Final Email

Jet Airliner - Steve Miller Band

Missionaries after Zone Conference

Well here it goes: My final mission update email. I've been putting off writing it for multiple

Missionaries after
Zone Conference

reasons... mostly because I'm just in shock that it's over, and it's strange to accept. As such, I apologize for the delay. Much like I foresaw when writing my last email, the week did seem to fly by faster than the jet I returned home in! We had a wonderful zone conference, and it was somewhat emotional giving my departing testimony and final training to the zone. I had to say a lot of goodbyes so that consumed much of whatever time was leftover. Most of all - throughout whatever events I was involved in - I was just cherishing my final moments as a full time missionary with many people I love dearly.   

My capacity for self expression could never fully convey my feelings and gratitude as my mission reached its conclusion. Looking back it's been rich beyond description as I've experienced the love God has for each of his children, served them, and bonded with those (From all around the world) who I have come to know and love. My appreciation for the Savior and his Atonement has grown much deeper, and I do testify that he knows us perfectly: our strengths, weaknesses, and desires. If we live our life according to His teachings- living His Gospel to the fullest- we will feel the sweet peace it brings, and our hearts will be healed. I know that our Heavenly Father will "Direct [us] for good" if we will humbly seek and meekly follow his counsel. He will direct us towards the great hope and purpose of our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation: That "[Our] Joy shall be full..." (3 Nephi 28:10), and we too shall become "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17). 

With Elder Falaula

There may be great trouble in the world now and in the days ahead- the prophet has warned us of such- but God, His Plan, and His Promises will never change; Our future remains as bright as our faith. My beloved friends and family: Keep your faith burning bright! Continue to Learn about our Father's plan, Make and Keep Covenants - constantly building your relationship with Him, and always Act upon what you know is right. He has made everything we need to place complete confidence in Him available to us. It is our responsibility to "lay hold upon the gospel of Christ... following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us" (Mormon 7: 8-10). I testify that the doctrine taught by Christ is the path to peace in this world, and Eternal Life in the world to come. It has been restored in the Latter Days, and is accessible in its fullness through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I add my voice to countless others who have received this witness of their own accord. If you have not, and wish to know for yourself please don't hesitate to talk to me, another member you know, or your local missionaries. I know that these things are true without a trace of hesitancy or uncertainty. I share these things, and close this series of emails in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Preston Ray Winn

With JP who basically saved mine and Elder Falaula's life our first night in Rwanda (See my email from Feb 18th: http://elderwinnintheukm.blogspot.com/2019/02/week-73-unforgettable.html)

after church photoshoot

Week 101

Fast Car -Tracy Chapman

Grey Crested Cranes

These days it feels like time is cruising by in a fast car. It seems to pause as the wind rushes through my hair and I stare over the panning landscape in deep reflection, only to snap to

Part of a giraffe family

the realization of the speed things are really going at. I remember this song having somewhat of a bittersweet tone and a confusion of conflicting feelings. At this moment, as I reflect over the last two years, straining myself to grasp the fact that this is my final week to make full time impact here in the Uganda Kampala Mission I can't help but feel overcome by these same feelings. 

I have a great love for the work of the Lord. I have a great love for the people I serve. I get choked up every time I think about my mission being over soon. At the same time, I also have a great love for so many people I will soon have in close company with- bringing great joy in reunion. I understand that I am about to make a vital step in my life... not ending my service to the Lord, but fundamentally changing the way I serve- no less showing my love to him! 

You may have noticed that I didn't send a letter last week. As a zone we went to Akagera National Park on a game drive and didn't have time to email. It was an unforgettable experience. We were in good company and being so fully immersed in the beauty of our Heavenly Fathers creations made me feel very strongly of his love for us. The only suitable word I can muster to describe these and my mission as a whole is the word "Rich". I hope it come across as vividly to you as it does to me. 

This week will evidently go faster than ever and I'm not sure if I'm ready for it to do so. Between Zone conference and many other things we'll be tackling this week there's no denying it, but Ready of Not Here I Come!

Love,

Elder Winn

a line of Hippos

The Savanna 

Week 100

Born Free: Akagera National Park

The whole Zone

Elder Winn was not able to send an update for week 100 due to their zone adventure to Akagera National Park.  I am splitting the pictures he sent the following week between the two blog entries.  I do know that he has been working hard to stay focused on the work.  I was able to talk to him on Wednesday when he called me for my birthday.  Got to love the new church policy.  He had been doing a lot of baptism interviews and was taking a bit of a break before he went out teaching.

The four of us in Rwanda
who are leaving next week

I did find out that the missionaries were able to return to Masaka in Uganda after confirming that the Ebola Virus had not spread into that particular area.  They were happy to have them back.  

We are looking forward to having Elder Winn home.  As with many things in life it is a bittersweet time as it is the end of one thing and beginning of another.  The tears of joy of seeing my son run down one cheek, and the tears of sorrow that his season in Africa is almost over, run down the other.  

Love to all,

Elder Winn's Momma

With Sister Karugu

Week 99

Harvest Moon - Neil Young

A picture shared on Elder Winn's Facebook page by his companion

This week flew by... Almost literally haha. It was our once a transfer trip to Kampala for MLC Wednesday through Friday. It is always a wonderful experience to council together with the other mission leaders and receive inspiration on how we can help missionary work prosper in our areas.

My oh my. I'm really not sure what to write about this week. Aside from our trip to Kampala we have just been doing our usual business in double time! We have been busy! It is definitely the "Harvest Moon" in Rwanda. Things are moving fast and the work is progressing well. It's amazing to see!

I hope you all have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Week 98

Something's Happening -Peter Frampton

A picture of Kigali

Alright, so this letter really won't be too exciting. I promise things are happening, but there just isn't much to update you on! This coming week is gonna be crazy as we will be headed to Uganda for a couple days. With all that's going on I can't believe how time is flying. The only issue is that there isn't much more time to let fly! I will certainly miss many aspects of this work and the wonderful people I am surrounded by! I know this gospel is true!

Have a fantastic week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Week 97

Gonna Build a Mountain -Sammy Davis Jr.

Tom's Baptism

"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt" 

-Lucio (William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure)

I have a mountain of influence left to build here in Rwanda. I have seen many examples of missionaries ending their missions, some more graceful than others! I decided a long time ago what kind of missionary I wanted to be as I was ending. It's a bit surreal now that it's here, but I hang onto that vision and it gives me the drive to depend more heavily on the savior and continue sacrificing my all. Some may have such a vision but doubt their ability to reach it when the challenges are as palpable as reality itself. Some automatically doubt their own potential and fail to even dream bigger. 

Dinner at Sister Josephine's

I feel that most people have an innate desire to do good, but how often do we doubt our own potential and fall short of it? However big of a mountain you are aiming to build: Don't doubt, Don't Give up! I opened with a quote that helps me in times when I may doubt: "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt" . This bit of wisdom is also reflected many times in scripture, a favorite of mine being Mormon 9:27 where it says "Doubt not, but be Believing". Another in D&C 6:36, "Look unto me in every thought; Doubt not, Fear not". I testify that if we look to the Lord our doubts will flee. I have experienced it many times. If we "come unto the Lord with all [our] heart, and work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling before him", living with the Gospel of Jesus Christ paramount in our life, any negativity will be overshadowed by the sweet hope and peace the gospel brings!

We are continuing to see success with the baptism of Tom this week, and many of our investigators are progressing well. Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement, they mean the world to me and give me the strength to carry on and build this mountain- The Kingdom of God. Have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Winn

Dinner at Sister Josephine's

Week 96

The Final Countdown - Europe

Amos's Baptism

Today was the beginning of my last transfer, leaving me with six weeks before I conclude my mission. It is crazy to think that it is almost over, but I have a long way to go before then and many goals yet to accomplish! It's even crazier to think that I have been waiting almost two years to use that email title!

Last week we had a wonderful Zone activity. It was a Fireside by the fire side! We had a

From Last Week's "Fireside by the Fireside"

nice little campfire devotional, with S'mores for dessert. Brother Daines who I talked about last week was the hero of the hour and was kind enough to bring the S'more fixings upon request from the Maughans. Everybody loved it.

Brother Amos was baptized this week. He is the oldest son of brother Reverien who we baptized a while back. Amos was there when we first met the family, but left for boarding school shortly thereafter. We sent Amos with a Book of Mormon and a set of pamphlets to read along with the promise that if he would have daily prayer and scripture study it would help him find greater success in school. He did it, and was ranked 2nd in his class! Brother Reverien said that each week when Amos would call he would want to talk about the Church. It was quite a sweet moment to watch him finally get baptized. I am so grateful to have been here still!

We are seeing a lot of progress among the people we teach, and the next six weeks look bright! I am grateful to be finishing my mission right here in Rwanda with Elder Falaula!

That about wraps up my week! I hope you all have a great one!

Love,

Elder Winn

Posing with Black Beauty

Week 95

The Man who can't be Moved -The Script

Zone Conference sent by the AP's from the week before

This has been an interesting week. It has been relatively mundane compared to the ones I've had over the past month or so, but all I can say is that I have loved being able to concentrate on teaching and testifying. Though I don't have any big stories this week (or pictures for that matter), it has been impressed upon me just how much I've changed over the past 22 months. As I testify of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ I feel the power of the spirit encompass me. If only everybody we teach could feel what I feel when we teach them. It has become an incontestable center of my entire being- I know it with every fibre! I wish I could place words to properly articulate the sweet feeling the spirit brings me in testimony of the gospel, but to a greater degree I yearn that every soul could just experience it for themselves and take courage to act. I am Immovable!

There is nothing that can take away my testimony that this is the truth, and I am willing to fight to the very end to bring this gospel to the world! I don't just mean the end of my mission... That's a meager seven or so weeks away. I would be a failure if it ended there! I mean THE end. I am grateful for the opportunity I have now to devote my all to this purpose. I am determined to use what's left completely. 

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Week 94

Ghosts of my home town -The Strike

Holding up the number of Transfers we have remaining on our missions.

What a wonderful birthday week it's been! We've been really busy with arrangements accompanying zone conference and it's related activites; bringing President Chatora (Our new Mission President) to Kigali for the weekend. Friday was a long night as our final Zone Conference preparations were interrupted by an emergency trip to the clinic... Somebody was sick but we got it under control and everything was put in place for our meeting the next day. Saturday was zone conference and it was a wonderful way to spend my 21st birthday. The missionaries in my district threw me a little surprise party, so that was fun! It was just great to be surrounded by all of the wonderful missionaries I have come to love dearly in our service together to celebrate.

Sunday was a great meeting. We had a brother join us who was visiting from my home town while doing some service work in the area. He has been a lot of fun to talk to as he has a lot of great stories from his life experiences serving the lord. I enjoyed his example of engaging himself in sharing the gospel throughout his travels. He has been actively inserting himself into the work as if this is his home. It's brought back a lot of memories of good examples I've had throughout my life at home and everywhere! I am greatful for them and the effect they have had in my life: To elevate my perspective of my own potential and the kind of influence one person can have! To many of them who may even be reading this email: Thank You! 

I know that each of us has eternal potential; and if we remember this fact, allowing our lives to reflect it, such eternal glory is within our reach through the Atonement of Jesus Christ! We must learn to center our lives around the principles of the gospel which will qualify us to receive such grace: Faith, Repentance, making and keeping covenants with God. Through such we can develop our relationship with God and prepare to live with him again! 

I hope all is well with you guys! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Waiting for a car wash... I can't help but make a dumb face!

Week 93

We're an American Band -Grand Funk Railroad

Elder Falaula on the Drums

Hey everybody!

It's been a great week. I am writing pretty fast because I have really enjoyed reading your emails and chatting with you! As far as day to day work has gone it has been a pretty standard week. We are preparing for Zone conference this coming Saturday which will be my Birthday! It will be great to have all of my zone family together for my Birthday since I can't have my real one!

I am still enjoying my time, and doing my best work. Enjoy some pictures of todays district Activity: We went to a Yamaha Outlet to play Real Life Rockband... No Console Needed! Two of us Are American, and Three from the Americas so that makes us majority enough to use this weeks title. Also Happy Fourth of July. It's my favorite Holiday!

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Myself trying to shred with unpracticed hands

Week 92

Change the World -Eric Clapton

Lunch with Brother Maurice

Wow! The weeks are flying by as fast as the days, but looking back It feels like we've had a Months worth of activity jammed into them! It's hard to recount all of the amazing experiences we are having, along with the subtle nuances of our daily work where tender mercies and great miracles are being woven into every passing hour. I have really been looking at things with a greater perspective this week as I draw closer to the end of my mission (Now don't get me wrong... Ten weeks is a long time and I plan to use it fully!). As I look at the world around me it is easy to see all the things I would love to change, but in doing so some familiar words posted in my high school commons room flash through my mind: "Be the change you want to see in the world". 

This concept is easily illustrated by a recent experience. I was driving through town as we were going about our usual business. It was about six in the evening and things were getting a bit dusky; There was still plenty of light in the sky, but it was just dark enough for the stage to be set up perfectly for the following to happen. As I made my way through the big roundabout near the middle of town I noticed a Motorcyclist driving a bit recklessly (nothing unusual), but what caught my attention about this particular driver was that he was driving without his lights on. As I verbally accused this guy of having a death wish I myself realized that my own headlights were off! Missionaries always drive with their headlights on to make things more embarrassing. I'm sure we've all heard reference to Christ's parable of the Beam and the Mote blurring our vision, this is a prime example of that principle in pointing out my hypocrisy. Tonight I'll take a slightly different spin with what I was taught in my Beam/Mote experience this week. 

I don't know about you, but I personally am the type of person who always has a vision especially of the potential I see in my surroundings. For instance, as a missionary I often wish I could perfectly teach everyone around me all at once so that everyone could apply and reflect the principles of the gospel; What amazing change this would make in society! Sadly this isn't such a simple endeavor, but it is the purpose we work towards every day. I guess what I've realized is the importance of being the change I want to see in the world around me; That is, the importance of constantly living in a way that emulates that vision. 

My thoughts are a bit maundered and rambley tonight but I'll try to cut straight to the point. As disciples of Christ we are "bearers of his light", and he has commanded us to let that light shine forth to the world! (3 Nephi 18:24, Mathew 5:16). Just like with my little moto-driving friend and I: you can't expect to see light/change in the world around you if you yourself do not have the lights on! "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change" (I wrote that line and then realized that it was an exact quote of Michael Jackson, but it's exactly what I am trying to say!). I know that the best I've ever been is when I've tried to be an example for those around me. I look to the example of the savior as the model that I would wish to see reflected in the world around me. I will do my best my whole life through to follow Him that one day I too may become like him, and glorify our heavenly father. (Moses 1:39)

So I haven't actually said that much about the week, but I guess that's an update on whatever scattered gospel thoughts have been running through my head this week. I hope you have a great week! Next week I'll send a picture in Black Beauty: The envy of all Mission vehicles!

Love,

Elder Winn

 My Haircut 

Week 91

The good Lord gave us mountains so we could learn how to climb -Lonestar (Mountains)

K3 Branch finally has a church.

This week has been quite a miraculous one. We have seen a lot of blessing as we have started proselyting in the new branch's area full time. The big thing that has had us excited this week has been a long time coming. You'll remember from my previous emails that the K3 branch has had a long, hard journey since the church got shut down by the government last year. The other branches (K1 and K2) made recovery relatively quickly, but when it came to re-opening the K3 branch they hit a brick wall. The government had been very kind to us, but they weren't able to allow us to rent another building for K3 based on the current rules. This made the situation difficult for my companion and I while we were there, but watching the faith of our amazing members gave us extra drive to work harder. 

I have long since been transferred away from K3, and received the same companion again

All three pictures were from Facebook

that I whitewashed K3 with, but as zone leaders we have been able to keep careful watch of and have a hand in the rebuilding of K3. This week became eventful as it was the first week that K3 was able to meet in it's own building in it's own area since the shutdown over a week ago! Even better, with us serving in the newly created K4 branch which meets at 11:30 we were able to attend the meeting!! It brought the deepest feelings of joy to watch the branch meet in it's new location for the first time with over 111 people in attendance. K3 previously had anywhere from 50 to 70 people attend each week which was great considering the circumstances, but it blew our minds to see such a quick response. I have never seen people so overjoyed to WALK to church! I can't help but recognize how the difficulty of tested faith has strengthened and deepened the conversion of K3's congregation, helping it to be much better than it would be at this time without the struggle!

"The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory..." 1 Peter 1:7 For these wonderful saints of K3 I would say that their trials truly have become more precious than gold! God gave them a mountain, they learned how to climb, and the difficult journey has been "consecrated for their [eternal, non-perishable] gain" (2 Nephi 2:2). They have reached the summit of this mountain, and though others are left yet to be climbed they are one step closer to being what God wants them to be. I am so grateful to have been around to witness these wonderful events, and that God is using me to achieve his purposes at this time. I know that our challenges, when looked at with optimism and through the eyes of faith, can truly become blessings in our lives!

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Celebratory Dance 

Week 90

Sound of Silence -Simon and Garfunkel

Rwanda Zone Conference

Some of you may have noticed a silence from Elder Winn in your inboxes.  He is alive and well.  He has not contracted the Ebola virus or had an accident or any of the other 100 things that goes through a mom's mind when her missionary is delayed.  (Actually, I just assume the power is out or the internet is down.) This time he had an early dinner appointment that made him later than usual arriving at the internet cafe. He did not have time to write his update.  I can report that he had his last zone conference with President and Sister Collings.  I snagged the picture from them.  They have been amazing and have taken great care of the UKM.  Blessings to them as they come home.

This week the Ebola virus crossed the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo into Uganda.  As a precaution, the eleven missionaries is Masaka Town were transferred to Kampala until they decide it is safe to send them back.  Elder Winn was in Masaka when the outbreak started in the Eastern Congo last August.  Google has kept me updated on the situation since then.  The mission is keeping a close eye on the situation and has a plan if the virus spreads.  They are also educating the missionaries on how to stay safe.  

Elder Winn is down to 12 weeks.  Please pray for him to do his best good and to stay focused on the work as he winds down.  We enjoy talking to him each week.  He is just getting up as we are getting ready for bed when he calls. Missing a little sleep is worth every minute we get to talk to him.  We are looking forward to an update next week.

Love to all and carry on,
Elder Winn's Momma

Week 89

Work in Progress -Alan Jackson

Picture from President Collings Facebook Page- 
K2 and K4 branches

Me in front of the convention center

It's been another good but busy week, and we have seen a lot of progress. We have been busy with final preparations for the K2 branch split, and some other exciting business. The split went great. It was a well attended meeting and the spirit was strong as the organization was put together for K2 and K4. After that meeting on Sunday we had the baptism of Brother Pascal. He was found and referred to us by a member of the branch and learned quickly. He loves his french copy of the Book of Mormon, and has a strong testimony. It was a very memorable meeting! We are still doing some other business so time is short tonight but I hope you guys have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Before Pascals baptism

Week 88

Guess Things Happen That Way -Johnny Cash

After Church photo opportunities

Still tall

This week I spent a lot of my time chatting my family and kind of neglected my weekly email, but from time to time I Guess things happen that way! I love the new guidelines that have allowed myself and many others to communicate through various modes in order to minister more personally to loved ones. It is just fantastic! It really does increase my testimony that Jesus Christ personally directs this church through revelation to his authorized servants on earth. Though things are changing quickly we must ourselves recognize the reality of this DIVINE direction, and seek to quicken ourselves spiritually so that we are not left behind. For us it doesn't have to be an I guess things happen that way, we can understand and be a part of it through personal revelation. These things will bring us confidence and happiness. This week had some crazy twists and turns that I can't really express in this email, but I am grateful for the experiences I am having.

I love you guys and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

no caption...

Week 87

Don't Give Up - Eagle Eye Cherry

After Church

Your typical bathroom selfie. Almost Teenage Girl style

I don't have a lot of deep thoughts to share this week. We are just doing our best despite the challenges. We had some big plans this month that didn't really turn out. We saw a lot of roadblocks with the progression of some of our people that could bring disappointment, but the blessing is that many of them are still on track for baptism at a later date. We have also been very blessed with some miraculous people that have joined the scene, so there is awesome stuff on the way! We are far from giving up!

I spent a lot of time responding to individual emails so this one will be short, but I love you guys and I hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

These Elders making some great things happen in K2

Week 86

The Show Must Go On -Queen

Brother Reverien directly to my left, and Brother Taylor to the right

Well, The new transfer is definitely in full swing, and busy as ever! We had MLC this week

Monkeying around

which took us to Kampala for a few days. The truth is that no matter what might take us away from our usual day to day work, the show must go on! Even if we have important responsibilities we still have many people to teach that are waiting for us but unlike show-biz this is people's salvation on the line, not a bout of entertainment! We have managed to keep things together pretty well but there were many people we wish we could have seen. 

We were blessed to have the baptism of brother Reverien and his son Taylor this week. He has another 18 year old son named Amos who is away for boarding school who is excited to come back and be baptized

 Enjoying some recreation as a district

in July! His other kids don't speak much english, but we are working on teaching them too. All I can say is that I never can overstate how much I love seeing the changes that the gospel brings in the lives of those we teach. It is such a privilege to be a part of this work!

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

Me just hanging in there, haha. If you couldn't tell it's actually a monkey,
 and don't worry... I am doing great emotionally!