It was something we learned on one of our first days here, that our purpose is to invite others to Christ, and that the "others" meant everyone. Every single person with which we come into contact. Which means, not just people who are investigators, not just people who haven't heard about Christ before, but everyone, which includes myself, my companion, other missionaries, our teachers, and even other church members. Which is such a great responsibility.
We had to say goodbye to the Nihonjin this week. On Sunday, we held a Sacrament Meeting, as usual, and they all sang for us. As soon as the piano began playing, I was in tears. I knew what song it was, and it's one I've wanted to hear since coming here. It was the EFY Medley, "As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth" in Japanese. By the end of the song, everyone else was also crying, especially the ones singing the song. It is now a powerful memory to have, especially because I could see the conviction in their eyes. They knew that the words they were singing were true, and they knew what they are here to do. I may never see those Nihonjin again, because none of them are in my mission. But, I know that they are already amazing missionaries. It's also interesting, we have new missionaries in our zone now, from America and New Zealand and Australia. They are a bright-looking bunch. It has occurred to me that our district is now where our senpai were when we arrived here at the MTC. We will receive another group of Nihonjin next week, and then twelve days after that, will be leaving with them to make the journey to Japan. Yesterday, we spoke to a Nihonjin over skype! It was the best TRC ever. Her camera wasn't working, but we were still able to teach a lesson. She's a member, and has been for over 30 years! She was so nice, and she said we were so cute. ^^ I love it when Nihonjin call me cute. The Nihonjin shimai (sisters) would always do that. Funny story! I keep meeting these teachers who know my cousin who's in Japan right now. We have the same last name, so it's great. I'm so excited. Another funny thing happened today. Our district went to the temple together this morning, and when we came out, and were about to head back to the MTC together, we heard someone call, "Viana Choro!" We all looked. It was Cook-Kyodai! Our teacher! Today is P-day, so we hadn't expected to see him today, but there he was at the temple. He was going with other members in his ward. We took a picture together in front of the temple. :) Really great! Oh, we hosted again yesterday, helping those missionaries who are new to the MTC. That was such fun. I hosted someone going to MISSOURI KANSAS CITY MISSION! :D Hooray! I popped into her class as I dropped her off and announced that that's where I'm from. The teacher in the class asked where I was headed, and I told him the I was going to Japan. "Oh. How long've you been here?" he asked. "Six weeks," I replied. He then asked me, "Would you please explain to these missionaries that they have no right to complain about being here for just a week and a half?" Haha, I thought that was fun. I made an angry face, and stared them down as I walked to the front of the room. I can't remember what I said with the angry face. Probably to the effect of, "don't you dare." And then I added, with a smile on my face, "I love the MTC so much! It's such a wonderful place." I hope they liked that. A bit of humor on their first day. ^^ At least they won't get flustered with learning a new language. ^^ We made a realization yesterday, because one of our investigators is really progressing, but the other one is not yet. Our teacher discussed that with us yesterday. I learned a lot. Why doctrine is important. Why we teach doctrine. There are of course a few reasons. One of them being "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."-President Boyd K. Packer Also, "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children) then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part." --Bible Dictionary "Prayer" Well, I love you all. Thanks again! Love, Blake 姉妹 愛していますよ!I love you! part. Comments are closed.
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January 2019
Sister Blake
"You are hereby called to serve in the Japan Tokyo South Mission." Categories |