Stories: Nago, Okinawa - 1969
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| Wayne Choro:
Konnichi wa!
Re: Okinawa
"Sin City" You are probably thinking of Koza shi. The name was later changed to Okinawa shi when the locals were trying to clean up the town--and its image.
The Okinawa Expressway (a toll-way) had a top speed of 80 km (about 60 mph) in 1996. It went between Naha and Nago.
Not sure on road to Buckner Bay. Many things have changed since we were there--including a long monorail from the airport to Okinawa Shi (as I recall)
Branches? Probably only on Miyako and Ishigaki islands--the rest are likely Wards!
Well, that may not be correct, I tried to get the military branches made into wards--and a stake--but was turned down by Salt Lake. There was a Serviceman's District and three branches when we left; there may be a fourth now.
There are now three Japanese stakes. In 1995, there were six wards (Okinawa, Futenma, Shuri, Naha, Naha East, Oroku) and five branches (Nago, Kadena, Urasoe, Itoman, Miyako, Ishigaki), but it seems like Nago and Itoman became wards before we left in 1996). (I'm not sure what has happened since.)
Faithful. Yes, I would say so. Also, the last I knew, the Okinawa Zone was leading Japan in baptisms.
Okinawa World? That's new. Probably a tourist trap.
Pope Choro
P.S. What will be the largest church building in Japan is currently under construction in Okinawa, and is to be completed around the first of the year.
~~~~~~~~
From Randy Grant: Wayne, Thanks for the update from President Pope. Nice to know that little branch we opened in Nago is now doing well. We had about 13 baptisms, including two families and we baptized all of them in Nago Bay, at first sunlight. Tremendous spiritual experience for all. The first night up there Elder Arave and I ducked into a little greasy spoon to get some chow. Armed forces radio was on and it was the superbowl with Joe Namath's NY Jets winning. January 1969. We didn't even have a place to stay, so I think we had to go back to Futenma. It didn't take us very long to secure a place above a store. The store owners, particularly the lady, loved us being there. They never joined, but they were always great towards us and had a very favorable opinion of the church. Elder Arave is very much alive. He just recently moved back from Indian Wells, CA to St. George and is doing very well. Thanks for allowing me to do some walking along memory lane! All the best to you and yours, Elder Randall E. Grant
2929 Sherwood Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
801-582-5340
randallg@xmission.com |
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