Week 95: No letter this week, but news from General Conference that was a big deal for Elder Rash

Note from mom:  Elder Rash sent a very short e-mail this week.  He let me know that he is alive and busy sharing the gospel.  He didn't have much time to write so he just answered a few of my questions....not worth sharing on the blog.  BUT, there is some exciting news to share regarding his Mission President.   We love the Koch's and are so grateful for their service to the Mozambique, Maputo Mission.  They came to the mission just a few days before Ryland...Ryland's group was their FIRST group to come to them.  They were excited to send home their FIRST group that they have loved and cared for so much these last two years.  A new assignment has been issued and they will be leaving the mission on April 24th BEFORE Ryland comes home.  Pres. Koch was called to be a member of the Seventy during the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference over the weekend.  So Ryland will have a new mission president for the last month of his mission.  It is bitter sweet....we are happy and excited for the Koch's but are sad for the mission.  They have worked so hard and have accomplished so much and have been a wonderful example to the missionaries.  They will truly be missed!  Well Done Pres. and Sis. Koch!  We love you and support you in your new adventure!

New Member of the Seventy:

Elder Joni L. Koch had been serving as president of the Mozambique Maputo Mission at the time of his call.

Elder Koch received a bachelor of science degree in statistics from Brigham Young University in 1991. He received an executive MBA/Logistics from FGC/SP in 1994. During his career he has worked in senior management positions at Cargill Foods, APM Maersk Group, and most recently as the CEO of Conexão Marítima Ltda.

Elder Koch has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Brazil São Paulo North Mission, bishop, stake mission president, stake president’s counselor, stake president, Area Seventy, and president of the Mozambique Maputo Mission.

Joni Luiz Koch was born in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, on March 19, 1962. He married Liliane Michele Ludwig in April 1988. They are the parents of two children.