Me and Mason Odowd (Right) Ethan Dooley (Left)
Gillette District
Part of the Gillette Zone
Showing posts with label gillette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gillette. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Email 10.24.11
H-O-L-Y B-U-C-K-E-T-S!!!
That is all I have to say is HOLY BUCKETS. This week has been so crazy. I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off and dont worry I had to stay in the whole week though. But I have never been so tired before in my entire life.
So, Surgery went well. I feel great. Went and got my staples out today. I have 12 staples in me. I found more. :) I have healed really well. I have 5 scars on my stomach right now. Not going to look to great. But oh well. :) But all the missionaries took really good care of me and watched me and helped me. I slept alot and to be honest it was really needed. I really think it was stress induced because of the last little while but the sleep and the rest was wonderful! I loved the sleep. I definitly had some cabin fever. I was on percosats. I didnt have any reaction it was good. I was fine. President Layton came by and saw me tuesday morning so that was awesome. He is such a great guy. But surgery is good its done I feel good. Still will take it easy but the work must go on! :)
Well transfers.....
they were crazy.... Elder Barker and Elder Oxborrow and the spanish elders went to breakfast at President Tews house and all the Elders came over and had transfer calls with me. So Elder Barker had our phone so Elder Thomas gave me his phone with President Layton on the other end.....
Elder Rudd: Hey President! How are you?
President: Good Elder Rudd we got a change for you.
Elder Rudd: Great! Who is my next companion?
President: Elder Pape
Elder Rudd: Sweet Elder Pape is being released.
President: No, We are bringing you to Rapid City to be my new Assistant.
(Elder Rudd Puking)
President: You are going to do wonderful. You have been a Zone Leader for quite some time and have been prepared for this calling for quite sometime. I know the lord has called you to this calling and he will support you.
Elder Rudd: Umm.. Thanks President.
President: Recover and see you in Rapid City.
HOLY BUCKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well thats the news. Elder Rudd is getting out of Wyoming for good. He is being transferred to Rapid City, South Dakota to be an Assistant to the President. YIKES!!!
So all mail can be sent to:
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
2525 W. Main Street. Ste. 311
Rapid City, SD 57702
Because, I am going to be there EVERYDAY. holy buckets
So yes. Needles to Say it has been the weirdest week of my ENTIRE life. Start off the week with Surgery and End the week moving to Rapid City. WOW.
Definitly feel overwhelmed. Move from stewardship from 20 missionaries to 150!!! HOLY CANOLY.
So for these next seven months I will be serving is Rapid City. My last area.. ...
Other News.... Elder Rudd and BLACK DOT will never be put together again. As of this wednesday when I get to Rapid City. I am UN-Blackdotted.
Thats Basically my news to be honest. Everyone in gillette got transferred though its crazy.
Basically we drive around this mission and go EVERYWHERE. Next week we will take off to Fargo for a conference up there and the Whirlwind goes on. HOLY BUCKETS. The one thing I hope doesnt happen is that an apostle or a seventy comes that we have to drive around. Yikes!
I love you all so much. I am definitly going to need your prayers. I love you all.
If there is anything you could do for me. Walmart gift cards are awesome. Ties. Socks, (Brown and Black) Thats all. I love you all so much.
Be Strong Believe. (I am working on It)
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
That is all I have to say is HOLY BUCKETS. This week has been so crazy. I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off and dont worry I had to stay in the whole week though. But I have never been so tired before in my entire life.
So, Surgery went well. I feel great. Went and got my staples out today. I have 12 staples in me. I found more. :) I have healed really well. I have 5 scars on my stomach right now. Not going to look to great. But oh well. :) But all the missionaries took really good care of me and watched me and helped me. I slept alot and to be honest it was really needed. I really think it was stress induced because of the last little while but the sleep and the rest was wonderful! I loved the sleep. I definitly had some cabin fever. I was on percosats. I didnt have any reaction it was good. I was fine. President Layton came by and saw me tuesday morning so that was awesome. He is such a great guy. But surgery is good its done I feel good. Still will take it easy but the work must go on! :)
Well transfers.....
they were crazy.... Elder Barker and Elder Oxborrow and the spanish elders went to breakfast at President Tews house and all the Elders came over and had transfer calls with me. So Elder Barker had our phone so Elder Thomas gave me his phone with President Layton on the other end.....
Elder Rudd: Hey President! How are you?
President: Good Elder Rudd we got a change for you.
Elder Rudd: Great! Who is my next companion?
President: Elder Pape
Elder Rudd: Sweet Elder Pape is being released.
President: No, We are bringing you to Rapid City to be my new Assistant.
(Elder Rudd Puking)
President: You are going to do wonderful. You have been a Zone Leader for quite some time and have been prepared for this calling for quite sometime. I know the lord has called you to this calling and he will support you.
Elder Rudd: Umm.. Thanks President.
President: Recover and see you in Rapid City.
HOLY BUCKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well thats the news. Elder Rudd is getting out of Wyoming for good. He is being transferred to Rapid City, South Dakota to be an Assistant to the President. YIKES!!!
So all mail can be sent to:
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
2525 W. Main Street. Ste. 311
Rapid City, SD 57702
Because, I am going to be there EVERYDAY. holy buckets
So yes. Needles to Say it has been the weirdest week of my ENTIRE life. Start off the week with Surgery and End the week moving to Rapid City. WOW.
Definitly feel overwhelmed. Move from stewardship from 20 missionaries to 150!!! HOLY CANOLY.
So for these next seven months I will be serving is Rapid City. My last area.. ...
Other News.... Elder Rudd and BLACK DOT will never be put together again. As of this wednesday when I get to Rapid City. I am UN-Blackdotted.
Thats Basically my news to be honest. Everyone in gillette got transferred though its crazy.
Basically we drive around this mission and go EVERYWHERE. Next week we will take off to Fargo for a conference up there and the Whirlwind goes on. HOLY BUCKETS. The one thing I hope doesnt happen is that an apostle or a seventy comes that we have to drive around. Yikes!
I love you all so much. I am definitly going to need your prayers. I love you all.
If there is anything you could do for me. Walmart gift cards are awesome. Ties. Socks, (Brown and Black) Thats all. I love you all so much.
Be Strong Believe. (I am working on It)
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Pictures 10.24.11
Kim and the girls, me, Elder Barker and Oxborrow
Me and Kim & the girls
Me and Elder Hastings.
Me and (left to right) Sis. Hunt. Sis Blackburn. Sis Jensen
me and the camps
Me and the Demonjas
me and the abrahams and friend
me and the melinkovichs
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Another Surgery!!!!
Elder Rudd had an emergency appendictomy on Monday, October 17th. As you can read in the following post, he hadn't been feeling well but really didn't have the BIG signs of something being wrong. But, he felt something was wrong so Sister Layton sent him to the emergency room and lo and behold he needed them out NOW!!!! I got to talk to him before and after surgery(which was awesome). He is doing well and on the road to full recovery. I am grateful he listened to the spirit and didn't go to Buffalo afterall and was where he could get good medical care immediately. Thanks for all the prayers you offered and please keep them coming for him. He has certainly been through it in the time he has been out. (written my Mom)
Email 10.17.11
Hello-
Alot going on as always. Let me just tell you that I am looking forward to transfers. I have never been with a companion for more than 3 months. almost 5 months is way too much! I have been going crazy this last week. Elder Oxborrow is awesome a really great guy. I really enjoy him alot. He is just a wonderful Elder. He has such a sweet spirit. Last P-day his family gave him a referral for some lady here in Gillette. Some girl his family knows used to live here and her mom still lives here and the girl said she was 75% sure that she would meet with us. We knock on the door and she slams the door in our face. :) It was so funny. But Elder Oxborrow being the stud he is Knocked again. She opened it up and said I am not interested but elder oxborrow basically commanded her: "Wait a second mam, I have a written testimony and a book of mormon from your daughter telling you what she believes and what has changed her life, so read it and we will come back next week and talk about it." It was awesome. We were like GREENIE FIRE!!!!!It was great he was so pumped. Every day he is like. lets go see her. But he is great. Cant find anyone in Gillette who Speaks Portuguese though.
So I have a little bit of bad news. i have been talking with Sister Layton the last couple of nights. We think I might have apenddicitous. :((((( So no news yet. But I have not been feeling too hot. So we will see how the battle goes. I will make sure that she calls you though whatever happens.
I have had so many experiences like the ones I had last week. God is a god of miracles. We are limiting his power when we do not ask him for help. Stupid if you ask me.
It has been a cold one here of recent. The tons of snow should hit us this week. It is pouring down rain right now and its about 30 degrees. So its coming. Elder Oxborrow is so cold like ALL the time.
I am happy that you are liking your job momma. You do such a great job in everything you do. If you put your mind to it it will happen. Keep up the good work. Be obedient and miracles will happen :) Enjoy what you do. If you dont have a good attitude it will be miserable....
Gillette 1st- Sister Hunt (9 Months), Sister Blackburn (4 1/2 Months), Sister Jensen (3 Months)
Gillette 2nd- Elder Thomas- DL (6 months), Elder Goldtooth (3 months)
Gillette 3rd- Elder Barker (6 months), Elder Rudd (4 1/2 MOnths), Elder Oxborrow (3 weeks)
Gillette 4th- Elder Holmstead (9 Months), Elder Hastings (1 1/2 Months)
Gillette Spanish- Elder Roller (9 Months), Elder Ardnt (6 Months)
Newcastle- Elder Johnson (3 Months), Elder Ellefson (1 1/2 Months)
Buffalo- Elder Lund (6 months), Elder Foster (3 Months)
Sheridan 1st- Sister Addison (Going Home), Sister Hetling (Going Home) *These new sisters will probably be pinkwashing newcastle*
Sheridan 2nd- Elder Dahl (6 Months), Elder Hooker (1 1/2 Months)
Sheridan 3rd- Elder Holmes (6 Months), Elder Vennegas (1 1/2 Months)
Today we take off for Buffalo for an exchange with Elder Lund & Elder Foster. Then tomorrow we will head to Sheridan for their District Meeting and see how that goes. :) I love to see Sheridan. I cant wait to show you my treasures.
Well I love you all very very very very much. The lord loves you very very very very very very much. I know because I feel everyday the love he has for his brothers and sisters. I stand as a personal representative of him and in his name I promise you blessings with all of that you stand in need of. May god bless you this week and for the many to come and may you look to the lord and know that he is watching, he cares and most of all he lives. in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Alot going on as always. Let me just tell you that I am looking forward to transfers. I have never been with a companion for more than 3 months. almost 5 months is way too much! I have been going crazy this last week. Elder Oxborrow is awesome a really great guy. I really enjoy him alot. He is just a wonderful Elder. He has such a sweet spirit. Last P-day his family gave him a referral for some lady here in Gillette. Some girl his family knows used to live here and her mom still lives here and the girl said she was 75% sure that she would meet with us. We knock on the door and she slams the door in our face. :) It was so funny. But Elder Oxborrow being the stud he is Knocked again. She opened it up and said I am not interested but elder oxborrow basically commanded her: "Wait a second mam, I have a written testimony and a book of mormon from your daughter telling you what she believes and what has changed her life, so read it and we will come back next week and talk about it." It was awesome. We were like GREENIE FIRE!!!!!It was great he was so pumped. Every day he is like. lets go see her. But he is great. Cant find anyone in Gillette who Speaks Portuguese though.
So I have a little bit of bad news. i have been talking with Sister Layton the last couple of nights. We think I might have apenddicitous. :((((( So no news yet. But I have not been feeling too hot. So we will see how the battle goes. I will make sure that she calls you though whatever happens.
I have had so many experiences like the ones I had last week. God is a god of miracles. We are limiting his power when we do not ask him for help. Stupid if you ask me.
It has been a cold one here of recent. The tons of snow should hit us this week. It is pouring down rain right now and its about 30 degrees. So its coming. Elder Oxborrow is so cold like ALL the time.
I am happy that you are liking your job momma. You do such a great job in everything you do. If you put your mind to it it will happen. Keep up the good work. Be obedient and miracles will happen :) Enjoy what you do. If you dont have a good attitude it will be miserable....
Gillette 1st- Sister Hunt (9 Months), Sister Blackburn (4 1/2 Months), Sister Jensen (3 Months)
Gillette 2nd- Elder Thomas- DL (6 months), Elder Goldtooth (3 months)
Gillette 3rd- Elder Barker (6 months), Elder Rudd (4 1/2 MOnths), Elder Oxborrow (3 weeks)
Gillette 4th- Elder Holmstead (9 Months), Elder Hastings (1 1/2 Months)
Gillette Spanish- Elder Roller (9 Months), Elder Ardnt (6 Months)
Newcastle- Elder Johnson (3 Months), Elder Ellefson (1 1/2 Months)
Buffalo- Elder Lund (6 months), Elder Foster (3 Months)
Sheridan 1st- Sister Addison (Going Home), Sister Hetling (Going Home) *These new sisters will probably be pinkwashing newcastle*
Sheridan 2nd- Elder Dahl (6 Months), Elder Hooker (1 1/2 Months)
Sheridan 3rd- Elder Holmes (6 Months), Elder Vennegas (1 1/2 Months)
Today we take off for Buffalo for an exchange with Elder Lund & Elder Foster. Then tomorrow we will head to Sheridan for their District Meeting and see how that goes. :) I love to see Sheridan. I cant wait to show you my treasures.
Well I love you all very very very very much. The lord loves you very very very very very very much. I know because I feel everyday the love he has for his brothers and sisters. I stand as a personal representative of him and in his name I promise you blessings with all of that you stand in need of. May god bless you this week and for the many to come and may you look to the lord and know that he is watching, he cares and most of all he lives. in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Pictures 10.10.11
Cleaning Day
Coal Train. I thought this was a way cool pic though
how sweet is this!!!
funny wyoming houses
Monday, October 10, 2011
Email 10.10.11
Holy Buckets!
well let me tell you a story of a crazy week. I am so exhausted.
Zone Leader Council was great like always President Layton and Sister Layton are just wonderful I love being with them and feeling their spirit. President made the remark that he has been thinking about releasing a couple Zone Leaders to become trainers again. Dont be a district leader, no stewardship just you and a greenie. All of the zone leaders are praying for the opportunity to train now. :) It has been a long time that I have been a zone leader. So I would absolutely love that opportunity. :) We drove into rapid early monday morning and looked up all the thrift stores in Rapid City and went to all of them. It was wonderful. Guess What one of the stores was called "Pack Rat Palace" I said HOLY BUCKETS THAT IS MY TEMPLE!!!! It was a really cool store I really enjoyed it there. Rapid has a ton of cool places. We even went to Sonic. Have not been to sonic FOR EVER!
We picked up Elder Oxborrow from Rapid. He is a really great Elder he is alot of fun. I am really enjoying him. At first I was really worried. He is a Pretty Boy Tree Hugger. We make fun of him all the time for that though. We went to walmart last week and got some things and he wanted to recycle every grocery bag and all the water bottles. I looked at him and said "my friend Wyoming aint heard no recyclin!" He was shocked. But I really like him. He was a cross country runner and all he looked and me and barker and was like "hey do you want to go running in the morning?" We both looked at him and laughed.
The Craft weekend sounded like a lot of fun. Always good when you are with family and doing something you enjoy.
We had a weird fast and testimony meeting oh my. I have to tell you I tell you mormons drive me up the wall. One lady got up and said.. "When I shook Elder Nelson's hand I wouldnt touch anyones hand or anything I just went home and went to my children and grabbed their hands and said: "these hands touched an apostle and my daughter took her hands and rubbed them all over the walls and now our house is blessed by an apostle. I was like OH MY GOSH. So dumb! Dang Mormons! We are Latter Day Saints!!!! ;) Sorry had to vent some steam!
Well on monday night we received revelation that we shouldnt go to Newcastle but we need to teach their DL before we teach them. Because "You can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink" If we dont teach their district leader how to handle the situation in Newcastle then it will continue to struggle and nothing will ever change because Elder Thomas will always look to us to fix the problem instead of handling it on his own. So we got back Tuesday night about seven and then we woke up wednesday morning and took Elder Thomas to newcastle and then drove over to wright (about three hours driving time) and taught some people in wright. Then we came home and were home about 9:20. LOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNG DAAAAYYY!!! Then the next day I went on an exchange in Gillette 2nd ward. Basically all of Elder Thomas's district is struggling so I went to 2nd Ward and He went to newcastle and elder barker and oxborrow stayed in 3rd Ward.
The exchange with Elder Goldtooth was basically I was training him to Become a missionary but. two cool experiences...
Experience #1
Me and Elder Goldtooth just got back from Dinner with a family and decided to head out walking to try a potential investigator about an hour walk. Then mother nature came. The wind was blowing 50 mph and the rain was going sideways and the tempature dropped to about 35 degrees. It was really chilly and we were not prepared we just had our suitcoats on (Mind you I had miscolored coat and pants. It was funny) But, It was relentless HOLY BUCKETS! We got to her house and we were like yelling trying to talk to her because she would not let us in. So, she finally said... "Dont ever come back" So we took that as a sign that we should probably leave so that is what we did. On the way home, We had the idea to try Leilani one of their most promising Investigators. They have not been able to get in with her for like a month and we were picked up by one of their investigators and dropped off at Leilani's house and applying what we learned from conference we decided that we needed to pray and "Look Up for help" And I said the prayer I was basically yelling so that Elder Goldtooth could hear the prayer and I prayed simply and fervently that the lord will bless her to know what we will tell her is true and that she will be home. I finish the prayer and knock on the door and bam there she is. And let me tell you me and Elder Goldtooth look like we are two stray dogs and no place to stay (Leilani has cancer too so she is so hard to get ahold of. She is always in Casper, Rapid or Denver.) But! She was there!!! So we talked with her and got a chance to testify to her and to teach her and she said.. " I know what you are telling me is true" That is why I told my church that I want to come to your church!" It was so awesome!! Elder Goldtooth was pumped! We left their with a commitment from her to pray about baptism because she would not accept my invitation but we were so happy. Great Night!
Experience #2
So me and Elder Goldtooth were so pumped about the night before that we were ready to take on the world But the turn out was not going good. We walked about an hour away and we went to try another Potential Investigator. We were really looking forward to seeing her and we got to the door and she was said:..."Elders I really love the book of mormon and I believe its true BUT DONT EVER COME BACK" (Then she slammed the door of course) We were like WHAAAAAATTTTTT! I have never heard that! I was going crazy! I knocked again but she didnt come to the door. Oh well.. But we were super bummed and we decided well we better start tracting so we were in this driveway and we both Knelt down and offered a prayer. Elder Goldtooth said the prayer and he finished the prayer so quick I didnt understand why I look up and he points with his head to the car now parked in the driveway with the driver looking at us. :) He gets out we get up and we start to talk and he is just amazing. He is really looking for the gospel and an opportunity to learn. He went to the LDS church in the military and loved it but never knew the teachings they will be going back on thursday. How cool is that. Elder Goldtooth was way pumped again. We were late for an appointment too and we were booking it across town and I said a prayer that a member would see us and give us a ride. Thats exactly what happened a member from the 3rd ward picked us up and she actually gave us a referral for her boyfriend (older lady) who is R.L.D.S. he was actually an equivilant of a Bishop in the R.L.D.S. church. So Me, Barker and Oxborrow are meeting this week with him. :)
Brothers and Sisters LOOK UP! MOVE FORWARD! Jesus Christ has taken upon himself everything that YOU go through. HE loves YOU. Let HIM help YOU! Give it Up! Do not let it happen! It is so easy!!!
I miss my nieces and nephews! So much. Tell them I love them and miss them.
For Halloween we will be at the Ward Party.
I dont know what is going to happen on transfers but they are in two weeks from today! So they are coming FAST!
The gospel is true. Do not let satan come into your life. Jesus Christ Lives. The Book of Mormon is the word of god and We can be together forever. That is my simple testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!
I love you!
Elder Michael Rudd
well let me tell you a story of a crazy week. I am so exhausted.
Zone Leader Council was great like always President Layton and Sister Layton are just wonderful I love being with them and feeling their spirit. President made the remark that he has been thinking about releasing a couple Zone Leaders to become trainers again. Dont be a district leader, no stewardship just you and a greenie. All of the zone leaders are praying for the opportunity to train now. :) It has been a long time that I have been a zone leader. So I would absolutely love that opportunity. :) We drove into rapid early monday morning and looked up all the thrift stores in Rapid City and went to all of them. It was wonderful. Guess What one of the stores was called "Pack Rat Palace" I said HOLY BUCKETS THAT IS MY TEMPLE!!!! It was a really cool store I really enjoyed it there. Rapid has a ton of cool places. We even went to Sonic. Have not been to sonic FOR EVER!
We picked up Elder Oxborrow from Rapid. He is a really great Elder he is alot of fun. I am really enjoying him. At first I was really worried. He is a Pretty Boy Tree Hugger. We make fun of him all the time for that though. We went to walmart last week and got some things and he wanted to recycle every grocery bag and all the water bottles. I looked at him and said "my friend Wyoming aint heard no recyclin!" He was shocked. But I really like him. He was a cross country runner and all he looked and me and barker and was like "hey do you want to go running in the morning?" We both looked at him and laughed.
The Craft weekend sounded like a lot of fun. Always good when you are with family and doing something you enjoy.
We had a weird fast and testimony meeting oh my. I have to tell you I tell you mormons drive me up the wall. One lady got up and said.. "When I shook Elder Nelson's hand I wouldnt touch anyones hand or anything I just went home and went to my children and grabbed their hands and said: "these hands touched an apostle and my daughter took her hands and rubbed them all over the walls and now our house is blessed by an apostle. I was like OH MY GOSH. So dumb! Dang Mormons! We are Latter Day Saints!!!! ;) Sorry had to vent some steam!
Well on monday night we received revelation that we shouldnt go to Newcastle but we need to teach their DL before we teach them. Because "You can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink" If we dont teach their district leader how to handle the situation in Newcastle then it will continue to struggle and nothing will ever change because Elder Thomas will always look to us to fix the problem instead of handling it on his own. So we got back Tuesday night about seven and then we woke up wednesday morning and took Elder Thomas to newcastle and then drove over to wright (about three hours driving time) and taught some people in wright. Then we came home and were home about 9:20. LOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNG DAAAAYYY!!! Then the next day I went on an exchange in Gillette 2nd ward. Basically all of Elder Thomas's district is struggling so I went to 2nd Ward and He went to newcastle and elder barker and oxborrow stayed in 3rd Ward.
The exchange with Elder Goldtooth was basically I was training him to Become a missionary but. two cool experiences...
Experience #1
Me and Elder Goldtooth just got back from Dinner with a family and decided to head out walking to try a potential investigator about an hour walk. Then mother nature came. The wind was blowing 50 mph and the rain was going sideways and the tempature dropped to about 35 degrees. It was really chilly and we were not prepared we just had our suitcoats on (Mind you I had miscolored coat and pants. It was funny) But, It was relentless HOLY BUCKETS! We got to her house and we were like yelling trying to talk to her because she would not let us in. So, she finally said... "Dont ever come back" So we took that as a sign that we should probably leave so that is what we did. On the way home, We had the idea to try Leilani one of their most promising Investigators. They have not been able to get in with her for like a month and we were picked up by one of their investigators and dropped off at Leilani's house and applying what we learned from conference we decided that we needed to pray and "Look Up for help" And I said the prayer I was basically yelling so that Elder Goldtooth could hear the prayer and I prayed simply and fervently that the lord will bless her to know what we will tell her is true and that she will be home. I finish the prayer and knock on the door and bam there she is. And let me tell you me and Elder Goldtooth look like we are two stray dogs and no place to stay (Leilani has cancer too so she is so hard to get ahold of. She is always in Casper, Rapid or Denver.) But! She was there!!! So we talked with her and got a chance to testify to her and to teach her and she said.. " I know what you are telling me is true" That is why I told my church that I want to come to your church!" It was so awesome!! Elder Goldtooth was pumped! We left their with a commitment from her to pray about baptism because she would not accept my invitation but we were so happy. Great Night!
Experience #2
So me and Elder Goldtooth were so pumped about the night before that we were ready to take on the world But the turn out was not going good. We walked about an hour away and we went to try another Potential Investigator. We were really looking forward to seeing her and we got to the door and she was said:..."Elders I really love the book of mormon and I believe its true BUT DONT EVER COME BACK" (Then she slammed the door of course) We were like WHAAAAAATTTTTT! I have never heard that! I was going crazy! I knocked again but she didnt come to the door. Oh well.. But we were super bummed and we decided well we better start tracting so we were in this driveway and we both Knelt down and offered a prayer. Elder Goldtooth said the prayer and he finished the prayer so quick I didnt understand why I look up and he points with his head to the car now parked in the driveway with the driver looking at us. :) He gets out we get up and we start to talk and he is just amazing. He is really looking for the gospel and an opportunity to learn. He went to the LDS church in the military and loved it but never knew the teachings they will be going back on thursday. How cool is that. Elder Goldtooth was way pumped again. We were late for an appointment too and we were booking it across town and I said a prayer that a member would see us and give us a ride. Thats exactly what happened a member from the 3rd ward picked us up and she actually gave us a referral for her boyfriend (older lady) who is R.L.D.S. he was actually an equivilant of a Bishop in the R.L.D.S. church. So Me, Barker and Oxborrow are meeting this week with him. :)
Brothers and Sisters LOOK UP! MOVE FORWARD! Jesus Christ has taken upon himself everything that YOU go through. HE loves YOU. Let HIM help YOU! Give it Up! Do not let it happen! It is so easy!!!
I miss my nieces and nephews! So much. Tell them I love them and miss them.
For Halloween we will be at the Ward Party.
I dont know what is going to happen on transfers but they are in two weeks from today! So they are coming FAST!
The gospel is true. Do not let satan come into your life. Jesus Christ Lives. The Book of Mormon is the word of god and We can be together forever. That is my simple testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!
I love you!
Elder Michael Rudd
Monday, October 3, 2011
Email 10.3.11
Buenos Noches,
They have transferred me to the spanish area! :) I am a little loopy today sorry about that! :) But what a wonderful day to wake up and see the sun shining when you step outside and see your breath and get a chance to say "Good Morning to your father in heaven and being able to commune with him and asking his help and his guidance this day to guide you and to help you in all you do. What a blessing we have, if you dont have a relationship with heavenly father, GET ONE! NOW!
Well I have buckets of news!
First off, Elder Rudd and Elder Barker have been called as trainers to train Elder Oxborrow from Kent, WA who is waiting to go to Brazil on his mission. I dont know what it is with Elder Rudd and these out of country boys. They just steal my heart. So today me and elder barker are here emailing early so that we can take off to Rapid City right now. Tomorrow we will take Elder Oxborrow home to Gillette. But on the way to gillette, Elder Rudd is getting dropped off in Newcastle, Wyoming. Those newcastle Elders are struggling super bad. Elder Rudd is heading over there for 2 1/2 Days to Pump them up and to get the ball rolling. Since I was DL over Newcastle I know some people that we can go try and talk too. It will be really good and a chance to work on their efforts. But yeah! Another Brazillian! :) :)
Second Off, We are getting another NEW CAR! We had to drive to Sheridan this past week (Two Hours) to drop off our car and to pick up another car so that we could retire it in Rapid. We are hoping for a camaro! :)
Third off, HOLY BUCKETS WYOMING! THE SECOND COMING IS AROUND THE CORNER! It was so funny there were actually alot of people there at the stake center watching it and you heard this "WOAH............" It was awesome. But Star Valley is like 5 hours from here. None the less way cool. We believe that the next temple in wyoming will be in either CODY, WY or LOVELL, WY. I loved what president monson said: "Star Valley, WY, I think I will dedicate that one, there is really good fishing there!" What a character! The funny thing is that Star Valley is not an actually city the valley just goes on and on for about 150 miles. But we are thinking that it will be in Afton, Wy. and yes momma, RAPID CITY, SD IS NEXT!
I am VERY excited to hear how the Mormon.org campaign goes in AZ. Promote! Promote! Promote!
Momma I am so happy for you and finding a job that you enjoy. He answers prayers! I know he answers prayers. I have had so many prayers answered!
And no things are not slowing down, if anything they are speeding up and going even faster. I am holding on to the train though. Lots of ups and downs in the districts and in the zone. We will continue onward, the work of the lord does not stop nor rest.
HOLY BUCKETS HE'S HOME! all I have to say is WOW
My favorite talk in Conference was Elder Robert D. Hales. He put it in such a way that hit me so strong. They are waiting on us. I remember a quote from President Boyd K. Packer, "We all wonder when the savior will come. We wonder when, where and how. But we delay his arrival when we dont fulfill our abrahamic covenant of missionary work" Another quote from Brother Craig Abraham (Gillette 3rd Ward) "If Latter Day Saints were as motivated with missionary work as the Jehovah's Witnesses the Savior would already be here." Too much of our time as members we rely on the Full-Time Missionaries. We are all Full-Time Missionaries. Open Your mouth and share what you know. But Elder Hales was my favorite. Next would have been Tad R. Callister. I loved that one too. The book of mormon is the word of god! :)
We had a couple people come to conference with us too so it was awesome. I love being a missionary so much. On Ocotober 22nd is transfer calls and either me or Elder Barker could go so we will see.
I love you all. Know that I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and redeemer! He Loves me and you. Be Strong, Believe!
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
They have transferred me to the spanish area! :) I am a little loopy today sorry about that! :) But what a wonderful day to wake up and see the sun shining when you step outside and see your breath and get a chance to say "Good Morning to your father in heaven and being able to commune with him and asking his help and his guidance this day to guide you and to help you in all you do. What a blessing we have, if you dont have a relationship with heavenly father, GET ONE! NOW!
Well I have buckets of news!
First off, Elder Rudd and Elder Barker have been called as trainers to train Elder Oxborrow from Kent, WA who is waiting to go to Brazil on his mission. I dont know what it is with Elder Rudd and these out of country boys. They just steal my heart. So today me and elder barker are here emailing early so that we can take off to Rapid City right now. Tomorrow we will take Elder Oxborrow home to Gillette. But on the way to gillette, Elder Rudd is getting dropped off in Newcastle, Wyoming. Those newcastle Elders are struggling super bad. Elder Rudd is heading over there for 2 1/2 Days to Pump them up and to get the ball rolling. Since I was DL over Newcastle I know some people that we can go try and talk too. It will be really good and a chance to work on their efforts. But yeah! Another Brazillian! :) :)
Second Off, We are getting another NEW CAR! We had to drive to Sheridan this past week (Two Hours) to drop off our car and to pick up another car so that we could retire it in Rapid. We are hoping for a camaro! :)
Third off, HOLY BUCKETS WYOMING! THE SECOND COMING IS AROUND THE CORNER! It was so funny there were actually alot of people there at the stake center watching it and you heard this "WOAH............" It was awesome. But Star Valley is like 5 hours from here. None the less way cool. We believe that the next temple in wyoming will be in either CODY, WY or LOVELL, WY. I loved what president monson said: "Star Valley, WY, I think I will dedicate that one, there is really good fishing there!" What a character! The funny thing is that Star Valley is not an actually city the valley just goes on and on for about 150 miles. But we are thinking that it will be in Afton, Wy. and yes momma, RAPID CITY, SD IS NEXT!
I am VERY excited to hear how the Mormon.org campaign goes in AZ. Promote! Promote! Promote!
Momma I am so happy for you and finding a job that you enjoy. He answers prayers! I know he answers prayers. I have had so many prayers answered!
And no things are not slowing down, if anything they are speeding up and going even faster. I am holding on to the train though. Lots of ups and downs in the districts and in the zone. We will continue onward, the work of the lord does not stop nor rest.
HOLY BUCKETS HE'S HOME! all I have to say is WOW
My favorite talk in Conference was Elder Robert D. Hales. He put it in such a way that hit me so strong. They are waiting on us. I remember a quote from President Boyd K. Packer, "We all wonder when the savior will come. We wonder when, where and how. But we delay his arrival when we dont fulfill our abrahamic covenant of missionary work" Another quote from Brother Craig Abraham (Gillette 3rd Ward) "If Latter Day Saints were as motivated with missionary work as the Jehovah's Witnesses the Savior would already be here." Too much of our time as members we rely on the Full-Time Missionaries. We are all Full-Time Missionaries. Open Your mouth and share what you know. But Elder Hales was my favorite. Next would have been Tad R. Callister. I loved that one too. The book of mormon is the word of god! :)
We had a couple people come to conference with us too so it was awesome. I love being a missionary so much. On Ocotober 22nd is transfer calls and either me or Elder Barker could go so we will see.
I love you all. Know that I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and redeemer! He Loves me and you. Be Strong, Believe!
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Monday, September 26, 2011
Email 9.26.11
Mi Familia,
Well what a crazy week this week. We were running ourselves ragged....
This week the sister missionaries had to move apartments so, us and the spanish elders moved them from the 3rd story of one apartment building to the 3rd story of another apartment building. But when we got their they had told another guy moving in that we would help him too. He had a huge uhaul full of couches and chairs and holy buckets! We were so sore. Then we get a call from Gene & Nancy Hanson that night... "Hey our daughter is moving we need help, I'll make you dinner @ grandma egans." You all know I am a sucker for good food. So all of saturday we helped them move their Daughter Amber who is less active and know she is moving right next to the sister missionaries so the sisters will be sicked on her :) By the time sunday morning rolled around HOLY BUCKETS I was so sore. Still am.
Me and Elder Barker have been so frustrated of late. Our zone is so complacent and it seems like they just do not care about their calling. So, There is not much else we can do. We have only one more thing that we can do. EXCHANGES. So we are going to let our area suffer for the next two week and blitz all the struggling areas. First stop, Gillette 2nd ward. . They just cant seem to get the hang of it. They are not doing what the lord would have them do. For the last four months they have taught 7 lessons to investigators every week. Nothing has changed. We have preached, We have taught we have spoon fed them. We have done everything we can do. The last thing we are to do is to Blitz the area where me and Elder Barker go on splits for atleast two days and teach and find like crazy since they dont know how to do it themselves. Since Elder is a District Leader his district follows after him. So newcastle is in one of the biggest slumps I have ever seen. These Elders just dont know how to find people to teach so next week after ZLC. We are heading to newcastle for 4 days to blitz newcastle. Missionaries have just let these areas continue to struggle and be content with what they do. Newcastle has not had one investigator to church this entire year. Neither 2nd ward or Newcastle has had a baptism this year. it is so sad to see that. I remember when I was the district leader over newcastle they were doing so good! We will go in and make it happen. Basically we are like the SWAT team for Missionaries. Special Forces! :)
We found Six new investigators this week. it was a great week. I love Gillette. if I had it my way I would finish out here! :) News Tommy Mills & Laura Hansen will be Married in November. He wants me to be one of his Groomsmen. We are all wearing Cowboy Hats, Flannel Shirts, Jeans and Cowboy Boots. :) How awesome! ;) If I dont get transferred I will for sure do it and send pictures! ;) I love wright! I love Gillette. I just Love Wyoming.
Elder Nelson was so great. I loved it. All of our investigators loved it so much. They thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Way Cool.
Well Darn! I didnt know that the house phone is done for. We have had that number for years. Dang! Someone just asked me too when I gave them a card are you sure this number will always be in use, I said of course we have had it forever! :) Oh Well. I guess I will have to make some new cards.
I love that another baby is almost here But tell them to stop with this baby business! NOT COOL when I am not home! Way cool though. If it is a halloween baby it will come out super scary :)
So you think that you can beat a Wyoming Cowboy do ya. I reckon that you gonna lose Iron Chef Momma. Theres a new Cowboy in town and that Kitchen aint Big enough for the two of us.
Holy Moly, I cant believe that Jenny passed away. How sad is that. She never seemed happy though. I am so sad I loved Brother Cardon. Man Alive. How sad is this. But how nice for them.
I love you all very much. Know that heavenly father loves you. Know that. I love you
Love,
Elder Rudd
--
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Well what a crazy week this week. We were running ourselves ragged....
This week the sister missionaries had to move apartments so, us and the spanish elders moved them from the 3rd story of one apartment building to the 3rd story of another apartment building. But when we got their they had told another guy moving in that we would help him too. He had a huge uhaul full of couches and chairs and holy buckets! We were so sore. Then we get a call from Gene & Nancy Hanson that night... "Hey our daughter is moving we need help, I'll make you dinner @ grandma egans." You all know I am a sucker for good food. So all of saturday we helped them move their Daughter Amber who is less active and know she is moving right next to the sister missionaries so the sisters will be sicked on her :) By the time sunday morning rolled around HOLY BUCKETS I was so sore. Still am.
Me and Elder Barker have been so frustrated of late. Our zone is so complacent and it seems like they just do not care about their calling. So, There is not much else we can do. We have only one more thing that we can do. EXCHANGES. So we are going to let our area suffer for the next two week and blitz all the struggling areas. First stop, Gillette 2nd ward. . They just cant seem to get the hang of it. They are not doing what the lord would have them do. For the last four months they have taught 7 lessons to investigators every week. Nothing has changed. We have preached, We have taught we have spoon fed them. We have done everything we can do. The last thing we are to do is to Blitz the area where me and Elder Barker go on splits for atleast two days and teach and find like crazy since they dont know how to do it themselves. Since Elder is a District Leader his district follows after him. So newcastle is in one of the biggest slumps I have ever seen. These Elders just dont know how to find people to teach so next week after ZLC. We are heading to newcastle for 4 days to blitz newcastle. Missionaries have just let these areas continue to struggle and be content with what they do. Newcastle has not had one investigator to church this entire year. Neither 2nd ward or Newcastle has had a baptism this year. it is so sad to see that. I remember when I was the district leader over newcastle they were doing so good! We will go in and make it happen. Basically we are like the SWAT team for Missionaries. Special Forces! :)
We found Six new investigators this week. it was a great week. I love Gillette. if I had it my way I would finish out here! :) News Tommy Mills & Laura Hansen will be Married in November. He wants me to be one of his Groomsmen. We are all wearing Cowboy Hats, Flannel Shirts, Jeans and Cowboy Boots. :) How awesome! ;) If I dont get transferred I will for sure do it and send pictures! ;) I love wright! I love Gillette. I just Love Wyoming.
Elder Nelson was so great. I loved it. All of our investigators loved it so much. They thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Way Cool.
Well Darn! I didnt know that the house phone is done for. We have had that number for years. Dang! Someone just asked me too when I gave them a card are you sure this number will always be in use, I said of course we have had it forever! :) Oh Well. I guess I will have to make some new cards.
I love that another baby is almost here But tell them to stop with this baby business! NOT COOL when I am not home! Way cool though. If it is a halloween baby it will come out super scary :)
So you think that you can beat a Wyoming Cowboy do ya. I reckon that you gonna lose Iron Chef Momma. Theres a new Cowboy in town and that Kitchen aint Big enough for the two of us.
Holy Moly, I cant believe that Jenny passed away. How sad is that. She never seemed happy though. I am so sad I loved Brother Cardon. Man Alive. How sad is this. But how nice for them.
I love you all very much. Know that heavenly father loves you. Know that. I love you
Love,
Elder Rudd
--
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Monday, September 19, 2011
Pictures 9.19.11
the whole beartanogle clan and tommy and LAura
Me and The Bertanogles (wright)
Me & The Goodmans (wright)
Us & tommy & LAura
Tommy and Laura Hansen
Bishop Bertanogle and Tommy
Cooked Captain Crunch Chicken Wraps
Captain Crunch Chicken
Email 9.19.11
Familia,
Well let me tell ya a little story of awesomeness. It has been a great couple of days. The lord has continued to pour out the blessings of heaven upon the missionary work.
First off the stake had to rent the Cam-Plex its a huge event center in our area where alot of rodeo's and junk are. They had to rent Energy Hall. The Stake Center is TINY! So, they had about 1300 seats set up but just about 10 minutes before it began the set up probably another 500 chairs. It was awesome. The turn out was wonderful in all we had about 8 investigators and 5 less actives there. It was fantastic.
Stake Conference was amazing. Elder Russel M. Nelson is so amazing. The spirit was so strong I love it all so much. He gave all of us an Apostolic Blessing. He taught and testified so strong. What a beautiful spirit that was there that we all felt and I was so grateful to be there yesterday and to be in the midst of an apostle. I am so grateful for that feeling. During his talk he asked for all the missionaries to stand up and he told us "thank you you unsung heroes who labor in the lords vineyard, President Monson loves you, I love you, The Lord would have me say He Loves You and thanks you for representing him." Then he had us sit back down! Holy Moly! It was so good. Afterwards we got to go shake his hand. He shook the hands of about 1500 People in the stake. Thats ALOT of hands. But we all lined up and I got to be the first to shake his hand. I shook his hand and he looked me in the eyes. Didnt even look at my nametag and said: "elder rudd thank you for your service, I know that the lord knows you and I know he loves you. I know you are an obedient servant of the lord and that you are nearing the end of your full time mission, Be strong and Be faithful and the lord will Bless you and Your family." HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was just in awe..... Right after Elder Nelson, I shook Elder Reall's (70) hand and he said "Elder Rudd (He did look at the tag) thank you for your service, the lord loves his missionaries, especially ones that have a glow about them." I was like HOLY BUCKETS! It was so cool. I loved yesterday. Funny Story about Elder Nelson real quick. He was in a press conference in Florida and the reporter asked:
Q: Do Latter Day Saints believe in the bible?
A: Of course, Our members wrote it!!!!
Holy Buckets... How cool is that. He said that because the restored church is the same church that the disciples and that jesus christ were apart of. I loved that remark!! :)
Another great story. We were not able to go to priesthood or the adult meeting but he told a story... He was at a stake conference in louisana and was sitting and watching the meeting and he kept seeing this lady and was feeling prompted to talk to her and call on her when he was to talk. So he asked the stake president who she was and the president said: "oh dont call on her she is less active and a little bit crazy." So Elder Nelson thought nothing of it and then he got up there to talk and the spirit was yelling at him to talk to her and call her up. So being a apostle he could not say no. He called her up and asked her what was her name and when she was baptized. She said her name and told him when she was baptized and then he asked who baptized you. She said: "Well you did" It turned out that this lady was a nurse in the army when he was a surgeon and elder nelson had baptized her and her husband 40 years previous and this lady had fallen away and had heard that Elder Russell M. Nelson was coming so she wanted to come see if it was him. HOW COOL! Holy Buckets!
We had a baptism yesterday. Tommy Mills in wright got baptized!!!! It was so sweet! He was so excited. After the baptism was over he had me ask to turn the time over to him. (I was conducting the baptism) He Proposed to his Girlfriend!!! It was awesome! I started teaching him when I was in wright and then came back and saw him get baptized. When I left wright I told Elder Hammond that I felt that I was not done yet in wright. I didnt realize why until I saw Tommy get Baptized. During the baptism he called me up and thanked me for my spirit and the conviction I had when I was working with him. He said my testimony always worked on him and wanted him to be better.
I am very glad that you liked the Salt and Pepper shakers. I love them too. I have had them forever. Momma I have been keeping track of all these old vintage stores and craft stores that you would absolutely fall in love with! So, you can see all of them. Yeah the other shirt was for whoever. i want to get everyone a shirt but, I couldnt afford it.
I got a call from Elder Hammond today. He is doing way good. I love him.
By the way Elder Foulger (Chad Foulger) Will probably be calling or coming over. I told him to go get some grub at the house. He is skin and bones I told him Momma Rudd will take care of that. So, He wants to come over. So yeah :)
Just so you know. I bought some Cowboy boots. The ones I wanted were on sale. When the credit card bill comes its more than usual. Im sorry. We have made plans this next month. We will no longer be eating out for district meetings. So since we go to three of them a week my money goes fast. But! We have some good plans. :)
OH MY GOSH! I do not like hearing that. People are asking me how much time i have left. It is so weird!!!! Yikes! I am now one of the oldest in the mission. It is just bizzare! I am still a greenie! I can not believe that Greg is almost home! HOLY BUCKETS!
The lord has continued to pour out blessings on us all. Remember your blessings and DO NOT forget them.
I love you all so much.
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Well let me tell ya a little story of awesomeness. It has been a great couple of days. The lord has continued to pour out the blessings of heaven upon the missionary work.
First off the stake had to rent the Cam-Plex its a huge event center in our area where alot of rodeo's and junk are. They had to rent Energy Hall. The Stake Center is TINY! So, they had about 1300 seats set up but just about 10 minutes before it began the set up probably another 500 chairs. It was awesome. The turn out was wonderful in all we had about 8 investigators and 5 less actives there. It was fantastic.
Stake Conference was amazing. Elder Russel M. Nelson is so amazing. The spirit was so strong I love it all so much. He gave all of us an Apostolic Blessing. He taught and testified so strong. What a beautiful spirit that was there that we all felt and I was so grateful to be there yesterday and to be in the midst of an apostle. I am so grateful for that feeling. During his talk he asked for all the missionaries to stand up and he told us "thank you you unsung heroes who labor in the lords vineyard, President Monson loves you, I love you, The Lord would have me say He Loves You and thanks you for representing him." Then he had us sit back down! Holy Moly! It was so good. Afterwards we got to go shake his hand. He shook the hands of about 1500 People in the stake. Thats ALOT of hands. But we all lined up and I got to be the first to shake his hand. I shook his hand and he looked me in the eyes. Didnt even look at my nametag and said: "elder rudd thank you for your service, I know that the lord knows you and I know he loves you. I know you are an obedient servant of the lord and that you are nearing the end of your full time mission, Be strong and Be faithful and the lord will Bless you and Your family." HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was just in awe..... Right after Elder Nelson, I shook Elder Reall's (70) hand and he said "Elder Rudd (He did look at the tag) thank you for your service, the lord loves his missionaries, especially ones that have a glow about them." I was like HOLY BUCKETS! It was so cool. I loved yesterday. Funny Story about Elder Nelson real quick. He was in a press conference in Florida and the reporter asked:
Q: Do Latter Day Saints believe in the bible?
A: Of course, Our members wrote it!!!!
Holy Buckets... How cool is that. He said that because the restored church is the same church that the disciples and that jesus christ were apart of. I loved that remark!! :)
Another great story. We were not able to go to priesthood or the adult meeting but he told a story... He was at a stake conference in louisana and was sitting and watching the meeting and he kept seeing this lady and was feeling prompted to talk to her and call on her when he was to talk. So he asked the stake president who she was and the president said: "oh dont call on her she is less active and a little bit crazy." So Elder Nelson thought nothing of it and then he got up there to talk and the spirit was yelling at him to talk to her and call her up. So being a apostle he could not say no. He called her up and asked her what was her name and when she was baptized. She said her name and told him when she was baptized and then he asked who baptized you. She said: "Well you did" It turned out that this lady was a nurse in the army when he was a surgeon and elder nelson had baptized her and her husband 40 years previous and this lady had fallen away and had heard that Elder Russell M. Nelson was coming so she wanted to come see if it was him. HOW COOL! Holy Buckets!
We had a baptism yesterday. Tommy Mills in wright got baptized!!!! It was so sweet! He was so excited. After the baptism was over he had me ask to turn the time over to him. (I was conducting the baptism) He Proposed to his Girlfriend!!! It was awesome! I started teaching him when I was in wright and then came back and saw him get baptized. When I left wright I told Elder Hammond that I felt that I was not done yet in wright. I didnt realize why until I saw Tommy get Baptized. During the baptism he called me up and thanked me for my spirit and the conviction I had when I was working with him. He said my testimony always worked on him and wanted him to be better.
I am very glad that you liked the Salt and Pepper shakers. I love them too. I have had them forever. Momma I have been keeping track of all these old vintage stores and craft stores that you would absolutely fall in love with! So, you can see all of them. Yeah the other shirt was for whoever. i want to get everyone a shirt but, I couldnt afford it.
I got a call from Elder Hammond today. He is doing way good. I love him.
By the way Elder Foulger (Chad Foulger) Will probably be calling or coming over. I told him to go get some grub at the house. He is skin and bones I told him Momma Rudd will take care of that. So, He wants to come over. So yeah :)
Just so you know. I bought some Cowboy boots. The ones I wanted were on sale. When the credit card bill comes its more than usual. Im sorry. We have made plans this next month. We will no longer be eating out for district meetings. So since we go to three of them a week my money goes fast. But! We have some good plans. :)
OH MY GOSH! I do not like hearing that. People are asking me how much time i have left. It is so weird!!!! Yikes! I am now one of the oldest in the mission. It is just bizzare! I am still a greenie! I can not believe that Greg is almost home! HOLY BUCKETS!
The lord has continued to pour out blessings on us all. Remember your blessings and DO NOT forget them.
I love you all so much.
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Email 9.12.11
Familia & Friends
How are you all doing. I am so happy to hear good news from everyone. The Bit of news that I hear from home is good. I love getting letters and love having emails. So keep it up.
Well another busy busy week. We are so busy. I seriously cant even stop to think.. This past week me and elder barker taught 22 lessons and our crazy crazy week. We taught 9 lessons with a member. 5 other lessons to investigators. We have been just on fire. Our areas are still struggling and it is driving us crazy! We want so bad for them to have the success that we have been having but week after week after week they keep struggling. Me and Elder Barker have came to the conclusion that there is not much else we can do. These Elders and Sisters have to do it for themselves. We can only do so much. The elders in newcastle are really really struggling. Elder Thomas and his district are really really struggling. It is such a bummer! Our district is on fire. Us, The Gillette 1st Sisters and Spanish taught 20 lessons and it was awesome. But the rest of the zone is just plumunting. Its so sad. We are doing every thing we possibly can but still nothing....
Tomorrow at 10 am. We will have a specialized training for the whole zone. We will have everyone from the zone here in Gillette. It will basically be a pep rally. We are going to put some numbers up that are really going to shock alot of people. Its going to be really good. We just cant sit back and let this happen but then again we also cant do everything for them. It is just so stupid. The work continues to go on and the lord will continue to bless us in every way. The windows of heaven continue to be opened up and we recieve a blessing that we do not have room enough to receive. :) The lord will bless us and I know he loves us so much. I love the work, I love the missionaries but this whole free agency thing is ticking me off. :)
This weekend is going to be awesome. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the quorm of the twelve apostles. The only other apostle I have seen was when L. Tom Perry came to our stake conference in mesa. We are just so pumped. :) We are only allowed to go to the stake conference not the adult meeting or the priesthood meeting. All of our missionaries are so sad that they cant go and called us and begged. But had to put our foot down hard! :) It will be an awesome meeting. We should have about 10 investigators there. We are so hoping so!!!!
How was our stake conference in Mesa? How is good ole president wright doing?
Well about time I get my room back. Now I can come back for another Knee Surgery and sleep in my room. :) Just kidding. But I am really happy for them to be out in the new house. I know it will be very good for them. They can really start to grow as a family without having everyone by them. It will be way good. :)
I got told that I looked 37!!! Holy moly. Its all my grey hair! Gosh dang!!! :( But wow. I would not be surprised if my hair was all grey by the time I got home. :)
If anyone wants to send me anything. Walmart Gift Cards are my favorite. I also need more stamps if anyone wants to send me more stamps.
Yes. Me & Elder Barker are together again. It will be fun. Elder Hilbun is the new A.P. He leaves after this transfer so they will have to call yet another and all of us zone leaders pray it is not us...
I am excited for you all to have quiet time at the house. How cool is that! I know it will be different but I bet it will be fun and quiet. I bet you will read a million books now. :)
I really dont know what else to write. I am sending a package home today for you mom and dad.
I love you
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
How are you all doing. I am so happy to hear good news from everyone. The Bit of news that I hear from home is good. I love getting letters and love having emails. So keep it up.
Well another busy busy week. We are so busy. I seriously cant even stop to think.. This past week me and elder barker taught 22 lessons and our crazy crazy week. We taught 9 lessons with a member. 5 other lessons to investigators. We have been just on fire. Our areas are still struggling and it is driving us crazy! We want so bad for them to have the success that we have been having but week after week after week they keep struggling. Me and Elder Barker have came to the conclusion that there is not much else we can do. These Elders and Sisters have to do it for themselves. We can only do so much. The elders in newcastle are really really struggling. Elder Thomas and his district are really really struggling. It is such a bummer! Our district is on fire. Us, The Gillette 1st Sisters and Spanish taught 20 lessons and it was awesome. But the rest of the zone is just plumunting. Its so sad. We are doing every thing we possibly can but still nothing....
Tomorrow at 10 am. We will have a specialized training for the whole zone. We will have everyone from the zone here in Gillette. It will basically be a pep rally. We are going to put some numbers up that are really going to shock alot of people. Its going to be really good. We just cant sit back and let this happen but then again we also cant do everything for them. It is just so stupid. The work continues to go on and the lord will continue to bless us in every way. The windows of heaven continue to be opened up and we recieve a blessing that we do not have room enough to receive. :) The lord will bless us and I know he loves us so much. I love the work, I love the missionaries but this whole free agency thing is ticking me off. :)
This weekend is going to be awesome. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the quorm of the twelve apostles. The only other apostle I have seen was when L. Tom Perry came to our stake conference in mesa. We are just so pumped. :) We are only allowed to go to the stake conference not the adult meeting or the priesthood meeting. All of our missionaries are so sad that they cant go and called us and begged. But had to put our foot down hard! :) It will be an awesome meeting. We should have about 10 investigators there. We are so hoping so!!!!
How was our stake conference in Mesa? How is good ole president wright doing?
Well about time I get my room back. Now I can come back for another Knee Surgery and sleep in my room. :) Just kidding. But I am really happy for them to be out in the new house. I know it will be very good for them. They can really start to grow as a family without having everyone by them. It will be way good. :)
I got told that I looked 37!!! Holy moly. Its all my grey hair! Gosh dang!!! :( But wow. I would not be surprised if my hair was all grey by the time I got home. :)
If anyone wants to send me anything. Walmart Gift Cards are my favorite. I also need more stamps if anyone wants to send me more stamps.
Yes. Me & Elder Barker are together again. It will be fun. Elder Hilbun is the new A.P. He leaves after this transfer so they will have to call yet another and all of us zone leaders pray it is not us...
I am excited for you all to have quiet time at the house. How cool is that! I know it will be different but I bet it will be fun and quiet. I bet you will read a million books now. :)
I really dont know what else to write. I am sending a package home today for you mom and dad.
I love you
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Email 9.6.11
Mi Familia,
The news..... Elder Rudd..... Gillette, Wyoming for ANOTHER TRANSFER! Yes! I love Gillette. Companion.... Elder Barker!!! We beat another transfer!! Yes! How cool is that. This is now mine and Elder Barkers third transfer together. We are way excited and the work is just going to take off. We were both looking forward to a change but are still going good. Sometimes it is just good to get a change. Its nothing on the companion but it just gives fresh blood and new ideas and things go off.
Gillette Zone
Gillette 1st Sister Hunt (6 Transfers) & Sister Blackburn (3 Transfers) & Sister Jensen (Greenie)
Gillette 2nd- Elder Thomas (DL) (4 Transfers) & Elder Goldtooth (2 transfers)
Gillette 3rd- Elder Rudd (3 Transfers) & Elder Barker (4 Transfers)
Gillette 4th- Elder Holmstead (6 Transfers) & Elder Hastings (1st Transfer here)
Gillette Spanish- Elder Roller (DL) (6 Transfers) & Elder Ardnt (4 Transfers)
Newcastle- Elder Johnson (2 Transfers) & Elder Ellingson (1st transfer here)
Buffalo- Elder Lund (DL) (4 transfers) & Elder Foster (2 Transfers)
Sheridan 1st- Sister Adison (4 Transfers) & Sister Hetling (3 Transfers)
Sheridan 2nd- Elder Dahl (4 Transfers) & Elder Hooker (1st transfer here)
Sheridan 3rd- Elder Holmes (4 transfers) & Elder Vennegas (1st Transfer Here)
The districts are this:
Gillette 2nd- Elder Thomas (DL)
Gillette 4th
Newcastle
Gillette Spanish- Elder Roller (DL)
Gillette 1st Sisters
Gillette 3rd ZL
Buffalo- Elder Lund (DL)
Sheridan 1st Sisters
Sheridan 2nd
Sheridan 3rd
So we have a ton of the same people. In a mission it is soooooooo rare to be in a area for 5 transfers and to be in a area for 6 transfers is just unheard of and we have three of them. We were there and no transfer calls came we are just like what in tarnation!!! But we are excited for this next transfer it will be a way good one. Alot happening. We have Stake Conference in two weeks with Elder Nelson!!! Yay!! We are so excited!! It will be awesome. They cant fit all the people in one building!! So, they have to move it to a huge arena in gillette! It will be so cool. I know people will be coming from all over and people will try and poach from different stakes and all. But no way! :) We have a specialized training next week that we will be giving for the gillette zone and just the onwards of the business. We have a leadership meeting coming and then zlc and then we do it all over again.
The weather is getting cold. The past couple mornings it has been about 35 in the morning. No snow yet but super awesome weather. I love it. I am looking forward to the winter. It is always cold but its a lot of fun. I dont know where I will be for the heart of winter. Winter will just be ending when I come home so we will see how I adjust to the heat. :) I know I am going to fry!
What a beautiful world we live in. I love being a member of the lord true church and to stand as witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and am looking forward to the day of the lords coming to rule and reign upon the world. But it is up to us to prepare the way. We are only delaying his coming by not preparing our friends. It is our responsibility to find for the missionaries. I bet alot of ask ourselves what can we do to help the elders. Find someone for them to teach. The Elders HAVE to tract because we are not doing our job as a member missionary! We made a covenant. A promise with out heavenly father that we would do this. Missionary work does not have to be hard. We just make it that way. Open your mouth and serve the lord.
I can not believe that whitney and kirk are moving. How crazy is that. My room is back. Holy buckets. I was thinking you know how we decorated ryans room when he came back. I was thinking like getting a haybell in the corner and a horse in the closet and sleeping on a sleeping bag on the ground. With a full time banjo player. Just a couple ideas. :) I love Wyoming. I have a ton of stuff to send home. I am waiting for someone to head down to Arizona so they can take it for me. The Abrahams here in Gillette are going to be heading down to visit Elder Foulger so they want to take it for me. I have had gifts for everyone for ever. But it is just too dang expensive to ship things home.
Momma Be strong. I know that they are moving out but it will be okay.
I cant believe that Caleb got blessed. I really dont like this whol being on a mission when these things happen! Not cool! :)
I am way jealous. I am always dreaming of my bed and how comfy it is. Its just so awesome! :) But wow.
We had a cool opporunity the other night. Our district had such a cool bonding moment. We were just getting ready for bed. Usually as soon as we come in the door my tie is off and I am in my Pajamas are on. But this night me and Elder Barker got alot of work done and were in our clothes for the entire night. We got a call from Elder Roller telling us sister blackburn needed a blessing so we got together with the spanish elders at 1045 and went over to one of the buidlings and gave sister blackburn a blessing. One of her cousins was killed on her mission in New York got in a car accident and died. So she was really torn up. I got to show her Elder Ferrins obituary and show her his name of the back of my name tag. We had a really good talk and got to comfort her and grow as a district. It was a really good blessing. Elder Barker gave the blessing and afterward that night he told me she is okay. Her cousin is in the arms of heavenly father now. It has been so amazing to me to be able to feel the love of the godhead for these people we teach how beautiful the plan of happiness and how perfect our loving heavenly father is. I am so grateful for my upbringing and the truth that was taught in our home. What are the chances of me being born into a LDS family and in that Fact and Active LDS Family and for the knowing the truth I know it is so amazing to me to think about that But I know that Heavenly Father has a plan I know that was his plan for me. Many dont know what we know. Go on a mission serve the lord. Share the gospel to all the world. I love this gospel. I know that it is the true church of living christ. The gospel is true what else matters. Open your heart to this message. Open your heart to the love and the blessings that are meant for you but you wont receive. I love you all.
I love you all so much.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
The news..... Elder Rudd..... Gillette, Wyoming for ANOTHER TRANSFER! Yes! I love Gillette. Companion.... Elder Barker!!! We beat another transfer!! Yes! How cool is that. This is now mine and Elder Barkers third transfer together. We are way excited and the work is just going to take off. We were both looking forward to a change but are still going good. Sometimes it is just good to get a change. Its nothing on the companion but it just gives fresh blood and new ideas and things go off.
Gillette Zone
Gillette 1st Sister Hunt (6 Transfers) & Sister Blackburn (3 Transfers) & Sister Jensen (Greenie)
Gillette 2nd- Elder Thomas (DL) (4 Transfers) & Elder Goldtooth (2 transfers)
Gillette 3rd- Elder Rudd (3 Transfers) & Elder Barker (4 Transfers)
Gillette 4th- Elder Holmstead (6 Transfers) & Elder Hastings (1st Transfer here)
Gillette Spanish- Elder Roller (DL) (6 Transfers) & Elder Ardnt (4 Transfers)
Newcastle- Elder Johnson (2 Transfers) & Elder Ellingson (1st transfer here)
Buffalo- Elder Lund (DL) (4 transfers) & Elder Foster (2 Transfers)
Sheridan 1st- Sister Adison (4 Transfers) & Sister Hetling (3 Transfers)
Sheridan 2nd- Elder Dahl (4 Transfers) & Elder Hooker (1st transfer here)
Sheridan 3rd- Elder Holmes (4 transfers) & Elder Vennegas (1st Transfer Here)
The districts are this:
Gillette 2nd- Elder Thomas (DL)
Gillette 4th
Newcastle
Gillette Spanish- Elder Roller (DL)
Gillette 1st Sisters
Gillette 3rd ZL
Buffalo- Elder Lund (DL)
Sheridan 1st Sisters
Sheridan 2nd
Sheridan 3rd
So we have a ton of the same people. In a mission it is soooooooo rare to be in a area for 5 transfers and to be in a area for 6 transfers is just unheard of and we have three of them. We were there and no transfer calls came we are just like what in tarnation!!! But we are excited for this next transfer it will be a way good one. Alot happening. We have Stake Conference in two weeks with Elder Nelson!!! Yay!! We are so excited!! It will be awesome. They cant fit all the people in one building!! So, they have to move it to a huge arena in gillette! It will be so cool. I know people will be coming from all over and people will try and poach from different stakes and all. But no way! :) We have a specialized training next week that we will be giving for the gillette zone and just the onwards of the business. We have a leadership meeting coming and then zlc and then we do it all over again.
The weather is getting cold. The past couple mornings it has been about 35 in the morning. No snow yet but super awesome weather. I love it. I am looking forward to the winter. It is always cold but its a lot of fun. I dont know where I will be for the heart of winter. Winter will just be ending when I come home so we will see how I adjust to the heat. :) I know I am going to fry!
What a beautiful world we live in. I love being a member of the lord true church and to stand as witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and am looking forward to the day of the lords coming to rule and reign upon the world. But it is up to us to prepare the way. We are only delaying his coming by not preparing our friends. It is our responsibility to find for the missionaries. I bet alot of ask ourselves what can we do to help the elders. Find someone for them to teach. The Elders HAVE to tract because we are not doing our job as a member missionary! We made a covenant. A promise with out heavenly father that we would do this. Missionary work does not have to be hard. We just make it that way. Open your mouth and serve the lord.
I can not believe that whitney and kirk are moving. How crazy is that. My room is back. Holy buckets. I was thinking you know how we decorated ryans room when he came back. I was thinking like getting a haybell in the corner and a horse in the closet and sleeping on a sleeping bag on the ground. With a full time banjo player. Just a couple ideas. :) I love Wyoming. I have a ton of stuff to send home. I am waiting for someone to head down to Arizona so they can take it for me. The Abrahams here in Gillette are going to be heading down to visit Elder Foulger so they want to take it for me. I have had gifts for everyone for ever. But it is just too dang expensive to ship things home.
Momma Be strong. I know that they are moving out but it will be okay.
I cant believe that Caleb got blessed. I really dont like this whol being on a mission when these things happen! Not cool! :)
I am way jealous. I am always dreaming of my bed and how comfy it is. Its just so awesome! :) But wow.
We had a cool opporunity the other night. Our district had such a cool bonding moment. We were just getting ready for bed. Usually as soon as we come in the door my tie is off and I am in my Pajamas are on. But this night me and Elder Barker got alot of work done and were in our clothes for the entire night. We got a call from Elder Roller telling us sister blackburn needed a blessing so we got together with the spanish elders at 1045 and went over to one of the buidlings and gave sister blackburn a blessing. One of her cousins was killed on her mission in New York got in a car accident and died. So she was really torn up. I got to show her Elder Ferrins obituary and show her his name of the back of my name tag. We had a really good talk and got to comfort her and grow as a district. It was a really good blessing. Elder Barker gave the blessing and afterward that night he told me she is okay. Her cousin is in the arms of heavenly father now. It has been so amazing to me to be able to feel the love of the godhead for these people we teach how beautiful the plan of happiness and how perfect our loving heavenly father is. I am so grateful for my upbringing and the truth that was taught in our home. What are the chances of me being born into a LDS family and in that Fact and Active LDS Family and for the knowing the truth I know it is so amazing to me to think about that But I know that Heavenly Father has a plan I know that was his plan for me. Many dont know what we know. Go on a mission serve the lord. Share the gospel to all the world. I love this gospel. I know that it is the true church of living christ. The gospel is true what else matters. Open your heart to this message. Open your heart to the love and the blessings that are meant for you but you wont receive. I love you all.
I love you all so much.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Monday, August 29, 2011
Email 8.29.11
Familia & Friends,
Well we have had a busy week this week. Been walking all over the town of gillette. Been really busy and loving the work. We have yet another busy week ahead of us. In a couple of hours we will head to Rapid City for Zone Leader Council and we will get back tuesday night from that and then Wednesday Afternoon we take off for Sheridan for an Exchange and their District Meeting. Then we get back from Sheridan Friday night and Saturday Morning are Transfer Calls either me or elder barker could be getting transferred. Who Knows?!
The cold is starting in parts of our mission. It is pouring down rain here in Gillette Right now but, it is humid. About Mid-October is when the snow and the cold will hit hard. But we are looking forward to the cold so much. The heat has been killing us! Momma, I dont want to move anywhere stay in Mesa. It is such a safe haven. I love it there. Sorry about the picture. I didnt even think about that.
Typical dad about moving all the junk out of the primary closet and all that junk. I am such a pack rat. I am waiting to hear someone traveling to mesa so they can take like ten boxes home for me. I have a ton to send home. I have been carrying around gifts and stuff for a while. It is so dang expensive to ship stuff home though. That is way cool about the new door instead of the pocket door. I hated that pocket door.
I continue to say the hardest part of being away is when my neices and nephews are bordn and I do not know them! :( I am excied for the blessing though. Dont let mark freak out. Just let the lord speak.
I have full confidence in my leadership capabilities and all but the problem is if others follow it. Me and Elder Barker just cant get areas to step up to the plate and work. So it has been a tough transfer but we have been seeing small brights of success. Certain areas are giving me more grey hair. I have a pretty good patch on the top of my head. :(
I have started to make my own salsa. A couple weeks ago when president and sister layton came through for interviews. The missionaries in gillette had a mexican lunch for them. I made Carne and Pollo Asada and lots of other things others made. Then I made some homeade salsa kinda like yours except I added jalapenos and lime and sugar. It was awesome. Very chuncky and just awesome.
I am way happy for mateo and happy for him to start his mission. Its the greatest calling in the world. I love being a missionary so much. I am going to be so sad when I go home.
I am glad that you and aunt patty are happy with working together. I am sure that it is a huge blessing in her life to have a steady job.
I love you all so much. Have to hit the road.
Whom the lord loves he chastens. Love the lord with all of your heart and know that he loves you and is always their for you.
love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Well we have had a busy week this week. Been walking all over the town of gillette. Been really busy and loving the work. We have yet another busy week ahead of us. In a couple of hours we will head to Rapid City for Zone Leader Council and we will get back tuesday night from that and then Wednesday Afternoon we take off for Sheridan for an Exchange and their District Meeting. Then we get back from Sheridan Friday night and Saturday Morning are Transfer Calls either me or elder barker could be getting transferred. Who Knows?!
The cold is starting in parts of our mission. It is pouring down rain here in Gillette Right now but, it is humid. About Mid-October is when the snow and the cold will hit hard. But we are looking forward to the cold so much. The heat has been killing us! Momma, I dont want to move anywhere stay in Mesa. It is such a safe haven. I love it there. Sorry about the picture. I didnt even think about that.
Typical dad about moving all the junk out of the primary closet and all that junk. I am such a pack rat. I am waiting to hear someone traveling to mesa so they can take like ten boxes home for me. I have a ton to send home. I have been carrying around gifts and stuff for a while. It is so dang expensive to ship stuff home though. That is way cool about the new door instead of the pocket door. I hated that pocket door.
I continue to say the hardest part of being away is when my neices and nephews are bordn and I do not know them! :( I am excied for the blessing though. Dont let mark freak out. Just let the lord speak.
I have full confidence in my leadership capabilities and all but the problem is if others follow it. Me and Elder Barker just cant get areas to step up to the plate and work. So it has been a tough transfer but we have been seeing small brights of success. Certain areas are giving me more grey hair. I have a pretty good patch on the top of my head. :(
I have started to make my own salsa. A couple weeks ago when president and sister layton came through for interviews. The missionaries in gillette had a mexican lunch for them. I made Carne and Pollo Asada and lots of other things others made. Then I made some homeade salsa kinda like yours except I added jalapenos and lime and sugar. It was awesome. Very chuncky and just awesome.
I am way happy for mateo and happy for him to start his mission. Its the greatest calling in the world. I love being a missionary so much. I am going to be so sad when I go home.
I am glad that you and aunt patty are happy with working together. I am sure that it is a huge blessing in her life to have a steady job.
I love you all so much. Have to hit the road.
Whom the lord loves he chastens. Love the lord with all of your heart and know that he loves you and is always their for you.
love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Monday, August 22, 2011
Email 8.22.11
Well Hello There
Minot was literally the hardest work I have ever done and you are absoultely right that the pictures do not to the justice at all. I really wish that we could of done more than what we did. The church had over 1000 work orders. Meaning 1000 houses to do. Since we could not get enough help up there the church only finished about 800 of them. So their are 200 homes in Minot that are not cleaned up and that people are going to have to destroy because of the mold and junk. It is so sad. I feel really bad for these people.
About the gillette gazzette. It was awesome huh? But president shut it down... Because we are the only zone who is doing it. When a missionary gets transferred he doesnt want them to complain that their new zone doesnt do it. I was pretty upset. I know this would of helped our zone. But oh well..
Tri Zone conference was two weeks ago. Remember we went to tri-zone then we went up to minot? It was way awesome. With Elder Bruce D. Porter. I mentioned it in last weeks email.
Oh how disgusting how did they let you win. They are making me sad. Tell Kirk he is out of the band! Man! how sad. But dont worry. I will win in cowboy pictionary! Sounds Like a ton of fun. Those always are way fun.
But we have had some cool experiences this week. Tommy Mills is definitly getting baptized next month we went over last night to Bishop Bertanogles house in Wright and taught him he is doing way good. Oh yeah. Yesterday we got to go to Wright for Church. It was awesome to see everyone. I was coming back home. Everyone was saying how does it feel to be home? It happened to be Dakota Daltons Farewell too! He is going to Johanasburg, South Africa. Cool Huh?! He flies from casper to denver and from denver to new york, from new york to london to South Africa. Like a 26 hour flight! Crazy!
We were contacting a Former investigator. She wasnt home but Piper happened to be home. Piper's ex husband was a member and was horrible. but she doesnt have any bad feelings towards the church. So good. But, she invited us right in and we sat down and talked with her and she wants to be taught and she had been living with this former investigator for a week. I told her that it was not by chance that we came in contact with her! She is so awesome. We are going over tomorrow with a member. It will be awesome! :)
The work continues to go forth. Our biggest struggle has been the zone. Its just not happening. We will continue to fast and to work through this but its a struggle in gillette right now.
I love you all so very much
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Minot was literally the hardest work I have ever done and you are absoultely right that the pictures do not to the justice at all. I really wish that we could of done more than what we did. The church had over 1000 work orders. Meaning 1000 houses to do. Since we could not get enough help up there the church only finished about 800 of them. So their are 200 homes in Minot that are not cleaned up and that people are going to have to destroy because of the mold and junk. It is so sad. I feel really bad for these people.
About the gillette gazzette. It was awesome huh? But president shut it down... Because we are the only zone who is doing it. When a missionary gets transferred he doesnt want them to complain that their new zone doesnt do it. I was pretty upset. I know this would of helped our zone. But oh well..
Tri Zone conference was two weeks ago. Remember we went to tri-zone then we went up to minot? It was way awesome. With Elder Bruce D. Porter. I mentioned it in last weeks email.
Oh how disgusting how did they let you win. They are making me sad. Tell Kirk he is out of the band! Man! how sad. But dont worry. I will win in cowboy pictionary! Sounds Like a ton of fun. Those always are way fun.
But we have had some cool experiences this week. Tommy Mills is definitly getting baptized next month we went over last night to Bishop Bertanogles house in Wright and taught him he is doing way good. Oh yeah. Yesterday we got to go to Wright for Church. It was awesome to see everyone. I was coming back home. Everyone was saying how does it feel to be home? It happened to be Dakota Daltons Farewell too! He is going to Johanasburg, South Africa. Cool Huh?! He flies from casper to denver and from denver to new york, from new york to london to South Africa. Like a 26 hour flight! Crazy!
We were contacting a Former investigator. She wasnt home but Piper happened to be home. Piper's ex husband was a member and was horrible. but she doesnt have any bad feelings towards the church. So good. But, she invited us right in and we sat down and talked with her and she wants to be taught and she had been living with this former investigator for a week. I told her that it was not by chance that we came in contact with her! She is so awesome. We are going over tomorrow with a member. It will be awesome! :)
The work continues to go forth. Our biggest struggle has been the zone. Its just not happening. We will continue to fast and to work through this but its a struggle in gillette right now.
I love you all so very much
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Beautiful! 
Monday, August 15, 2011
Email 8.15.11
HOLY BUCKETS!!!
I have never been so tired in my life you ready for this..... Monday- Pday Tuesday- District Meeting, District Leader Meeting, A.P. Bridge Call Wednesday- District Meeting and Weekly Planning, Wednesday Night- 40 missionaries from casper and gillette zones stayed in gillette and we had to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable. Thursday Morning off to Rapid City for Tri-Zone. Right after tri zone we met our Caravan in Spearfish, SD in between rapid and gillette. and headed straight up to MINOT, ND it is a 9 hour trip to minot. We went through three states and two time zones but we arrived at 3 am in Minot and we crashed hard but to wake up and 6 am and get some breakfast and head out to work. We were in minot from Friday morning from 3 am to Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. We arrived back in Gillette at Midnight sunday night. We had to correlate all the zones numbers from a cram packed car in between cell service and good spots. I will kinda break all of that down..
Tri-Zone- It was so awesome. Elder Bruce D. Porter of the 1st Quorm of 70 is just amazing. He has a kidney deficiancy and has basically zero imunity and no one could touch him shake his hand, hug him nothing. So it was kinda a bummer as soon as he was done he took off and we were not able to talk to him.. darn. But he did the coolest thing. He did a Q & A for about 70 missionaries. All we basically did was ask him doctrinal questions like deep doctrine and missionary related and he would answer them. He taught on the doctrine of christ and went through the god head like I have never heard before! He went through god the father and all of his names and his orgins and everything and christ and why it had to be him and all of his names and what they mean and then finished up with all three of them together and explained more of their purpose and why its related to us. It was a spiritual feast. Tri Zone was awesome. I got to see Elder Hastings again. Havent seen him since he left wright. It was way fun though.
Minot- Honestly it was the hardest work I have ever done. I have sent some pics and basically what happened is imagine if our house was under water and everything in it got soaked and was water logged and the whole house had to be gutted. Thats what is happening in minot. We had to clean out sewer systems, carry out everyones lives basically and toss it into a huge trash pile outside so that a trash guy can come and scoop it up. Most of the piles were about ten feet high with debree. We even had to take down sheet rock, insulation roofs, some stairs, all of the kitchens. The only thing that was left was the studs. Everyone has to start at square one. Some of these houses that people pay people to help them do they charge about 16,000 dollars to clean it up. We cleaned it up in one whole day and it costed them nothing. Zero Zilch! I know alot of you had seen I am Legend. Basically thats what it looked like everyone just left their houses and left them deserted. It was way way sad! But These people are so strong and doing so good. Elder Hardwick and me talked and he said that these peoples hearts have softened so much. So awesome! :) They are teaching them. The Church had 400 Volunteers from all over the nation up there when we were there. I got to see people from all of my areas there. It was way cool. :) We all broke into groups and hit the ground running! :) Basically every house was a referral for the elders there. When I was there we had done like 100 houses that weekend. Our team did four.
I sat our missionaries down and opened up zions camp in the doctrine and covenants and talked with them about these being our zions camp and how awesome opportunity we have. It was just wonderful. Another testament to me of the pure love of christ and the truthfulness of the gospel! :)
I have never been this soar before. Man! Wow every part of my body just aches and when we got in last night I laid on the couch and did not wake up til 10 am. Good thing its pday today :)
Tomorrow we have interviews starting from president. On thursday we have another meeting with the new missionaries and their trainers. Us and President will be able to instruct them. It will be good. Then the beginning of next week we head up to sheridan for three days and the week after that we head to rapid again for ZLC. It never stops. I long for the days that I am a normal missionary.
It has been way great though. I am so grateful for my package mom. That is so cool. I have never seen that before. Its awesome!
I cant believe my brother in thirty years old. I cant believe I am almost 21! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has a letter coming and a card. DOnt let him worry! :) I was sitting on a step in minot and one of the young men came up and was like man you have a ton of gray hair. uh oh! Since it was crazy conditions up their I didnt shave and this morning I had my full beard again. :)
I have never heard of a sister mcray. the only one I know was the one in my MTC district.
I love all of you so much.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
I have never been so tired in my life you ready for this..... Monday- Pday Tuesday- District Meeting, District Leader Meeting, A.P. Bridge Call Wednesday- District Meeting and Weekly Planning, Wednesday Night- 40 missionaries from casper and gillette zones stayed in gillette and we had to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable. Thursday Morning off to Rapid City for Tri-Zone. Right after tri zone we met our Caravan in Spearfish, SD in between rapid and gillette. and headed straight up to MINOT, ND it is a 9 hour trip to minot. We went through three states and two time zones but we arrived at 3 am in Minot and we crashed hard but to wake up and 6 am and get some breakfast and head out to work. We were in minot from Friday morning from 3 am to Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. We arrived back in Gillette at Midnight sunday night. We had to correlate all the zones numbers from a cram packed car in between cell service and good spots. I will kinda break all of that down..
Tri-Zone- It was so awesome. Elder Bruce D. Porter of the 1st Quorm of 70 is just amazing. He has a kidney deficiancy and has basically zero imunity and no one could touch him shake his hand, hug him nothing. So it was kinda a bummer as soon as he was done he took off and we were not able to talk to him.. darn. But he did the coolest thing. He did a Q & A for about 70 missionaries. All we basically did was ask him doctrinal questions like deep doctrine and missionary related and he would answer them. He taught on the doctrine of christ and went through the god head like I have never heard before! He went through god the father and all of his names and his orgins and everything and christ and why it had to be him and all of his names and what they mean and then finished up with all three of them together and explained more of their purpose and why its related to us. It was a spiritual feast. Tri Zone was awesome. I got to see Elder Hastings again. Havent seen him since he left wright. It was way fun though.
Minot- Honestly it was the hardest work I have ever done. I have sent some pics and basically what happened is imagine if our house was under water and everything in it got soaked and was water logged and the whole house had to be gutted. Thats what is happening in minot. We had to clean out sewer systems, carry out everyones lives basically and toss it into a huge trash pile outside so that a trash guy can come and scoop it up. Most of the piles were about ten feet high with debree. We even had to take down sheet rock, insulation roofs, some stairs, all of the kitchens. The only thing that was left was the studs. Everyone has to start at square one. Some of these houses that people pay people to help them do they charge about 16,000 dollars to clean it up. We cleaned it up in one whole day and it costed them nothing. Zero Zilch! I know alot of you had seen I am Legend. Basically thats what it looked like everyone just left their houses and left them deserted. It was way way sad! But These people are so strong and doing so good. Elder Hardwick and me talked and he said that these peoples hearts have softened so much. So awesome! :) They are teaching them. The Church had 400 Volunteers from all over the nation up there when we were there. I got to see people from all of my areas there. It was way cool. :) We all broke into groups and hit the ground running! :) Basically every house was a referral for the elders there. When I was there we had done like 100 houses that weekend. Our team did four.
I sat our missionaries down and opened up zions camp in the doctrine and covenants and talked with them about these being our zions camp and how awesome opportunity we have. It was just wonderful. Another testament to me of the pure love of christ and the truthfulness of the gospel! :)
I have never been this soar before. Man! Wow every part of my body just aches and when we got in last night I laid on the couch and did not wake up til 10 am. Good thing its pday today :)
Tomorrow we have interviews starting from president. On thursday we have another meeting with the new missionaries and their trainers. Us and President will be able to instruct them. It will be good. Then the beginning of next week we head up to sheridan for three days and the week after that we head to rapid again for ZLC. It never stops. I long for the days that I am a normal missionary.
It has been way great though. I am so grateful for my package mom. That is so cool. I have never seen that before. Its awesome!
I cant believe my brother in thirty years old. I cant believe I am almost 21! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has a letter coming and a card. DOnt let him worry! :) I was sitting on a step in minot and one of the young men came up and was like man you have a ton of gray hair. uh oh! Since it was crazy conditions up their I didnt shave and this morning I had my full beard again. :)
I have never heard of a sister mcray. the only one I know was the one in my MTC district.
I love all of you so much.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Monday, August 8, 2011
Email 8.8.11
Chello Mi Familia,
Well holy moly! The story that I sent you is in the church news!! Elder Barkers mom sent him a copy of the church news and it is a whole page spread "The work rolls on in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission" Cool Huh?! But yeah, some crazy conditions up there in minot and guess who gets to go on Thursday Afternoon! :) Elder Rudd & Elder Barker are on their way up to Minot, ND to help with the horrible flooding. So as the article said its about 119 in those houses its going to be super humid and super hot. But we are excited for the experience to be there in minot and to help all those who stand in need of help. Only about 375 of the people had flood insurance and their is about 4000 houses that were damaged. So sad. But guess who was first on the seen and the biggest force in Minot. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! So Cool! I love to be able to help!!
So I had an awesome experience yesterday. In sacrament we confirmed Demy Lyons since she was baptized yesterday. Then I got to pass the sacrament and then I got to ordain adrian to the aaronic priesthood! It was a powerhouse priesthood day!! :) SO awesome!! I loved it. I am so excited. SPeaking of adrian. You know how we have a Rudd plaque that says families can be together forever or whatever can you make one for the Munoz family and send it to me por favor, if not its okay but I was just wondering and if anyone would like to. Also, scriptures if anyone wants to do that too, the three of them need scriptures like the bonded leather ones are pretty cheap, I know everyone always asks me but I am just throwing out some ideas. If anyone wants to. But adrians ordination was so cool. I loved it. It was such a powerhouse circle. It was me, elder barker, bishop, president tew. It was so awesome. :) I am so happy.
By the way the demy who got baptized on saturday. We met with her on tuesday me and bishop and she asked us a question "what happens if I am in love with a missionary?" She hardly knew barker so we thought it was me and we were like dangit! But now we find out its barker. YAY!! :) But she got baptized for the right reasons! DOnt worry. But yeah. its pretty dang funny.
This thursday 40 missionaries will be in Gillette staying the night! The whole casper zone and the whole gillette zone will be staying in gillette. We will all wake up and head to rapid at about 6:30 in the morning. So we will have about a ten car convoy driving to rapid city its going to be sweet and we will be leading the convoy! Oh yeah! :) But the funniest thing is that we will be driving right through Sturgis. Sturgis MotorCycle Rally is the biggest rally in the world. Sturgis is a town of about 5,000 people and it is invaded by 500,000 people every year. Its so funny. Its so crazy and wild that we have to pull our missionaries from Sturgis and Spearfish and put them in Rapid. So its pretty funny. But insane! But we will be driving through the heart of the lion!! :) Even Gillette is pretty bad, its pretty close to rapid and all of that.
It will be a really fun Tri-Zone conference! Yay! It will be my last one! THAT IS SO WEIRD! Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy will be there and we will be instructed by him and then next month ELDER RUSSEL M. NELSON will be here!! SO cool. We are being so blessed. Its just awesome. I cant wait to be there with everyone. I love this gospel so much! :)
I got like the coolest call yesterday! DO you remember Clair Bourke in Sheridan? She was like my favorite in sheridan. Me and Elder Barker were building some shelves for a lady in the ward and we got this call I answered it and she said elder rudd its clair! I freaked! Its so cool. So she moved back to sheridan and she was like well I decided to go on a mission!!! SHe is a single lady about 35 and she decided to go on a mission! How cool is that!!!She is so pumped. So next monday we are heading up to sheridan for district meeting and all that jazz. SO we are going to meet up and go to lunch. I taught her daughter in casper and her daughter just had a baby and her daughter isnt a member yet.. she wants me and some former elders to help bless the baby. Holy buckets I love being a missionary! Its such a party!! I never want to go home. :)
Wow, I am with you mom. Lets all move to Wyoming. Its great. Ya'll will love it! I promise. I cant wait to show you all of my kingdom. I think when I come back and see all the people I am not going to like it. But lets all move out to wyoming Yeah! :)
I know this church is true with all my heart. I want to share a simple testimony. I know its true. I know the book of mormon is the word of god. I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that he did Restore this church by the power of god. I know thatMy savior jesus christ lives. We have all of these things and so much more because... Heavenly Father wants us to be happy! So...BE HAPPY! You are a member of the lords true church. I love you all so much!!
I love you.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
Well holy moly! The story that I sent you is in the church news!! Elder Barkers mom sent him a copy of the church news and it is a whole page spread "The work rolls on in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission" Cool Huh?! But yeah, some crazy conditions up there in minot and guess who gets to go on Thursday Afternoon! :) Elder Rudd & Elder Barker are on their way up to Minot, ND to help with the horrible flooding. So as the article said its about 119 in those houses its going to be super humid and super hot. But we are excited for the experience to be there in minot and to help all those who stand in need of help. Only about 375 of the people had flood insurance and their is about 4000 houses that were damaged. So sad. But guess who was first on the seen and the biggest force in Minot. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! So Cool! I love to be able to help!!
So I had an awesome experience yesterday. In sacrament we confirmed Demy Lyons since she was baptized yesterday. Then I got to pass the sacrament and then I got to ordain adrian to the aaronic priesthood! It was a powerhouse priesthood day!! :) SO awesome!! I loved it. I am so excited. SPeaking of adrian. You know how we have a Rudd plaque that says families can be together forever or whatever can you make one for the Munoz family and send it to me por favor, if not its okay but I was just wondering and if anyone would like to. Also, scriptures if anyone wants to do that too, the three of them need scriptures like the bonded leather ones are pretty cheap, I know everyone always asks me but I am just throwing out some ideas. If anyone wants to. But adrians ordination was so cool. I loved it. It was such a powerhouse circle. It was me, elder barker, bishop, president tew. It was so awesome. :) I am so happy.
By the way the demy who got baptized on saturday. We met with her on tuesday me and bishop and she asked us a question "what happens if I am in love with a missionary?" She hardly knew barker so we thought it was me and we were like dangit! But now we find out its barker. YAY!! :) But she got baptized for the right reasons! DOnt worry. But yeah. its pretty dang funny.
This thursday 40 missionaries will be in Gillette staying the night! The whole casper zone and the whole gillette zone will be staying in gillette. We will all wake up and head to rapid at about 6:30 in the morning. So we will have about a ten car convoy driving to rapid city its going to be sweet and we will be leading the convoy! Oh yeah! :) But the funniest thing is that we will be driving right through Sturgis. Sturgis MotorCycle Rally is the biggest rally in the world. Sturgis is a town of about 5,000 people and it is invaded by 500,000 people every year. Its so funny. Its so crazy and wild that we have to pull our missionaries from Sturgis and Spearfish and put them in Rapid. So its pretty funny. But insane! But we will be driving through the heart of the lion!! :) Even Gillette is pretty bad, its pretty close to rapid and all of that.
It will be a really fun Tri-Zone conference! Yay! It will be my last one! THAT IS SO WEIRD! Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy will be there and we will be instructed by him and then next month ELDER RUSSEL M. NELSON will be here!! SO cool. We are being so blessed. Its just awesome. I cant wait to be there with everyone. I love this gospel so much! :)
I got like the coolest call yesterday! DO you remember Clair Bourke in Sheridan? She was like my favorite in sheridan. Me and Elder Barker were building some shelves for a lady in the ward and we got this call I answered it and she said elder rudd its clair! I freaked! Its so cool. So she moved back to sheridan and she was like well I decided to go on a mission!!! SHe is a single lady about 35 and she decided to go on a mission! How cool is that!!!She is so pumped. So next monday we are heading up to sheridan for district meeting and all that jazz. SO we are going to meet up and go to lunch. I taught her daughter in casper and her daughter just had a baby and her daughter isnt a member yet.. she wants me and some former elders to help bless the baby. Holy buckets I love being a missionary! Its such a party!! I never want to go home. :)
Wow, I am with you mom. Lets all move to Wyoming. Its great. Ya'll will love it! I promise. I cant wait to show you all of my kingdom. I think when I come back and see all the people I am not going to like it. But lets all move out to wyoming Yeah! :)
I know this church is true with all my heart. I want to share a simple testimony. I know its true. I know the book of mormon is the word of god. I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that he did Restore this church by the power of god. I know thatMy savior jesus christ lives. We have all of these things and so much more because... Heavenly Father wants us to be happy! So...BE HAPPY! You are a member of the lords true church. I love you all so much!!
I love you.
Love,
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Elder Michael Corey Rudd
Zone Leader, Gillette Zone
South Dakota Rapid City Mission
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