Final images

Elder Gish's mother here: I do not have the words to adequately cannot express my gratitude for the wonderful and loving people of New Zealand who cared for, fed and loved Chase; for the many companions -- especially and extraordinary trainer -- who taught and led with Chase; for the inspiring, loving leadership and influence of President and Sister Rudd; for the support and love of our family and friends back throughout the world; and for our Savior Jesus Christ and His guidance and protection over Chase as he served Him these last two years.

These Past Two Years

Kia Ora my whanau!

Okay so this could be it! THE FINAL EMAIL.  I am not sure if I will get time to email next week. I honestly can't believe this is it. My last email.

My mission has honestly been the best thing that I have ever done so far in my life. The things I have learned are so precious to me. Being allowed to grow, while forgetting about myself, and focusing on helping others has been such an amazing blessing to me. 

I have so much that I could say about these past two years. If I could say a few things about it though, it's taught me lifelong lessons. Things that I used to just believe in, became solidified in my heart. 

Before my Mission I didn't know if I was going to be handle it, cause my heart wasn't really in it. But I had an amazing trainer, who really wanted me to know for sure. My heart and knowledge of the truthfulness of the Church, and the knowledge of Christ being an actual risen and living being became so real and so solidified in me. 

The Prophet Joseph Smith truly restored the Gospel to the Earth. He saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. They truly did call him to be a Prophet in these last days, as prophets have been called in times of old. By the power of God Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon to the convincing of men that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph was Called of God. 

The Book of Mormon has become such a treasure to me. There was one day in particular that changed my life with that book. I had been out about 2 months and had my testimony totally shattered that I was thinking of going home. But just before I left to go on my mission my older brother Sam gave me a Book of Mormon (that I still have) that had his testimony in it. And as I sat in my room crying, the book fell on my bed and opened to that page open. Which was weird because his testimony was in the back. But as I read it, the feeling I had was so indescribable but I knew that if i studied it diligently that this would never happen again, and it hasn't. The words in The Book of Mormon can change our lives. I know, and am so grateful for the Knowledge of families being together forever. That this life is not the end, that we can see and be with our families forever! How great is that!!

This mission has truly been an amazing gift. I heard a quote the other day. "The key to happiness is learning to be selfless." I know that this is so true. I believe that's why a mission is such a happy time in our life. Because all we do is serve others. Anyone that hasn't done this yet, please serve a mission. It is amazing!

Love you all!

-Elder Gish 

SEE YOU SOON!!!!

Asking Simple Heart Filled Questions

Kia Ora Whanau, Tena koe e hoa!

I am so sorry I haven't done a weekly update for ages! But here you go!!

So this has been quite the great week. We had a Mission Conference, where we learned that as missionaries world-wide Door-to-Door knocking and tracting has just about been eliminated. We were told if we tract more then 1 hour a week, our Mission President would be upset with us. So we were thinking, we just have to work with members heaps. I cant wait to hear from the Older missionaries who had to tract heaps...they will sound like an Old men "We used to tract all day every day in any weather, going up hill both ways".

But Miracles have come from this. We announced that we are going to need members to step up and find friends for us to teach. An amazing member in the ward Brother P.  told us about a family he had set up and appt for us to go see. D. and J. are their names, and wow they are amazing. D. was a bit hesitant to talk with us because he has a lot of questions. But all the answers we would give just weren't cutting it for him. What happened next was amazing. I asked the question, "Do you believe God loves you?" I can testify with all the vigor in me that the Spirit instantly came and the environment changed instantly, and as he thought, tears came to his eyes. Walls were broken because of a simple question. He and his children came to church the following Sunday. 

I know that a simple heart filled question asked properly in the right spirit, walls can break and allow the Spirit to come in and work in them. 

Love you all!

-Elder Gish