Stories: Hakodate Ward
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 -- Add Story
I'm sure many who served in the Hakodate branch (especially in the 1990's) remember what a wonderful experience it was to work there. I remember how many sisters there were and how few priesthood holders there were, which is why it was still a branch.
When I transferred there we had quite a few female investigators in the zone but very few men. We decided we needed to fast as a zone to help us find more males to teach. We also decided that we would go streeting every night from 4-6 pm when most of the men were leaving their jobs. We also wanted to do much more with the part member families in the branch as Pres. Beckstrand had asked us to.
We worked and worked, trying to be led by the Spirit in all we did, and after a many weeks we began to see more males accepting our invitations to hear the gospel message. It was a special time: we had the Okushiri earthquake which really shook Hakodate, we had the Ika Odori parade, and we had wonderful members of the branch ready to help us at any time.
I was in Hakodate long enough to see many join the church and see the progression of many males as they investigated. It wasn't until after my mission was over that I realized the answer to many fasts and prayers. I went back to Japan to visit old companions and friends in the fall of 1995. I had planned my trip to spend a Sunday in Hakodate so I could attend church there. I arrived early wanting to see the missionaries come down the street on their bikes. But, I was more surprised to see Stake President Sato pull up in his car. That day they made the Hakodate branch into a ward. As I sat there I don't think anyone appreciated what was happening any more than I was. It was one of those magical moments when the Spirit tells you that your prayer was answered and it grows your testimony even more.
I served in 3 wards: Teine, Moiwa and Higashi
and 1 branch: Hakodate. It was wonderful to see this branch become a ward! |
| |
|
|
|
List All | Add Story
|
