Week 61: Don't give up!!!

Drum roll please.........

Elder Siale and I will be staying together for another transfer! We are excited for another transfer together. He will be the longest companion I've had. There is a lot of work for him and I to do still here in Rynfield and Northmead.

We were unable to meet with Lydia and Russell this week because they are preparing to leave for Dubai in a few days so we won't be able to meet with them for a few weeks. This week we had 3 baptisms. Zanoxolo (17), his brother Loyiso (16), and Vuyo (9). It has been a joy teaching these young men and it was such a sweet moment to see them enter the waters of baptism. Vuyo is a little boy that wasn't baptized when he was 8 so when he turned 9 we had to teach him before he could get baptized. Let's just say him and his little sister Tumi (7) taught us. It was such a joy to go to their home each week and have them literally teach us the lesson WE had come to teach. Every time we entered their gate they would both come running up to Elder Siale and I to give us a hug. They are the cutest and most loving kids ever. I have come to love them and their family (Phango family).

On Friday we did some tracting in Northmead... After a few hours of knocking gates, with little success, it was about time for us to head to a meeting. As we knocked the last gate before heading back a man came out and began talking with us. About 4 years ago he was involved in a really bad work accident that left him blind in one eye, 70% blind in the other, and with short term memory loss. We asked if we could share a message about Jesus Christ and when would be a convenient time for us to do so. Usually we get the answer of "I'll call you" or "in a few weeks". To our surprise he told us his wife would be home at 6:30 and that we could come back at 7 pm. About an hour later we returned to their home. When we sat down with him, his wife seemed a little skeptical and then asked us the usual question "are you Jehovah Witness?" once again we replied "no." We had a great lesson with them about the Plan of Salvation. Everything that we shared with them his wife confirmed that it is what she believes. It was a great lesson for us to get to know them and their beliefs and to just get into their home and help them feel the spirit. They told us that we could come back this Thursday which is when we will be able to share the message of the Restoration.

The Lord truly tests our faith. During this time of tracting Elder Siale and I experienced people rolling their eyes at us, dogs almost biting us, and people telling us they already know Jesus Christ. We saw Heavenly Father consecrate our performance when we were able to get into the very last gate we knocked. Whenever you feel like you can't go on any longer or that it's not worth it, hold on a little longer. Something amazing is about to come.

Love, Elder Rash

Well last night Elder Siale and I got a phone call about 11 pm from two missionaries in our zone. They told us that their flat had just flooded. We quickly ran over there and had a blast sweeping water out of their flat and soaking it all up until 1am. That is officially the latest I have ever stayed up on mission.

Baptism of Zanoxolo, Loyiso, and Vuyo

 

The Phango Family

Tumi and Vuyo Phango

What a sight!

 

Week 60: Tender Mercies

I think every missionary has those days where they wish there was a camera recording their whole day, capturing all the experiences, lessons, and feelings they had that day. That was the kind of day that Elder Siale and I had on Tuesday.

It started out with us stopping by and saying hi to a lady, Jane, who we had started teaching a while back but had lost contact with for a month or two. As we got out of the car Jane immediately told us that she needed to talk to us so she could share with us her testimony. As we sat down with her she expressed to us that she had received an answer, through a dream, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was the only true church. Elder Siale and I were both taken back. She then began to cry as she told us about what her family would think of her leaving their church and how in her dream she saw that she was only able to bring with her one of her sons with her to the true church. As she shared these fears a scripture immediately popped into my head. As we walked to the car to fetch our scriptures I kept trying to remember where the scripture was located. I believed it was in the book of Matthew but I didn't know what chapter. As I began to open my bible, chapter 19 came to my mind. Almost simultaneously the first page my bible opened to was Matthew 19:29, the exact verse I was looking for to share with Jane. We continued to share and testify to Jane and then invited her to be baptized. One of the tender mercies of the Lord I saw this week/day.

Later that evening we had our second lesson with Russell and Lydia. They invited us over for dinner and we were able to answer more of their questions at the same time. They had many questions about temples, eternal marriage, and the plan of salvation. We had a wonderful discussion with them about these various questions they had. We were able to answer all of the questions they had and they were very happy. At the end of the lesson a strong prompting came to invite them to baptism. As I began the invitation it felt like the whole room went mute and the spirit began to fill the room. At the end of the invitation Lydia, with tears in her eyes, without hesitation accepted, as well as her husband Russell. They both then began to state evidences to us of how they know that it's not a coincidence that we met and that they have found the restored gospel at this time in their life. As we left their home Elder Siale and I were both speechless. 

We went on two exchanges this week. On Wednesday I was able to go with Elder Sande to his area. We had a blast. Also I was able to cut his hair. My first time cutting a black man's hair :o). On Saturday I was able to go with Elder Dupaix (West Valley, Utah) to his area. They are on bikes so that was a lot of fun. Even when it began to rain about mid-day. Let's just say neither of us were prepared for the rain or cold weather the rain brought with it. When we left for the area it looked like it was going to be a warm sunny day lol. Luckily we saw another tender mercy from the Lord that day. Each time we got to a lesson and got into the home the rain would start to come down hard. As soon as we finished the lesson and got ready to leave the rain would either completely stop or let up to a light sprinkle.

Elder Siale and I had a great week. We saw the Lords hand in our lives and in the work numerous times this week. I love you all and will talk to you next week.

Love, Elder Rash

P.S. Transfer news is this week Saturday, so you'll find out what's happening next.

Tracting.....

Cutting Elder Sande's hair

Riding bikes in the rain on a dirt road makes for a mess

What balance!

Object lesson

Finding a marijuana plant made for an interesting time

Splits with Elder Dupaix

Week 59: Coming home...SYKE!!!!!

note from Elder Rash's mom:  This heading was the title of his e-mail this week.  I was not a happy camper when I saw it; but I know this was a day that he had mixed emotions about.  I'm just glad that he was able to say goodbye to his buddies and then GET BACK TO WORK!

Well friends and family the day arrived for me to head to the airport to come home. I made it to the airport but unfortunately missed my flight and will be staying in South Africa for another 10 months to serve the Lord. Sorry mom. 

Well I did in fact end up making it to the airport on Tuesday to drop Elder Kealer off so he could catch his flight (Elder Kealer is from Peoria and we sat next to each other on our flights to Johannesburg exactly 2 years ago). It's a long story of how we got put in charge of taking him to the airport. We ended up meeting up with the rest of the missionaries from my MTC group who were heading home. It was a bitter sweet moment as I watched all of these Elders I have come to love walk through security but all is well. Glad that day is behind me.

On Wednesday we had interviews with President Leavitt. Those were great as usual. He is a very inspired man.

The rest of the week we had a normal week of proselyting. Minus the continuous rain that happened on Saturday and Sunday.

Also this week we found two awesome young men named Bongkosi and Mzoxolo. We went to teach Loyiso and Zanoxolo, who are two brothers preparing for baptism, Bongkosi and Mzoxolo happened to be there as well and decided to join the lesson. We watched the Restoration. Afterwards Bongkosi mentioned how he felt something, like happiness. Elder Siale and I were able to bear testimony to him that it was the spirit and that the spirit testifies of truth. We had a powerful discussion with them and invited them to baptism. They were definitely the highlight of our week. 

On Sunday we were able to watch the final session of General Conference. 

The Lord is preparing the hearts of many. It is our task and duty to go and find them. Not only to find them but to reach out to them with love and invite them to come and be partakers of the truth. I enjoyed the talks in General Conference that were all about ministering. I don't think we understand how wonderful of an opportunity this is and how simple and easy it truly is. It will take sacrifice but that sacrifice is insignificant when you compare it to the miracles that will be brought about. On a mission we are ministering everyday but I am excited for when the time will come when I will be able to apply these same Christ-like attributes back home. Please act now and begin ministering to your brothers and sisters. I have seen the effects of not implementing these teachings. In the world we live in there truly is no time to wait. We all need each other more than ever. The church is true and is led and guided by a living Prophet. 

Love, Elder Rash

Practicing some hoops!

I know Elder Rash loves his MTC buddies

MTC Buddies going home

Elder Siale, Elder Kealer and Elder Rash at the airport

Elder Cox with Elder Rash

Elder Rash at the Johannesburg Airport

Man or Monkey?

Pulling down the tree for service

Week 58: Thinking of others with the end in mind

This week has been quite busy! On Tuesday we spent most of the day moving the rest of our zone (3 companionships) to new flats, which also happen to be in the same complex as the rest of us. So now our whole zone stays in the same flat complex. It's quite the party. Elder Siale and I also decided to go see how many other church's worship. So late Tuesday night we went and visited a Jehovah Witness service, as well as an African church named Mountain of Deliverance. It was very interesting to see how others worship, even though it was all in Zulu lol.

On Wednesday we had MLC. It's always a great time to gather with other missionaries and President & Sister Leavitt and discuss how we can improve the Lords work. 

On Thursday we met with a couple who were a referral from some members. Their names are Lydia and Russell. They are the nicest people ever! Russell had expressed to the member of the church that he had a lot of questions about the church and Book of Mormon. So she gave him a Book of Mormon and sent us to meet with him and his wife. As we talked and got to know each other they expressed to us how they had just recently left the Jehovah's Witness church due to some reasons. He literally told us he has packed up all of his books and pamphlets and is never going back and is now trying to find what he really believes. He began to hammer us with questions about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, the Word of Wisdom, scriptures in the Bible, the organization of the church, and much more. We had a great discussion with him and his wife about all of these things and for the most part were able to answer all of his questions. The ones we weren't able to answer gave us a reason for a return appointment ;). The hour we spent with them flew by. I wish we could have spent more time with them but we had another appointment. I love sharing this gospel with people. I especially love when people understand what we are sharing and have a strong desire to find out for themselves through prayer if it is true.

On Friday we had the privilege of attending the temple. I love the temple so much. As I sat in the Temple I couldn't help but think about Russell and Lydia, and many other people we are teaching, being in the temple one day themselves. There is so much more to this life than we know. The Lord has so many blessings in store for us and those come from the temple. As I have began thinking of others with the end in mind (the temple) I have seen those I teach and speak too with a different point of view. My love for them and desire for them to receive the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ has increased. I would invite you as well to see your friends, family members, co-workers, and those you meet in a different way. See them entering the temple, dressed in white, receiving all that the Father has in store for them. I can promise you that your love for them and desire to help them receive the restored gospel will increase. 

Also this week was General Conference.  We were able to watch the first 3 sessions and will watch the final one this Sunday. Since being on a mission I have come to love and appreciate General Conference . There were many talks that really stood out to me. President Uchtdorf's about fellowshipping and loving those who have left their old lives and the things they were comfortable with to come into the true church of Jesus Christ.   Also Elder Holland's talk about forgiveness was powerful! I'll just leave it at that.

I know that we are led and guided by a true living prophet today. That was reaffirmed this past weekend. The church is true. May we all do our part in helping others discover that for themselves as well.

Love, Elder Rash

Playing soccer on P-Day

Mission Leader's Conference

Being fed.....look at my boys plate....he must've been hungry!

Week 57: And the rest of the story....

Well friends and family, do you recall the story I shared about a week ago about our investigator who was drunk? It was pretty crazy right? Well guess who was at church this week!? Yes. Rhulani, his wife, and little girl all came to church on Sunday. I have felt something special about Rhulani and it was confirmed as we sat at church with him and his family. It was such a beautiful sight to see him at church with his family. This gospel works miracles. We are excited for them and to see the gospel continue to change their life and bring them closer to each other and to God. He has been sober for the past 13 days. It is a huge accomplishment for Rhulani. Words just can't describe the feelings that come from seeing the gospel help a man change.

Also on Sunday Gibson was baptized. It was amazing to see him sitting there with his Sister, Glenis, who set the example for him. It is amazing to see families become united through the gospel. 

This week we will be attending the temple. I am super excited to attend the temple. It feels like it has been ages since it has been closed the past couple months. I have truly come to have an appreciation for the temple and the sweet spirit that we feel when we go to the temple. 

I have a testimony of the restored gospel. I am grateful I have the opportunity to be on the front lines and see the healing power of the atonement in people's lives. The Savior truly did suffer so we could find peace from our suffering.

I love you all. Talk to you next week!

Love Elder Rash

HUMP DAY package arrived and the Camel is back in Africa!

Baptism of Gibson

 

Zone Conference

Investigator Azile