We had a lot of little moments that showed me how to grow!

Hello!
Hope you had a good week!
This last week was a good one. We had a lot of little moments that showed me how to grow!
We were driving around one night and it was 8:45 so we had 15 minutes left in the day. We said a prayer because we wanted to talk to one last person! Elder Duff and I got the same impression to talk to the same person. We drove over there and no one was home! However on the way there was a house with a light on, we both felt that was the place to go! The person was not interested in talking to us but I felt great that we did what God wanted us too! Another experience this week. We had a feeling to go knock on a random door so we did. The man opened it, yelled at us and closed it! I was so pumped after that  because we did what God wanted us to! It is strange to say but I was happy. I think this scripture explains it!

Mosiah 2:41
 41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

We gave talks in one of our wards as well!

My thoughts have been centered a lot on integrity lately. It is sad to see people only make good choices when people are watching.

"To me, integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant."

God has provided a way for us to have integrity.

“It is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, Is how unto  you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

“But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.” Moroni 7:3, 15-17

My hope is that we all try to do a little better and keep the commandments of God, no matter how small, when only He is watching!

I love and miss you all!!

Love,

Elder Rush

Integrity

Elder Rush and his District

Elder Scotty Sincere visited the mission.

Haircuts and shopping p-day

We Played Basketball, and I Can Still Dunk!

Hope things are going well!
We played basketball last week and I can still dunk!!!!!! Yes!
Other than that we did a lot of missionary work!
Elder Martino of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy came and spoke to us.
I learned a lot and was reminded of the importance of trusting in the Lord!
I love the Lord and really appreciate what I learned this last week.
We had a cool experience with one of our investiagators. We were talking about the organization of Christ church. She asked if there was any place in the Bible where it talked about Christ appointing a Seventy(Seventies are called to proclaim the gospel and build up the Church. They work under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presidency of the Seventy)

I knew it was in one of the 4 Gospels but did not remember where. I seriously opened my scriptures and it fell on Luke Chapter 10 . The exact chapter I was looking for. God is so great! I love being a missionary! It is very important to Trust in GOD! The only way to become what HE needs us to be is through Him.

Moses 6:31-34
 31 And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

 32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

 33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you.

 34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

God Loves us so he sent His Son!!!

Christ has restored his Church once again to the Earth!

Love,

Elder Rush

An email from the Hall's in Pocatello. Touched my heart!

Hi Sister Rush, 

I'm Brooke Hall, my husband and I just moved to Pocatello from Logan where I graduated with my masters in Speech Language Pathology, and my husband just started his Doctorate in physical therapy at Idaho state! 

We just had your sweet boy over for dinner. We ate pulled pork nachos and Oreo truffles and he told us he loved it! They said they'd been at Zone conference today and seemed to learn a lot! We went with him  and lder duff to a lesson last night, as well. Your son is incredibly intuitive, has an amazing knowledge of the gospel, and truly adds a kind and comforting spirit to the room. He is companions with elder duff who is a trial missionary right now, as you probably know, he is so kind and patient and teaches him so much! You raised your boy right! Let me know if you have any questions or need anything!

 I can understand the "man of few words" thing, that's my husband. So I'll give you as many updates as I can! My husband is ward mission leader so we hope to see these Elders often! Last night, when we were with that investigator, she is kind of confrontational and seeking for a 'book club' to discuss the bible more so than teachings if that makes sense. Anyway, there was a point when she contradicted the Elders by saying "now Jesus had twelve apostles but there was no seventy" and I literally saw Elder Rush flip straight to a scripture as he read aloud from the bible how Christ had called and gathered his seventies then referenced it to the book of Mormon where the same was done. She was humbled, I was blown away, and my husband just smiled and nodded his head :) afterward, outside, we commended him on his scripture knowledge and he said, "that was all Heavenly Father-I just prayed I could find it, I knew generally where it was and I turned right to it...then said thanks Heavenly Father". Seems like a little thing but it just illustrated to me how much he trusts his Father and I believe it helped this investigator gain more respect and trust of his knowledge as a servant of the Lord. Anyway, hope that's a good story for ya! 

Elder Rush, Elder Duff and Brother Hall

My cousin, Dana had Elder Rush and Elder Duff over for dinner. The amazing Hardy family!

The Halls

God is Definitely Good!

Hello!
Hope you are doing well. This last week has been awesome. I have felt
the Spirit's influence so much more this past week. I see it work
through me, bringing things to memory that I did not know where they
came from. I definitely have felt how we are instruments in God's hand
and we can do anything with his help if we are willing to sacrifice
our will to do his. We had a lesson with a girl named Korina this last
week. She has been through a lot in her life. We had that chance to
testify of Jesus Christ and how we can all overcome trials with his
help ! It was a great experience.
Also that day we were walking around and a member Sister Wolfley came
up and told us that she was scared to do missionary work. We shared a
scripture with her D&C 6:33-37
33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye
also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your
reward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell
combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot
prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform
with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the
nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye
shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

When we do God's work we should not be afraid. Christ has overcome the
World and He will help us overcome our trials.
Anyway later that day Sister Wolfley found us and told us that she had
set up two teaching appointments for us! It was amazing!
God is definitely good!
I love you!
Elder Rush 

This week has been good. We went on exchanges and Elder Duff led out the area with another greenie. He did great! I felt like a separated father, it was wierd!

The Word Hope is Sometimes Misunderstood.

Hello!
This last week was great!
Monday we went and visited a few people from my first area!
Tuesday we helped some elders out with their baptism. The font was not
filling so we had to fill buckets and dump them in the font!
We took a young man out teaching with us and the first person that
talked to us just yelled at us for a few minutes. It was a great first
experience for him. The rest of the week was great!
So this week we had a big focus on hope!

The word hope is sometimes misunderstood. In our everyday language,
the word often has a hint of uncertainty. For example, we may say that
we hope for a change in the weather or a visit from a friend. In the
language of the gospel, however, the word hope is sure, unwavering,
and active. Prophets speak of having a “firm hope” (Alma 34:41) and a
“lively hope” (1 Peter 1:3). The prophet Moroni taught, “Whoso
believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even
a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh
an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and
steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God”
(Ether 12:4).

When we have hope, we trust God's promises. We have a quiet assurance
that if we do “the works of righteousness,” we “shall receive [our]
reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to
come” (D&C 59:23). Mormon taught that such hope comes only through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ: “What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold
I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ
and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and
this because of your faith in him according to the promise” (Moroni
7:41).

As we strive to live the gospel, we grow in our ability to “abound in
hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13). We increase
in hope as we pray and seek God's forgiveness. In the Book of Mormon,
a missionary named Aaron assured a Lamanite king, “If thou wilt repent
of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in
faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the
hope which thou desirest” (Alma 22:16). We also gain hope as we study
the scriptures and follow their teachings. The Apostle Paul taught,
“Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might
have hope” (Romans 15:4).

The principle of hope extends into the eternities, but it also can
sustain us through the everyday challenges of life. “Happy is he,”
said the Psalmist, “that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose
hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm 146:5). With hope, we can find joy
in life. We can “have patience, and bear with … afflictions, with a
firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions” (Alma
34:41). We can “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a
perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of
Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall
have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

Love,

Elder Rush

Awesome house!

Beautiful sunset looking over Pocatello from the Highland area where Elder Rush lives.

Elder Rush and Elder Duff.

"The whole point of Superman, as originally created, was to be the ally of those who had no allies. It put that magnitude of power, the most powerful guy in the world, in the service of those who had no hope, no chance."

This is how I see my Mitchell and all the Missionaries. Our Supermen and women!

I'm Glad to be Back in Pocatello!

Hello Everyone!

I hope things are going well!

Pocatello is awesome and I am glad to be back here. WE are now in the Highland stake. We cover 13 wards! Holy Cow! IT is crazy! A lot of people to meet and get to know!

I am serving with Elder Duff. Today is his 6th day in the mission field. He is super cool. He is from Meridian, Idaho. He is doing a great job. I love how we are able to focus on the basic principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has helped me feel closer to my Savior than I have the past couple of weeks. Really cool experience that happen this week is about the importance of following the promptings from the Holy Ghost. It was around 8 pm and we went to one of our church buildings to get a quick drink of water. I was trying to figure out where we should go so I said a prayer in my heart and felt that it would be a good idea to visit the Lopez family. I had heard from multiple people that they were not interested in talking to missionaries so I pushed it aside and asked again. However I got the same answer. We went out to the car and I was still fighting it. I asked Elder Duff  where we should go and he said the Lopez family. It just blow my mind so we did it. We knocked on the door and the family preceded to hide. Then a girl came out and started to talk to us, Korina is her name. She had never heard of the Book of Mormon before and was interested in learning more. It was a testimony to me that I always need to give in to what Heavenly Father wants me to do!

I know that the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ's Divinity! 

I hope you are doing well.

Love you,

Elder Rush 

Elder Rush and his new companion Elder Duff from Meridian, Idaho.

Elder Rush making his normal photo faces! Love my boy!

I am Going Back to Pocatello!

Hello!!!
Hope you are all doing well!
I am going back to POCATELLO!
I will be serving in the Pocatello Highland Stake. Training a new missionary! No idea who but I will know Tuesday night! It is going to be amazing!

I am really excited for it! I know it won't be easy but I do know that God has prepared a way to help us both through this next couple months. I miss Pocatello!
This last week was pretty good! We have been working hard and teaching as many people as possible and we taught the most lessons this week we have taught together. I know Elder Welling will do great here in Rigby with his new companion.
Last preparation day we went to the Menan Buttes for a hike. It was a great view! The most empty land I have ever seen in my life!

I have enjoyed this past week sharing my testimony of Jesus Christ with those around us. I continue to gain a greater appreciation for His sacrifice, the Atonement.

 2 Nephi 2:6-8
 6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

 7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

 8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

Hebrews 2:9
 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Christ suffered so much for us. And I do know that He is risen and He lives today!

I love you all! Hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Rush

Elder Rush "Hanging out"

                                

                                                        Elder Welling jumping for joy!

These "twinsie shirts" make me laugh! Look closely!

Love my boy!

Elder Murdock who is serving here, his mom Malary and her friend Michelle, found my Elder Rush and delivered him a couple packages for me. They live in Ammon, not too far from where Elder Rush was serving in Rigby. Oh how I love my Idaho Angels!

A letter from President Hanncock

Dear Elder Rush,

Congratulations on accepting an assignment as a trainer. To be a trainer of a new missionary is one of the most important assignments in the mission. With this assignment, a great deal of trust is being placed in you. Your example in this assignment will set the course for  your companion's mission, and will have a large impact on the rest of his life. Please remember the following expectations for missionary leaders:

*  Strive every day to be exactly obedient to the standards of missionary conduct found in the Missionary Handbook.

*  Faithfully follow the missionary daily schedule.

*  Have effective personal and companionship study every day.

*  Be diligent, humble, and effective in your work.

*  Have effective weekly and daily planning sessions including follow the 13 planning guidelines and updating the area book.

*  Love your companion and foster a spirit of love and unity in the companionship.

*  Lead the companionship in staying focused on our purpose for being here as missionaries.

The Lord has asked you at this time to fulfill this sacred stewardship. Remember that this is the Lord's work and you are His servant. I trust you will work to your full capacity, using all of the abilities and skills with which you have been blessed.It is a privilege to serve with you.

Love,

Gene E Hancock Mission President

I Am Very Grateful for the Time I Have Had So Far on My Mission!

Hello!
I hope you had a good week!
I am very grateful for the time I have had so far on my mission! I
hope I can do even more and help people for the rest of my
life!
Over the course of this last week I learned a lot. But before I get to
that, I wish to share a funny experience. Sunday we were
driving around Rigby and I saw a family and then two teenage boys
walking across the street towards each other! I told Elder Welling to
pull over the car.  We quickly got out and crossed the street trying to
talk to the boys. They ignored us and the family walked up to us. We
started talking to the family and the boys kept going on their way.
When they were about 30 feet away, they started to sprint away from
us! It was pretty hilarious!
Oh and we talked to this guy from Switzerland. His name is Matthew.
He was running around Rigby and we stopped him and taught him about
the restoration of the Gospel. It was awesome. Hopefully when he returns
to Switzerland, he can meet with missionaries!
Anyway, back to the spiritual stuff.
I have been thinking about personal conversion lately because we had
some situations come up in the zone and our area is struggling. I
realized that our number one convert is our self. As we come to the
knowledge of how much God truly loves us and how vitally important we
are to God's plan, it brings a whole new meaning to life. I do not
think we truly understand how important ones soul (our self) really is.
God needs us and we need God. We cannot accomplish our purpose in
this life without Him.
I hope one day I can grow to love the people of the world as God does,
that there will be no fear in doing missionary work.

Doctrine and Convenants 15:6
6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the
most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people,

that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the 

Kingdom of my Father. Amen

Super Heroes in our apartment!

"My mission mom, Sister Brown, and one of my sisters, Sister Manymules."

Elder Tidwell and Elder Law. Elder Law goes home in 8 days.

They got shorter in this picture☺️

Last picture with Elder Sincere before he goes home on August 11th

Elder Sincere's last email before he completes his mission and goes home. His sweet mom, Leslie shared it with me.What a blessing he has been in Elder Rush's life. I thought this was so powerful. He touched my spirit, and I've never met him. Amazing what a testimony shared can do, whether it is written or spoken. 

It's sad to know that it's almost over, and it's psychologically overwhelming.. I'm excited for home.  I know I've become what God wants me to! It's psychologically overwhelming but, i did it! I fought hard! and I did it! I accomplished my mission with the struggles my Father in Heaven has given me! I fought depression, focus with ADHD and anxiety! I was obedient, I tried my very hardest! I have overcome obstacles! I have found happiness! I have come to know my savior Jesus Christ! I have been humbled, I have made mistakes, I have learned to be a leader, to repent CONSTANTLY, to ...at least try, to mature..lol some times I doubt myself of what I've accomplished, my confidence has waxed as strong as it could in the Lord. My faith is tested as everyone's is. But, I know I'm going to continue to fight! I have enjoyed this mission! I have learned a lot! and I'm ready for the next phase! 

  The best part about this is that I am by no means perfect in faith, knowledge, hope, anything. But, I'm ready to take on what is given me next. I have seen countless miracles here. Some of the most meaningful experiences that I have had on my mission have come this week, and they were through Revelation and studying in the scriptures! I have realized that the way we live has no effect and no purpose unless it is directly connected with the powers of Heaven and most importantly, on the FOUNDATION of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

  I have seen smoking addicts quit clear. Seen prayers answered, lives saved, lessons learned, families blessed and lives changed! On the other hand I have felt the adversary trying to steer me away from these blessings. I think more than anything, I have become! I don't know that I am ready to go home, but I'm very hopeful that HE will direct me! EVERY AGE WORTHY YOUNG MAN OR WOMEN NEEDS TO SERVE A MISSION! That is my testimony! I have come to know Him. I will continue to strive for eternal life and I will move to the next phase of my life AFTER THIS NEXT WEEK. Till this badge comes off, I will not stop teaching people what I know to be true! And for the rest of my life I will continue to testify of the things which I have felt. I feel like what happened to me before my mission was a direct resulted from the windows of Heaven and especially Jesus Christ. I feel like The greatest lesson to learn on my mission was identifying Jesus Christ as the Master behind this miracle I experienced. It's not just a way of life that has helped me to be disciplined, but it is that I KNOW HIM. Before I realized what life is about and before I lived my life for God, I lived my life for Scotty Sincere. I had done things that I now today preach against, I had disregarded God and my own life. I had NO desire to be successful, No care for my future, or care about my family in general. The elders that brought the spirit of Jesus Christ into my home and that helped me to get here, I will always be thankful and remember. The spirit in which testified to me that ALL this was real and true, That being a servant of the Lord was what I needed to do..overcome me! My mental channel and mind changed, I desire to do good continually as explained in Mosiah 5:2, and my mind was focused on the savior! I love him. I know he exists! Nothing in the world could have done this to me save Jesus Christ himself. That is my testimony! Everything else has fallen into place! I love this Gospel, I LOVE my Savior!

AMEN!

Elder Scott Hanford Sincere

D&C 76: 22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!