The Light
Japan Kobe Mission: April 2001
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world." --D&C 11:28
Dear Missionaries,
I have been pleased with the your responses concerning the changes that will be taking place in the mission in July. It is so good to see everyone focused on doing the will of the Lord and the opportunities that will come to the Kansai area as a result of this. One missionary commented that we have been working so hard on being a Zion Mission for nearly two years, that the time has now come for the mission to be "taken up" just as the City of Enoch was. In our quarterly meeting with Elder Nakamura, an Area Authority Seventy for the Asia North Area, and all of the stake and district presidents within the mission, there was much discussion of the need for individual members to learn how to find people and to be more diligent in fulfilling this responsibility. Increased diligence in fulfilling missionary responsibilities is the message these wonderful leaders have taken from this coming change. I believe that we also can receive the same message.
During a recent temple recommend interview with a missionary, I asked the question, "Do you have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel in these, the latter days?" The missionary quickly and with a broad smile answered "Yes!" I've thought again and again about that question as I pondered the message I should teach in April. We know the gospel has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We know the Book of Mormon has been presented to the world as another witness of Jesus Christ. We've been called to "thrust in our sickle with our might" in the cause of the restoration. What I've come to understand is that the restoration was not an event, such as the organization of the Church on April 6, 1830. Nor was it a process, now complete, such as the coming forth of the various sections of the Doctrine and Covenants over the period from 1823, when Section 2 was received, through 1847, when Section 136 was received, or through 1978 when Official Declaration 2 was added.
As I pass people on the street, I realize that for almost every individual I see, the restoration of the gospel has yet to occur. It is true that the gospel that was once on the earth has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. But until someone shares this message with any specific individual, for him or her the gospel has not been restored. I say restored because they once knew the gospel. In the pre-earth life they knew and were valiant in fighting for Jesus Christ. Our responsibility, our privilege is to restore to them the knowledge that they once had. So for us as missionaries the work of the restoration will not be completed until someone shares the message of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel with every person within the boundaries of this mission.
D&C 58:27-28 reminds us that we should be "anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of (our) own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness. For the power is in (us), wherein (we) are agents unto (ourselves), and inasmuch as (we) do good (we) shall in nowise lose (our) reward." There are so many people and there is so little time. We must first of all be anxiously engaged ourselves. We need to have a sense of urgency for this most sacred and important work. "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38) Our first obligation is to be sure that we, ourselves, are "labor'ers", not "can't get up'ers", "don't want to study'ers", "don't know what to do'ers", "language isn't good enough'ers", "personality doesn't fit this work'ers", "companion bugs me'ers", "going home soon'ers", "members here don't help'ers", and whatever other excuse we find for doing something else but being anxiously engaged in restoring the gospel to those who still don't know about it. To labor means to work, to work hard, to be diligent, to be really tired at night, but to get up the next morning and go to work again. It means to find reasons to go out and work, not find reasons to stay at the apartment, or go browsing in stores, or sit in parks, or engage in idle conversations with members.
In the scripture noted above, the Lord admonishes us to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers to gather in his harvest. We know that by ourselves we are not enough in number to restore the gospel to everyone in our areas. Therefore, part of our labor is to engage other workers in finding people to whom the gospel has not been restored. This is why we teach investigators how to share the wonderful message with friends and family. This is why we similarly work with new members and part members to help them become laborers in the harvest. When we work with the less active, we play a double role. We first help a second restoration occur within their lives, restoring the testimony they once had. Then we help them also become laborers to gather in the harvest. We must be anxiously engaged in our own finding for many hours a week, but we also need to teach and invite others to become laborers in finding people for whom the restoration has not yet occurred.
I, personally, have had a great experience with the Book of Mormon over the past two months. I have come to realize that this book is about Jesus Christ and not about any of the great individuals who testified of him. I hope that you, too, have had such an experience. I hope that we all enter this Easter season with a renewed sense of gratitude toward the Lord and a broader understanding of the magnitude of what he has done for each of us, personally and for all mankind. I, truly, "stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me." I know that even though I am an unworthy servant, he still loves me unconditionally. I know that the only way I can begin to show my love for him is by continually making the changes needed to bring my own life more in harmony with his and by laboring with all my heart, might, mind and strength to restore his gospel to those who have not yet received it.
In the reading we have just concluded, both Alma, in Alma chapter 8, and Nephi, in Helaman chapter 10, had experiences where they were extremely discouraged because of lack of success in the work. At this time, they received heavenly visitations exhorting them to again be anxiously engaged. In each case, they did not even return to their houses, but went "speedily" to do the work to which they had been called. Elders and Sisters, let's look into our own hearts and see if there are changes we need to make so that we can have a true testimony of the restoration of the gospel. Then, like Alma and Nephi, let us again become actively engaged in seeking people who have not yet heard of the restoration, and seeking other laborers who will invite family and friends to hear this all-important message.
I express my thanks to you and my love for you and my desire to be actively engaged with you in restoring the gospel to the people of Japan.
President Robertson
Dear Wonderful Missionaries,
As I write this the cherry blossoms are about to burst into their full glory. Our "jou jin gei" bush by the front door has the most fragrant reminder of the Lord's care for us. The pansies and crocuses in the church garden invite everyone to give thanks for the many colors of spring. Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without color or flowers? Well, I love this time of year when nature is unrestrained and bears such bold testimony of its and our creator. Hope you are doing the same.
April is a much anticipated month in Japan. It's not just because of the beguiling weather and the opportunity for o-hanami (see the Japan Times article on this), and visual symbols and reminders of resurrection, but it's also because "Golden Week" is coming. Golden Week begins April 29th (observed this year on the 30th). This was the birthday of the preceding Emperor of Japan. But, since his death in 1989, it has been designated as "Green Day". This is not only an opportunity to focus on ecology and our efforts in this area, but also to honor Emperor Hirohito who had a great interest in horticulture and loved to work in his garden. (President Robertson and I have walked through the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. They are lovely.)
Then, within just a few days, there are two more official holidays. May 3rd is Kenpo Kinen-bi, or Constitution Day. It celebrates the more than fifty-year old Constitution of Japan that ensures a democratic government and a commitment to peace. Then of course comes "Children's Day" (see the JT article on this celebration too). (All of May 3rd, 4th and 5th are considered holidays.) This is fun because you see all the colorful carp streamers--especially those stretched across the rivers. It's also fascinating to see the variety of Kabuto on display. They vary in size and value just as much as the girl's hinamatsuri dolls did. Japanese culture is so full of symbolism that always celebrates the good. Have you noticed?
Well, there are lots of opportunities to use this season for the basis or supplement to an Eikaiwa lesson. Here are some ideas you might want to use:
| I will------------- | rest |
| travel | |
| visit my friend | |
| meet with the missionaries | |
| go to a restaurant | |
| color my hair | |
| read the Book of Mormon |
Anyway, Gambatte! There are really endless ideas of things you can do. Children's classes can draw individual trees and "glue" (with honey) popcorn on the branches. They can also take an outline of a sheep and glue cotton balls on it. Don't forget to teach (briefly) about "The Good Shepherd" and His lambs as you go.
Now, about one more tradition. In Japan thorough house and apartment cleaning is usually done just before Oshogatsu (the end of December). According to my most recent inspections, some of you seemed to have missed that part of the Oshogatsu celebration. Not to worry. You can (PLEASE) join in the American tradition of "Spring Cleaning". We'll talk more about this in our next taikai, but.....................
Please do the following:
Yes, there's much more on this subject.
Bottom line: DO NOT LIVE IN SQUALOR! It's not HGA.
Also, don't forget that we love you and continue to hear some pretty wonderful things about the lessons you're teaching and the way you're helping the members learn to find. Omedetoo!
Enjoy this wonderful season in Japan and the wonderful people who live here.
Love, Sister Robertson
Dear Kobe Missionaries: What's up!
My name is Uemura Choro and I just recently began work in the Honbu. I love it here so much. I get to see all the success everyone is doing out in the Mission. And I am thankful for all of your hard work. I just want to say a few words today. I love you all. When you are out dendo-ing, HAVE FUN and always have the spirit with you
Uemura Choro
On perhaps one of the most difficult days of my mission, my companion and I had joined in a fast for my mother. We were just about to conclude our fast after a long day of housing, but decided to go to just one more building. Of course, that is where we found Satomi Chan, a very special and prepared daughter of our Heavenly Father. We began teaching her. As expected, she met many obstacles along her path to baptism. At times we thought we might lose her, but continued to trust in the Lord and do all that we could do.
A few days before I transferred, Satomi Chan gave us a letter saying she wanted to be baptized that month. I transferred that week from the area, but my companion continued to work with her and help her prepare. I saw a picture of the baptism and it filled my heart with joy. God is a God of miracles and is always there to carry us through the storms when we put our trust in Him. He is with us every step of the way as He was with Satomi Chan and me in my time of need.
This is my testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sister Allison Staker
Never in the history of the world has there been a more profound need for leaders of principle to step forward. Never before, at least not in our generation, have the forces of evil been so blatant, so brazen, so aggressive as they are at the present time. Things we dared not speak about in an earlier era are now constantly projected into our living rooms. All sensitivity is cast aside as reporters and political pundits speak with a disgusting plainness of things that can only stir curiosity and lead to evil.
It is not wise, or even possible, to divorce private behavior from public leadership--though there are those who have gone to great lengths to suggest that this is the only possible view of "enlightened" individuals. They are wrong. They are deceived. By its very nature, true leadership carries with it the burden of being an example. Is it asking too much of any public officer, elected by his or her constituents, to stand tall and be a model before the people--not only in the ordinary aspects of leadership but in his or her behavior? If values aren't established and adhered to at the top, behavior down the ranks is seriously jeopardized and undermined. Indeed, in any organization where such is the case--be it a family, a corporation, a society, or a nation--the values being neglected will in time disappear.
We are involved in an intense battle. It is a battle between right and wrong, between truth and error, between the design of the Almighty on the one hand and that of Lucifer on the other. For that reason, we desperately need men and women who, in their individual spheres of influence, will stand for truth in a world of sophistry. I have lived long enough now to know that many political campaigns, for example, are the same. I have heard again and again the sweet talk that leads to victory but seems never to be realized thereafter. We need moral men and women, people who stand on principle, to be involved in the political process. Otherwise, we abdicate power to those whose designs are almost entirely selfish.
Great leaders are willing to speak for virtue, for moral standards in a world where filth, sleaze, pornography, and their whole evil brood are sweeping over us as a flood. They will stand up for integrity in the workplace, at home, and indeed anywhere it is called for. We don't have the luxury of retreating to our private cloisters and pursuing only our special private interests. Strong voices are needed. The weight of our stance may be enough to tip the scales in the direction of truth and right.
Inspired leadership demands loyalty--to our associates, to our heritage, to our good names, most certainly to our families, and to the faith to which we subscribe. How marvelous a quality is loyalty! In this world, almost without exception, we must work together as teams. Would anyone question that those on the football field or the basketball court must work together with loyalty one to another if they are to win? It is so in life with each of us. We work as teams, and there must be loyalty among us.
--Standing for Something -- Epilogue
I remember hearing a story about a little girl who carried her umbrella to an outdoor service where a group was gathering to end their fasting and prayer. The prayer was in request that they would be blessed with the rain in their drought-inflicted area. No other participant took an umbrella to this event because, after all, they were in the middle of a drought! Near the end of that service the storm clouds rolled in and the waters began to drench the parched earth, shocking all those "believers" who came with doubts that the drought would end!
What an image is created in my mind as I think of this little girl standing under her umbrella, watching the rain drench the earth while everyone else ran for cover. This little one did not doubt. Her faith was sure.
How are we doing in the "no doubt" department? Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught at October 1979 conference that "doubt is spiritual poison that stunts eternal growth."
If you sometimes feel as though you are experiencing a "drought," removing the doubt will help you grow through the present difficulty. By faithfully carrying your umbrella, so to speak, you are ready for the Lord's blessings. The "no doubt" concept will help you at school and in social situations as well as in your family. Your own confidence will grow as a result of greater confidence in the Lord's purposes, whether or not they may fit your will.
Our wonderful prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, once said, "Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. The gospel was never expounded to the convincing of others without certainty. Faith, which is of the very essence of personal conviction, has always been, and always must be, at the root of religious practice and endeavor." (Ensign, November 1981, p.6)
Whether your present time of drought is tiny or huge, start making things better by removing the doubt. When you pray, expect our Father to answer that prayer. By faithfully doing your part, the Lord can do His part. You may make a great impact in your own little corner of the kingdom by patiently waiting for the Lord's will to be done. He wants and expects you to do good things. As you "go and do" your example will be noted by many around you and the Lord will attend you, no doubt!
Vickey Pahnke, songwriter, author, CES teacher
This month of April brings to us many things to remember. According to our Latter-day Saint scholars, Christ was born on April 6th. In the year 1830 on the same day the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Church of Jesus Christ in these latter days. Probably the most important event that April brings us is the remembrance of The Resurrection of Jesus Christ when He rose from the sepulcher and the many spirits of those who lay in their graves rose with Him. He was instrumental in allowing them to rise and to be part of one of the great events in this earth's history.
After having a good night's rest, resurrection reminds us of waking and rising in the morning and face the new day with faith and optimism that tells us that this day is the beginning of the rest of our lives. We ought to face that day with eagerness and vigor in doing the things that we know to be true and right in our mission here in Japan. We need to approach each individual, beginning with our companion with a bright outlook on what we are to accomplish this day. As we meet each person we talk to, do it with a smile and a positive belief that what we are doing is truly called of God. Approach each day with the conviction that we have when we stand in Zone Taikai and recite the few verses in Chapter Four in the Doctrine and Covenants: Firmly and with absolute Faith. Pass these feelings on to whomever you are talking to and they will think that you are indeed a true disciple of Christ.
Sister Pyper and I feel that this experience of knowing and interacting with each of you missionaries is perhaps one of the great highlights of our long lives. We love you and pray for each of you that you will have great health, safety and that you will have the blessings that the Lord has in store for you as you accomplish those things that you have been set apart to do.
The Secretaries........Elder and Sister Pyper
| 4/3 | Justin Collins |
| 4/4 | Nathan Miller |
| 4/6 | Akira Koike |
| 4/10 | Kousaku Mizoguchi |
| 4/10 | Jonathan Kerr |
| 4/11 | Benjamin Huntsman |
| 4/15 | James Triplett |
| 4/18 | Oliver Dexter |
| 4/19 | Ben Tutor |
| 4/20 | Jeoffrey Wilks |
| 4/22 | Nathan Carlson |
| 4/24 | Colin Tasi |
| 4/25 | Troy Lynn |
| 4/26 | Matthew Hafen |
| 4/28 | Spencer Nielsen |
| Eric Steven Ault | American Fork, UT |
| Peter Joseph Bassett | Boise, ID |
| Konaleo Kawiti Coffey | Hamilton, NZ |
| Tyler Rudolph Dunn | Puyallup, WA |
| Robert Kealoha Goforth | Creston, BC |
| Anna Marie Hardin | Provo, UT |
| Hayato Honda | Sapporo, Japan |
| Motoki Ishiki | Okinawa, Japan |
| Brian David Monson | Centerville, UT |
| Lance Morgan Moses | Woodbury, MN |
| Makoto Nakazono | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Kousei Sakamoto | Chofu Toyka, Japan |
| Shiho Samejima | Hokkaido, Japan |
| Yasuko Takasaki | Fukuoka, Japan |
| Takeshi Toya | Kanagawa, Japan |
| Nicholas Deakins | Federal Way, WA |
| Rieko Enami | Tokyo, Japan |
| Kendell Hunt | Melbourne, AUS |
| Valerio Kikuchi | Sao Paulo, BRA |
| Candice Kiyabu | Honolulu, HI |
| Micah Miller | Idaho Falls, ID |
| Nickolas Potter | St. George, UT |
| Makoto Sasaki | Hitachinaka, Japan |
| Michael Woods | Salt Lake City, UT |
On March 24th in Kawanishi we had the most spiritual baptism I had ever been to. On that day Sister Kazuko Iwasaki was baptized.
She was "found" by Elders Collins and Deakins almost two years ago while they were chillin' at Kawanishi Noseguchi Eki. At that time she didn't know they were missionaries. In fact, she had no interest in religion, but she wanted to come to Eikaiwa. One day she went to a baptism with the missionaries. From that time on she wanted to learn about the Church. The more she learned, the more she wanted to be baptized. She had one small problem though. Her parents would not give her permission. After time, she resolved that she would keep working and praying for a chance to be baptized. If it didn't come, she would be baptized when she turned twenty years of age.
After receiving all of the discussions, she continued to go to church. As she continued to go to church, she decided she wanted to go on a mission. Until then, she has been on fire, literally introducing all of her friends to the gospel. Many of her friends are now investigating or want to investigate the Church.
Since I came to Minoh six months ago, I've had many opportunities to work with Sister Iwasaki. The last three and a half months have been the most memorable. Around Christmas, she told us that she had a hard time believing in the Apostacy and Joseph Smith. Through lots of work and lots of prayers, she was able to overcome her problems. Then a real big miracle happened. Her parents gave her permission to be baptized.
Many people came to the baptism. Since she was "found", she has touched many lives. By the end of the meeting there was not a dry eye in the place. Everyone was crying for joy. All the non-members were greatly touched. I'm sure it wasn't because of the earthquake in the middle of the first talk. I feel it a privilege to have been uplifted by her testimony at the end of the meeting. As a member, her testimony and smile will have a stronger effect on all it touches.
Elder Jason Wells
Things you will need:
Things you will need:
Note: You can also add raisins and/or nuts before you roll the dough. While they are cooling you might also want to make a glaze using powdered sugar and orange juice blended. Then spoon this over the hot rolls. Very good.
(by Richard C. Trench)
Some murmur when the sky is clear
And wholly bright to view,
If one small speck of dark appear
In their great heaven of blue;
And some with thankful love are filled,
If but one streak of light,
One ray of God's good mercy, gild
The darkness of their night.
| April 4th | 10AM | Nishi at Kobe |
| April 6th | 1PM | Kita/Kyoto at Shimogamo |
| April 7th | 1PM | Chuo at Abeno |
| April 9th | 10AM | Higashi at Toyonaka |
| April 11th | 10AM | Sakai/Minami at Wakayama |
| April 24th | 1PM | Elder Oaks and
Elder Hallstrom
at Kobe. All Missionaries |
| April 2nd | 10:30AM | Kobe Dist at Kobe |
| April 20th | 9:30AM | Nishiwaki Dist at Sasayama |
| 12:30PM | Toyooka/Maizuru Dist at Fukuchiyama | |
| April 23rd | 10AM | NishiK/Otsu Dist at Fushimi |
| April 25th | 10:30AM | At Mikuni |
| 6PM | At Wakayama | |
| April 26th | 9:30AM | At Gobo |
| 3/4 | Andrea Koike |
| 3/4 | Kuichi Sakata |
| 3/10 | Satoru Inoue |
| 3/11 | Atsuko sumida |
| 3/18 | Aoi Okamoto |
| 3/18 | Justin Ferris |
| 3/18 | Hiroshi Murata |
| 3/24 | Kazuko Iwasaki |
| 3/25 | Haruko Nishihara |
| 3/25 | Tadao Kawasaki |
| 3/25 | Katsuyuki Inoue |
| 3/25 | Ai Tomimo |
The month of March rivaled December for numbers of returned missionaries we heard from. Some called, some e-mailed, some wrote letters, and some even came to visit. Some sent wedding announcements. Many, of course, were curious about the boundary changes that will occur this summer in no less than five mission in Japan. We assured each of them that despite the location of a mission home, that missionary work would be going forward with renewed gusto in each of their beloved areas. We told them that in many cases it would be even more productive because we continue to see an increasing number of members taking the big challenge to get involved in the work that is promised to bring us the most joy we can experience in our lives (anybody know how many times this promise is made in the scriptures?) The total number of full-time missionaries in this area will be less, but that's OK, because members will be doing more and more of the finding, allowing our wonderful teaching missionaries to do more of their great teaching. So, not to worry! Yes, we'll be having reunions! Absolutely! And we'll be joining our voices in cheering on those newer missions in the world which will now benefit by having the missionary compliment they need to get started. We are honored to think that our members are ready to do a lot of what full-time missionaries have traditionally done. It's kind of exciting.
So, next month, watch this column and we'll try to give you the "scoop" on what's going on in our wonderful RM's lives. (Lots of spring and summer weddings being planned.) And, lots of wonderful contributions to wards and stakes and Institutes, etc. by our highly skilled (and appropriately humble) RM's.
Stay tuned for next month's list. It may be long!
(Whew!)
Dear Kobe Missionaries,
What a wonderful month March has turned out to be. As a result of the dedication and hard work throughout February we were able to see many of our brothers and sisters join the Kingdom of God on this Earth, and others begin to prepare themselves to make that commitment with their Lord. Thank you so much for all of your dedication and hard work.
As we were reading through the Book of Mormon lately, we came across a scripture that is very applicable to us as missionaries. It is in Alma 57:21, and it says, talking about the 2000 stripling warriors, "Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness." The phrase that stuck out to us was "with exactness." They did not give themselves room to even begin to doubt. They were exact when it came to following their leader. We as missionaries have the same opportunity to follow our leaders with exactness. The President and Sister Robertson are two of our wonderful leaders. We need to take their advice and "commands" in the same way that the 2000 stripling warriors did, and then our success will be like theirs as written in the 25th verse of the same chapter, "there was not one soul of them who did perish." This is the desire that President and Sister Robertson have for us, that we remain successful and spiritually healthy, forever in the paths of righteousness. So let's continue to be exact in our obedience to what our leaders say and do it in a manner that we give ourselves no room for doubt, thereby showing our love and support.
Thanks for always striving to be who the Lord asks you to be. We love you and truly appreciate your hard work and dedication!
Love,
Grob Choro and Potter Choro