Week 76: Everything happens on the Lord's time

Hello Friends and Family,

I feel like I have so much to say about this week but don’t have the words to describe and explain it. I guess I’ll go ahead and try.

Let's just say that through the week and the buildup of past weeks both Elder Spencer and I were beginning to develop feelings of “I’m done with this area and these unprepared people”. Multiple times I just sat there talking to myself and elder Spencer asking “when is Heavenly Father going to finally bless us with prepared people after all the hard work we’ve been putting in?” On Friday we were both feeling pushed to our limits. I wish I could explain how the final 2 days of the week unfolded and the things that happened.

On Saturday we were able to find many people within our area that seemed interested. Some of which we met with on Sunday. We had one lady come up to Elder Spencer, as he was talking to someone else, interrupt the conversation, and state that she was interested in learning more. It turns out she use to attend church in Elder Spencer’s home ward in Zimbabwe.

On Sunday is when we really saw the hand of the lord present in our work. First off Elder Spencer and I were able to speak in church which is always a great opportunity. We also had the Baptism of Sis. Annah and her two granddaughters Gabriella, and Angela. It was such a sweet moment. I was also privileged enough to have been asked by Gabriella and Angela to baptize them. Later that day we went and visited a man named Isaac who we had talked to on Saturday. We had a great lesson with him. He has had some unfortunate events happen in his life which has left him questioning “why does god allow bad things to happen to good people?” He is excited for us to continue to meet. He has a wife and 3 children as well. After the lesson with Isaac we went to check on a few people. As we were walking up some stairs a colored lady called to us and asked us if we were from the church. She asked that we give her a book to read and for us to come visit her. She has a great desire to change. After that we decided to check up on a person who the Assistants met that claimed to be a member who stayed within our boundaries. We were able to find her home and after talking to her a bit we learned that she wasn’t a member and that none of her family was either. She met with the missionaries a while back in the eastern cape but ended up moving to where the church wasn’t very accessible. Her exact words to us were “I’m not a member, yet!” Elder Spencer and I were both just taken back. We set a return appointment and hopped in the car. As we sat there in the car we both just turned to each other and started laughing. We had gone through the fiery furnace the past few weeks but the Lord finally blessed us and we definitely recognized it.

I know that missionary work isn’t easy. I also know that it isn’t impossible. I have gained a testimony that Heavenly Father is aware of our circumstances as well as the desire of our hearts. I also know that Heavenly Father doesn’t make it easy. He tests our patience and our willingness to do his will. This is his work and it is all done in his timing.

Sincerely,

Elder Rash

P.S. I was also able to go on an exchange with Elder Ricks. Elder Ricks is from the beautiful land of Mesa, Arizona!!! We had a great time together and I enjoyed being able to pick his mind about how ASU football and Basketball have been doing. Let's just say he’s new enough on mission to have a very up-to-date report on those subjects lol. Elder Ricks is a great missionary with a solid testimony. If only he didn’t go to Mt. View...