Hello Friends and Family,
This week was amazing, and to
top it off Sibu was baptized on Sunday. I
have never met someone so excited for their baptism and what it means for them
in their life. She is amazing!
You serve your whole 2 years
never thinking this day would come, but now that it has I don't know what to
think or say. I have truly come to see
and know that this is the Lord's work. The gathering of scattered Israel has
begun. We each play a vital role in bringing to pass this work. I have come to know of the joy that comes from
taking part in this work. I know that
this was not just a 2 year assignment but a lifelong calling.
I spent the first 18 years of
my life avoiding conversation with complete strangers. I missed out on so much in those 18 years. I never knew it was possible to feel so much
love for someone you just met on the street. I never knew how much a complete stranger
could change and influence your life. I
came to South Africa nearly 3 years ago with everyone being a complete
stranger; I will now leave this beautiful land with a family that will forever
have a piece of my heart. This family consists of hundreds of people I have met
and associated with over the past 3 years. They have each been an instrument in
God's hands to help me become the person I will leave South Africa being.
These past two years have
been filled with tears of joy, laughter, heartache, hardship, rejection, and
the Spirit. Although they haven't been the easiest two years they have been
well worth it. I am eternally grateful
for my decision to serve the Lord for these two years; there is nowhere else He
would have wanted me to be than here.
During my time here I have
come to a realization of my purpose in this life. I have gained an eternal perspective which
will serve me throughout my life. I have
developed a personal and intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father and
elder brother, Jesus Christ. They love
me. The Savior's atonement is real and infinite. I have felt of the cleansing and strengthening
power of Christ's atonement in my life as I have humbled myself and submitted
to God's will.
The past two years have
established a foundation for the years to come. I know that this is Christ's church. I know that we have a living prophet on the
earth today who warns us of the adversary's moves. I know that nearly 200 years ago, God in his
infinite love, appeared to a young boy to usher in the dispensation of the
fullness of times and to restore sacred truths and Christ's priesthood power
back to the earth. I would invite those
who don't know this for themselves to be willing to find out. The knowledge of
its truthfulness I gained nearly 3 years ago has changed my life. I have never
been happier.
I testify that what the Apostle
Paul says is true, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corithians 5:17.
I love you all and am
grateful for all your love, support, and prayers the past 3 years.
For the last time,
Love,
Elder Rash
P.S. Everyone is invited to
come and hear about the experiences I've had in South Africa the past two
years. I will be sharing them this Sunday, August 25th, 2019 at
12:00 pm at
618 South Signal Butte Road
MESA, Arizona 85208
United States
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Baptism of Sibu |
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I love this |
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Devon feels most comfortable playing with the little ones |
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Service project and hair nets |
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GREAT turn out |
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Saying goodbye to those he has loved to serve |
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The sun is setting on his time in South Africa |
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Johannesburg South Africa will always have a piece of his heart |