The Light
"Japan Kobe Mission: A Zion Mission"
March 2000

"I am the light that ye shall hold up." --3 Nephi 18:24


President's Message - March 2000

Dear Missionaries,

I want to express my love to you as faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. During mensetsus I feel of your power and rejoice in your progress. 1 am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve with you.

I'm sure you enjoyed, as I did, the visit of Elder and Sister Bateman during February. I felt the Spirit strongly in those Zone Taikais and felt impressed that these were servants of the Lord, called to teach us what He wants us to know Also in February Elder Brown and Elder Kashikura, an Area Authority Seventy, visited the area and conducted a training meeting for all Bishops and Branch Presidents, as well as Stake and District Presidents. This was an impressive five hour meeting with an overall theme of "Follow The Prophet". The leaders were admonished to learn what the Prophet is telling us to do and to do it. Balanced effort was a major topic, encouraging the leaders to join together with full-time missionaries in conversion, retention and activation efforts. Elder Brown was very direct in suggesting that the time has come for leaders to put away their old ideas and opinions, the ways they've seen things done before, the experiences they may have had with dendo in their own missions. He urged the leaders to study the new handbook and the other letters and documents on the Balanced Effort and develop a new vision, together with the full-time missionaries.

This was truly an exciting experience and many went away with a renewed vision and determination. As missionaries, we now have a choice opportunity to build on this determination and create an even better relationship than we have ever had before with leaders and members. To be effective in this, we need to do some preparation. During the March Zone Taikai's there will be specific training on more effective contacting methods, including how to teach members to have missionary experiences with their friends, co-workers and neighbors. Also included will be examples of how to have fun while housing and streeting. This will assist us in having more people to teach. We will also look at more effective teaching. Specifically we will receive training on how to make the First Discussion flow more quickly and thereby be more powerful. This will be an exciting day of individual preparation.

Please come prepared to take notes. Please come with an open heart, prepared to discard old thoughts, ideas and methods about finding, teaching and member work. The Lord said to Joseph Smith in May 1829, "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then your tongue shall be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." (D&C 1 1:21) This great blessing is open to all who seek it and are prepared to receive it.

I leave my blessing on you individually, that the Lord will be with you as you continue to diligently prepare and serve Him; that He will give you the words you need in the very moment; that he will provide the insights and inspiration you need to teach, baptize, retain and activate; that you will feel His love, especially when you are struggling the most, that He will never leave you without help and comfort; that He will give you the joy your heart is seeking now and a crown of righteousness in times to come.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

President Robertson


Dear Wonderful Missionaries,

I hope you've been wearing your overcoats, hats, gloves, and other cold-weather gear. Spring is just around the corner, but stay warm. You won't want to be sick and miss O-hanami time.

In March, Japan celebrates the fourth national holiday of the year (See the Japan Times article on "Ohigan"). Then toward the end of March the long-awaited cherry blossoms begin to bloom. This time will make you forget all the cold bike rides of previous months.

There are lots of things you can do for Eikaiwa during this season. You might be able to build some lessons around the exercises on spring and/or April Fool's Day (see the "OK to copy" sheets included here.

Also, hope you've tried the warm mugi, fruit and cream for breakfast and the delicious miso for lunch. Here's one more recipe that is easy, economical and has been a Robertson Family favorite for a long time. It's from the "Sunset Oriental Cookbook".

Spinach Omelet

This Japanese omelet isn't the familiar filled. folded variety; it's a soft, tender dish of beaten eggs cooked in a slightly sweet mixture of soy sauce, spinach, and onions. Add rice and a fresh-fruit dessert for a quick and thrifty meal.

bunch (about 3/4 lb.) spinach, stems removed
tablespoons salad oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/4 cups regular-strength chicken broth
6 eggs
 Hot rooked rice

Rinse spinach thoroughly; pat dry with paper towels and set aside.

Heat oil in a 10-inch frying pan over medium high heat; add onion and cook, stirring, until soft. In a bowl, combine soy, sugar, and broth; pour into pan and bring to a boil. Add spinach; cover and cook until wilted (about 1 minute). Uncover and continue cooking until only 1/2 inch of sauce remains in pan.

Reduce heat to low and distribute vegetables evenly in pan. In a bowl, beat eggs lightly; then pour over vegetable mixture. Stir gently; cover and cook until eggs are softly set (about 3 minutes).

Spoon egg-vegetable mixture over rice; spoon sauce over all. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Please know that you are loved. I have a great testimony of the work in which we are engaged. Be careful about your health (physical and spiritual) and see you at March Taikai. (I really missed you when I was stateside in February, but more about that later!)

Love, Sister Robertson


March Conversion Story

 (This month's conversion story is written by our own Endo Shimai about her conversion not so long ago.)

In the spring of 1998, I got a job as a Japanese teacher in Australia. I was really glad because teaching Japanese in a foreign country was my dream. I thought my dream had come true. At that time, I had a part-time job. One day when I was talking about my new job with some women with whom I worked, I told them how glad I was but how uneasy I felt because I didn't have any friends there.

A few days later, one of my co-workers gave me a name card and said, "this is my friend's name card. He stayed here in Japan for about two years, so he can speak Japanese very well. He went back to Australia two months ago. If you have any problems, you can call him." When I read it, I saw "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" written on it. I was surprised and asked her, "Are you Christian?" I had worked with her for three years but had never heard about her church.

When I quit my part-time job, she gave me a Book of Mormon and a small gift with beautiful wrapping, and an invitation card to the church with a map. I thought if I went to church I might get brainwashed. Plus, I was really busy preparing for my new job, so I refused to go. But it turns out that my departure was delayed, so all of a sudden I had some spare time. I thought that I should go to church just once because I was given a present (I have a strong sense of social duty! I'm typical Japanese!!!) And I reasoned that I could get away at any time because I had plans to go to Australia. So, on Sunday, I went to church and met the missionaries. They asked me, "Do you have time?" I said, "Yes" (I couldn't tell a lie!!!) and my lessons started. I felt a good feeling through the lessons, but I couldn't believe in God.

Four days before my departure, I received a Fax from Australia that said I didn't need to go there anymore because of Australia's depression. It was a huge shock. I had already sent my baggage and I had spent a long time preparing for my new job. I felt that I had lost my dream. I was really thankful for the help that the members and the missionaries gave me during that time.

I thought about two things. One of them was, "If there was a god, why did he allow things like this to happen to me?" The other one was that this situation was made by someone who knows everything--my character, my habits, my personality---so that I could know the truth. Who could do that? Only God could! If I didn't get a new job in Australia, I wouldn't have known about the church. I thought I could get away to Australia, so I went to church and started the lessons and I put trust in the missionaries and members because I lost my job. I thought this situation was prepared by God to make me know the truth so I decided to get baptized.

During my mission, I have seen many pure people who come to believe in God quickly, but my heart was so hard like the Lamanites. I'm thankful for the missionaries who didn't give up on me but waited until I could understand God's love.

(Note: It's hard to think of Sister Endo with a hard heart, but we are so glad she was led to the truth of the gospel and not only accepted it but came to join our great missionary team in the Japan Kobe Mission.)


Scripture for This Month is: Alma 7: 23-24

  1. And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
  2. And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

Message from the Assistants

Hello everyone! This past month we've been blessed with the opportunity to hear from one of the Lord's chosen, Elder Bateman. We all felt of the great spirit and love that he and his wife brought and shared with the Mission. Elder Bateman taught us many important things that will help us bring more people to Christ more effectively. These people that will be brought to Christ include members, nonmembers, other missionaries and most importantly, ourselves. It will be exciting to apply the things that we have learned from Elder Bateman in our daily missionary work. We know that the Lord will bless us for following His chosen leaders. God speed the right.

Amakasu Choro
Masters Choro


Message from the Temporary Secretary

Wentz Choro

Just another good quote:

"While it may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too deeply about that of his neighbor. The load. or weight, or burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid on my back. A load so heavy that only humility can carry it and the backs of the proud will be broken. It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses; to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming responsibilities, it is with the awe and circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a "mere mortal. It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit. Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses."

--CS. Lewis


Message from the Secretary

Shake It Off And Step Up 

(This is a repeat)

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and as the dirt hit his back ... a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back ... HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him ... all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or  self-pity ... THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US!

Remember that FORGIVENESS, FAITH, PRAYER, PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves! This is life. The dirt symbolizes the tests and trials that we go through in life. The stepping up is the growth and learning we can gain from our life experiences.

We have completed our mission and we are returning to Texas. I shall miss all of you. I want you to know that you have given me much happiness in these 18 months. We have had a wonderful mission thanks to each of you. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you safe as you do the work He has called you here to do. Always do your BEST.

You are a great group of missionaries. 

We love you, Sister Fry


Message from the Financial Secretary

My Friends, Brothers, and Sisters in the Japan Kobe Mission--

Don't you love it? Isn't it great? Is there anything else you would rather be doing than serving the Lord here, right now, in the Japan Kobe Mission? Just think ... we are servants of God, called on His errand to bring the peace and joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ into the hearts of our brothers and sisters here in Japan. The opportunities are immense and the blessings are eternal. I love you all, and I love to be here in the mission office. It is my great pleasure to serve all of you, in an attempt to serve the Lord in the best way that I can. I am anxious for the opportunity to help in any way possible; don't be afraid to ask and please don't be afraid when I call ... we are working together for the Lord, we are working together as a team in Zion to help increase our own spirituality, and to help bring about the salvation of our Heavenly Father's children. I pray that the blessings of the Spirit of the Lord be with you as you continue in His service (1 Ne 13:37).

Love, Elder Karner


Sayonara!

Farewell from Elder Fry. I have had a great time serving you as Financial Secretary. We leave with fondest memories of our many wonderful friends in Kobe. We love Japan and the people and hope to return for a visit. We look forward to visiting with you as you pass through Dallas, Texas. 1 know that you will give full cooperation to Elder Karner, and help control missionary expenses for travel and apartment utilities. Remember to send him your reimbursements before the 7th and the 21st of each month. Hopefully there will be another couple serving in the office in April so that Elders Karner and Wentz can return to the dendo work they love so much.


Message from Recorder

Hello everyone! What's up? Finally spring is coming up. It's a season when Japan becomes the most beautiful. You can see elementary school kids with new backpacks and junior high school students with brand new white shirts. Man, Hayashi Choro used to be one of them not so long ago. I guess because of the age, the uniforms seem very shining to me. This comment is very "Oyaji". That means like an old man.

This time I enclosed the church list in the Kobe mission, and re-sent the missionaries apartment list which I requested from Kirigaya Choro. There are major changes in the apartment addresses and phone numbers, as compared to the old list. Please refer to the new list when needed. Also if you use the church list, you san refer Eikaiwa students outside your area to the proper place.

Thinking of referrals everyone? Do you send your referrals by telephone or letter directly to the missionaries in this Kobe Mission? It's great that you send them, but please make sure that you let your recorder here know the information. All the referrals are recorded on the computer in the office. Also please send the stats and referral follow up forms (which are attached to the referrals I send you) through the ZL's to follow up. The reason is because we send it to the PBO in Tokyo. I appreciate your comments on the forms under 'results' and 'comments' sections. Anything is OK. All the information is recorded as precious and helpful for missionary work. Thank you for your cooperation. Also, the referrals outside the mission are generally sent by e-mail so the missionaries can follow-up immediately. If there is a question, give me a call.

"I CALLED THE INVESTIGATOR IN THE AREA BOOK AND IT WAS A WRONG NUMBER!" Have you experienced something like this? There are some changes in Area Codes in the last few years. I may not be able to cover all of them, but I will list all the information I know.

Osaka:06 - xxx - xxxx (9 figures)
06 - 6 xxx - xxxx (l0 figures)
Hirakata:0720 - xx-xxxx
072 - 8 xx - xxxx
(Keitai)0*0 - xxx - xxxx (10 figures)
090 - *xxx-xxxx (11 figures)
(PHS)0*0 - xxx - xxxx (10 figures)
090 - *xxx-xxxx (11 figures)

The black asterisks are mainly substitutes to 1238 for Keitais and 567 for PHS. I hope this is helpful.

As we welcomed the new year, the stats forms were remade, but there was some confusion, because of the lack of explanation. I apologize for that and would like re answer some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q- "What is the definition of 'referral invite'?"
A- An invitation such as 'Do you know anyone among your friends or family who would be interested in the message we are sharing?' is something you can ask your investigators, housing and streeting approaches, and anyone you meet, not just members. So do it!

Q- What is the 'referral balanced effort'? 
A- Write down the sum of the converts in your district for that month, the new member retention for your district that week, and the sum of your districts activation for that month. From this information, I can report "HOT INFO" about member work to you at zone conference.

1 am sorry for taking up so much space this time. I, Hayashi Choro have a vision of delivering five compound words ending with yasui (easy) to everyone: Hatarakiyasui (easy to work) Tsukaiyasui (easy to use) Kenashiyasui (easy to tease) Miyasui (easy to see) and Tayoriyasui (easy to rely on). Recently, I am especially focusing on making miyasui zone stats. If you have any comments about this, please let me know ASAP and follow up on me. Sometimes I may be Nikui Hayashi Choro. Please feel free to tell me at those times. Let's aim for 100% charity. 

Love from the Dancing Recorder 
Hayashi Choro


Message from the Commissarian

How are you all, my beloved Elders and Sisters? I'm simply marvelous here, thank you.

Today let me start my message with several things that I have to ask of you:

  1. If there is anything to be repaired at your apartment (e.g. toilet, bath, sink, etc.), please be sure to call the mission office first. You shouldn't call the repairman directly.
  2. Please send the utility bills (gas, electricity, water, telephone) to the mission home with the name of your apartment. Be careful not to throw the bill away.
  3. Please keep your apartment nice and clean. Also, don't make holes with pins or nails. You cannot have ropes to hang your laundry in your rooms. If you already do, please take them out. Please don't break shoji (screen doors), and be careful not to let your hair go into the pipe of the washroom. If you find anything broken or wrong, even after you transfer, please report that to the mission office immediately. Remember that we can save so much of the Lord's money if we are careful.
  4. Please avoid those things that cause trouble to your neighbors. Putting garbage or bikes in other than where they should be put, is an example. Please fold up the futons, and keep them in the closet. If you keep them on the tatami mats all the time, you'll get mold on the tatami mats.
  5. When you order something, please use the order forms. I've made some new forms for orders. This way, I can deliver what you've ordered more surely and effectively.

I'm always grateful for your marvelous work. May God's hand be upon you wonderful missionaries in the Japan Kobe Mission.

With love, Elder Kirigaya


Missionary Corner

February Baptisms

Kanekawa TatsuhideAbeno
Azuma MachikoKawanishi
Miyazaki NobukoSakai
Tomoda ChioriToyooka
Fukuda YukoSekime
Tsukada AyaseKawachi
Oonishi MadokaIwade
Yabe NorioNara
Mizoe TaekoRitto
Mizushima ChiyukiIbaraki

!!! Congratulations!!!


Missionaries Returning home in March

March 2

Tate Ryan Australia
Elder and Sister Fry  Double Oak, TX

March 16

Kenji Okitsu Shizuoka-Ken
Kazuyuki Saito Chiba-Ken
Scott Hennaman Boise, ID
Benjamin Jensen  Las Vegas, NV
Yoshihia Miura Chiba-Ken
Makoto Shizuno Chiba-Ken

March 23

Brian Dent West Valley City, UT
Kevin Boswell Hoolehua, HI
Hiroki Iizuka Tokyo-To

Missionaries Arriving in March

March 7

Kristopher Benson Payson, UT
Rhett Butler Spanish Fork, UT
Kaminaga Kaminaga Majuro, Marshall Is.
Kimball Kirkpatrick  Colorado Springs, CO
James Triplet Mt. Green, UT
Tharon Woody Wasilla, AL
Dreana Sproat Hauula, HI

March 23

Akira Koike     Ushiku-Shi

March Birthdays

Jason Carlson3/01
Valerio Kikuchi3/05
Kenji Okitsu3/07
Scott Morris3/08
Micheal Woods3/08
Massako Waga3/10
Deseret Miyamoto3/10
Yoshihiko Sasa3/11
Lewis Ham3/14
Grahm Coder3/15
Spencer Vanderpool3/18
Don Hundley3/24
Jonathan Proctor3/25
Darrel Grob3/27
Heather Shuler3/28
Nicholas Potter3/30
Joshua Wentz3/30

Happy Birthday to you & Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

P.S. Did you remember to write home???