February 26, 2015

Leaving Medellin—He’s on his way HOME!!!

February 23, 2015

Things Jayden is looking forward to:

·       Zucchini bread

·       One of those pies that Tori makes

·       Joe Banditos pork taquitos

·       7 layer

·       Dad’s bbq ribs

Love, Elder Rucker

Catch you on the flip side

February 16, 2015 Best 2 Years Yet

Hello Mom,

This week was super good. My companion and I have been super busy. We have really helped out the area and have really been working hard. The area where I am at right now has not had a baptism in more than one year. On Saturday we are going to have a baptism. Really great missionaries have passed through this area and have prepared the people here. My companion and I are the first missionaries to arrive for the harvest after more than one year of planting. I know that my companion and I don't have too much time left together but we will make the best of it.  

I truly cannot believe I am finishing my mission. When I think that in less than two weeks I will be at home I don't believe it. But I know my time has come to an end. I have loved sharing the gospel with the people of Colombia and I have loved the opportunity  I have had to serve the Lord 24/7. I know  my life is only going to get busier and busier but I do not plan on stopping my effort is sharing the gospel. I know there is much work to be done. Finishing a mission is not the end of missionary work for one, but training for the rest of one’s life. My nametag may be taken off my shirt but the letters will stay engraved in my heart. “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.) I won’t stop working until my Savior Jesus Christ tells me "Your work is done".

I know without a doubt there is a God and that He loves each and every one of us. We are his children. I know his son is Jesus Christ. He is the Savior and Redeemer of all who accept Him. I know  His atonement can take away any pain we feel, be it spiritual, emotional, mental or physical. I have seen his hand throughout my entire mission. I have seen the power of the Atonement. More importantly I have personally felt and seen in my own life the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement is real.

I know the Church of Jesus Christ is the only true Church. I know Joseph Smith was called as the Prophet of the Restoration and through him Christ restored his Church. I know that today there is a Prophet that leads us and guides us; his name is Thomas S. Monson. He loves and wants the best for us. The word of the modern day prophets are true. Every six months we hear their inspired messages. 

I know that the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. I love the Book of Mormon. It has the answers to the questions of the soul. I have been filled with the love of the Father and of the Son studying its words. I know that the Book of Mormon was written by Prophets, inspired by God. They wrote for me and for everyone. Their words are to help us grow and to learn. The Book of Mormon is a powerful tool of conversion. I have seen the power of this Book. The Book of Mormon has changed many lives and my life as well. I have loved being a "Book of Mormon Missionary".

I know families can be together forever. The Plan of Salvation is God’s plan for everyone us. He wants to be with us forever and for that reason has given us this plan. I know  sometimes the journey is rough. But after everything if we persevere we will be happy and we will be with our families. 

Again, I testify God the Father Lives and so does his son, Jesus Christ. Their love has no end. I know the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true Church. Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, Thomas S. Monson is his successor today. The Book of Mormon is True. Families can be eternal. I do not doubt my testimony. I will share for the rest of my life this gospel with all who will hear. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Savior, Amen.

Love, Elder Rucker

See you in a few days. Best two years yet.