Week 70: Why I chose to serve a mission

Dear Friends and Family,

It was another wonderful week here in Rynfield and Northmead. We had a great Christmas which we spent with members and missionaries of our zone. The obvious highlight was being able to skype with my family and catch up on all the changes that are happening back home.

The days following Christmas were a tad slow but we managed and were able to do service all day on Wednesday.

Whenever people ask me why did I choose to serve a mission, my response has always been because I've felt the healing power of the atonement in my life and want others to be able to feel and know of it as well. In the past week or two I've truly been able to do that. We found a man named Thabiso about a month and a half ago. After our first lesson with him he pretty much vanished for about a month. Each week we would stop by his home to try and find him but never had any luck. A few weeks ago when we stopped by we found his mother. After talking with her for a bit she informed us that Thabiso has been struggling with a drug addiction for quite some time and that is why he hasn't been around. A few days later we were able to find him at home and had a lesson with him. As we asked him what he struggled with most in life, he began to open up. Over the past two weeks as we have visited Thabiso we have exchanged laughs, tears, hugs, and personal experiences. I have come to love this young man. He has 3 young boys who are the cutest. We have begun the 12 step program with him and have seen so much improvement and hope come into his life. I have loved being able to share with him about repentance, forgiveness, and the healing and redeeming power of the atonement. I have been able to relate to him on a personal level (not because I had a drug addiction lol) and testify to him of the Saviors love for him. Thabiso is amazing.

On Saturday, Elder Truman and I had an experience that took us by surprise. After receiving some revelation we both knew that we needed to tract a street called Farrar St. in Northmead. As we pulled up to the street it was raining so in Elder Trumans prayer he asked that the rain would either slow or stop so that we would be able to tract with a little more success. As we began the rain slowed to a sprinkle. After about 50 mins, as we neared the end of the street we had had no success. As we knocked on a gate, the gate began to open... We looked at each other as if not knowing what to do. In town people dont usually just open their gates for complete strangers. As we stood in front of the open gate, a man came out of the house and very politely said "come in". Before we had even introduced ourselves he invited us in to his home and offered us something to drink. He then invited us to sit down. Still in shock, Elder Truman and I began introducing ourselves and letting him know why we were there. We were able to have a short lesson with him and set a return appointment for next Sunday. Jason is 25 years old, currently studying theology, is in his 4th year, attends the Baptist church, and is currently the acting Pastor due to the actual one being ill. He is very open and willing to learn. I will keep you updated on how he is doing. #Tendermercies

Sunday, we were able to put together and start a "Come Follow Me" study group consisting of Recent converts, youth who are the only members of their families, and even non-members. We had a great time and foresee it growing into something big. We had around 17 people for our first week and we had just started announcing it on Saturday.

The Church is true. The gospel has been restored. The priesthood keys are on the earth once again. Jesus Christ lives. His atonement is real and is open to all who will apply it in their life.

Love, Elder Rash

note from mom: We had a wonderful 40 minute Skype with Devon on Christmas morning. He looked and sounded so good! Everyone got a chance to visit with him (as long as they were holding baby Kamdyn) and at the end, he bore a beautiful testimony! It was hard to say goodbye, but he promised that from now until Mother's Day (our next Skype) will go by so quick. I look forward to it for sure! No pictures this week which bummed me, but I'm sure he'll send some next week.