Rushton Reunion

To the Rushton Family Reunion 2013

I can see you all now--resting in the bowery, paddling at the pond, maybe a little fire bowl in the evenings, kids playing, cards flying,  babies cuddled and passed around, great works of art created, and a myriad of other events that mark a great Family Reunion.  But mostly memories made, testimonies strengthened and love shared.

We find ourselves in North Carolina, hot, wet (lots of rain) and busier than we have ever been.   What brings us joy is watching the faces of all we meet and enjoying the fruits of our labors being used and utilized to teach the gospel message.  Yes --getting out to do actual missionary work does not happen for us as our mission is to focus on the behind scenes that make sure missionaries are housed, fed, and able to travel around the mission to share their gospel message.  We do have the opportunity to teach a Book of Mormon class to the new investigators and recent converts.  Many join in from the ward as well.  We love our new ward and are able to strengthen and support the missionaries efforts.  

Every skill learned as a Wife, Mother, Secretary plus more that seem to be taught as we face challenges have been useful.   Did I think I could do this mission.  NO!   Did I have to rely on my Heavenly Father for direct guidance on a myriad of tasks that come to me daily.  YES!!  And He is always there to guide, direct and carry us through.   I EVEN DRIVE IN CHARLOTTE, I WON'T DRIVE WITHOUT A NAVIGATOR BUT I DRIVE ALL OVER THE PLACE.  AND IF YOU WERE DRIVING IN CHARLOTTE, YOU WOULD KNOW WHAT A BIG DEAL THIS REALLY IS.  

Isn't it amazing that a question from a 14 year old boy has brought about the greatest change in religion.  A change that can be made as each of us learn to know what he found to be true in the Sacred Grove, the truth that our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ are real and are aware of us and want us to be a part of their eternal family.  This boy prophet brought to us the reality that His Son, our Brother, is our Savior.

As we teach the Book of Mormon class, I am continually aware that the Spirit testifies of the truths to be found therein.   We have taught it so slowly and carefully, each week we are able to testify of a truth or gospel concept that we have taught.   We are only in 2 NEPHI 30-33 (Started the first week in Jan) and because of this safe, slow work can repeat and familiarize many truths in different ways so all may learn.  As we study over and over, the Spirit continues to testify.  We have a challenge at times to  help our Baptist converts to stop only reading the Bible and get immersed in the Book of Mormon.  

So much of Isaiah's writings are about the gathering of Israel, in fact all are-I think-There has never been a time more in church's history unless it was during the preaching and teaching in England in the beginning days of our church when a modern day prophet following prophetic inspiration to make a change in policy has had such a profound effect upon all members and non-members of the church.   This changing of age for missionaries has brought about many changes.   One of which I am very glad to be a part of--The missionary force today.

My Dad has always been a missionary.  You aren't around my father very long before he knows your religion, ancestry and political affiliation.  He was born a missionary and has passed that legacy on to his posterity.  Oh how we love our Grandpa Rushton.  Who would have guessed we would have him still with us--for 95 years.  I believe he is just getting a good start on the next 95.  He so misses our mother.  He yearns to be with her again and see her as a we all remember her when she shared her angelic testimony of the truthfulness for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  
It brings a little humility to me to know that Dad and Mom served their mission just a few miles to the north of Charlotte.  I so desire to be able to share my testimony of the Savior to my childiren and grandchildren the way my mother did.  The missionary spirit has never left the Andrus home because of Grandma and Grandpa serving a mission in Virginia.  

We love you and send our testimonies through wireless miles to Hannah Utah.  We physically are not there but our thoughts, memories, and hearts are.

With much love-Ruth, Sister Andrus
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