Week 67: Mission Tour, Zone Conference and Temple visit

Dear Friends and Family,

Congratulations Ryland and Raelee on the birth of Kamdyn! Clearly his uncle in Africa is his favorite. It's good to hear that everyone is happy and healthy. Sister and Sister-in-law you now have the go ahead to have a baby as well since I will be home by the time you give birth.

Sincerely,

Elder Rash

Well this week was great! We had our mission tour with Elder Sitati of the Area Presidency. So on Tuesday we had MLC where we were able to council and receive instruction from President and Sister Leavitt and Elder and Sister Sitati. It was a great council and its always great to be able to see Elder Jolley, Nielsen, and many other missionaries there.

On Wednesday we had our mission tour Zone Conference. We were once again taught and instructed by Elder and Sister Sitati. We talked a lot about honesty and how to connect with people and really know how to help them progress to baptism. One thing I have really come to know is that everyone is hurting in some way and the gospel can help them. We need to be willing to talk to people, ask them questions to get to know them, and listen. If we will do that, there will be at least one thing from what they say that we will be able to link into the gospel. Members and missionaries need to be spiritual physicians.

Friday we had the privilege of attending the temple. It is always an amazing time at the temple. I love being able to receive answers to my prayers in the most intimate and spiritual setting.

Saturday we were able to do a Light the World booth again at Northmead Square mall. The highlight was being able to watch the Bedfordview Stake choir perform that evening at the mall. It's amazing how Christmas brings people together.

Also Saturday evening we received a phone call from President Leavitt informing us what would be happening to our companionship this transfer. Soooooo I will be staying in Rynfield!!! Elder Siale and I will both be staying. We will be in a trio for the next 3 weeks until Elder Siale goes home. Our companion is Elder Truman. He is from Melbourne, Australia and has been on mission for about 9-10 months. We are excited to be in a trio for Christmas and to cram another bed into our tiny flat. It is going to be a blast! So Rynfield will become my longest area. At the end of this transfer I will have been here for 6 months and 3 weeks.

Sunday we were able to witness the baptism of Tumi Phango. She turned 8 on the day of her baptism. She is such a special and clever girl.

Well that is all from the beautiful country of South Africa. Elder Siale and I had a sweet moment when we were able to meet the 4 other children of the lady we helped move last week. They were traveling down from Malawi to live with their mother and 2 other siblings. 3 of these 4 kids are triplets!! They are the cutest!

Next week we will have the baptism of Nqobile. He is a powerful young man we found about 5 weeks ago. He has not missed a day of church or a lesson since the day we met him.

Talk to you all next week!

Love, Elder Rash