Week 95: Receiving instruction from a General Authority

Hello Friends and Family,

This week we had our mission tour with Elder Joni Koch of the area presidency.  Elder Koch was Ryland's mission president.  It was cool being able to learn from the man my brother learned from while serving in the Mozambique, Maputo Mission.  What was even cooler was being able to be interviewed by Elder Koch.  Through his training I was reminded of why I am here on a mission.  That reason simply being, joy.  Joy is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me.  It is what motivated me to serve a mission.  It is what motivates me each and every day to go out and share the gospel with others.  Joy is what I see come into the lives of those who truly apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their life.  This joy comes from the cleansing, redeeming, and enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Love, Elder Rash

Elder Rash with Elder Erickson who goes home in 3 weeks

Zone Conference with Pres. and Sis. Koch...Elder Rash asked to lead the music.

Devon's Zone with the Koch's

Pres. and Sis. Leavitt + Pres. and Sis. Koch = Best Mission President's and wives EVER!!!

Being instructed by Elder Koch

A member sent me this picture during the week! 
What a HANDSOME Missionary!

Week 94: Prayer with Fasting brings forth miracles

Hello Friends and Family,

Well this week my testimony of fasting was strengthened. 

The work in Centurion has been struggling for some time now. While tracting this week, the response we received from one man after knocking on his gate was the straw that broke the camel's back. I am one who is able to respond to rejection with a smile on my face but this one was hard.  It caused much frustration to boil over and a lot of pondering. 

The next day during our weekly planning, my companion and I both felt that we should fast for the area. So we did. Moments after completing our fast we decided to phone two potential people who we have been trying to get a hold of for the past 3 weeks. They both answered this time and were both still excited to meet with us. On Sunday, we were expecting a young man to come to church who we had been playing basketball with lately.  Just as church began we received a phone call from him informing us that he was at the gate.  As my companion and I walked to the gate we were expecting to see a young man standing at the gate waiting to be let in. Instead, a young man and his whole family pulled up to the gate in a car!!!!! Aphiwe not only came to church but he brought his mom and siblings!  It was a great sight to see and surely an answer to a plea. 

I know that as our desires are aligned with the Lord's as we fast for those things we desperately need and desire He will grant them unto you. Never underestimate the power of prayer and fasting.

Sincerely, Elder Rash

Heading to an early morning workout

In his area there is a light rail that they can take and talk with lots of people 

To many in South Africa, he is an Angel sent from Heaven

I love my boy!

They really must've loved these brownies

Elder Rash and Elder Gabriel...best of friends

Bonding like boys do.....

Twice a week they have been going to their Bishop's house and
 he runs them through an intense work out.  Devon is loving it.

Week 93: Looking forward to being a Member Missionary

Hello Friends and Family,

This week has been great!  We were able to meet with a sister named Sibo who came to church last week.  She shared with us her story of the old life she use to live before she was involved in a tragic car accident that left her in the hospital for 7 months.  She had to learn how to talk, walk, and speak all over again.  We had an awesome lesson with her speaking about the atonement, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and how she can be made clean through repentance and baptism.  We invited her to baptism for the 14th of July.  We are super excited to help her progress and feel the healing and redeeming power of the atonement in her life. 

I am so grateful for my time to serve as a full-time missionary but I can't begin to describe the excitement and privilege it will be to be a member missionary.  I don't think we truly understand what a privilege it is for us as members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ to minister to those not of our faith and to share with them what has brought so much light and joy into our lives.  Missionary work as a member missionary is not only more effective but it is so much easier!  You don't have rules that restrict you from giving others rides which gives you a prime opportunity to speak about the gospel and serve your fellow brothers and sisters. Or rules that limit you to your access and ability to socialize with others not of our faith in a natural way.  A white shirt, tie, and name tag can be intimidating.  I would love to invite my neighbors over for dinner so that they can feel of the spirit that resides in our flat but unfortunately we can't.  But as a member you can.  It just takes small and simple acts of love, friendship, and kindness to bless someone's life.  Please take advantage of the tools and resources that you have as a member missionary. 

Love, Elder Rash

Found something to remind him of home

 

Wonderful family from the ward who fed them dinner

Week 92: This is where I am meant to be....

Hello Friends and Family,

This week has been amazing!!!  I wish I could put into words how great my first week here in Centurion has been.  I have had many experiences in the past week that have brought the confirmation that this is where I am meant to be. 

My first night in the area we went and had dinner with a sister in the ward. Long story short we discovered that we were both from Mesa, AZ and had a few connections.

We spent most of the week tracting. We have changed our approach and we have seen a lot of success. We are able to have more friendly conversations with people and in the end offer our service to them. 

You may remember in my last area, I talked about how amazing our Relief Society president was. Well I just went from a ward with the best Relief Society president to a ward with the greatest Elders Quorum president!!! Once again I wish I could put into words how great Bro. Kevin is.  We spent all day on Sunday visiting less active members. 

One of the confirmations that I received that this is where I am meant to be came as I met Kevin.  He is very in-tune with the spirit. 

The Centurion 1st and 2nd wards are amazing!  Definitely the biggest wards I have ever served in.  Our area is huge!  Probably my second biggest area on mission, behind Phokeng.  It makes it difficult and causes us to plan more efficiently but it means there is a ton of work to be done.

My companion, Elder Gabriel (from Brazil) is amazing! We get along super well, share tons of laughs together, and work hard.

A lesson I learned this week is when you receive a prompting to share something with someone, even someone you have just met, do it. As I did this, about an hour later I received a witness that the prompting was from the spirit and it reassured me that this is where I am meant to be serving my last 3 months.

Love, Elder Rash
Note from mom:  No pictures OF my boy this week, but he spent his P-Day at the Zoo!  So enjoy all the pictures of animals....seriously, this is what I got today...tons of pictures and videos of animals!!!  I spared you all by just sharing a few of the many pictures!

No idea

Sunset

Monkey

What's the name of the king from Madagascar?  This is him!

another monkey

Big kitty