June 16

Hello Family!

What an incredible weekend I have had! We had four of our
investigators come to church this week - Garrett and Jodi, Jeff and
Kim. The best part is the miracles that occurred to have these four
make it to church.
Ok let me start with Garrett and Jodi. So last week we had our
wonderful lesson with him on Priesthood and challenged him to pray
about being baptized so that he could have his answer by the time we
met again after church yesterday. Well, they haven't been to church in
a month because of having the baby and I knew it would take a while to
recover from a c-section but also some other surgery she had at the
same time. But yesterday morning Jodi woke up and just felt like they
should try to make it to church, but Garrett said she didn't look like
she had the energy for it, yet after a nap (we have 1:00 church block)
he said suddenly she looked better. Then get this, they show up to
church, we are happy, everyone is welcoming them again, and the talks
and lessons happen to be on what of all things? Priesthood! Haha,
Garrett was excited to tell us how it seemed to have been just for him
and since we went over it last week it wasn't all over his head the
whole time. I don't think Garrett realizes it yet but I know that was
part of his answer to his prayers! He still hasn't come to a decision
yet, but he knows he wants to be baptized and join The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And now he has a hard choice because it
is not one between bad and good, he is trying to choose between two
goods. Either way, moving forward now or waiting to be baptized with
Jodi, he is going to make the covenant of baptism but it is a matter
of choosing and timing. Do any of you have thoughts or advice?
Alright, now Jeff and Kim. I found them probably 3 months ago with
Sister Nielsen. We were knocking in a neighborhood and Kim happened to
be outside homeschooling her two boys. So we talked to her a bit and
introduced ourselves, we have gone back multiple times and met her
husband Jeff, but we just have not been able to get in and teach. I
just felt so strongly though to keep trying.... it's hard to explain
but I guess I just felt drawn to them.
Well we tried again Saturday afternoon with a member and caught them
at a good time and we taught them the Restoration finally! Great
lesson and we invited them to attend church with us. They agreed to
next Sunday because Jeff had a lot of mulch to move around his yard
that they needed to get done by Monday before the city got upset with
them. Without missing a beat, Sister Gunther asked them if we got some
hands over there that night to help with the mulch would they come
with us to church the next day and he agreed wondering if we would be
able to find anyone. I wish you could have seen the surprise on his
face when we show up an hour and a half later with four elders and
Brother Adams and his two eldest sons shovels in hand! :) Well you can
bet we finished off that pile of mulch and Jeff and Kim came to
church!!! It was nothing but a miracle and probably the best day of my
mission. Garrett later told us he sat by Jeff in Priesthood class and
when Jeff got up to introduce himself he told the whole story to
everyone. Garrett told us that Jeff had been SO impressed by our
service - that was what we were going for, Christ-like service that
leaves an impression they will never forget about the true church and
it's members.

Yes, that was the best part of the week. I have been witness once
again to the blessings of ministering with love and charity, serving
God by serving His children.
The rest of my week was same ole', same ole', getting used to the bugs
(so far I have found roaches, spiders, and centipedes in my apartment-
gross!), getting used to the heat.... Sort of...... we are hitting
90's this week. Oh and we have the best district ever with all four of
our ward elders and us! I will try and send some pictures to y'all.

Hope Melanie, Natalie, Camille enjoy girl's camp, Lake Powell is fun
stuff! Just remind them to always be reapplying sunscreen and please,
please, please wear some sunglasses.... Don't burn your retinas like I
did out there, you go sort of blind and it hurts BAD.
Ok well I sure love everyone and thanks for the emails that you send,
it's so great to hear from you.

Love,
Sister Rust