
When we teach the spirit is strongest because people need to
understand the atonement the most. I love it. ha ON friday we went on
exchanges with Elder Manqele with a click in the middle. It was great.
We had some powerful lessons and also had to hide from some rain. On
saturday we had a great lesson with Peters family again. We set a
baptism date for the 22nd and they seem pretty excited about it. Also
had a missionary activity. Kind of a bust with people bringing
friends, but got to play some more killer volleyball.

On SUnday we had big hopes for many investigators that promised they
were coming to church, but didn't get a lot, but all of Peters family
showed up. Which was really nice. They will be a great addition to the
branch. I am excited for them. Also had some great talks and lessons
from the branch today. IT was great. Then of course I got to skype you
guys. Awesome. Too bad it was too short. Monday got transfer news. I
am going to Lugazi to be with Elder Tumba. It sounds like a great area
and a great companion. 6th companion. Crazy, but hey I am a traveling
missionary. Learning as much as I can. haha.6 weeks was to short in
Bardege, but I learned so much and got to meet a ton of awesome
people. It was great.

I have learned a lot this week. SOmething I learned from the Book of
Mormon was that it said that the Nephites were a very wicked people,
but in the same chapter it says they were fasting and praying. It made
me realize that just because we do pray, fast, read the scriptures, go
to church. It really doesn't mean anything if we don't have the right
purpose or understand what we are really doing. We need to know why we
pray, go to church, read the scriptures, and do all these things of
the gospel or they really don't do a lot for us and we can still be
unrightouess. I don't know if you understand what I am saying, but
live the gospel with a purpose and an understanding of it and it will
be a lot more of a benefit to you. (Who is this wise young man and what did he do with my boy? Luv it!) 

Also I learned from Helaman 3:35.
It says stronger and stronger and firmer and firmer. It means that it
wasn't just 0nce they got stronger or firmer, but they climbed. They
improved again and again. We need to always improve and always
progress everyday. That is God's plan for us. It doesn't matter where
you are in the gospel, but just as long as you are going up becoming
more converted. That is all that God cares about.(Again, who is this new found young man? So insightful! Love him!)

Thanks for the love
and support. Peace Yall. Love you.

Love Elder Beck