The Light  
Japan Kobe Mission: May 2001

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world." --D&C 11:28


Mission President's Message

Dear Missionaries,

I'm writing this not long after the Elder Oaks Fireside and still basking in the wonderful spirit that we all felt. I've never been happier with how you all looked! Suits and dresses, hair and shoes, everyone looked like ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sister Oaks commented about how strong the Spirit was with this group of missionaries. Elder Oaks commented that he only invites questions when he feels he is with a serious, mature group who will ask about important things. You are certainly such a group. My thanks, my admiration and my love go out to you for that. You had prepared well for this experience and, I believe, you were well rewarded for that preparation. 

There were many great messages in this fireside, about the worth of souls; about making commitments and then making the decision to keep our commitments; about the impact we have, as missionaries, on the lives of people for years to come; about the significance of harvesting souls with a sickle; about the measure of our success being how well we have learned to exercise our agency while were are here; about being a "full-time" missionary; about this being "his" mission, not "my" mission; about being an instrument in the hands of the Lord; about handling temptation and discouragement; about developing faith; about being a servant of The Good Shepherd. There was so much to think about, ponder and pray about, and put into our individual lives.

Making such changes requires decision, commitment, hard work and focus. Benjamin Franklin, wanting to improve himself, made a list of those qualities and characteristics that he wanted to have. He then selected one from this list and worked on it until it was truly a part of him. This usually took about a month of preparation and hard, daily effort. He didn't go on to the second one until he was certain that the first was truly his. Then he moved on, month after month, until he became the great craftsman, inventor, statesman and leader that we know him to be. The key to his success was having a daily regimen of working on the area in which he wanted to improve and never failing to complete that regimen each day. By never missing a day, he was able to master many skills and conquer many weaknesses in what seemed to those around him to be record time. His secret was not superior skill or intellect, it was his dedication to his daily preparation.

There is so much to learn, so many skills to develop in order to be a powerful and effective missionary. The Lord reminds us in D&C 11:21 "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word." We certainly need to know the gospel in order to teach it with power. We might also extend this to: seek to obtain my language, seek to obtain my teaching skills, seek to obtain my discussions, seek to obtain my way of learning together and working together with your companion, seek to obtain my way of planning your work, seek to obtain my way of pondering and praying, "with real intent" so that you will have the Spirit with you in your apartment and in all of your daily missionary activities. Elder Oaks expressed concern that some were running at about 75 percent as missionaries. I believe that a great deal of that missing 25 percent is lost between 6:30 and 10:00 in the morning. There may be a day when getting up is very hard, but I do not believe we can sustain a "full-time" missionary effort during the day, when it begins frequently with a "part-time" morning.

Any of you who have enjoyed success at sports, or music, or any other activity requiring real skill, as opposed to mere participation, know that the single most important factor in your success was discipline. I find it interesting that this word is so close in its spelling to the word disciple. We sat together with and heard from several disciples of Christ during this special fireside. Among them was an Apostle of the Lord. But each of those dedicated men and women, who serve Him so well, has learned the need for preparation and has developed the discipline necessary to serve with all their "heart, might, mind and strength."

Elders and Sisters, there is such a joy in preparing to leave the apartment at 10:00 AM, knowing that you have done all you could and should to prepare to serve the Lord that day. Then you may call on the Lord to fill in the areas of weakness that still remain, as they always do in mortality. You may call on him with full faith and confidence, knowing that his grace will provide what you need, in effect "save" you, in the very hour that you have need. "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (2 Nephi 25:23) But unless you have done all that you should have done to prepare that day, the Lord may be slow to hear and answer your prayers for help.

Let us be diligent. Let us be faithful. Let us be "full-time" missionaries in our preparation as well as in our missionary activities outside the apartment. Let us love the Lord and thank him that we have been called to "his" mission. I promise you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that if you prepare each day, with full purpose of heart, and then rely on the Lord as you work for him full-time, your investigators will sense the increase of the Spirit that is with you and will begin to change. Many hearts will soften. Many will keep their commitments better than ever before. Their prayers will change. Many more families will become tolerant of your investigators' desires to join the Church and many will also want to hear the gospel. You will find that the words and scriptures needed to guide them in resolving their concerns will flow from you with surprising ease and they will respond more willingly. You will find that they feel more welcome in the Church and want to be a part of the community of saints. All of these are blessings that the Lord wants to give to you and to them. Your commitment, your discipline, your daily preparation will enable him to do so.

This I testify, and leave you my love, in the name of him who waits to bless us, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

President Robertson


Message from Sister Robertson

Dear Wonderful Missionaries,

And I do mean wonderful! I'm writing this just hours after the "Oaks Fireside". What a joy to be with you in that setting. Your great appearance was noted! And even more than how incredibly steki you all looked, your spirits shone! The music did so much to invite the spirit. Elder Oaks commented to us afterwards that he doesn't always plan a Q&A session when he speaks, because in some groups, inappropriate questions would be asked. But, he explained, that he could tell you were a more spiritually mature group and therefore, felt prompted to offer that. He then added that he was impressed with the quality of your questions, as well as your appearance and demeanor.

A couple of addenda need to be added to two of the answers offered to those questions. As we walked from the church back to our home, Sister Oaks asked me to please tell you, for her, that her experiences as a young missionary; dendo-ing in the cold, when tired, and with very little response to invitations to hear the Lord's word, day after day, was frankly taihen and sometimes discouraging. But, and this is the part she wants you to remember most, those very difficulties taught her the things she needed to know and gave her the spiritual strength she would need 25 years later in order to become the wife of an apostle. And, of course she didn't know that at the time. Some of what we are learning as we faithfully perform difficult and arduous assignments is how to be prepared to take advantage of future opportunities for service and blessings.

The second added note is also in respect to the question about how to not become discouraged. As mentioned, occasional discouragement "comes with the territory" when you are a missionary. It is probably impossible to be a sincere, and caring, and devoted missionary without feeling discouraged from time to time. Read the scriptures and count how many missionaries in the accounts recorded there shared those feelings with you! Even the three Nephites who were allowed to extend their missions past their mortal release dates (urayamashi!) were blessed to know no sorrow except for the sins of the world. I think that would include sorrow when many reject the opportunity to hear the Word of God. But, occasional and temporary discouragement that may help us pray longer and more fervently is not long term disabling, or full-blown depression. Prolonged discouragement can lead to despair, depression, and hopelessness. We don't want that. It makes us dysfunctional, meaning we can't function. If your bouts with discouragement are frequent, intense, or long-lasting, you may be in a group of people for whom this is a weakness. Do you remember what Elder Oaks said about overcoming temptation? The same thing can apply here. Know your enemy! Learn strategies to overcome. Put in place early warning signals. Stay away from things that would trigger this weakness. Learn how to disarm the triggers. Get help to do this. We can help you. The Lord does not intend for us to live in despair and hopelessness. Quite the opposite. So, please be mindfully aware of whether you're feeling a bit down and need to pray harder, or whether you have a tendency (maybe a family tendency) to depression. The first is our common lot as missionaries and succumbs to prayer and recommitment. The second is a condition or weakness that can, with help, understanding, and effort be turned around and become instead, an area of strength (see Ether 12:27). Believe me, I know. So, always let us know if you think you are in the second category.

Well, I've taken the space of my normal notes on bunka and ideas for eikaiwa. So how about this? During the upcoming Golden Week and throughout May, ask members, yoteishas, kyudoshas, and others about the rich bunka (culture) of Japan, especially that celebrated in the spring. And, should you need some eikaiwa ideas, ask around and/or give me a call.

One last comment, we see greatly increased evidence of improved apartment cleaning. Yes! Thank you!

Lots of love, 
Sister Robertson


Watts Choro's Scripture Cookies

(We haven't tried these yet, but......we will)

Beat these together:
3/4 c. Psalms 55:21 (1st ingredient)
1/3 c. 2 Nephi 26:25 (1st ingredient)
1 1/2 c. Jeremiah 6:20
2 Isaiah 10:14
 
Mix these well, then add to first mixture:
2 c. 1 Kings 4:22 (1st ingredient)
1 tsp. Song of Solomon 4:14 (4th ingredient)
1 tsp. D&C 101:39
1/2 tsp. Galatians 5:9 (1st ingredient)
1 John 4:11 (4th word)
Moses 1:41 (1st two letters of the 4th word)
Add: 
3 cups of D&C 89:17 (3rd ingredient)
1 cup of 1st Samuel 30:12 (2nd ingredient)
Mix well and drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 F/180 C (Joseph Smith History 1:37) for 15 minutes.

Note: Only proud and wicked cookies shall burn as stubble. But lo, righteous cookies shall be well done all ye good and faithful cooks. As you partake of the cookies, read 1 Nephi 8:12, in fact all of 1st Nephi 8 and all of 1st Nephi 11.

Thanks, Watts Choro.

This Should be Fun!!!!!

Voices from the Dust

What is more wonderful than hearing from eternal friends? Here's a sample of the latest communiqués (in alphabetical order):

Amakasu Choro is happy to report that he was able to attend the Winter Quarters Temple dedication (as it was closed circuit televised at his local stake center). He said it was wonderful. He (as all California members are now doing) is rejoicing in the announcement of three new temples in that state. One will be in Sacramento, one in Newport Beach, and (Yatta!) one in Redlands. (Redlands is where President and Sister Robertson lived for the first 18 months of their marriage, and the University of Redlands is Sis R's alma matter.) OK, and now the news we've all waited for: It's Official: Amakasu Choro and Kindrick Shimai will "tie the knot" in the Los Angeles Temple, July 21st. What gokurosamas to wait so long and serve so faithfully in the meantime! Omedetoo!

Carmichael Shimai has invited all to come to Australia. We have it on good authority, that if you get there, she will personally treat you to some vegemite. She's now been home most of three months and says quite candidly that "sometimes it feels hard to find your place when you return". She is currently job hunting in Sydney. She attends her meetings, including YSA activities, and has been able to help some troubled friends. She says that she remembers with great fondness the feeling of total exhaustion at the end of a mission day, "knowing you did all you could do". She longs to have that feeling again and be one of the first citizens of a real Zion. Gambatte! (We'll all join you!!)

Departees for this month were all asked for a short piece of wisdom. Here's what they said:

Gilbert Choro - went to see Sanders Choro as he returned safely to "Down Under". He sympathized with our office staff who will have to carefully reorganize things as mission boundaries change. (Thanks for your sympathy, nice to be appreciated .) He and his wife will be coming to Tokyo or Fukuoka next year. He has finished his training as a Japanese Tour Guide and is now balancing school, work, temple visits, and being the dendoshunin in his ward. His wife is a stake missionary. They love working together and having the Melbourne Temple only 30 minutes away!

Kailimai Shimai will henceforth be referred to as Keawe Shimai. She is doing great and still tries to use all the good habits she learned on her mission. Clearly, finding is one she's mastered! She found her eien no doryo, Kahanu Keawe, and they were married March 26th. She is very happy! Congratulation, Keawe fufu!

Kelland Choro has some similar joy! He popped the question to his intended, Candace Martin, and they are planning to be married in Los Angeles in July. Hmmm. What date? LA may be a very romantic place in July! Omedetoo. Keep us updated!

Matsushita Shimai (formerly Enoue Shimai) sent the most darling picture of little Momoka. And yes, she looks just like a peach flower. She was born February 15th. We saw the new "Dad" at a conference not long after that. He looked a bit sleepy. Wonder why? Maybe the drive from Tanabe to Gobo? Maybe not. Anyway, bleary-eyed parents or not, Congratulations!

Mitome Shimai made a simple inquiry about plans for a reunion. It seems she's been talking to Takai, Okitsu, Kinjo, Ogitsu, and Aoyagi choros and shimais. They all wanted to know about a Nippon Reunion. Well, we waited to make sure about dates and then didn't get back to Mitome Shimai in a timely fashion, (gomen nasai) but....... the news is yes! President and Sister R will arrive in Tokyo on the 7th of July and plan on meeting beloved RM's on Sunday the 8th. The flight back to America is on the 9th. Now, how about an update on what you're doing, now we finally came up with the answer to your question?

Moench Choro is one energetic young man. He is so busy, but doesn't forget his old friends. He's finishing up a heavy load of classes at USC. He's the ward membership clerk (not an easy task), he's leading the Institute men, going to the temple, entertaining our returnees (see Potter Choro), and preparing to go to Marine Corps Officer Candidate School this summer in Quentico, Virginia. He says that there is a new sushi bar opening nearby, but alas, it only serves lawyers. It's called "Sosumi". (That's terrible!)

Ozasa Shimai was able to get off work at her law court office and join Yamanaka Shimai for a few days of whirlwind visits in the Kansai area during the first of March. They had a wonderful time. Then Yamanaka Shimai moved to Yokohama where her new job was starting. Write and tell us about the job and what you're doing in your ward!

Peterson Choro is doing well. He's finishing school and enjoying married life. He's contemplating possible work in Japan. He also gets the prize for the longest phone conversation of all in the category of "those inquiring about mission changes." But, that's as it should be, he has spent many years in this area and has a long term interest and knowledge. It was great to talk with him!

Potter Choro was reported on by Moench Choro. He tells that Potter Choro did make it across the ocean and into the states. He had lunch with Moench Choro and commented that he felt intimidated by Americans. Hmmm. Good idea to go to lunch with a Marine when feeling such, deshoo?

Quiton Choro had the great opportunity of celebrating his birthday on Easter Sunday this year. He is working for AT&T (how about arranging discounts for your old "dendo" friends?). His wife, Amanda, is in school.

Smith Choro (Robert) worked all last summer to earn college money. He is now In Logan, attending Utah State University. He likes it and finds that working hard for 12-13 hours a day is much easier since his mission than it was before his missionary days. He works as a computer technician on campus. He is serving as the Elders' Quorum representative on the Ward Temple Committee. He loves attending the temple. He also loves his Institute Class for RM's. He says it provides great insights for successful post-mission life. He says that sometimes he'd like to come back to the mission. College occasionally seems so very self-focused. He longs to be of service full-time again. However, he can't seem to find any Kobe alums in Logan. Are any of you there? If so, call up Smith Choro and go do some member dendo together.

Sugawara Shimai sent an e-mail inquiring about mission changes. Did we answer? We don't know. (Not aging, just a little confused...) If you still have questions, send another note, onegaishimasu. How are you doing, Sugawara Shimai?

Well, anyone know why I would have these names: Taylor and Fisher Choros, on a yellow post-it paper? Omoshiroi!

Now the latest in wedding announcements received:

Iizuka Choro and his wife, Mieko ----- March 20th
Kailimai Shimai and her husband, Kahanu Keawe ---March 26th
Kump Choro and his wife to be, Lillian ------- June 19th

We can hardly wait to get those others (Jones, Kelland, Amakasu, Nakaya, etc.)

Well, this is a sample. Surely, we've missed reporting some visits or notes. But, there's next month. (What do you think about having an ongoing alumni report even after July?) Also, if your name hasn't appeared here yet, please pick up a pen, keyboard, or phone and tell us what you're up to. You can always reach us at: dfrober@attglobal.net 

P.S. Our love and concern for you doesn't go away just because you take the "big" transfer. (I know you know that, just wanted to say it again!)


The Kobe District of the Nishi Zone

Hello My Dear Friends,

Having been given a chance to write something small, I thought that it would be a great opportunity to shed some light on the magnificent Kobe District. It was previously an eight missionary stronghold and two transfers ago it became much stronger with the addition of two more warriors. Unfortunately last transfer we lost an invaluable member, namely Woods Choro, but the veteran warrior Kiser Choro quickly covered that loss. Fukunaga Choro (a fireball of dendo skills) temporarily dim in light is again fired up and together with Captain Kiser Choro has already seen great miracles with more in store. Uemura (Upbeat Uptown) Choro and Benson Choro together have helped the AP's bring Hu San very close to baptism. Suma, another two-man stronghold, captained by Garfield Choro and assisted by Captain-in-training Sant Choro are standing steadfast and strong beaming as lights of stability, bringing forth miracles left, right, and center. Deceptively mild yet power-packed akashi-filled ready to bear as Shimaitachi Scrivner and Young continue to shine forth and keep us on our toes. Finally, our technical tactician Wilks Choro and myself aid, guide and assist these sons and daughters of God (gallant in the Lord's work, one family in heart and mind deliverers of our will to God) without a shortage of miracles of our own. How great is this work, how blessed we are. The Lord loves you....we do too.

Elder Tasi 


President Gordon B. Hinckley 

It has been my privilege on various occasions to converse with five presidents of the United States. At the conclusion of each such occasion, I have reflected on the rewarding experience of standing with confidence in the presence of the acknowledged leader of the free world. And then I have thought, what a wonderful thing, what a marvelous thing it would be to stand with confidence "unafraid and unashamed and unembarrassed" in the presence of God. This is the promise held out to every virtuous man and woman.

Some of us are fearful of what our peers will say if we adopt such a position. We might be looked on with disdain and criticized if we stand for what is right and promote a moral standard higher than that found among the masses. But the kingdom of God is not a democracy. Wickedness and righteousness are not legislated by majority vote. Right and wrong are not determined by polls or pundits, though many would have us believe otherwise. Evil never was happiness. Happiness lies in the power and the love and the sweet simplicity of virtue.

This is not to suggest that we be prudish. We need not slink off in a corner, as it were. We need not be ashamed. But if we were called upon to stand openly and give an accounting of ourselves, could we do it without embarrassment? If all the world were privy to our private behavior. Would we feel confident and comfortable about the choices we have made? More importantly, are we at peace with ourselves?

Paul counseled Timothy, "Keep thyself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22). Those are simple words. But they are ever so important. Paul is saying, in effect: Stay away from those things that undermine and eventually destroy the soul. Stay away from that which leads to unclean thoughts, unclean language, and harmful behavior. Personal virtue is worth more than any salary, any bonus, any position or degree of prominence.

We must reverse the trend toward moral degeneration.

Is there a valid case for personal morality and virtue? It is the only way to freedom from regret. The peace of conscience that flows from personal virtue is the only personal peace that is not counterfeit. And beyond all of this is the unfailing promise of God to those who walk in virtue, "exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).

Channing Pollock once remarked: "A world in which everyone believed in the purity of women and the nobility of men, and acted accordingly, would be a very different world, but a grand place to live in." It would be a world of freedom in which the human spirit might grow to undreamed-of glory, and a world of peace"the peace of clear conscience, of unsullied love, of fidelity, of unfailing trust and loyalty. This may appear an unattainable dream for the world. But, for each of us individually, it can become a reality, and the world will become so much richer and stronger because of the virtue of each individual life.

A great moral reformation will occur only as reformation takes place in the hearts, minds, and lives of each of us; as morality is reinstated as a priority in the homes of the country; and as men and women, boys and girls, realize their lives are missing a critical moral component and determine to seek a life of virtue.


Missionaries Arriving May 22

Mitsuaki Aida Tokyo, Japan
Jeffery Bylund South Jordan, Utah
Daniel Campbell West Plains, Missouri
Ulisses Cunha Sao Paulo, Brazil
Daniel De Arruda Lowell, Massachusetts
Nathaniel Harris Burley, Idaho
Gina Marie Hoffman     Nyssa, Oregon
Koji Ishizaki Tokyo, Japan
Jason Schofield Bountiful, Utah
Jaylen Silver Copperopolis, California
Jeffrey Wood Bountiful, Utah
Kenneth Zemp Las Vegas, Nevada

Missionaries Departing May 24

Andre Gledhill Elverta, Washington
Darrell Grob Pleasant Grove, Utah
Matthew Hafen Federal Way, Washington
Armando Kamisaki Praia Grande, Brazil
Nathaniel Kiser McMinnville, Oregon
Jonathan Proctor American Fork, Utah
Troy Lynn Hurricane, Utah
Motomiytsu Shimoji Okinawa, Japan
Hiroshi Shimomura Nagano, Japan
Allison Staker Salt Lake City, Utah
Spencer Vanderpool     Higley, Arizona
Shaun Weldon Kirkland, Washington

May Birthdays

Brady Hales May 1
Richard Lesueur May 1
Kaminaga Kaminaga     May 3
Jason Nesbit May 4
Jason Ellsworth May 5
Nicholas Whipple May 12
Douglas Frederick May 21
Yuka Inamura May 25
Benjamin Allen May 25
Battumur Batkhuu May 27
Tyrel Campbell May 27
Edward Bishop May 30
Kevin Tame May 31

Zone Taikais

May 7 10AM Kita/Kyoto at Shimogamo
May 9 10AM Sakai/Minami at Wakayama
May 11 1 PM Nishi at Kobe
May 12     1 PM Higashi at Toyonaka
May 16 10AM     Chuo at Abeno

Mensetsus

May 10     10AM Kobe District at Kobe
May 14 9AM Amagasaki at Kitarokko
1:30PM Himeji and Miki at Akashi
May 17 9:30AM At Toyonaka
May 18 1PM Hirano / Taisho at Abeno
May 19 9:30AM Nara at Nara
1PM Asuka at Nara
May 25 10AM NishiK / Otsu at Fushimi
May 26 9:30AM At Sasayama
12:30PM Toyooka / Maizuru at Fukuchiyama
May 30 10:30AM At Mikuni
6PM At Wakayama
May 31 9:30AM Nara at Nara
1PM Asuka at Nara

Baptisms During April

April 1 Hiromi Yokota
April 1 Reima Yokata
April 8 Jose Ganaja
April 15 Emi Kiko
April 22 Kotaro Matsumoto
April 22 Hiroshi Ejima
April 22 Yukari Ejima
April 25 Ryutaro Noburo
April 29 Midori Sumimoto
April 29 Mami Okubo
April 29     Keisuke Yamada

Baptism Story

The first time Sakurai met the missionaries at her front door, she listened to the first lesson and said that if she could be prepared, she'd be baptized. Unfortunately after lesson 2 reading the Book of Mormon and praying, she still didn't feel she was prepared. She didn't know if she needed to join a church in order to worship God. She started to change when a certain member joined us for the lesson. She testified to Sakurai of the truthfulness of the missionarie's message and the necessity of Sakurai Shimai to follow it. Sakurai Shimai listened to her quietly then turned to us and said, "but I can only go to church once a month." Before that she said that she couldn't go at all.

Then one night she called us and after talking aobut life for a while informed us that she'd been thinking that she wanted to be baptized on October 11th. She told us that she had recieved her confirmation. She added, "I was thinking I wanted to quit smoking anyway." We had not until then talked about October 11th or the Word of Wisdom, but we weren't complaining. Everything she'd seen or read had seemed to tell her it was the right thing to do to become a member of the church.

She was baptized on October 13th surrounded by member friends and missionaries who loved her. She'd received a confirmation of the Spirit.

Sister Christi Scrivner

(If you have a special baptism that you want to have printed in the Light, please contact Sister Pyper and we'll print it for you so all can enjoy the great testimonies of these baptisms.)


A Special Baptism

The most spiritual baptism I have been to would be that of the Maxwells in the fall of 1999. It was cold that day, but me and my companion rode from our area of Higashi-Osaka to the baptism in Habikino for a spiritual pump-up and to show district support. It was a nice service, but the thing that impressed me the most was Maxwell Kyodai's enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Brother Maxwell, a muscled Kenyan and his Japanese wife had been through much and made many hard changes in the course of hearing the lessons. When they committed themselves to baptism it was one of the biggest steps of their lives. Tonight was the night and Maxwell Kyodai was beaming. He kept saying things like "I'm so happy"! or "I'm getting baptized"! He had the biggest smile in the world . The spirit of the meeting was wonderful. After they were baptized I overheard a missionary say to another, "This is what it's all about." As I think of this experience I realize this really is what it all is about.

Elder Spencer Nielsen


From the Recorder

Dear Missionaries,

How is DENDO going? I hope and pray all is going well. Hontouni minnano hatarakini kannsha shite ima su.

What a wonderful work we are engaged in! What a blessing to be here sharing this gospel message of hope and peace with all who will hear. Remember that even the disappointment of seeing people unwilling to listen can bring us closer to an understanding of how the Savior felt (Matthew 23:37).

His road was hard, but He finished His calling and set for you and I the perfect example to learn and live by. What a high honor to have our names printed these two/one and half years next to His.

Dendo wo tanoshinnde kudasai.
UpTown Upbeat Choro (Uemura)


From the Secretaries

Last weekend, President Hinckley dedicated the Winter Quarters Temple. It is located adjacent to the graves of those who perished in the severe winter of 1846. There is a plaque there with those names whose graves they found. Listen very carefully and you can hear those spirits shouting and singing hosannas along with those faithful in the stakes of Nebraska and Iowa. What a wonderful occasion for them who are awaiting the work to be done for them that they might return to the kingdom of God. Let us remember that the growth of the Church there is similar to the growth of the Church in Japan. Slow but ever so sure. Rededicate yourselves to the work each morning and thank God for your missions.

Love, Sister and Elder Pyper


From the Assistants

Dear Zion Missionaries,

What a wonderful month April is turning out to be. Thank you so much for all of your efforts this month. We have seen many wonderful miracles and a handful of our brothers and sisters join the ranks of God's disciples.

We were really impressed with everyone's personal appearance and the way that you conducted yourselves with dignity at the Oaks Choro taikai. We really liked the part of Elder Oaks' talk in which he mentioned giving 100% to the Lord. We really felt this was important because when we give 100% as a mission, it leaves no room for giving up. Whether it be with ourselves, companionships, investigators, yoteishas, new members, less actives, or part member families, we should give 100% in order to help these people. Through doing this we show the faith that Sister Oaks and Sister Robertson were talking about that brings about miracles. A good example of someone who truly understands this principle is Captain Moroni. He wrote in his epistle to Pahoran (Alma 60:7) "Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you? Yea, while they are murdering thousands of your brethren?" Let us be like Captain Moroni and give 100% for our brothers and sisters in Japan.

We truly enjoy serving you in any way that we can. Please call on us for help.

Love,

Elder Grob and Rashid