Elder Green in Basildon

Elder Green spent 4 months in Basildon which seems like an awfully long time to stay in one place. But he was extremely successful there. He was made a zone leader right when he was transferred there on August 25th, and was also a trainer at the same time which was a little difficult. He just got transferred to Norwich on Monday, Dec. 29th. But he and his companion, Elder Shaw were able to baptized a very nice family the Saturday before he left. The Mangono Family, from Zimbabwe. The mother Lisa, son Obrian, and daughters Memory (12 yrs.) and Marian (13 yrs.). The Nicholl's Family from the Basildon ward contacted me through facebook and I was able to keep in close contact with whats happening to Elder Green through their messages. It was amazing, he would be at their house for FHE and that night I would get an update and pictures. It was like I was right there experiencing it with them. I feel like I have become close friends with them and am eternally grateful for their constant watch over my son. When we talked to Derek on Christmas he was hoping to stay longer in Basildon, because of more baptisms coming up. But it was not to be the case. We talked to him for about 40 minutes. He bore his testimony to us in the end and I mentioned something about "enduring to the end" and he corrected me and said it should be "enjoying it to the end". I will always remember our conversation and his dedication to the Lord and his commitment as a missionary. He was at the house of the Stake President and the President let him use his phone to call us for free. Derek and his companion lived in the guest house behind the Stake President. There is about 6 acres of wooded property behind the guest house. He didn't seem to suffer any and was living in the lap of luxury. He had many great experiences while serving in Basildon and grew tremendously. I know the Lord is guiding his every step.