Week 103: For the last time

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

Baptism of Sibu

I love this

Devon feels most comfortable playing with the little ones

Service project and hair nets

GREAT turn out

Saying goodbye to those he has loved to serve

The sun is setting on his time in South Africa

Johannesburg South Africa will always have a piece of his heart

Week 102: Mercy and Justice

Hello Friends and Family,

I wish I could put into words the feelings I've been having. My time here in South Africa has been something I will forever treasure. 

Elder Gabriel and I have been volunteering at a home for the mentally disabled. For people with down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. This has brought a special light and joy to Elder Gabriel and I every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We have been able to serve around such sweet spirits and interact with others not of our faith.

I was asked to lead the Elders Quorum discussion in the Centurion 2nd ward yesterday. The discussion was on Elder Tad R. Callisters talk about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  I was anticipating just the Elders Quorum, but after sacrament meeting the bishop invited the entire Relief Society to join us as well. During my preparation for the discussion I was able to better understand the relationship between mercy and justice. Elder Callister shared a story, which follows:

"Suppose for a moment a man contemplating an exhilarating free fall makes a rash decision and spontaneously jumps from a small plane. After doing so, he quickly realizes the foolishness of his actions. He wants to land safely, but there is an obstacle—the law of gravity. He moves his arms with astounding speed, hoping to fly, but to no avail. He positions his body to float or glide to slow the descent, but the law of gravity is unrelenting and unmerciful. He tries to reason with this basic law of nature: “It was a mistake. I will never do it again.” But his pleas fall on deaf ears. The law of gravity knows no compassion; it makes no exceptions. Fortuitously, though, the man suddenly feels something on his back. His friend in the plane, sensing the moment of foolishness, had placed a parachute there just before the jump. He finds the rip cord and pulls it. Relieved, he floats safely to the ground. We might ask, “Was the law of gravity violated, or did that parachute work within that law to provide a safe landing?”

In this story mercy is compared to the parachute. Justice is compared to the law of gravity. If the parachute would have deployed on its own it would have robbed justice. However, because the man finally came to his senses and realized the parachute was there and pulled the ripcord the parachute worked within the law of gravity/justice.  Likewise in our lives, when we sin we foolishly jump out of the plane. Like this man we have a friend who placed a parachute on our back, Jesus Christ. The only way for us not to fall to our imminent death (spiritual death) is to realize that there is only one way to overcome our rash decision (sin) which is through the parachute (Atonement of Jesus Christ) and that we must through our own conscious decision pull the rip cord (repent). 

Alma 42: 24-25

24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.

I am eternally grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who through his mercy and love provided a way for us to overcome sin. I know that as we humble ourselves, and pull the ripcord which has been provided for us, we may each land safely and return to live with our Heavenly Father once again. 
Love, Elder Rash

Learning how to cook one of his favorite meals from Africa

Learning from this sweet sister

OH.MY.WORD

Week 101: Impressions lead to success

Hello Friends and Family,

Elder Gabriel and I have been quite busy juggling appointments with members and people we are teaching in both Centurion 1 and 2. By the end of the day we can't seem to figure out where all the time went.

We were able to have an awesome lesson with Caleb and Nushka this week, well two actually. On Tuesday, as we were driving, an impression came to me that we needed to call them to schedule a time to visit them.  As soon as I told my companion, we looked to the side and saw Caleb walking down the road.  We stopped the car and starting talking with him.  He invited us to meet him and Nushka at a sports bar down the road so that we could talk.  Well, when we arrived Caleb just wanted to have a casual conversation about life and to play a game of pool. While I spoke with him Elder Gabriel had the opportunity to have a more spiritual conversation with Nushka. After about an hour we scheduled to visit them on Thursday. After leaving Elder Gabriel shared with me the conversation he had with Nushka. We immediately ran to the chapel where we downloaded some inspirational messages that we felt she needed to hear.  Elder Gabriel and I both felt a prompting that we shouldn't wait to show these to her.  We immediately called them and asked if we could come visit them at their home in 30 minutes. When we arrived we had a wonderful lesson about how God understands each of us and about the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.  When we left their home there was a light emanating from Nushka that was not previously there. 

On Thursday we were then able to have another lesson with them where we spoke about God, his nature, and the Plan of Salvation.

This week we've been preparing a lot for Sibo's baptism. She is scheduled to be baptized on August 18th.   Elder Gabriel and I were both a bit concerned that she may not fully have a testimony of the Restored Gospel.  On Saturday these concerns were put at ease.  Elder Gabriel and I both felt that we needed to ask her the baptismal interview questions to receive a spiritual confirmation if she is ready for baptism.  As we asked her the questions she began asking us questions as well.  These were types of questions that she had never asked in the past 3 months of us teaching her.  These questions brought the confirmation of her desire to repent, and her testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. She will be interviewed tomorrow night!

An interesting scripture I read and understood this week. 1 Nephi 15:27:

          27 "And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water."

Love, Elder Rash

P-Day emailing

Week 100: A mission is full of Highs and Lows

Dear Friends and Family,

This week was a roller coaster of emotions.  It had its highs and some major lows.

Unfortunately this week Chris informed us he would not continue meeting with us. We love him dearly and will continue the friendship that we have developed. He is an amazing man.  The work goes on however!  

This week, just like past weeks, we have seen the Lord bless us countless times. Many members we have spoken with this week have informed us of friends and family members who would love to meet with us. We've had people bring their friends to church and we've had people, who are searching for the truth, just walk into church! 

This week I experienced arguably one of the happiest days of my mission... Nearly 3 years ago as I was serving in Protea Glen and as my companion and I walked the streets we stopped a young man named Mncedisi. After a quick conversation and leaving him with a Plan of Salvation pamphlet we scheduled to meet with him at his home a few days later. Mncedisi was baptized in December 2016 roughly two weeks after I returned home. This past Saturday I had the sacred privilege of listening to him as he opened and read his mission call... Mncedisi has been called to serve in the Botswana Namibia Mission and reports to the Johannesburg Missionary Training Center on Thursday, September 12th, 2019.  I wish I could describe the joy I have received from participating in this sacred work of gathering scattered Israel.  D&C 18:15

          15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

Sincerely, Elder Rash

Devon plans on keeping in contact with Chris once he gets home

Service - cutting down a tree

Week 99: The Lord puts people in our paths

Hello Friends and Family,

Last Sunday a couple walked into church and this week we were able to meet with them. They are awesome! They are both in their mid 20's. When we arrived at their home they were very welcoming. Shortly after us arriving Caleb kept mentioning to Nooshka that she should go grab that book (Book of Mormon). I then grabbed one out of my bag and asked if this was the book they were referring to. Indeed it was. Because we hadn't given them one we asked where they had gotten one. Nooshka explained that her mom had given her her library of books and the Book of Mormon was part of it. We asked if they knew that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints used the Book of Mormon when they chose to come to church that Sunday. They both didn't know and even at that time didn't know. Nooshka explained that she was raised in a loose home where she wasn't really raised having a relationship with God and Christ. She was wanting to go to a church and as she walked past the church earlier in the week she felt impressed that they should come on Sunday. She expressed her great desire to have a relationship with God and to get to know Christ. As we were talking Nooshka asked "Does it take long?". We asked what she was referring too and she said "To build a relationship with God and to feel his presence?" Joy filled my heart as she asked these soul searching questions. We were able to testify to her of God's love for her and her ability to speak with him. I wish I could adequately describe Nooshka's sincere desire to find truth and draw closer to God. Elder Gabriel and I couldn't stop smiling as we left their home. I'm grateful the Lord allowed our paths to cross.

Love, Elder Rash

Note from Mom:  Devon had his last Zone Conference this week.  He didn't share anything with me about it; but sent a bunch of pictures from it.  Looks like it was a wonderful time and he got to say goodbye to several missionaries that he loves.

Posterity:  Son (Elder Bindrup), grandson (Elder Carlson)

Elder Dupaix

Posterity:  Missing a few generations - great grandson (Elder Taylor),
great, great grandson (Elder Nganda)

Elder Bowden...found out he is a family friends nephew.  CRAZY!

Elder Mthembu

Elder Pascual

Name the Book of Mormon story

Week 98: Love of temples, fasting and prayer

Hello Friends and Family,

This week has been great!  We've been trying to make the most of the time that I have remaining. 

This week we had the opportunity to attend the temple.  I love the temple and the time it allows you to ponder and receive answers to questions you have.  It was my final time attending the temple here in South Africa as a full-time missionary.  I will miss it deeply.  I'm grateful I've had a temple so close to me over these past 2 years. 

A few weeks ago we had a coordinating council with members of the Centurion 1st ward.  The missionary work has been struggling in this ward for quite some time.  After counseling we came to the conclusion that we needed to do a 40 day fast.  So two weeks ago the members of our ward, as well as us, started fasting for 40 days!!!  Well not quite.  How the 40 day fast works is each day for 40 days there is a family or person who signs up to fast for a particular day.  So each day for the next 40 days there will always be someone in the ward who will be fasting for missionary work.  It has been great!!!!  We have already seen a huge difference in the work because of it.  This past week we found 3 new people to teach and many other potentials.  At church on Sunday we had 4 people, we are teaching, come to church!  That is the most Centurion 1st ward has had in a long time. Three of these people came for the very first time!  We have had numerous members approach us and tell us they have someone that they will be bringing to church or that they will be referring us to.  The whole atmosphere of the ward has changed!  The members have recognized the change and progress, we all attribute it to the faith we have been exercising through the 40 day fast.  Fasting works.

Earlier this week I was reflecting on the past 3 years.  As I did so I remembered an answer to a prayer that I received nearly 3 years ago, through the scriptures. Although I received the answer I didn't see the results come forth.  It caused a lot of questioning in my life.  As I've reflected this past week I have seen how the results have been unfolding and have come to fruition.  I know Heavenly Father answers prayers.  Sometimes the answers come immediately to bring us comfort and show unto us that He is there; however, the results, more often than not, come in His perfect timing. 

Love, Elder Rash

Last temple trip

Centurion Zone Temple trip

 Visited and got a guided tour of a Mosque

Gotta get the perfect picture

P-Day as a District...Devon looks so tall!

Week 97: Refiner's Fire

Hello Friends and Family,

As I reflect on this past week it seems we taught many lessons in regards to the refiner's fire.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves me enough to heat me up in the furnace, beat me with a hammer, and cool me off.  If it wasn't for this process that He puts us through we would forever remain a dull piece of metal full of impurities.  God knows the beautiful masterpiece that He wants us to be and that we can become.  Sometimes we bring hardship and trials upon ourselves through our own choices; other times they are given to us from our Heavenly Father.  May we each strive to make sure we don't bring trials and hardship upon ourselves through our disobedience to Gods commandments and that we bear the trials God graciously gives us with patience and joy.  We are each becoming a beautiful and unique masterpiece.

Sincerely, Elder Rash 
*  Note from mom:  Devon spent his P-Day with his Zone going on a hike.  They had a great time and I got lots of pictures and videos from their adventure.

On their way to a Zone Activity

Found a river with a cable chair to cross the river....CRAZY

Reminds him of home

Devon and Elder Papenfuss from Utah (he goes home in 3 weeks)

Beautiful view

Crossing a sketchy bridge....

ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!

Hospital Cave

"I saw a pillar of light...."

Cable Car ride....EEEKKKKK!

He made it!