December 8, 2014

Transfer 12: Week 1

This past week so much has gone on I don't know if I will be able to write it all down.  If I can't please stay tuned for next week's email (by then i will forget).  

First off, big deal.  I TRANSFERED!!!  Wooo.  Actually I really loved my last area so I'm a little bummed.  But, I love this new area too and I am super stoked to work with my new companion Elder Kemp.  We are working in a place called Takasu, which is a little West of main Hiroshima.  I have always wanted to go to Hiroshima, so I am super excited.  It is a lot colder here, though, so that will take some getting used to.  But the Ward is super nice and although it's small (about 30 people) our church building is the stake center.  Maybe we can start to build up the area so our church building is filled up again.  Elder Kemp is super buff and could probably crush my head between his fingers.  However, he is super nice and between the faith of the two of us I think we will learn a lot and see many miracles.  

In fact we saw one on Sunday.  I have been told multiple times on my mission that nihonjin don't understand the Atonement so we need to wait to explain it to them (because they won't understand).  However, I have taught it on the street multiple times and last Sunday we saw a huge miracle.  We talked to this guy who didn't seem all that interested but listened.  He told us he had talked to missionaries before but didn't know much about the church or anything.  Well, we felt prompted to teach about the Atonement and told him how Christ had felt the pains and sins of everyone in the world.  We told him everyone who lives now, everyone who has ever lived, and everyone who will ever lived, Christ could feel their pains and their sufferings.  He could feel their sins, their mistakes, their failures and their weakness.  He knows all of us perfectly.  And more than that, Jesus Christ took that all away, so if we use Him, and His Atonement, we don't have to feel any of those things anymore.  When I asked him what it would mean to him if that was true, he didn't respond.  I waited, thinking maybe he didn't understand the question or didn't have enough interest to care or something.  But as we waited and watched, the man started sniffling and his lip quivered a little.  "okay, it's cold, that's reasonable".  But I soon came to understand, hecouldn't respond.  We never got an answer to the question, but as we testified to the truth of the Atonement we could tell it was affecting him and the Spirit came in strong.  He was busy this week (he spent a few minutes looking through his work schedule trying to find a time to meet; PS nobody does that) but in the end we just settled on calling him next Sunday to set up an appointment.  He was super cool and I was so happy we were able to be in tune enough with the Spirit to be able to have that opportunity to change his life.  We don't know what will happen or if he will be able to continue to learn but I really hope he will be able to come and feel the power of the Atonement at this time in his life.  

Next, yes, we had an awesome Thanksgiving dinner with the Koberstien's; the Couple Missionaries in Kumamoto.  They were very gracious in allowing us and some of our investigators to come and eat in their home.  It was very traditional and we had a ton of food.  I was very happy.  

Then, yesterday, we had a special training by a Brother Heaton, who is a administrator in the MTC.  He is also doing a lot of training in Japan and decided to come to our mission especially because his daughter (Sister Heaton) just finished serving her mission here.  What's more, he served in the Fukuoka mission 40 years ago and actually served in Yanai (my favorite area) too.  It was only one day, so Honbu brought everyone in the mission (except Okinawa) to Fukuoka.  Practically the WHOLE mission.  There were around 200ish missionaries all in the Fukuoka church building (overall around 240 missionaries in the Japan Fukuoka Mission right now).  It was huge.  And crowded.  

It was super good.  He talked about success as missionaries and how people's hearts are changed.  He focused a lot on how it isn't our work, or our gathering of Israel, but God's work.  He will bring it to pass no matter what, but in His own way and time.  

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be serving right now.  It is such an awesome experience.  The mission is too short and I am trying really hard to be careful not to waste any more time.  I want to help people to come to understand the power of the Atonement and help someone change their life.  

Thanks so much.  I love you guys.  If Grandma or someone wants to send me anything, I would love some warm socks, my feet are freezing.  

Sorry I can't send any photos (no time).  Will send next week.  Love you,

Elder Lee

November 24, 2014

Transfer 11 Week 5

Last week I was trying really hard to follow the promptings and guidance of the Spirit.  I have had to learn to put my thoughts and feelings aside and try and learn what Heavenly Father wants me to do.  It has really helped.  

Despite that we didn`t see any big miracles in our area last week.  The only thing that changed was that one of our investigators, Akiyama-san, now has a Baptismal Date and is working to be baptized on 12/25.  It would be super cool to have a Christmas baptism.  He has had some sort of cancer which makes it very hard for him to talk (I think they took out part of his throat).  But he understands most of what we teach him and he reads the Book of Mormon.  He is really great to work with.  

We went to Yatsushiro to do companion exchange with the elders down there who are in my District.  It was awesome.  We saw lots of miracles and through following the Holy Ghost we were able to open people`s hearts.  I have specifically grown to love Family History dendo.  I don`t know a ton about my Family History, but I know that talking about it to people really opens their hearts.  We talked to many people who replied they were Buddhist.  I told them that`s fine, we want to talk about Family History work.  We had some great conversations with people.  On the way home we saw two really cool miracles.  The first has nothing to do with Fam. Hist. but is really cool.  We were walking home and I saw this orange house from the top of the bridge.  I like orange, so I said, "let`s go house that orange house".  Turns out it was a Doggie Salon.  But in the house next to it there was this really awesome guy who we talked about Baptism with. He said he wanted that and we set up a return appointment for Thursday.  

The second was a guy who told us immediately he was Buddhist.  That was my que for Family History.  But before I got my pedigree chart (which I use a lot by the way; fan charts rule), my companion (Bowler Choro) pulled out his MyFamily pamphlet and started showing that to the guy.  Then we talked about eternal families and how through Family History work we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father.  Then he asked a question I never thought I would ever hear a Nihonjin say.  "Even if I am Baptized, what about all my ancestors and dead people?  What happens to them?"  That stunned me so much.  I immediately brought out my picture of the temple and said, "that`s why we have these."  It was way awesome and I know it was led by the Spirit 100%.  If the Lord hadn`t told me to use Family History as a resource for dendo, that man wouldn`t have drawn closer unto Christ.  But I know he was prepared.  And because we were prepared and we were using all the resources at our disposal, the Holy Ghost touched his heart.  It was one of the many miracles I`ve seen on my mission.  When we give everything to the Lord and let him guide us, we see miracles.  

Today we had an awesome Zone P-day.  Our whole zone (about 24 people) came and we played games and made takoyaki pancakes (and regular pancakes).  If you don`t know what takoyaki is, look it up.  Had a fun time.  Can`t believe so many people are dying.  There are 4 members of our zone going home next transfer and one of them is in my doki (the people who came to Japan with me).  It is kind of sad.  

Talk to you next week, Love you.  

Elder Lee

November 17, 2014

Transfer 11  Week 4

HHeelloo..  This past week we worked really hard to get people to come to our Open House.  We made over a thousand fliers and just handed them out to EVERYBODY.  In the end we got ten non-members to come.  It was awesome.  Almost none of them were from our efforts though.  5-6 of them came from members.  One of them is a doctor (friend of a member doctor) and we should be able to start meeting with him soon.  He was super cool.  When he was ten he met the missionaries and he still remembers it.  He was super interested in the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ.  

In the past couple of weeks with Bevan choro we have been able to increase our teaching pool and I think we should be able to start teaching more people.  Last week we got to teach five lessons which was super awesome.  I have also been called to a remembrance that I need to put my opinions away and follow the Spirit more.  When we are calm, patient and led by the Holy Ghost, we can bring to pass more than we could ever do on our own.  

Recently Anderson choro (my last comp.) sent me back a flash drive with a bunch of talks he has.  It`s super awesome and the talks are really inspiring.  They help me understand more how to be a better missionary and give me the motivation to do it.  

We have some big goals for this coming transfer.  For Thanksgiving the mission has a challenge from Kaicho to have 2 BD each.  That means we have to work our butts off to find the prepared people in our area and invite them to Baptism quickly.  We also have a challenge to get 250 people to Sacrament Meeting on 12/7.  We have done this challenge once before in September.  The goal was 200 and we got 213.  Before that the highest ever for the mission was like 80 something.  We are really seeing lots of miracles in our mission right now and I know if we really push for this goal we will really inspire the members here.  I think the most important thing in getting Japan to hasten the work is getting the members dendo fire.  I think this will really help.  We also want to get 2 baptisms per companionship around Christmas.  It`s rather tough, but I think the Lord has prepared us to get this done.  

One last thing I learned.  If we really want to serve the Lord, we need to do it consistently everyday, not just when we feel like it.  Or like if we push really hard sometimes and say, "oh I worked hard, so I get a break".  The Lord needs us all the time, anytime we are needed.  

Loving it out here in Kumamoto.  Love you, hope you are well.  

Iain 

Elder Lee

November 9, 2014

Transfer 11, Week 3

This past week I think our faith really has shown and we have found more people to teach.  We have found many teaching opportunities on the street and some new investigators as well.  I am super excited to continue to be led by the Spirit to find people prepared to hear our message.  

Other than that we didn`t do a bunch last week.  Nothing interesting at least.  This Saturday we have an Open House that we are planning and preparing for that I think will be awesome.  Hopefully the members will come and bring lots of non-members with them.  

Our mission President has really been trying to get us to do Family History Dendo which I think is a great idea.  So far everytime I have tried it is has led to a good experience.  I really want to get into Family History when I get home because I think it would be a great tool in hastening the work on both sides.  It can help re-activate, keep new members active and introduce new members.  Not to mention it helps the dead.  It`s a win-win-win situation.  I wish I knew more, but I guess I will have to wait a little while `till I can do anything about that.  

Also, I set some mission goals.  I really wish I had set some earlier, but I am glad that even late is better than never.  They are really helpful for my Spiritual progress as well as giving me a direction for where I want to go and what I want to become on my mission.  It`s been such a great opportunity for change; I love it.  

Sorry I didn't write more.  Love you, have a good week.  

Iain

Elder Lee

Trying on Kimonos

My English Class

September 15, 2014

Transfer 10, Week 1

So last week was transfer week although, surprise surprise, nothing happened.  I think I already informed you, but one of the Zone Leaders in my apartment changed.  It was sad to see him go, but I love the new one, so it`s all good.  It`s funny, though, because the old Zone Leader`s were together for 4 transfers (like 6 months) so they had a really good relationship.  But now the one who stayed is all like depressed and not himself.  I`m sure he`ll get over it, but separating after 6 months must be hard.  I feel kind of bad, because I`ve never felt like that after losing a companion (I just don`t have that kind of love I guess )-: ).  

No, you haven`t sent me any toothpaste.  We prepared sufficiently before I left.  What`s funny is that I looked through it again and I only have four left.  I started with eight and have used four, which means my calculations were right on track (woohoo).  I can always take peanut butter and graham crackers, but I really am trying to cut down on sugar, so don`t tempt me.  You could send me honey bunches of oats if you want, I eat cereal here, so that would be consumed fast.  Other than that I can`t really think of anything I need or could use (and I don`t want anything that I can`t use or carry around with me).  Maybe some more socks (those nice ones that I may or may not have accidentally thrown away in an attempt to be more tidy.  If you don`t remember that`s cool too.  yeah.  Sorry, but I love you.  

The zoo was cool.  The zoos in Japan are smaller (obviously because they don`t really have land here) so the animals seem really  bored.  But other than that there pretty much the same.  They have a few monkies and bears that are unique to asia, but no pandas.  Yeah.  But it`s fun.  

We got to go to the temple on Saturday.  That was the highlight of the week.  It was great to remind myself of the covenants I`ve made and be able to feel the Spirit so strongly.  I honestly forgot how much I love the temple and when I get home I want to go a lot.  However, on my mission if I don`t get to go again, I`ll be fine.  I need to focus on this work anyways.  I just keep thinking that going through the temple when you`re married must have so much more meaning.  

We weren`t really able to meet with any of our investigators this week, which was a bummer.  But we did get to meet with a former Investigator.  He has met with missionaries quite a few times now and is hardcore Buddhist.  His sect is called Nichirenshu.  Essentially, in Japan you have three kinds of Buddhists.  1.The people who say they are Buddhist but don`t really believe it and don`t really do anything about it.  2.SGI which is a newer branch and has actually been growing lately.  They believe in almost all of the same stuff, but they have a leader, Ikeda sensei, who they listen to and tells them what to do.  They actively proselyte and try to bring people into their religion.  They are very stubborn and reject our message very quickly.  3. Nichirenshu are the strong believers and requires some effort and studies.  Pretty much all the people who are not SGI and care about Buddhism are in this sect.  Very devout and very philosophical.  They think things through very logically and don`t accept anything unless it has evidence of some sort.  

The former Investigator we met with was of the last sect and he and some of his colleagues came to discuss doctrine with us.  He wanted to hear our opinion on some things like, "if there is an all knowing and powerful God who loves us, why does He create things like the Wilconson (some virus that`s killing people in Africa; I have no idea what he was talking about but apparently it`s recent) that kills people and makes them suffer?" and "how could we claim to be the true church when everyone else is too and we don`t have evidence of Joseph Smith`s vision."  Stuff like that.  It was fun but I don`t think it went anywhere.  Got to bear my testimony though, that was good.  He wouldn`t accept any of our evidence that the Book of Mormon is true or any other stuff, so that was frustrating.  If people`s hearts aren`t open though, there`s nothing you can do.  

Other than that, lots of finding.  I still have the desire to work and talk to people, so at least we`re trying to go somewhere. 

Love you guys.  Sounds like you`re having fun.  

Love you, 

Iain 

Elder Lee

July 21, 2014

Transfer 8, Week 5

Hey, guess what?  I went to a freakin' castle today!!!  Yeah!! Woooooo!  Okay I'm done.  But seriously the castle was the coolest thing I have gotten to do in Japan.  We went by bus (because it was faster than bike) and found out about a 1day bus pass for $7.  So we took it and it saved us a dollar on admission to the castle too (usually $5).  It was super cool; when we come back we will definitely have to check it out (a lot of it's wheelchair accesible, because it's Japan).  Then we ate lunch at the shotengai (a big outdoor mall thing) and took the bus back.  It was super fun and the best P-day we have had here so far (maybe the best in my mission).

  

If you want, you can find out a bunch of info on the castle.  It was a big battle during what's called the Seinan Civil War.  It was pretty much a rebellion from the Samuri during the 1800's (about American Civil War era).  The Last Samuri movie takes place in that war and part of it was filmed in or around Kumamoto Castle (I definitely want to see that again when I get back).  I'll send some photos after.  

Well, we found a pretty good investigator who has thought a lot about God and stuff, but he says he can't understand the Book of Mormon that we gave him because he doesn't understand God.  We tried to explain God to him but he won't pray, so he might be stuck because of lack of trust or willingness to act.  If so it would be really frustrating if he stays there, because he has such great questions and the gospel would help him so much.  He is 70, but he plays baseball and tennis once a week and ceramics once a week and a whole bunch of other activities to keep him busy.  The gospel would give him what he's so obviously looking for in life.  

We also met some super cool guys last night who will hopefully become investigators eventually.  I love doing this because we get to meet so many interesting and cool people.  

So next week if transfer week (surprise surprise, I know it comes so fast, right?).  I am pretty sure I am staying, because Kaicho wouldn't send me after only one transfer twice in a row (I hope).  Part of the reason we came was to firm up relationships with the ward and I feel like we've done pretty well.  But if we leave now it will amount to nothing and I think Kaicho knows that.  Or he thinks we're needed elsewhere and we'll go.  

As far as a package goes, I would like some more deodorant and some more shampoo would be nice.  Otherwise I have a hankering for graham crackers, but don't worry too much about that.  

Love you guys, hope you have a good week.  

Love,

Iain

Elder Lee

In front of Kumamoto Castle

Beautiful screens

View from the top of the castle

My companion and I at the top of the castle

Me as a samuri

Our delicious dinner

July 14, 2014

Transfer 8, Week 4

Hey, how's it going?  Not much here.  Apparently it hasn't been as hot as usual or as rainy as usual, so people are worried there is going to be a big burst of rain.  That or the whole rainy season is delayed. 

The Typhoon was a bust.  Absolutely nothing happened! (it turned from Kumamoto down South or something and then died).  So after a usual planning session we went out and dendo-ed like we usually do. 

So far we haven't really found any investigators yet, but in the past week we have really made our goals bigger and been able to find some new people.  Goals are super important in progressing as a missionary and really in anything.  Lately I haven't really worked as hard as I could in Language Study time, but I decided that I want to be able to translate in Sacrament Meeting which will mean I have to work a lot harder and get a lot better at Japanese.  But with that goal I think I will be able to improve my Japanese a lot. 

We have been able to make some good friendships in the ward and I think we can work with members more from here on out.  We got to meet with the Bishop last Friday and it was really good.  He said he really appreciated how we went around and shook hands and introduced ourselves before church and sacrament meeting.  He said his parents really enjoyed it and asked us to continue.  I have found that on Sunday, more than any other day, you have to be super pro-active.  It is a great opportunity to build your reputation as a missionary (something that is very necessary in hastening God's work) and building good relationships with everybody.  I have now been able to learn most of the members names and by the end of the transfer I think the opposite will be true as well.  One great thing I have noticed is although I don't really like to talk to people and am not all that good at Japanese or small talk, Heavenly Father has really given me the gift of tongues and the ability to make friends.  My mind has been hastened and I have found ideas that I could never have thought of on my own.  I am so grateful to see His hand so powerfully in my life. 

I have also discovered that members want to be involved in dendo.  More than that they want to help the missionaries.  This means that instead of trying not to annoy them, I have realized I need to start looking for ways to involve them, or ask for their help. 

I had two very American missionary like experiences in the past couple of days.  The first is when we were riding our bikes and tried to stop a guy who promptly told us to "shut up" in English.  We rode off and when we stopped at a light my companion and I looked at each other and were like, "did he just say shut up in English?".  It was super funny.  I have never had that happen before. 

The next was the same day on our way home.  We were stopping at a light and I smiled to this guy as we passed him on our way through the intersection and I thought he smiled back.  I got a feeling we should stop and talk to him so we waited until he came through the intersection after us.  As I tried to start talking to him, I looked away for one second and he rammed me with his bike (he wasn't riding it, just walking beside it).  It didn't hurt, but it was so unexpected that I jumped.  Then he started yelling at us all super mad.  I had never had this happen before (people have gotten mad at me before, but not enough to hit me).  We promptly got on our bikes and rode off before he could hit me again.

Moral of the story is people get really angry at us for no good reason no matter where you are in the world.  

Love you guys and hope you have a good week. 

Iain

Elder Lee 

PS I would also like to onegai you for something (ask a favor=onegai shimasu).  Could you each send me your testimony with an experience you have had in which you testimony was strengthened?  I would really appreciate that.