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ANNUAL 2008 Reunion FOR ALL RETURNED MISSIONARIES OF THE NORTHERN FAR EAST MISSION
FRIDAY APRIL 4, 2008
2008 REUNION
1889 SOUTH 1700 EAST
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
It’s The Red Brick
EDGEHILL 2ND LDS CHAPEL; 6:30 P. M.
FULL COURSE JAPANESE FOOD BUFFET, INCLUDING MITSUMAME FOR DESSERT !
ALL NFE MISSION RETURNED MISSIONARIES, WHO SERVED IN JAPAN and KOREA, FAMILY (INCLUDING KIDS & GRANDKIDS), AND ANY FRIENDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING.
HOW MUCH? Still just $7.50/PERSON!!
Please R.S.V.P. intent to attend to: James R. Howell, Jr., Association Treasurer, by phone to 801-582-8443. Or mail to 1919 Yale Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84108 or e. mail Jim & Jane at janejhowell@hotmail.com or e. mail Webmaster Summers at wws1936@msn.com mailto:wws1936@msn.com
WEBSITE: www.nfem.mission.net
IN 1978, NORM SHUMWAY (NFEM 1954-58) WAS ELECTED TO THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM CA. AND REELECTED 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988.
April 4 2007
Dear Friends:
As you know, the Church has called us to work exclusively at the United Nations. We are to build bridges of friendship and understanding, monitor legal and policy developments at the U.N. which could impact the Church,
and to generally introduce Church ideals and efforts to some of the world's leaders. . .
To date we have met with almost 20 ambassadors, with most meetings occurring in that country's mission or other comfortable setting. Without exception, we have been warmly received and treated as friends. Many diplomats express plaudits for the Church and its humanitarian aid, missionary efforts, volunteerism and presence in their countries. This phase of our activity has been most rewarding to us. . .
We can clearly see doors and opportunities open for us in our daily activities. We are convinced that our Heavenly Father is blessing and guiding our work, and that assurance dissipates any feelings of homesickness.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve, and appreciate very much the support which we feel from so many friends and relatives.
5 November 2007
We are now well beyond the halfway point of our mission. It seems like we have been quite busy, but when we survey the landscape we realize how much yet needs to be done. We hope that Church representation at the United Nations will become an ongoing function and that couples who follow us will enjoy the work as much as we do.
We have busied ourselves in attending meetings of the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the myriad commissions, conventions, councils, committees, conferences and caucuses which are part of the U.N. family. We have finally gained some understanding of the procedures and terminology of this massive bureaucracy located on the banks of Manhattan’s East River.
When not attending meetings or attending to office duties, we have devoted our time to visiting ambassadors in their various missions. These visits have been very successful in allowing us to make friends, build bridges of understanding and cure misconceptions about the Church. We have developed some very positive relationships and have seen the Spirit touch many hearts which before were hard and unreceptive to any degree of Church-related influence.
We also host the U.N. diplomats socially. We staged a picnic during the summer which several ambassadors and their families attended. We will soon take some two dozen of them to dinner and a show at Radio City Music Hall – the annual Christmas Spectacular, which is a premier social event in New York City. We enjoy watching them develop appreciation for the Church as they come to realize that we do good things in their countries, and that we are not “weirdoes.”
We believe that President Hinckley was inspired when he sanctioned this program of government relations. We can readily see how it helps the enhancement of the Kingdom throughout the world – both now and in the future. We feel the Spirit directing us in our daily work, and are aware of many doors that have amazingly been opened to us. Our testimonies and feelings of gratitude have grown by our service in New York City. Our lives have indeed been blessed. Thanks for your assistance and prayers.
Norm and Luana Shumway
New York Office of Public and International Affairs
New York City, N.Y. 10023
Sunday, April 22, 2007 12:40 AM
Those who may have seen 'American Pastime' probably didn't recognize in a couple of background scenes a gray-haired "extra" who served in the NFEM many years
ago.
It was my hubby, Masahisa Watabe (DA/AK 6/63), who enjoyed the experience of being in the filming of the movie. A bonus was that the main actor--Nakamura Masayoshi, was it?--invited him to play golf with him.
Faith Watabe (DA/AK 8/1963)
President Akira Yafuso's (DA/AK 8/64) pleas for couples, one or both who can speak Nihongo, or once could speak Nihongo, to volunteer for Japan missions, particularly the Hiroshima Mission.
He said he could really use some Japanese speaking couple missionaries and I suspect all the other 6 missions could use them, too. I'm sure the Korean MP's could use some help in the Korean language also. WWS
Wednesday, May 02, 2007 2:15 PM
Dear NFEM,
The Fukuoka Mission is in desperate need of senior couple missionaries. We have four couples whose mission terms will be ending within the next three months and we have received word that only one couple will be coming to replace these four. In other words, we will be losing a net three couples.
We can ill afford to lose three as we would like to have even more come to our mission. Elder and Sister Lowell Fox (PA 1956), who is a former NFE missionary and his wife, have been serving with distinction in the Nagasaki District.
Please accept a call to come to Japan.
Sincerely, President David Iwaasa (NFEM/Japan-Okinawa 1967-70) dbiwaasa@hotmail.com
.May 17, 2007
For many years (more so recently) I have wondered where Meriyo Okahata (PA 10/59) lived so that I could express gratitude to her and be of service to her in some small way. She taught me the Gospel when I was entering Graduate school at the University of California at Berkeley in the 60's.
My family disowned me when I joined the Church. I was fearful of my future as a single woman in the Church without the support and love of my family.
Meriyo was also a single woman and the only member of the Church in her family. I know the Lord called her on a Stake Mission after her Mission to Japan so she could bear witness of the truths of the Gospel to me (and others) and help me overcome my fears and begin my baby steps in the Church.
Last week a miracle happened. I received your e-mail of the whereabouts of Meriyo (in Fresno, California) and of her condition. I called her at the Retirement Center on Mother's Day. She (at 88 years of age) didn't remember me. I thanked her for her Missionary work in bringing the Gospel
to me. She was as cheerful as ever and said she was glad she could do it.
Later that day I talked to an LDS attendant at the Retirement Center, Norma Almaraz, a sweet sister who has been taking Meriyo to her home every week.
Norma told me that Meriyo had cancer throughout her body and was not expected to live very long. Norma had tried to order Temple clothes for Meriyo in case she passed on soon. I told her that it would be a privilege for me to obtain Temple clothes for Meriyo and send them over to Norma.
Wed , May 16, I purchased the Temple clothes. I called Norma to confirm her address. She told me that Meriyo had a heart attack in the early morning and her Bishop had just given Meriyo a blessing. I went to the UPS store and sent the Temple clothes "overnight express". When I arrived home the phone rang. Norma called to tell me that Meriyo had passed into the spirit world peacefully--knowing that she would have Temple clothes.
Norma called this morning . . . At her request I told her of my cherished association with Meriyo and how that tiny, perky and faithful Japanese lady had changed my life. Sister Okahata was and will always remain a monument to me of steadfastness, sacrifice and pure faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know she is safe in the arms of her loved ones for whom she has performed sacred Temple Ordinances, and will be cherished by our Savior for her enduring work on the earth.
Thank you, Wayne, for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a long time wish.With Deepest Sincerely,
Cheryl Norman (wife of Garth Norman (PA 9/56) – NFEM 1956-59)
May 25, 2007
Yesterday at 11:30 am I attended the viewing of 93 year old President Robert H. Slover and met many wonderful friends and members of the Slover Family. There was a spiritual feeling in the room, and I was honored to be among so many people who had come to show respect for such a great man.
For me there was yet a greater event still to come. At 7:25 pm I drove up to the East Lawn Cemetery and quietly walked over to President Slover's grave. While standing at the head of hundreds of beautiful freshly arranged flowers and a magnificent BIG BLUE "Y", I bowed my head and began to think about the first time I met Col. Slover. It was May of 1958 in Yongsan just a few days after my arrival in Korea as a 21 year old missionary reassigned from Japan. He was bigger than life and I was humbled in his presence.
Dare I approach him ? I finally found enough courage to walk up to him, and I asked...... “If I should ever have the occasion to introduce you, should I call you Colonel or Elder?” He smiled and said "Introduce me as Elder Slover.... anyone can be a Col."
I loved him from that moment forward. I thought of the many times he visited the missionaries, and the wonderful leadership he gave the military members, and later as Mission President of the Korea Seoul Mission.
I remembered a later meeting with "Elder Slover", dressed in white at the dedication of the Seoul Korea Temple where he had been called to serve as Temple President. Again, I felt blessed just to be in his presence.
My time at the grave site yesterday evening was a spiritual event, and I took the opportunity to walk a few feet East and visited with President Kim Cha Bong, then a few feet to the North where I visited with President Rhee Ho Nam, and then a few feet to the Northeast where I visited with President Spencer Palmer. What hallowed ground !!!!
I then returned to burial site of President Robert H. Slover. I offered a prayer, and my own personal blessing on his grave, as his friend and brother....and then, without prior thought... as a fellow soldier, I snapped my heels together, and while standing at the position of "attention", I lifted my right hand, and proudly saluted Colonel Slover. So long President... Please save us a seat next to you.
Eugene Powell Till (PA 1/58)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 6:13 AM
Elder Hyrum Mead (AK 8/66), is involved in some exciting work being done at the Bountiful Temple for many Japanese names in support of the overflow from the Tokyo Temple.
I suggest that they can serve best by performing initiatory ordinances, giving . . . the opportunity to act as proxy for a far greater number of people as compared to an endowment. Their request to serve for Japanese names can also be better handled at the initiatory desk. When they come to the Bountiful Temple, they should go to the initiatory desk and specifically request Japanese names.
If there are no Japanese names at the initiatory desk . . . leaders . . . can obtain some from the office, where there are many waiting to be issued. If any of our former missionary brethren wish to come to the Bountiful Temple on a Friday evening or night, Hyrum Mead will personally take care of them.
The Japanese names we receive are very interesting. Some . . . go back into the 1500s. Names from the 1600s are not unusual. Almost all names are patron submitted. The older names can be especially long and complex (some taking more than a full line on the card when spelled out in romaji). Most are shorter, and it is not unusual to have only the given name or the family name available. . . .
Many thanks, Mead Choro
Sunday, July 01, 2007 6:25 AM
Three generations of 1974 Korea Mission Pres. Eugene P. Till (PA 1/58) have now been called to missions in Japan. Pres. Till was called to the NFE in 1958, son Eugene P. Till, Jr. served in the Tokyo North Mission in 1980, and now Eugene P. Till, Jr.’s son Cody Eugene Till is serving in the Japan Sendai Mission.
Monday, July 09, 2007 5:27 PM
On July 6, Hilton Joseph Lui (PA/DA 1961) returned from picking up his daughter from service in the Japan Fukuoka Mission on June 29 and visited his former Sapporo branch address thereafter. He discovered great changes. The Dendo Honbu is now where the branch building used to be. Says he, “Sapporo has really modernized since I was there in 1964.”
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 10:18 AM
My wife Annette and I have been called to serve in the Japan Fukuoka Mission under President [David B.] Iwaasa (AK 12/67) . We report to the MTC 6 Aug and a week later should be on our way. Thanks.
N. Roger Andersen (PA/DA 3/61)
American Fork, UT
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 10:18 AM
I think my good friend Elder [Lowell Jimmy] & Sister Fox just left the Fukuoka Mission. They have been home 1-2 weeks. His email is: ljimfox@yahoo.com if you want to 'chew the fat' about modern day Japan.
Wayne W. Summers (PA 1956)
Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:42 AM
My wife Nina and I just started a mission in the California Carlsbad Mission. We are working in the Mission Office. We're lucky--we can commute to Carlsbad from our home in San Clemente.
I visited the Tokyo Mission Home site (Temple) with my wife at Cherry blossom time 2 years ago to celebrate the 50th year of my arrival in the NFEM.
Elder William Don (PA 10/55) & Sister Simmons
Email: upstairs47@cox.net
Monday, July 16, 2007 5:19 PM
Elder Orion Wood (DA/AK 1965), orionw@pacbell-.net and his son just got back from a trip to Japan. His WONDERFUL journal with color pictures is at www.hostelworld.com to aid in planning a wonderful affordable trip to Japan. WWS
Saturday, August 04, 2007 8:35 AM
Presidents Paul C. Andrus (PA 9/48, 4/49, & 11/55) & Dwayne N. Andersen (Mauss 1951-53 & DA 6/62) have posted life stories incorporating priceless history about the NFE with Wade Wride Fillmore (PA/DA 3/61)’s weekly postings made to the Meridian Magazine. Articles are in both Japanese & English. They are a marvelous contribution to increased knowledge of the gospel in Japan and the world. Thank you, thank you so much, Wade, for your selfless service to the Japan saints FTM's who served there. See the magazine at:
http://familyhist.org/meridianjapan/returnedmissionariesdna03.htm . E. m WFillmore@aol.com.
Sunday, August 26, 2007 8:40 PM
Ronald C. Hills (PA 4/56) past away Sat. Aug, 25th, 2007 at his home in Highland incident to cancer.
Ron was much loved, quiet, cheerful, positive, and had solid devotion to the Gospel. He influenced everyone for good who was privileged to know him. He made a tremendous contribution as manager of BYU Special Courses and Conferences. He was especially proud of Youth Conferences growth.
Garth Norman (PA 1956)
Monday, August 27, 2007 8:14 AM
Richard Floyd Ostergaard (AK 4/66) authored an article published in the Sept 2007 Ensign regarding the start of his mission in Japan and resulting blessings. WWS
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:14 AM
Sterling Drake Meyer (AK 9/66) died on Monday, September 10, 2007 of a heart attack. He was a wonderful husband who loved the gospel and who loved every minute of his mission to Japan. Thanks, Jane Meyer, utes34byu31@aol.com, 801-571-3216, Sandy, UT
Sunday, September 30, 2007 7:48 PM
George Awa (PA 1954) and wife Vicki served a mission to Nigeria and in November celebrate their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary in Hawaii. They now live in Tuscon, vickiawa2001@yahoo.com .
Monday, October 08, 2007 3:45 PM
Pres. Lowell Edward Brown (PA 1957) and Pres. Eugene P. Till (PA 1/58 Korea) had a reunion on October 5, 2007 for respective missionaries while they presided of missions in Korea. A photo shoot of the reunion is at www.koreareunion.blogspot.com.
Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:23 PM
My father Richard R. Owens (PA/DA 10/61)passed away on November 15, 2006 in Providence, Utah. Recently I have been going through his personal things and found his missionary letters, pictures, and other things. I am very interested to hear from anyone who knew my father when he was a missionary. Please contact me at: phone: 801-376-3671 or MatthewWOwens@hotmail.com in Lehi, UT.
Matt Owens.
Saturday, November 17, 2007 7:08 AM
This is a message that I have been meaning to write for quite awhile. Brethern & “Sistern”: IT IS TIME TO WRITE YOUR FAMILY/PERSONAL HISTORY!! Including your service in Japan, Korea, Okinawa. The NFE website should aid you in part of that task. We have 150+ pictures now. We have bios on 940+ RMs now. We have email contacts for 320+ RMs now. We have phone contacts for 600+ RMs. I don't suppose that the time will be much better than this.
Elder Jim Halvorsen recently caught the Spirit at the urging of his kids, such that he got in his car and made a pilgrimage to Utah, Idaho, et al from the state of Washington just so he could write his family history. These things are an aid to get your 'remembering juices' flowing and get it down on paper.
If you are not a typist, as I am not, there is some software available called DRAGON-Speak 7.0 or higher that allows you to speak and your story is typed as you talk. Amazing! Just go on the internet and lookup DRAGON-Speak. I pray that these references will aid you in this important work.
God Bless, Wayne W. Summers (PA 1956-1959)
Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:15 PM
Mark Kekane Eskelson (DA/AK 11/64) passed on January 4, 2008 of congestive heart failure. Born May 23, 1945 to Mary Marcella Nielsen and Randal Eskelson. Graduated West High and U of U. He served NFEM 1964-1967 and upon returning married Jill Jacobs May 8, 1969 in the SLC Temple. They were blessed with eight wonderful children: Ember (Ken) Storrs, Adam (Jamie) Eskelson, Miriam (Forrest) Pritchett, Mary (Travis) Ehrhart, Erin (Chris) Jepsen, Cynthia (Burke) Gull, Dan (Rachel) Eskelson, Valerie (Mark) Gardner and 23 grandchildren. He dedicated his life to his family and they were his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Gary and two grandchildren. He was my sweetheart. Services were held at West Valley City. UT.
SLC Tribune 1/6 & 7/2008. Family 801-250-3797, email markesk@msn.com.
In May 2007, Wayne W. Summers (PA 1956-59) asked Bishop Eskelson if he desired a Prayer Call. Wayne says, "This great man said, 'Elder Summers, I know those are effective, but No, I'm ready to move on. I have complete trust in the Lord!’ What a man. He will be missed.”
JAMES A. MCARTHUR (DA/AK 1/64)
& DENISE MCARTHUR
NEW TOKYO MTC PARENTS
They left for Tokyo January 14, 2008. They served as Japan Fukuoka Mission Parents from 1997-2000 when the Fukuoka Temple was built and dedicated.
MISSION PRESIDENTS JULY 2008
KOREA (5 New with asterisks)
*Kenneth W. Jennings,Jr.Pusan to 7-2011
Man Ku Cho Seoul to 7-2009
Craig Palmer Burton Seoul West to 7-2010
Alan Gordon Perriton Taejon to 7-2010
JAPAN
David b. Iwaasa Fukuoka to 7-2009
*Yoshiaki Isa Hiroshima to 7-2011
*William R. McIntyre, Jr. Kobe to 7-2011
Bruce Frank Traveller Nagoya to 7-2010
*Lee A. Daniels Sapporo to 7-2011
*Reid Tateoka Sendai to 7-2011
Allen F. Hill Tokyo to 7-2009
GROWTH STATISTICS
Japan
Korea
2007 2008 2007 2008
Stakes 29 29 17 17
Wards 165 165 98 94
Branches 133 129 50 49
Districts 14 14 6 6
Membership 121,774 122,442 79,652 80,421
Missions 7 7 4 4
Temples 2 2 1 1
Area 70’s 4 5 1 2
Guam 1 [now part of the Asia North Area]
CURRENT TEMPLE PRESIDENTS
Seoul Pres. Jun Jong Chul
Fukuoka Pres. Ryoushou Nakama
Tokyo Pres. Masayuki Nakano
ASIA NORTH AREA PRESIDENCY
David F. Evans President
Kazuhiko Yamashita 1st Counselor
Yoon Hwan Choi 2nd Counselor
AREA 70’S
Pita F. Hopoate Guam 5/2005
Kazuhiko Yamashita Japan 2001
Yasuo Niiyama Japan 4/2002
Toru Hotta Japan 4/2004
Ben Kikuchi Japan 4/2004
Tetsuji Ishii Japan 5/2007
Hwan Lee Korea 4/2004
Yoon Hwan Choi Korea 5/2007
HISTORY
TOKYO CHUO SHIBU
There was a time according to Bryant H. Wadsworth (DA/AK 6/62) when a Central Branch was located in Shibuya. Wade W. Fillmore (PA/DA 3/61) says the Omote Sando property where the Mori Hanae Fashion Designer’s skyscraper now stands, was purchased about 1960 after being found by Pres. Paul C. Andrus (PA 1948, 4/49, & 11/55) and purchased for about $600,000.00 by the decision of then Far East Supervisor Elder Gordon B. Hinckley. Fillmore Choro thinks it was used as a West Branch prior to completion of the West Branch permanent chapel in Kichijoji and then became Chuo Shibu.
The property must have been owned by an aristocrat prior to World War II. Located on the boulevard called Omote Sando, it had separate living quarters in back, a beautiful Japanese garden in between and then the two story home sitting back from the sando containing numerous rooms with tatamiyas with shoji screens, a fence and gate around the sides and back, and marble front steps and porch. It also had a bath containing not only one but several showers and a spacious kitchen.
The property was close to the end of Omote Sando connecting to the street which leads to Shibuya and was a 5-10 minute taxi ride away from the Hiroo-cho Mission Home. On the other end of the sando is Harajuku Eki and Meiji Jingu Park with a 1964 Olympic Sports Pavillion still along the way on the left side as you walk towards Harajuku.
The property was about 2/3 of an acre and was reported to be one of the most expensive Church purchases, or the most expensive purchase at that time, according to NFE’rs Wade Fillmore, Bryant Wadsworth, and Tom Tasker (DA,AK 6/65).
Wade Fillmore believes it was sold prior to tearing down the old Hiroo-cho Mission Home for the Tokyo Temple Site for about $24 Million and Gary Porter (AK 3/66) believes it was $25 Million. Porter Choro surmises it would probably be worth $500 Million today.
Sis. Faith Okawa Watabe (DA/AK 8/63) compares Omote Sando to the famous Paris boulevard Champs Elysees running between the Arc de Triumph and Notre Dame Cathedral and George M. McCune (DA/AK 1963) does, too. He walked down Omote Sando a year ago just after a massive indoor shopping mall including several underground stories had been completed there on the right side of the street about half way up towards Harajuku Eki and Meiji Jingu Koen and walked down Champs Elysees just this January. They surely do remind one another of each other.
Chuo Shibu is the famous spot where then Elder Gordon B. Hinckley broke down and cried when he stood before elders and sisters in a missionary meeting in 1964 as he saw how great a responsibility so few had for the millions of Father in Heaven’s children living in just Tokyo alone. It is a hallowed spot just as the Tokyo Temple.
FEEL THE SPIRIT
During Pres. Traveller’s 1st year presiding over the Japan Nagoya Mission, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf & wife Harriet visited May 22-23, 2007. Then Elder David A. Bednar visited with wife Susan in conjunction with a Japan Wide YSA Conference held in Tokyo. How neat!
An unusual 2 Mission Conference on August 27 was held in Kobe with all Nagoya Mission and Kobe Mission missionaries and Elder & Sis. Bednar and Elder David F. and Sis. Mary Evans, of the 70.
Also, Asia North Area 1st Counselor Kazuhiko Yamashita and wife Tazuko held zone conferences on October 5 in Meito and Kanazawa the next day emphasizing Preach My Gospel principles on how to work effectively with members.
Elder Bin Kikuchi, Area 70, also attended theKanazawa Zone Conference that was held in Meito and Kanazawa Stake Pres. Motokazu Arata the Kanazawa Conference.
On October 16, 17, & 18, Director of International MTCs Kelend I. Mills trained 30 FTM’s selected by Pres. Traveller, including the AP’s and ZL’s, regarding effective use of Preach My Gospel.
Baptisms in the realigned mission boundaries totaled 114 in 2007. The mission had 106 FTM’s on Dec. 31, 2007.
A successful traveling Christmas Concert of 4 elders and 2 sisters toured each of the 6 zones resulting in about 40 referrals. Sis. Traveller was promoter and director.
The Korea Seoul West Mission had Sis. Tomoko Yoshimura from Japan among 5 new missionary arrivals in January, fulfilling prophecy of Pres. Spencer W. Kimball that missionaries from Japan would serve missions on Mainland Asia.
A “SMART” program to set goals first, then make plans, has shown a 30% increase in new investigators, over 100% in lessons with a member present, and almost 40% in investigators attending Sacrament in just 1 month
The key indicators above were taken from Preach My Gospel principles. Pres. Burton emphasized them in his message to his missionaries. Then he taught the principle of obedience.
“There are times in all of our lives when we may find ourselves questioning the reasonableness or accuracy of certain directions we receive, especially when they run counter to personal ideas or methods which have generated what seemed to be desirable results.
“At such times, my will can interfere with thy will, especially in a gospel setting. I learned long ago that when I have strictly followed my Priesthood Leaders, even when I thought my ideas were preferred to those I was hearing, I have always been blessed, and the end result was always greater than otherwise anticipated. “
The Japan Fukuoka Mission covering Kyushu and Okinawa realized 24 baptisms from December 8 to January 20, 2008. About 10 of these were sisters. Two were from Kitakyushu, 2 from Shuri in Naha, 2 from Shimizu, 2 from Fukuoka, 2 from Urasoe, 1 from the Kadena Servicemen District, and one each from Oita, Taniyama, Fujisaki, Urasoe, Isahaya , Sasebo, Iizuka, Nago, Tsuboi, Miyakonojo, Macbaru, Ishikawa, Kurume, and Omuta.
The baptisms ranged from at least 17 years old to an 83 year old sister.
The missionaries said of 83 year old Nakahodo Shimai’s conversion “The first time she met the missionaries was about 1 year ago. Elders Meguro and Jackman first found her while housing. After she continued coming to church, but stopped coming sometime after. When we saw the name ‘Nakahodo San’ in the former investigators section of the Area Book, we thought , ‘Yeah! A referral from an angel!’ and contacted her. She came to church, had a lot of lessons with members, and was baptized [December 23rd, 2007]. She’s 83 years old! We know that salvation is needed by all humankind. We are grateful for the help of many missionaries and many members. And above all we are grateful for Sister Nakahodo’s faith. Dendo . . . it’s great isn’t it?!”
Pres. David B. Iwaasa (AK 12/67) reports 102 young and 12 seniors (6 couples) in the mission. Dendo in 40 cities in Kyushu and Okinawa is happening. Central Europe’s “YSA Outreach Program” has been implemented. Foreign and local couples supervise a home-like atmosphere in a room in the chapels and oversee mingling and activities from afternoon to evening with single adults.
A tent kiosk visitor’s center has been set up in the Fukuoka Temple parking lot staffed every Saturday and Sunday afternoons and National holidays by FTM. Literally 100’s of young families walk by the temple every weekend to visit the adjacent zoon and botanical gardens.
Two of the couple missionaries serving in Fukuoka are Keith Arlo Prisbrey (DA/AK 6/65) and wife Kandace. Sis. Prisbrey writes, about their experience, “I add my testimony about the amazing excitement and success the work is having in Japan at this time.
There is hardly a day go by that we do not participate in a discussion with an investigator found by the wonderful sisters and elders. I contribute my prayers during the discussion and my simple one line testimony. The Spirit conveys the message anyway.
On my first mission in England/Wales, we taught discussions, but not at this rate. It is truly amazing, wonderful, and breathtaking nearly every day. Beats watching TV & reading novels. The members love us, we love them, the food is better than ever. Please come. Retire early. Put in your papers. Hope for Japan. You'll love it.
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