We also had a tragedy this week in the IPM. Elder
Taylor Wards, who had only been serving for 6 weeks, passed away after a
serious car accident. Elder Blake, my companion, knew him well from the MTC. I
know Elder Floyd from my time down in Pocatello, we went on exchanges together.
Every missionary in the IPM is praying and fasting for the family and friends
of Elder Wards. This accident has strengthened my testimony in the Plan of
Salvation. I know Elder Wards is continuing his mission elsewhere and that he
is happy. I know that our Father in Heaven has a plan for each and every one of
us. He is mindful of our situation and concerned about our wellbeing.
Last Monday was my first trip back to Idaho Falls! I
saw tons of friends from my time there. I also saw Michael, my old
investigator. For P-day we went to IJump. It’s a trampoline park with foam
pits, dodge ball, and of course, tons of trampolines! On Tuesday we went back
to work. We taught tons of people both member and non-member. We are so busy
that Elder Blake and I go on splits with different wards. I'll tell you about
some of our Investigators..
Sheri: She is an older lady who just got baptized on
Saturday! She is super nice and a big hugger. Her husband still isn't a member
but her extended family and her two granddaughters who she raised are members.
She had her brother perform the baptism and it was a very emotional experience.
Rick & Tammy: Rick is a Less Active member who we
really like! He is funny and is really into football! He and Elder Blake go
back and forth talking about teams and scores. He also plays the guitar so he
and I jam out together sometimes. Tammy is his fiancée who isn't a member.
Because of the splits I haven't been able to meet her yet. Great family though.
Jake: He is a 19 year old boy who just graduated. He
works a lot so it’s hard to meet with him. He is the only one in his family
investigating the church.
Aaron: I haven't met him yet but I am tonight. He has
really good questions about the Church.
Matt: He is engaged to a member and wants to know more
about the church. We are meeting with him tonight as well.
This week on Wednesday we had a little bit of free
time, so I decided we'd go swing by the cemetery. (That sounds kind of creepy
but I have family there) Now I haven't been to this cemetery in 7 years and I
didn't know exactly where my Great Grandparents were but I had a feeling. So we
drove around and parked under a tree. We got out and started to look around.
After a few minutes we found them. I hadn't parked more than 20 feet away from
their grave stones! It was so neat to be able to see their gravestones and also
some other family that was buried nearby. The Spirit of Elijah is definitely a
real thing. :)
This week we also rounded up some less active members,
active members, and Investigators and played some basketball! That was fun!
This new area has tons of new things for me to do.
Driving is something I'm not used to on the mission. Also training! It’s really
a neat experience. Elder Blake is a lot like me when I came out. He has such a
desire to prove himself as a good missionary. And he is. He is also very
stubborn :P When he thinks my decision is wrong he doesn't hesitate to let me
know. I need to apologize to Elder Malau' Ulu for how I acted while being
trained! hahaha
All in all I LOVE the new area! We had the opportunity
to go to a Shelley Football game! That was so much fun! They kicked butt! It’s
all about showing we support our area ;)
I know that this Gospel is true! I'm so happy to be a
missionary when our ranks equal 75,000! I love you guys and hope everything is
well!
Love,
Elder Rash
Convert Baptism this past week
Visiting Grandma and Grandpa Davis Gravesite
Elder Blake
Elder Solomon - District Leader
Shelley, Idaho
Shelley, Idaho
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