The Light
Japan Kobe Mission: March 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,
This past weekend, we noticed that the plum blossoms are in full bloom between Tanabe and Gobo in Wakayama-ken, signaling the beginning of the transition to spring. I'm sure that for all of us this is a welcome change, for the winter has been cold and challenging. Many years ago I remember listening each week to the Sunday morning broadcast of the Tabernacle Choir and hearing Elder Richard L. Evans, of the Quorum of the Twelve give the message that came to be known as "The Spoken Word". On one particular Sunday, I recall him opening his brief message by quoting an unknown author, who said, "Spring came again this year. We knew it would."
This tremendously simple message has a profound meaning. The cold and dark of winter often make life a dreary existence. Psychologists tell us that more than any other time of year, wintertime is when people feel down and depressed. Thus, with the coming of spring we feel a release from this dreariness and a renewal of life. There are winter seasons for us that have nothing to do with the weather. When our relationships are not working right; when missionary work seems not to be working well; when we have challenges with members; when the adversary seems to be hitting us particularly strongly; all of these become winter seasons when our hope seems to wane and life seems pretty difficult.
That is the time when we need to recall this simple quote, "Spring came again this year. We knew it would." When we are in the depths of winter, knowing that spring is coming can give us hope and courage to persevere a little longer while the seasons right themselves, as they always do. This brief quote is the essence of faith. It does not deny the cold harshness of winter, but expresses a simple knowledge that the seasons are controlled by the Master and he has prepared a warmer time just ahead. So it is with our lives. As we come to understand that Jesus Christ knows us each individually, including our strengths and weaknesses, our desires and needs, our fears and concerns, and that he has power to sustain and to heal, we realize that the length and severity of our winters will never be greater than we can bear, and that spring will come again. Through our Book of Mormon reading, Sister Robertson and I have come to realize, more than ever before, how personally involved the Savior is in the individual lives of Heavenly Father's children. This personal involvement means personal understanding, personal support, personal comfort, personal forgiveness, and personal healing. Jesus reminds us that, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) This knowledge strengthens our faith and hope and gives us confidence to proceed with our daily labor.
It is so important that we proceed with confidence in our activities of sharing the gospel. The Lord tells us in Doctrine and Covenants 42:6 that when we go forth in the power of his spirit, preaching his gospel, we need to lift up our voices as with the sound of a trump. This trump calls the honest in heart forth to listen and to receive the great blessings prepared for them. But it must sound like a trump, not a whistle. It must call forth with confidence and joy, not hesitancy, uncertainty or fear. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that enables us to go forth and tell the Japanese people about Jesus Christ our Lord. It is this same faith that assures us that spring will come again, as it always does.
May we strive to develop and maintain this faith and confidence is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
President Robertson
Dear Wonderful Missionaries,
Are you enjoying your Book of Mormon special reading as much as I am? I never realized how many references to the Lord there are just in the first two Books of Nephi. We're about 20% of the way through and so far we haven't found a single page without some mention of the Lord. Often it's the predominant theme. One page, we found, had 40 references itself. (We count all--except possessive--pronouns.) Also, paying very careful attention to who is speaking pays big dividends. Isaiah's tendency to move from first to third person and back without warning was challenging, but also rewarding to figure out (more understandable each time through). It takes me about an hour (sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more) to go through 10 pages. Someone was telling me that he had enjoyed the reading until he got behind one day because of a very busy schedule. I suggested strongly that he just skip what was missed and keep up with everyone else, then hopefully he'd find a time to catch up the missed part on a Preparation Day or some other time. That missionary told me later that he took my advice and was glad he had. It's fun to share insights and "ah-ha moments" with others who are reading the same thing.
Well, now about March in Japan. By now you must have seen all the Hina-matsuri decorations, dolls, pastel rice cakes and the like. (See the Japan Times explanation of this celebration in this issue.) Some of those doll collections are very expensive, and often provided by Grandparents. (I'm sending our 8 granddaughters a picture of one). The official March holiday, though, is the Vernal Equinox, or "Ohigan" (also explained in the JT article in this issue). This year, the holiday is on Tuesday the 20th of March.
Now for Eikaiwa ideas. Once again you can use Japanese culture and build all or part of a lesson around the doll festival traditions or what people will do on the Tuesday Ohigan holiday, or talk about plans for hana-mi which should begin the end of March--especially if we have more warm days. The cherry blossoms usually come to full bloom the very last of March and the first of April. Watch out! They're truly beguiling!..... but also, a good opportunity for dendo when everyone takes picnics to the cherry blossom locations. People are usually in a very friendly and approachable mood. Do politely reuse to drink offered beverages should you choose to visit with the sakura-viewing crowds. But, don't forget to take in God's beautiful handiwork and thank Him for this one more piece of evidence of his love for us.
Well, as we try to raise our levels of dignity and spirituality to more accurately represent the Lord, you may notice that the adversary will try to discourage our efforts. (Many have noticed this already recently.) Press forward anyway. SUSUME, OH SUSUME. The Lord is on our side and will prevail as we request His support. Promise!
Also, Don't shed all your outerwear yet, it can still be quite cold. Keep drinking lots of water. Clean those apartments. Write home every week (even if it's just a post card sometimes). Love and work with our great members all over Kansai. (member and 4-group referrals are UP!) Don't forget we love you!!!!!!!!
Love, Sister Robertson
From his book Standing for Something
When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force that comes with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. To those who accept this basic premise, there will come an acceptance of the scriptural teachings and an obedience that will bring peace and joy in this life.
Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith. Why do I say this? Faith in a Divine Being, in the Almighty, is the great moving power that can change our lives. With it comes the only lasting comfort and peace of mind. God is our Eternal Father, and He lives. I don't understand the wonder of His majesty; I can't comprehend His glory. But I know that He is intensely interested in our welfare and involved in our lives, that I can speak with Him in prayer, and that He will hear and listen.
I am impressed with Commander William Robert Anderson, the man who took the submarine Nautilus under the North Pole from the waters of the Pacific to the waters of the Atlantic. In his wallet he carried a tattered card with these words: "I believe I am always divinely guided. I believe I will always take the right road. I believe that God will always make a way, even when there appears to be no way." I share his convictions, for I too believe that God will always make a way, even when there appears to be no way.
Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
"Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins.
"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table.
There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies -- you see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
Even though we received a lot of messages that we mentioned in the February Issue, we still have some more. Those RM's are really missed and it's great to hear from them. So, here, in alphabetical order again, are some of those voices from......... many places.
Amakasu Choro not only sent a nice big letter, but some natsukashi photos from his last day here. He misses all of us. He's talked with many, though, including Kelland, Moench, Coder, Takahashi, and Garcia Choros. Also, Ahmu and Nakaya Choros paid visits. He is currently attending a Singles Ward in the Los Angeles area. He says their missionaries baptized 5 people in 6 weeks. Their Stake President has challenged each member to:
Amakasu Choro is also still collecting good dendo ideas. He said that some friends had success teaching the 10 commandments in lesson 5 right before the 2 great commandments. They also invited boldly with strict yes or no answer questions. Other good suggestions included trying to be perfectly honest as in Alma 27:27. He also had a good experience as he studied the Book of John and wrote down all the questions the Savior asked and then asked them to himself, like a personal interview with the Savior. Examples:
"What seek ye?"
"What have I to do with thee?"
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?"
"Are there not twelve hours in the day?"
"Whom seek ye?"
"...lovest thou me?"
He says that these are good questions to ask when encountering temptation. He also noticed while studying John that the seven recorded miracles had a pattern. The Savior always asked his disciples to do what they could do and then he did the rest, the miracle. A similar pattern works today. He shares some other wonderful insights. Among them, is his reminder to current missionaries to use time wisely so you won't have regrets when you're in the "returned" category. (Thanks so much Amakasu Choro. We do appreciate the ideas!)
Amano Shimai, who returned last October, sent a very colorful post card of Noah and the ark. She recalls a favorite scripture (also a favorite of Sister Smith's), Alma 55:19. And of course sends her ongoing "yoroshikus".
Carmichael Shimai writes (among other profundities) "Can I come back to the mission?? I don't like it here..he he") She was especially thinking of us on February 12th when the new Yamato Koriyama building was dedicated. She has been with family in Tasmania and has been offered her old job back. She's considering taking it, but mostly wants to say "hi" to everyone and "I love you" to the Pyper fufu. Sister R has her e-mail address in case any of you other RM's want to write. You won't believe her e-mail address: It reads in part: "shinjirarenai".
Edwards Choro sends some practical advice for returning missionaries. He says
He's been home a year now (and we think he's being a good student somewhere), so good idea to heed his advice when returning.(Thanks, Edwards Choro!)
Gilbert Choro and his wife, Skyler, have been overseas in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt for the last few months. He neglected to say what they were doing.....but with the tensions in that area, we're just glad they're safely back! He'll be working as a tour guide for Japanese tourists in Melbourne for the next while and then perhaps take advantage of a scholarship he's been offered in either Tokyo or Fukuoka. Lots of decisions being made. He's especially happy that both he and his wife have been called as stake missionaries and will be full swing into finding, etc.. again. He says he's really fond of his companion this time around. Gambatte! Brother and Sister Gilbert!
Goto Choro and his wife, Emiko, report that their little Tomoe is doing well. Also, they are happy to report a baptism from their recent dendo efforts. The new convert is 100% active. They are working with others and hope to see more baptisms soon. (Lucky Fukuoka Mission to have the Goto family in their midst!)
Harwood Choro, who's been home for more than six months now has two more semesters at BYU until graduation. He's officially serving as a Sunday School teacher, but has had a number of missionary opportunities. On his plane ride home from Osaka, he taught a lesson, gave out a Book of Mormon, and got a referral. Then at home, he gave out a Book of Mormon to the cable man who knocked on his door. Then he met a nonmember Nihonjin at BYU, and has been teaching her. He's working hard at keeping us his Japanese and may have a job translating for the Japanese athletes at the Olympics. He says he thinks of his mission every day, and has noticed the harder we try to do what's right, the more our Heavenly Father is willing to teach us. He's also busy applying for medical school. Gambatte, Elder Harwood (or was that Dr. Harwood?)
Jones (Jeremiah) Choro sent some wonderful news (along with a picture). It's true! He's engaged! Jennifer (didn't learn her maiden name) is from the same ward in California as our own Nakano Choro. Looks like they'll be sealed in the SL Temple on May 18th. (How about we all take a big preparation day and attend?) Congratulations! (Everyone is certain that they will make "beautiful music" together.)
Kailimai Shimai continues to tease us with little e-mail messages that she has some news for us. Anyone know her news? Hey, no complaints, we understand that Hawaiians can't be rushed. Deshoo?
Kelland Choro also has some exciting news. He's been home for over a year, so it's OK! He's been busy with school, work, church callings, family, friends, and of course, dating. He's been translating for two Japanese high school students in Long Beach, CA. But, now on to the exciting news. He and Candice Martin are planning a temple wedding for this coming July. He's very happy. And we are for him! Thanks for the letter. (Official answer to follow!)
Keyes Choro sent a nice long letter (yes, he did finally make it home). He says he recalls things learned on his mission daily. He's currently studying at the U of Washington and majoring in Comparative Religions and minoring in Japanese. He, too, worked as a tour guide for Japanese tourists last summer. Now, in addition to studying (and learning Spanish, stay tuned, there's more), he's serving as a home teaching DL. He's also planning his first baptism as a member missionary. He met Katherine Prichard of a ferry boat and began teaching her the lessons. She is now an exchange student in Ecuador and is continuing her gospel studies there. He's hoping to visit in Ecuador in time to see her baptism. (Hope she hasn't been where the earthquakes were so bad!). Elder Keyes has others he's helping to teach as well!) Go, member missionary Keyes Choro.
Moench Choro is at USC (University of Southern California) and serving as the President of the Institute Men's Organization. He's also doing some part time work in retail security. He says he's busy but still thinks about us often. He says we have "amazing missionaries over there" (of course he's right). He attends the temple in Los Angeles weekly (as much as possible). He signs his letter, "continuing missionary". Yes! You're a gokurosama, Elder Moench!
Nakaya Choro with a sister and an aunt in the airline industry seems to take the prize for getting many places often. Well, a trip to visit his good old companion, Elder Wright, really paid off. It turns out he found the "Wright" one. He and Melissa Wright (yes, Wright Choro's sister) have set a date for August 10th to be married in the New Zealand Temple. They will live in Salt Lake City where she will be an elementary school teacher (much in demand there now). And Nakaya Choro will...... not sure, but maybe travel a little less? Maybe not. Congratulations!!!!!!
Ozasa Shimai is indeed the new Relief Society President in the Fujisaki Ward. She says that she felt hesitant when she received the calling but then remembered that "together with God all things are possible" so she said OK. Those of us who know her, know she's doing a great job! Additionally, she reports that her ward has started the "FMTC". This is a class (she often teaches) about how to do effective member missionary work. Most of her class members are young adults and eager to go on their full-time missions. She loves helping them get ready. What a great idea!
Richardson Choro did sent us a note, but not much of an update on where he is or what he's doing. Does have a testimony regarding prayer. So glad for that. How about some news about what you're up to as well? Thnx RC
Ryan Choro did surface! We saw him, same terrific smile and all, at the Osaka North Stake Conference. He has been in Japan and basically visiting different places. He's headed back to Australia soon though and will keep us posted about his next activities.
Suzuki Shimai surprised us with a phone call from Tokyo very recently. She has decided to stay in Japan while her parents finish their last year and a half presiding over the Tokyo South Mission. She has a job working at a nursery school teaching English and music to little pre-schoolers. She's very much enjoying that and being able to be around full-time dendo again as well. We're certain she's a great help to the cause in Tokyo. Glad she's back helping us all finish up the Lord's work in Nippon.
Wright Choro and his beautiful bride, the former Kobe Shimai, stopped by to see us just a day or two after their marriage last month. What a handsome couple they make! They were kind enough to pose for a few pictures and after a little visiting left us with a beautiful rendition of a hymn medley. They and their two boys are now living in Okinawa and working in contracting and construction. They are looking forward to a New Zealand Temple sealing next year. (How about a reunion in NZ?)
Wroten Choro sent a surprise message via our incoming Lillywhite Shimai. (He works with her roommate.) It was great to hear all of his good news. He and his wife, Angela, had a little boy, Hunter, last September. In addition to being the "dutiful Dad" (up at night) Wroten Choro is finishing up his degree in International Business. He then plans to move to California where there are more job opportunities and less snow (not his wife's favorite precipitation). He has been teaching the 11 year-olds in Primary and loving it. Even with all this activity, he still thinks of the mission often......and yes, like many others-- misses people he knew here and the unique opportunity for personal growth that missions provide. But, he's doing well and says, Hi to all.
One very important wedding announcement has been received since the last issue of the "Light". Boswell Choro and his wife, Mika, were finally able to get her visa and be married in the Laie Hawaii Temple on February 17th. Their wedding announcement photo is beautiful. It would make anyone who is not yet convinced, want to move to Hawaii for sure. Hearty Congratulations, Brother and Sister Boswell!
Now, regarding wedding invitations. It may not be widely known that if someone marries and doesn't send Sister R an announcement that she will not be happy until her collection is complete. There are rumors that a few former missionaries are indeed in this category. You wouldn't want to miss President and Sister Robertson's blessings on your marriage would you? (Late announcements are received happily too.) So, if you are one of those, please send something to fill in our blank page that is waiting for you.
Love hearing from you. Don't forget the joy felt by Alma and the sons of Mosiah when they met years after their very powerful "MTC" experience together. Their joy was even greater because they shared a legacy of faithful service to the Lord. Yea, let's have some of that joy! Gambatte, all! And, if your name hasn't appeared in this column yet, or for some time, let's hear from you, too!
Here is the workers Seal.
No man can put it on lest he be called.
Called of God to forgo
Your own name and to work in
The name of Christ.
To go out and do his work as he would
Do it if he was in your stead.
So let your works and your choices
Be as such that you can be worthy
To wear The Workers Seal.
To be called to his work which is the greatest of
all.
For as you forgo your own name
And take upon you
The Name of Christ with your whole heart,
You will find that He will show you
Your name and yourself in return.
Let not our wants or works be done
But let the Lords works Be done
And follow His Commands
Onward to His Glory
Amen
By Elder Don Carlos Bjelde
Dear Zion,
Hello. We just want to take a small amount of space to tell you all that we love you. We've been to lots of places around the mission in the past few weeks and have really felt of the spirit of the mission as we've attended DTM's and DL Taikai's. There is a really strong sense of anticipation building all across the mission, as we all seem to be standing at the edge of some amazing miracles. Some of those miracles have already started happening. The Lord is really rewarding us in His own spectacular ways. We're seeing more and more results from the 4 Groups, and the number of self referrals is going up. The Lord really trusts us; He wants us all to move up to the next level. We need to be unafraid to go there. Let's all help each other take that step. If there is someone around you who may need some extra love or help, reach out and offer your love and help today.
Love, Grob Choro and Potter Choro
Dear Awesome Missionaries,
Thank you for all of your help with district stats and baptism reports, especially at the crunch end of the month. It helped out greatly. Keep up the great work in making an effort to fax the district stat sheets on Friday at the week's end.
In terms of baptism and confirmation reports, keep them both together, and after the new member has been confirmed, fax in the records to the Honbu and then send the white originals into the Honbu ASAP. Thank you for all of your help and support, as well as patience when receiving phone calls from me in the Honbu. Keep up the hard work, and like always, any questions about anything please call.
Love,
Pearson Choro
Dear Special Missionaries:
We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks and love for your concern in our behalf last month. We were happy to get back to Japan to work with you again in this great work. We feel that this is where the Lord needs us at this time.
You might be aware that Elder Whipple's father puts The Light on the internet web each month. That takes a great deal of patience and time-consuming effort on his behalf. We sincerely appreciate his efforts in doing this wonderful thing. You might let your parents and friends know how to access the website by searching for mission.net and then going to the Japan Kobe Mission and thence to the newsletter. It is truly interesting.
Should there be any problem in getting your mail or any financial matter settled, please let us know and we'll get it resolved.
We love you and pray for you:
Sister and Elder Pyper
| Blake Clifton | 3/2 |
| Joshua Wentz | 3/3 |
| Valerio Kikuchi | 3/5 |
| Nicholas Watts | 3/6 |
| Michael Woods | 3/8 |
| Ryan Burt | 3/9 |
| Lewis Ham | 3/14 |
| Bryan Hendrickson | 3/14 |
| Spencer Vanderpool | 3/18 |
| Shinya Komori | 3/22 |
| Jonathan Proctor | 3/25 |
| Darrell Grob | 3/27 |
| Joshua Holt | 3/27 |
| Jared Pearson | 3/29 |
| Nickolas Potter | 3/30 |
Daniel Basso
Ocimar Bellini
Rieko Endo
Amanda Kindrick
Immanuel Runnels
Jordan Sanders
Yoshihiko Sasa
| Jeffery Ashmore | Ferndale, Washington |
| David Dodds | Twin Falls, Idaho |
| Dustin Hamilton | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Spencer Jones | South Jordan, Utah |
| Paul Milbury | St. George, Utah |
| Lindsay Pettinger | Benson, Arizona |
| John Taylor | Brea, California |
| Rebecca Wells | Vacaville, California |
| 5th | 9:30 | at Sasayama: Nishiwaki District |
| 12:30 | at Fukuchiyama: Toyooka and Maizuru Districts | |
| 16th | 10:00 | at Fushimi: Nishi K and Otsu Districts |
| 19th | 9:30 | at Toyonaka: Kawanishi, Ibaraki and Hirakata Districts |
| 21st | 1:00 | at Abeno: Hirano and Taisho Districts |
| 22nd | 9:30 | at Nara: Nara District |
| 1:00 | at Nara: Asuka District | |
| 23rd | 10:30 | at Mikuni |
| 6:00 | at Wakayama | |
| 24th | 9:30 | at Gobo |
| 31st | 9:00 | at Kitarokko: Amagasaki District |
| 1:30 | at Akashi: Himeji and Miki Districts |
| Nakao, Tatsuo | 2/4 |
| Nakao, Kazumi | 2/4 |
| Kanezawa, Ritomi | 2/4 |
| Ishikura, Toshio | 2/12 |
| Hosoda, Miyo | 2/18 |
| Tomoda, Naomi | 2/18 |
| Kawai, Yuri | 2/18 |
| Oyama, Ayako | 2/24 |
| Ito, Yolanda | 2/ |
| Matsumura, Yasuhiro | 2/25 |
| Mishima, Toshiyaki | 2/25 |
A Japanese Latter-day Saint sent the following inspirational account of her family's conversion to the gospel which has been translated into English:
"My grandmother, Misao Toma, was one of the earliest members of the church on the little island of Okinawa. As a result of her conversion to the Gospel, her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (so far a total of 37 people including spouses) have been blessed with the gospel of Jesus Christ."Her conversion actually began during world War II. My grandparents and their two little children, one of whom is my father, along with many other Okinawans were trying to run away from the thousands of bombs falling on Okinawa one evening in April of 1945. My grandparents managed to find a cave in a mountain to hide. There they stayed for the next 8 months suffering with a scarcity of food. My grandparents were not Christians at the time. But, things happened during this time that caused my grandmother to believe that there was a God who listens to and answers prayers.
"A few years after the war had ended, my grandmother started looking for the church who believed in the god who answered her prayers during the war. She was taking lessons from several Christian church missionaries. Two sister missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints happened to live next door to her. As they told her about the Plan of Salvation and that people who died during the war could be baptized, she was convinced of the truthfulness of the church.
"Her daughter got baptized first, then her and all the rest of her family joined within a year despite the persecution of other relatives. My grandmother lived faithfully until she passed away five years ago. Several of her descendants served missions, many have been married in the temple, and more descendants are on the way."
From LDS Gems Newsletter