Email 2.26.12

Hey There!

Well another week goes by so so so so fast. Sorry if this letter is kinda scattered brained. Me and Elder Ellefsen came down with some soar throat/ congestion deal.. Not fun. But oh well. The work continues.

We have completed yet another transfer board session and call outs. This week begins Transfers around the mission. We are getting Ten new missionaries. We opened up two new areas in Miller, SD and Watford City, ND Due to the size of the Ward in Williston, ND they had to open up the Williston 2 ward that also covers the Watford City area. So we are sending missionaries up there.

RJ's baptism went really well. Such a good kid. He is alot of fun and has alot of energy. He wore me out going over there. I think it is preparing to be with all my neices and nephews. But funny story... the baptism started at 5:00 and Bro. Hello from the ward was supposed to baptize him and we were waiting there for about 5:15. Bishop calls Bro. Hellor and says you coming? Bro. Hellor thought the baptism was on thursday not wednesday. So we take RJ out to the hall. Mind you there is about 50 people waiting for the baptism. We ask RJ who you want to baptize him me or Ellefsen and he picks me. I went and threw on a jumpsuit and realized oh shoot. Nothing will be dry after this... So I baptize him and dry off as good as I can but the rest of the night I just wore everything wet. It was well worth it.

So crazy story... Brad Porter in my ward we made another connection. Brad Porter married Logan Pearce's wifes sister. SO Sister Porter in the Rapid City Ward is Logan Pearce's wife in our Ward. I think they are in our Ward last time I remember.

Tanya and Zeriah are a couple of new Investigators that are on date for baptism in the Rapid City ward. They were being taught in the Canyon Lake area. They moved over into the Rapid City ward. They are a Native American family. Tanya is about 30 and Zeriah is 10. They are so awesome. Just a rambuxious family. Tons of fun. Great potential. They have a date of March 10th of Baptism. We might push it back though. We really want the ward to step in and help out. So we are working on that.

Weather is starting to get a little scary here. We have the storm of the Season coming to hit the mission this week which might push our transfers back a day or two. It is just crazy though. The last couple days we probably racked up 8 inches of snow here. Some areas of the missions were hit about 16-20. It is hovering about ZERO so good for right now. But the mild winter we have had has come to an abrupt close as of right now.

So good to hear about Gus. I love that guy. Tell him to Write me a letter or send me and email! Thanks for prepping me for Bishop Kleiner. :) I appreciate it. :)

For the Wyoming trip. I am kinda glad we bagged that idea. But we can come to The Mission whenever really. I have not really thought about it to be honest. There is a wedding I need to come back to in June. But other than that. I dont know if there will be any baptisms yet after I leave to come back to. Umm.. I will let you know. I dont really know though.

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!

I love you all so very much!!

Love,

Elder Rudd

Baptism pics of RJ

A Goovy Pic.

RJ and Me & Ellefsen, Kidman, Liechty

Me & Elder Ellefsen and the Backen Family

Email 2.20.12

Mi Familia!!!

WOW! What a week. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. I know I say that every week. But I DO NOT want you to think any other way. Being a missionary is my calling in life and I will never quit! I love it sooooooooooooo much!!!! We just had the best week ever! I testify to you that I have had the best mission ever and continue to have the best mission ever. Its amazing! I love it!!! :)

Yes I did get my Credit Card signed it and cut up the other. I think I should be getting a new Debit Card soon too. It expires next month. So weird I have had one for so long now.. Weird. Oh well.

My birthday was AMAZING! I loved it! We were sooooo full afterwards!!! HOLY BUCKETS!! I love Rapid City. Everyone is so amazing. So my Bday started off with breakfast of biscuits and gravy at the hawkes and then me walking into the Office and seeing my desk and everything I own wrapped in Tin Foil. The Zone Leaders had come in at 5:30 that morning and wrapped EVERYTHING in tin foil. I mean individual pencils and pens and books and peices of paper. It was amazing. Absolutlely incredible. So yeah, I was coming in to open my presents from Mom, Dad & Kymber and the Mission and their was that tin foil EVERYWHERE so after 50 minutes of cleaning that up, I opened the Presents. I LOVE the mission plaque of all my companions. Elder Ellefsen was so jealous and everyone who sees it is super jealous. Sister Hawkes in the office wants to make one for every missionary now. Super cool though.THANK YOU! Much needed garments too. I loved them!!! Thank you!! Conference has already been used on our road trips this week. Thank you very much. I loved it!! :) Then for Lunch Kassi Blue took us out to my favorite place in Rapid called Sanfords. We will have to go. Its amazin. So that was awesome. Then, we had dinner and the Kerns and then went to the Beaumonts and had Steak, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Taters and gravy. HOLY BUCKETS!!! So good! Loved it! Then for Dessert wendy had no idea that one of my favorite desserts was Red Velvet Cheesecake. She had gotten one of the Red Velvet cheesecakes from CheeseCake Factory at Sams. HOLY BUCKETS so good. I cant wait to go back there!!! Just plain amazin. Then we came home from their after a testimony meeting at the Beaumonts and their was a surprise party for me at the apartment. It was the PERFECT day. Love being a missionary!! Thank you for all you did back home. I enjoyed it so much. But yes, I am 21 Years Old now and it is super weird.

News on the Beaumonts. Guess who went to the temple over the weekend to do Baptisms!!! Ron and Wendy Beaumont thats who!!! So on tuesday we were talking bout them going to the temple that weekend. Ron and Wendy had their moms work to do. So they were super excited for that. Ron said I really want to find my Grandpa and do his work too. So we began to look and call for info on grandpa but couldnt find anything then Wendy got the idea to look in the safe and found basically the entire genealogy for Rons side of the family that they had gotten at a family reunion one year. It was AMAZING!!! So me and Elder Ellefsen looked at each other and were like HOLY BUCKETS.. you have a lot of work to do mister!! It was so cool but! They did go up to the temple but on their way up there they stopped at the Graves of Ron & Wendys Moms and it made the experience so much more meaningful. They said they loved the temple so much. They didnt want to leave and loved the feeling that is there. They have made a plan to drive the 5 1/2 hours it is to Bismarck every month so they can participate in those blessings!! BY THE WAY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IF WE DO NOT MUSTER UP THE ENERGY TO GO TO THE TEMPLE EVERY WEEK WHEN OUR TEMPLE IS 5 MINUTES AWAY IN MESA. YOU BETTER RE-EVALUATE YOUR TIME AND MAKE TIME FOR WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT. GO TO THE TEMPLE AND HELP OTHERS HAVE WHAT YOU HAVE! DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!!! GO TO THE TEMPLE!! NO LIFE IS TOO BUSY!!!!!!!!!!! sorry I get really upset with that one. :) But yes, Ron and Wendy loved it so much. They can not wait to be sealed. Ron was telling me he wants to have a talkin to with President Monson about waiting this whole year deal. :) I love the Beaumonts sooooo much!!!

So news... The South Dakota Rapid City Mission has a New Mission President called... They are Curtis and Marsha Ann Anderson. They are from Gunnison, Utah. They will be here in July. So I will never meet them. But President was told last night and he called us afterwards. Such a weird feeling. I am so glad that I will only have President Jay Glen Layton. I love that man and Admire him. I cant wait for you to meet him and feel of his love. Being his assistant has shown me 8 times the love he has for the lords missionaries. I love to be in meetings when he bares his testimony and testifies of the love our savior has for us and that he has for us. You can feel it oozing out of him. I love it! I love the South Dakota Rapid City Mission, the Lord #1 mission and if anyone wants to argue that with me bring it on!

So Crazy that Gustavo is home. So weird. I am so glad I broke my knee!! I do not want to be home. But I am excited to hear how tavo is. I love him. One of my best friends ever.

Kirk definitley needs to buy those things and make them legit! He would do super good. Probably alot better than his other profession as the no talking DJ. :)

That is so cool that you and Kymber are visiting teaching companions now!! I love that. good work. That is a powerhouse team!! :)

This week we had to move in apartments across the mission so, on thursday morning at 5:30 we were on the road to Miller, SD about in the middle of the state loaded with Dressers, Beds, Pots, Pans and you name it. Then we had to assemble all the furniture and once Miller was done we took off to Gettysburg,SD where we had to do the same thing but for a Senior Couple so there was alot more stuff. But we had a good time and were able to enjoy each other. We went with the Hawkes and it was funny to see them bicker back and forth on how things should be set up. I dont know why missionaries complain about no TV thats better than TV. But we had a safe trip and were able to accomplish alot.

We had an amazing lesson with Joe and Felicia. Joe is a member fromUtah who fell away from the church but wants to get back involved and get going. Felicia his girlfriend wants to be involved and learn more about the church so we are super exicted about that. It was awesome! She had so many questions and were able to teach her not a lesson but her individually. It was great. She should be baptized in March. We have another Mom and Daughter move into our area from Elder Liechty and Elder Kidmans area who are on date for Baptism. Tanya and Zeriah. So they should be baptized in March as well. We have so much work to do. I love when people ask me if I am trunky. I tell them I dont have enough time for that.

Then R.J. is getting baptized on Wednesday!!! WOW. I reiterate what I said Earlier! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!

We got a new Ward Mission Leader today. Brother Pat Beu. Brother Blackhurst is moving in a couple of weeks. I am super bummed. I love that man! But Brother Beu is awesome too!

Well this week starts the process of Transfers. We will sit down on Tuesday and Begin placing 10 new missionaries and moving and seeking the lords help in this effort. it truly is an amazing work.

Brothers and Sisters, Family and Friends. This Church is True! This gospel is true! WHAT ELSE MATTERS!!! Do not rely on yourself and your knowledge. TRUST IN THE LORD!!! He loves us! He wants us to be better. You have a decision in that. You do not have to be so miserable. The Lord is willing to Help.

I love you so much!!!

Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd

Assistant to the President

South Dakota Rapid City Mission

Pictures 2.19.12

My office slippers covered in Tin Foil

My desk covered in Tin Foil

All the Planners I have used on my mission.

I am Exhalting Christ from the Black Hills

Found this random tunnel in a backyard. Looks totally Lord of The Rings Stuff

I am a recovering Catholic!

Email 2.12.12

Hey There,

This week we traveled down to Wright, Wyoming and took some furniture down there and were able to help the Elders get settled in a Apartment. I loved going back and seeing everyone once again. Kevin Hansen came over and saw me. The Daltons took us to lunch and The Farnsworths saw me and I was able to see alot of people. I love that town so much. Wyoming has such a special place in my heart. The Elders are doing so good down their too. I love the work they are able to do.

Me and Elder Ellefsen are trying a ton of new finding Ideas too. One of our Favorites is Birthday Cards. On the ward list is the Birthdays of course and for the ones we dont know who have birthdays on that day we go over and share with them a birthday card and are able to share with them a message and we ran into a Athiest lady doing it. This is one of the Differences between me and Ellefsen. The lady started to preach to us and tell us not to believe in god and we both bore our testimonies and told her their is a god and went back and forth a little bit but the lesson was going no where she had told us twice that there is no way that god exist. So, I start to pull out our card and about to say if there is anything we can do for you or if you change your mind call us. But Elder Ellefsen argued with her for another 30 minutes and it just gets no where. He is very aggresive and I am just kinda laid back and dont want to bash and havent really my whole mission because it gets no where.

So yeah, Anyways! The finding has been going amazing. The work has been going amazing. CAN YOU BELIEVE IN TWO DAYS I WILL BE 21 YEARS OLD!!!! WOAH!!! I now have plans for my BDAY. For breakfast the Senior Couple the Hawkes are making Biscuits and Gravy for me and Ellefsen. Then Kassi Blue is taking me and Ellefsen out to lunch and then The Kerns are feeding us dinner at 5 and then the Beaumonts are feeding us dinner at 6:30. HOLY MOLY!!!! I tried to tell people its okay but they would not have it. Oh well. But my Birthday will be awesome. Then afterward me and Elder Ellefsen are going to the Clock Tower Lounge the #1 Bar in Rapid. It will be awesome :)

This week we have three days in our Area and then Thursday and Friday Me and Elder Ellefsen take off with the Hawkes and we head to Gettysburg, SD and Miller, SD and go and Furnish those Apartments. It should take us two days. But we just keep trucking and doing the lords work. I love this!!!!

The mission is going in a really good direction right now and Elder Payne of the Seventy called President and said that Salt Lake is very happy with the South Daktoa Rapid City Mission and told us that we are leading the Central Region. :) Those calls are always good to hear and to be Praised and to know that the Lord is pleased with our efforts. :)

So far as the numbers look we have bout 7 baptisms so far this week. Very good news. We are excited for the work that is being done here in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission.

So Bummer news. We had Zone Conference on Friday and when a missionary is about to go home they have to share their final testimony.... NOT COOL! It seems just yesterday I was in Casper bearing my first testimony. Super Bummed. But it was a good zone conference. The Relief Society Sisters in the Canyon Lake Ward put Anti-Valentines Day stuff all over the Gym. It was pretty funny. Really good stuff.

I love you all so very much and am grateful for all that you do. I love you.

Be Strong, Believe!!!

Love,

Elder Michael Corey Rudd

Assistant to the President

South Dakota Rapid City Mission

Email 2.6.12

Hey Family,

I decided to sit down and knock out this letter. I am sorry for the lack of info the last couple letters. I am really trying to be better. How is my family? I love you guys so much. I love to tell people about my eternal family because our family has been sealed together by the priesthood authority, I can live in peace and comfort as I sleep and as I go out everyday. I am so grateful for the faithfulness of my forefathers to be members of this church and for the faith that I have because of this.

This week here in Rapid City has been awesome. We were able to spend the entire week in Rapid City and didnt have to make any trips.

Story #1

The Beaumonts are the coolest family ever. I reiterate what I have always said, I know I was supposed to serve a mission and find certain people and for sure the Beaumonts are one of them. I love them and know that my life has been enriched by knowing them. They are my mom and dad. We are always over at the Beaumonts. Ron and Wendy were scared that we wouldn't come over much because they were baptized so they asked one of their friends to hear the lessons... Kassi and Chris Jolley. Daughters Audrey (15) Shelby (12) Emily (5). Kassi and Audrey met with us at the Beaumonts on tuesday and we had a great Restoration lesson and were able to share with them and Kassi and Audrey had a million questions. Audrey goes to Saint Thomas More here in Rapid its a Catholic Private school and is super ritzy school but super nice people. Kassi and Audrey hate the Catholic church but love the school. Audrey already wants to be baptized. Chris the husband is apprehensive to us meeting up and all so that is a road block but he just doesnt know what we do he is with the regular lies bout the church so we are clearin those up with Kassi and Audrey but Chris wont meet with us. We invited them to be baptized on tuesday and they said yes but they want to learn more so we are going to continue to meet with them and help them get through all of their concerns and help them follow the example of the savior in all they do. So they are doing super awesome. I love them.

Story #2 We had a very interesting Fast and Testimony meeting it was super crazy. We had a lady come up from Chamberlin, SD about three hours away. She sat right in the front row and she was a bigger lady but she stood up with the microphone in front of everyone and decided to bare her testimony in a very unique one. She had gotten in a car accident earlier that week that involved her rolling the car. So it started out very good. But the bishopbric had the mic turned up way loud and she was just booming and yelling almost. in her words "Brothers and Sisters like Jesus Christ showed his scars and nailprints to the nephites I show you my scars (she then proceeded to take off her shall and show way to much skin) Brothers and Sisters I am alive. I am a witness! Heavenly Father saved me. It was very interesting. We were super glad our investigators were not phased. Ron and Wendy were like "what is going on!!!!!" :)

Story #3

We were at the family the Backens house and she is a single woman with four children. The most hyper kids I have ever seen. They blew my mind. But Sister Backen asked RJ to tell us what was happening to him on the 22nd. And he said.. "I am getting baptized" we asked him how old he was and he said 9. So 9 year olds are convert baptisms so we told him that and so we have appoitnments with him and have worked with him and helped him accomplish that date. So we are having another baptism on the 22nd and Kassi and Audrey and that family should be in March sometime.

The Lord is blessing us so much. My mission has been based off out one quote "thine adversities shall be but a small moment and if thou endures it well, I shall exalt thee on high" I have worked hard on mission and the lord has turned on the faucet and is letting the blessings just pour out among the people of Rapid City.

I love what I have the opportunity to do. To serve the lord my god and to help him accomplish the greatest work. I love you all and am so thankful for all that you do for me.

I love you,

Elder Michael Corey Rudd