hahahaha...Can't stop laughing that people think he looks like Harry Potter...He's half Japanese so how does that work? Anyways, enjoy his letter and I'm wishing all a Very Merry Christmas and I hope the spirit of Christmas shines upon everyone:
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
Welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll............................ It`s Christmas WEEK!!!!!!! My favorite time of the year. With joy and happiness to spread abroad and happy times to spend with your family! Well this`ll actually be my first Christmas away from Home..... But I am undaunted and not really all that concerned. I am 5000 miles away from home, upon a small island but I remember what is written in the Scriptures, that God remembers all his people, even those lost on the Isles of the Sea. What better way to spend Christmas than giving?
So this week has been another interesting week. Tuesday we went off to Akou, a Samurai town for a huge Matsuri(Festival) that they were having. It was loads of fun, I saw a lot of people dressed up like Samurai, and a lot of just wickedly awesome things. Including a huge statue of some Greek God made out of Salt. Lots of cool statues and learned some interesting things about Japanese History.
Wednesday we had a hastily compilied special training with President McIntyre in Himeji, which we ran over to as quickly as possible and were almost late because we had had appointments. We rode through the Himeji Castle grounds, and although they are remodeling Himeji Castle, and it`s covered in an exoskeleton of cloth and steel scafolding, it was very beautiful. Himeji Castle is absolutely Huge.
Thursday we just dendoed around and had fun talking with some people.
Friday we had a Companionship Exchange and I went to Himeji again, wandered around there and had some fun with Elder Akina, from Honolulu Hawaii. Got to know each other pretty well and just messed around, while still following rules.
Saturday came back and prepared for the ward Christmas party, which was utterly amazing. Me and Elder Hale had to perform a skit, which was hilarious, because we can`t speak Japanese at all. I just kind of goofed off during the skit trying to make people laugh despite our butchered Japanese. Then I got to dress up as Santa Claus and hand out treats to everyone, that was loads of fun.
Sunday was church, which was fun as usual, and after church we dendoed around the nearby eki and talked with a few people. Quite hilarious, because High school kids like trying to speak english to us Foreigners. And a few of you might actually catch this one, but Even the Japanese say I look like Harry Potter. I was walking down the street and a group of punk High School kids rode past and one of them was like "Hey! He looks like Harry Potter!" I tried talking to them but they didn`t stop. Talked to one cool guy named "Bruce" about Eternal marriage and set up an appointment with him. So it was all cool. I basically just have fun with people when I`m out on the street, such as when punk High School kids, I catch their names and tell them the Kanji for it, or give them random English sayings that they have no idea what they mean.
So that was my week, lots of fun, joking around, playing games, talking with people and just generally kicking back and having fun while I work. I find it works very well, just so long as you don`t let it go too far.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
So it`s Christmas time, and I`ve been thinking a little bit about what my Christmas Message should be. But that`s the easy part, I`ll just talk about Presents!
Everyone knows that part about Christmas, we give presents to others, we do nice things for others, we smile and we do our best to make some elses day brighter. We eat turkey or Chicken or Ham, have delicious meals, (Or if you`re Japanese you buy a Christmas cake and get KFC for dinner), and stay with the family.
Most people have their favorite Christmas, when they recieved an awesome present, or had a great experience with their family. Most people have their favorite gift that they`ve ever recieved. I think mine was Halo from my brother Bobby, or the Paintball gun I got one year. I hardly remember all the presents.
Those people that are more spiritually inclined will relate the stories of when they gave to others, or served others. For me that time was two years ago, when I went up to Salt Lake City with my high school choir and we sang carols at a Hospital. I remember clearly still the small, fragile boy sitting in a wheel chair, connected to an IV and wheeled into the lobby by his parents. He had been going through extensive Kemotherapy and was still weak. He requested us to sing a specific song... I think it was Joy to the World, but I hardly remember the singing so much as I remember his face. The bright smile and bright eyes. It should have been hard to sing with tears in my eyes, but I remember the words and notes flowing freely just for him.
But what is the true meaning of Christmas? Why do we go and give gifts to those around us? What is the reason?
Think about this. What was the greatest gift ever given?
Nearly 2011 years ago, in a quiet manger in Bethelehem, the greatest gift ever was given to ManKind. We all know the story of the Nativity, the Virgin Mary and her Husband Joseph, placed in a humble shack, when Jesus Christ was born, the savior of all man kind. I wonder on occassion, as the song goes, "Mary did you know, that your baby born, would one day rule the nations?" Did you know that your newborn child was going to perform the greatest miracles ever seen, and proceed to die selflessly for all mankind?
That was the greatest gift ever given. By a loving heavenly father. As it is written: "Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (3 Nephi 14/Matthew [Sermon on the Mount])
God gave us the greatest gift that could ever be given. He gave us a light that can not be hidden, he gave us a shining example of what our lives should and can become. He showed us perfection, and lit the pathway before our feet. But not only did he do that, he provided the way by which we might obtain that. Through Christ all sins can become cleansed, we can be healed, we can become pure. Through Christ and his Atonement we may stand once more with God in bodies of flesh and bone. Because of Christ we can have Eternal Salvation and Exaltation. Because of Christ we can live with our familes forever, unparted by death, undamged by sin, untouched by sickness and sorrow.
Christ showed us true Love, he gave us the truest and purest of all gifts. He offers it freely to all with the simple, meek words of love. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I shall give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Just remember what God gave to you that quiet night two thousand years ago in a quiet manger in a small town. Then think of how you could ever hope to repay him, what small thing you cand do to make someone elses burden just that much lighter. Each of us has a gift that we can give, each of us has someway that we can help someone else. Let us lift each other up, and together walk towards Christ. I say these things, in his Holy Name. Amen.
In the Spirit of Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Randy's a Punk?
Wow...transfers happened this week and he is now a "Senior" companion, which basically just means he is in charge. He is happy and content and still loving life. Read his letter. I love that soon I get to call him on his Christmas day and get to hear his voice again. Just that thought keeps me smiling:
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
I wish ye well from the far east! Well... Techinically I`m further west than I was last week, also further North too. Mom, you were pretty close with your guess, I`m actually realllllllly close to Kobe. In the same Province Actually. I`m in Kakogawa City! East of Himeji, West of Akashi. Beautiful place, and I`m back in the city. I got the beach still (not that it matters because it`s soooo flippin cold out here), I got a wonderful train station with lots of people, I sparkling shiny new companion, and a City filled with new Adventure. I have finally achieved the long dreaded position of Senior Companion, yes I`ve dreaded this. I don`t like being a leader, but o well. My new Companion is lovely Elder Hale, hailing from Boise Idaho, a near genius in mathematics, science, and english, although lacking a little on the Japanese side, but he`s only a transfer 4 missionary. He still has the fresh out of the MTC Luster, which is fine by me, gets me pushing a little harder to have him see some more success here. We get along splendidly, have loads of fun and are generally alike in tastes, although I do find myself outclassed in smarts. Then again, I never really was all that smart, just good at faking it xD.
So this past week has been bitter sweet, filled with entertainment, and fond farewells. Newfound Determination, and shrugging off of old ways. Every Transfer, every area, every new companion brings new adventures, new progression, and generally just new things.
I started out the week with a wonderful little escapade to Misaki Koen at the very most southern point of Sennan. I watched Monkeys throw poo, American Racoons, Endagered Japanese Cranes, Pink Flamingos, Kangaroos, Giraffe, Lions, Tigers, Red Pandas, Japanese Deer, Beavers, Small Japanese Bears, Penguins, and Dolphins dressed up like Santa Clause (yes I really did). It was aweeesssssssssooooooooomeeeeeeeee. We got to watch a Dolphin show, in which they did awesome flips, awesome tricks, and was just utterly amazing, I didn`t get wet though, which was a good thing.
Tuesday I found out I was going to Kakogawa, so I said farewell to my beloved investigator, Nakanishi, I also said goodbye to Sora, who took us out for dinner that night. I then packed on Wednesday, taught English for the last time in Sennan and said goodbye to everyone. It was slightly a depressing day. Although as I walked out of the church after Eikaiwa and was just about to lock the door one of the Ward Members Drove up and ran up to me and threw a Bokuto (Wooden Katana) in my hand and said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Good Luck in Kakogawa!" and ran off. I looked at it for a moment and thought: "O thanks.... but how am I goign to get it to Kakogawa since I just sent off all my luggage already."
Thursday I began my adventurous trip to Kakogawa early in the Morning. Had my backpack on and my bokuto sticking out of my small carryon bag that I have acquired (cheaply), crammed into a stereotypical Japanese train. Fitting maybe 50 more than the suggested max into each car. I literally felt like a sardine in a can, trying not to stab people with the wooden sword. Made it to Tennoji in Osaka without any horribel incidents and met up with a large group of missionaries. Said hello to my beloved MTC companion elder Cannon, who was actually about to meet up with my other beloved companion Elder Escalante. I then headed off to Sannomiya, in Kobe, and met up with my new companion Elder Hale, found out that he and Elder Escalante had just been working together in Kakogawa, and so I said hello to Elder Escalante and then goodbye as I headed to my new home. Came back, The doorbell rang a grand total of 9 times in about 4 hours time period, 3 from Fukuyama about bikes, 2 from the mail, 1 from a random newspaper salesman, and 1 from Sagawa about luggage, and 2 from me being a punk. I also got called a whole bunch from mentally handicapped person who I had no Idea was mentally disabled. Yea she was calling and wanted us to go over immediately and save her from something. I then called a ward member who actually ended up being her Home Teacher and told me that she was kind of insane. Got a cold but still dendoed.
Friday we dendoed more, I still had a little bit of a cold, found a young mother while housing, met a totally awesome guy named "The Caves" or at least that`s his music name, singing in front of the Train Station. Also used the fact that it was extremely cold outside to talk to people, which was probably the greatest form of Dendo I`ve ever done. I confused a whole bunch of Teenagers, and young adults by simply saying my name. Every always questions me as to whether I`m Japanese or American after I say my name. "My name is Tateishi." and the reply is usually "JAPANESE? Really?" Then I have to explain everything, it`s really good for catching people`s attentions and making friends. But really annoying when they think you really are Japanese and think that you can understand everything they say. Still Sick
Saturday we had a mini Christmas party at which I met possibly the oldest member in Japan. She`s 91 years old and was baptized when she was 30, also did a lot of the work for translating hymns from English to Japanese. That was an interesting conversation... because she doesn`t remember anything more than 5 seconds ago. Asking me the same question at least 5 times. I then met with the bishop and talked with him a little. Then we dendoed some more and I got to testify to a bunch of punk teenagers that were nothing more than troublemakers. That was fun, told them the meaning of Christmas and silenced all mocking words with a strong and firm testimony about Jesus Christ. Still Sick
Sunday was wonderful, we had an awesome day at church, met with one of our Baptismal Candidates.Taught her a little lesson. I also met a lot of the ward members, who were confused as to whether I was Japanese or American. Had to give a talk at a Missionary Fireside after church, and generally just had fun talking with everyone. Came back, ate lunch, did some housing and streeting, ran into a Less active named Matt, an American from Utah. He was a cool guy, talked a lot about football and other random tings and shared a scripture. Still Sick.
Which brings me to today. Still Sick.
The apartment is an utter mess, which I need to give Elder Escalante a firm beating for when I meet him again. Managed to clean the kitchen a little bit today, and a the mess I made from unpacking. I still need to finish cleaning the kitchen, the closets, the bathroom, the Shower, and the Kitchen. It`s quite disgusting actually. But just one step at a time. And yes I`m still sick, stuffy nose, no fever, and my voice doesn`t work very much so singing is full of squeaks and cracks.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Moment of the Week
Like always I`m not all that sure what I want to talk about this week. Actually, I`ll just bring it back to Obedience.
This week I have been nearly Perfectly Obedient to all the missionary rules here in the Kobe Mission. I can`t say Perfectly, because I`m not perfect. But I have been very obedient in keeping the rules. Despite being a little sick, I still get up on time and excercise and study fully like I`m supposed to, I leave the apartment on time, I take 1 hour lunch breaks and no longer, I talk to as many people as will stop and talk to me and generally keep all the rules.
Why do I share this? Because I want to tell you that with being obedient comes a confidence that I have never had on my own. Most people that know me, know I`m not all that confident of a person, Especially when it comes to people work. Book work I know my stuff, or at least have confidence, but when it comes to People I`m an epic failure. I always hated giving talks in Sacrament and to be honest I did my best to weasel out of them. Now to compound that, I don`t speak Japanese fluently, so it just takes another blow to my self-confidence. But here, this week, when I`ve had a junior companion who`s Japanese is at best below par, I`ve had a confidence in myself to step up to the plate and talk to people. I Haven`t been afraid to open my mouth and just talk to people, or stop people. With that confidence came even more blessings, because as I opened my mouth to speak it made me more obedient, for God commanded me to open my mouth and speak to people. With following that I have seen scriptures fulfilled: "Open your mouth, and it shall be filled, and you will be able to confound the wise."
I was able this week to fulfull my responsibilities, to speak to many different people, to testify of the Divinity of Christ and his wonderful work. I was able to stand as a witness and proclaim loudly "The news of glad tidings and great joy." And I felt that I was successful. I felt the Spirit of God Working through me and I knew I was doing the right thing.
I refer you again to one of my favorite messages that I gave around 4th of July. WIth Obedience to the principles of the Gospel we will be blessed. True happiness comes by living true lives and living true principles. Christ taught those principles, the Prophets reiterate them and expound them for us today. As we follow them, the living Prophets, Christ, and God, we will find blessings in our lives. We find ourselves more in Harmony to God, and as in many languages we say "Closer" to God. So it is. We draw closer to him and are closer to the pure source of light and energy. Just as we move closer the fire in the damp cold night, we find it`s warmth seep deeper inside of us, so it is as we move closer to God.
As a Missionary my duty is what many people think it is, I spend all my days crying to the world "REPENT REPENT!! Prepare ye the way of the Lord!" or in other words "Come, follow him who will take away all your burdens and all your cares, follow him the good shepard who will guide us to green pastures." I say unto these people as Alma did of old "Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth. Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism." (Alma 7:9,15)
Fear not to Follow him. Lay aside your doubts, your fears and follow him. Be obedient to the principles of the Gospel and I can promise that you will be blessed, you will be happy. Sin is pain and Sorrow, Obedience is Peace and Happiness, I know both, I`ve felt them both. As we follow the commandments we are blessed, of Course we do not escape all pain and all suffering, that is life, everyone is to be tested and tried, everyone is to suffer temptations and difficulties, but how much easier it is to pass through every fire, every trial, every pain when you have the confidence that God is on your side. When you know the scriptures that say: "For I will go Before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
Finally I requote King Benjamin: "And Moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are recieved into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of neverending happinss. O remember, remember that these things are thre; for the LORD GOD hat spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)
I testify to you that this is the truth, that it lies here in plainness for all to see. "Repent ye, Repent ye, and prepare ye the way of the Lord." I quote Alma again: "Behold, he (The Lord God) sendeth an invitation to ALL men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he sait: Repent, and I will recieve you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life: yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and waters of life freely." God awaits us all with open arms, awaits us to take those steps towards him. He loves every one of his children, every human being that has ever, is, and will ever live upon this earth. WE are all his children and all he asks is for us to come home, to return to him. Repent! Let go of sin and enter into the loving arms of God.
I love you all, and I testify that this is the truth, this is God`s work. That he Lives and watches over us all, he loves each and everyone of us all more than we could ever hope to know. I know Christ lives, I know the sacrifice that he has made for me, I know he stands beside God, our Older Brother, shining the light on the pathway to God, taking us by the hand and showing us the way home. I bear witness of this, in his sacred name. Amen.
WIth much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
I wish ye well from the far east! Well... Techinically I`m further west than I was last week, also further North too. Mom, you were pretty close with your guess, I`m actually realllllllly close to Kobe. In the same Province Actually. I`m in Kakogawa City! East of Himeji, West of Akashi. Beautiful place, and I`m back in the city. I got the beach still (not that it matters because it`s soooo flippin cold out here), I got a wonderful train station with lots of people, I sparkling shiny new companion, and a City filled with new Adventure. I have finally achieved the long dreaded position of Senior Companion, yes I`ve dreaded this. I don`t like being a leader, but o well. My new Companion is lovely Elder Hale, hailing from Boise Idaho, a near genius in mathematics, science, and english, although lacking a little on the Japanese side, but he`s only a transfer 4 missionary. He still has the fresh out of the MTC Luster, which is fine by me, gets me pushing a little harder to have him see some more success here. We get along splendidly, have loads of fun and are generally alike in tastes, although I do find myself outclassed in smarts. Then again, I never really was all that smart, just good at faking it xD.
So this past week has been bitter sweet, filled with entertainment, and fond farewells. Newfound Determination, and shrugging off of old ways. Every Transfer, every area, every new companion brings new adventures, new progression, and generally just new things.
I started out the week with a wonderful little escapade to Misaki Koen at the very most southern point of Sennan. I watched Monkeys throw poo, American Racoons, Endagered Japanese Cranes, Pink Flamingos, Kangaroos, Giraffe, Lions, Tigers, Red Pandas, Japanese Deer, Beavers, Small Japanese Bears, Penguins, and Dolphins dressed up like Santa Clause (yes I really did). It was aweeesssssssssooooooooomeeeeeeeee. We got to watch a Dolphin show, in which they did awesome flips, awesome tricks, and was just utterly amazing, I didn`t get wet though, which was a good thing.
Tuesday I found out I was going to Kakogawa, so I said farewell to my beloved investigator, Nakanishi, I also said goodbye to Sora, who took us out for dinner that night. I then packed on Wednesday, taught English for the last time in Sennan and said goodbye to everyone. It was slightly a depressing day. Although as I walked out of the church after Eikaiwa and was just about to lock the door one of the Ward Members Drove up and ran up to me and threw a Bokuto (Wooden Katana) in my hand and said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Good Luck in Kakogawa!" and ran off. I looked at it for a moment and thought: "O thanks.... but how am I goign to get it to Kakogawa since I just sent off all my luggage already."
Thursday I began my adventurous trip to Kakogawa early in the Morning. Had my backpack on and my bokuto sticking out of my small carryon bag that I have acquired (cheaply), crammed into a stereotypical Japanese train. Fitting maybe 50 more than the suggested max into each car. I literally felt like a sardine in a can, trying not to stab people with the wooden sword. Made it to Tennoji in Osaka without any horribel incidents and met up with a large group of missionaries. Said hello to my beloved MTC companion elder Cannon, who was actually about to meet up with my other beloved companion Elder Escalante. I then headed off to Sannomiya, in Kobe, and met up with my new companion Elder Hale, found out that he and Elder Escalante had just been working together in Kakogawa, and so I said hello to Elder Escalante and then goodbye as I headed to my new home. Came back, The doorbell rang a grand total of 9 times in about 4 hours time period, 3 from Fukuyama about bikes, 2 from the mail, 1 from a random newspaper salesman, and 1 from Sagawa about luggage, and 2 from me being a punk. I also got called a whole bunch from mentally handicapped person who I had no Idea was mentally disabled. Yea she was calling and wanted us to go over immediately and save her from something. I then called a ward member who actually ended up being her Home Teacher and told me that she was kind of insane. Got a cold but still dendoed.
Friday we dendoed more, I still had a little bit of a cold, found a young mother while housing, met a totally awesome guy named "The Caves" or at least that`s his music name, singing in front of the Train Station. Also used the fact that it was extremely cold outside to talk to people, which was probably the greatest form of Dendo I`ve ever done. I confused a whole bunch of Teenagers, and young adults by simply saying my name. Every always questions me as to whether I`m Japanese or American after I say my name. "My name is Tateishi." and the reply is usually "JAPANESE? Really?" Then I have to explain everything, it`s really good for catching people`s attentions and making friends. But really annoying when they think you really are Japanese and think that you can understand everything they say. Still Sick
Saturday we had a mini Christmas party at which I met possibly the oldest member in Japan. She`s 91 years old and was baptized when she was 30, also did a lot of the work for translating hymns from English to Japanese. That was an interesting conversation... because she doesn`t remember anything more than 5 seconds ago. Asking me the same question at least 5 times. I then met with the bishop and talked with him a little. Then we dendoed some more and I got to testify to a bunch of punk teenagers that were nothing more than troublemakers. That was fun, told them the meaning of Christmas and silenced all mocking words with a strong and firm testimony about Jesus Christ. Still Sick
Sunday was wonderful, we had an awesome day at church, met with one of our Baptismal Candidates.Taught her a little lesson. I also met a lot of the ward members, who were confused as to whether I was Japanese or American. Had to give a talk at a Missionary Fireside after church, and generally just had fun talking with everyone. Came back, ate lunch, did some housing and streeting, ran into a Less active named Matt, an American from Utah. He was a cool guy, talked a lot about football and other random tings and shared a scripture. Still Sick.
Which brings me to today. Still Sick.
The apartment is an utter mess, which I need to give Elder Escalante a firm beating for when I meet him again. Managed to clean the kitchen a little bit today, and a the mess I made from unpacking. I still need to finish cleaning the kitchen, the closets, the bathroom, the Shower, and the Kitchen. It`s quite disgusting actually. But just one step at a time. And yes I`m still sick, stuffy nose, no fever, and my voice doesn`t work very much so singing is full of squeaks and cracks.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Moment of the Week
Like always I`m not all that sure what I want to talk about this week. Actually, I`ll just bring it back to Obedience.
This week I have been nearly Perfectly Obedient to all the missionary rules here in the Kobe Mission. I can`t say Perfectly, because I`m not perfect. But I have been very obedient in keeping the rules. Despite being a little sick, I still get up on time and excercise and study fully like I`m supposed to, I leave the apartment on time, I take 1 hour lunch breaks and no longer, I talk to as many people as will stop and talk to me and generally keep all the rules.
Why do I share this? Because I want to tell you that with being obedient comes a confidence that I have never had on my own. Most people that know me, know I`m not all that confident of a person, Especially when it comes to people work. Book work I know my stuff, or at least have confidence, but when it comes to People I`m an epic failure. I always hated giving talks in Sacrament and to be honest I did my best to weasel out of them. Now to compound that, I don`t speak Japanese fluently, so it just takes another blow to my self-confidence. But here, this week, when I`ve had a junior companion who`s Japanese is at best below par, I`ve had a confidence in myself to step up to the plate and talk to people. I Haven`t been afraid to open my mouth and just talk to people, or stop people. With that confidence came even more blessings, because as I opened my mouth to speak it made me more obedient, for God commanded me to open my mouth and speak to people. With following that I have seen scriptures fulfilled: "Open your mouth, and it shall be filled, and you will be able to confound the wise."
I was able this week to fulfull my responsibilities, to speak to many different people, to testify of the Divinity of Christ and his wonderful work. I was able to stand as a witness and proclaim loudly "The news of glad tidings and great joy." And I felt that I was successful. I felt the Spirit of God Working through me and I knew I was doing the right thing.
I refer you again to one of my favorite messages that I gave around 4th of July. WIth Obedience to the principles of the Gospel we will be blessed. True happiness comes by living true lives and living true principles. Christ taught those principles, the Prophets reiterate them and expound them for us today. As we follow them, the living Prophets, Christ, and God, we will find blessings in our lives. We find ourselves more in Harmony to God, and as in many languages we say "Closer" to God. So it is. We draw closer to him and are closer to the pure source of light and energy. Just as we move closer the fire in the damp cold night, we find it`s warmth seep deeper inside of us, so it is as we move closer to God.
As a Missionary my duty is what many people think it is, I spend all my days crying to the world "REPENT REPENT!! Prepare ye the way of the Lord!" or in other words "Come, follow him who will take away all your burdens and all your cares, follow him the good shepard who will guide us to green pastures." I say unto these people as Alma did of old "Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth. Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism." (Alma 7:9,15)
Fear not to Follow him. Lay aside your doubts, your fears and follow him. Be obedient to the principles of the Gospel and I can promise that you will be blessed, you will be happy. Sin is pain and Sorrow, Obedience is Peace and Happiness, I know both, I`ve felt them both. As we follow the commandments we are blessed, of Course we do not escape all pain and all suffering, that is life, everyone is to be tested and tried, everyone is to suffer temptations and difficulties, but how much easier it is to pass through every fire, every trial, every pain when you have the confidence that God is on your side. When you know the scriptures that say: "For I will go Before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
Finally I requote King Benjamin: "And Moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are recieved into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of neverending happinss. O remember, remember that these things are thre; for the LORD GOD hat spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)
I testify to you that this is the truth, that it lies here in plainness for all to see. "Repent ye, Repent ye, and prepare ye the way of the Lord." I quote Alma again: "Behold, he (The Lord God) sendeth an invitation to ALL men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he sait: Repent, and I will recieve you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life: yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and waters of life freely." God awaits us all with open arms, awaits us to take those steps towards him. He loves every one of his children, every human being that has ever, is, and will ever live upon this earth. WE are all his children and all he asks is for us to come home, to return to him. Repent! Let go of sin and enter into the loving arms of God.
I love you all, and I testify that this is the truth, this is God`s work. That he Lives and watches over us all, he loves each and everyone of us all more than we could ever hope to know. I know Christ lives, I know the sacrifice that he has made for me, I know he stands beside God, our Older Brother, shining the light on the pathway to God, taking us by the hand and showing us the way home. I bear witness of this, in his sacred name. Amen.
WIth much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Monday, December 6, 2010
A broken camera kind of day....
Sounds to me like Randy's week was a little, oh, interesting to say the least. I'm glad he can smile through it all and still enjoy life. This was past Friday was Randy's 20th birthday and it is the 1st birthday of his that I have never spent with him. I think I will take upon myself the attitude Randy has and keep on smiling and enjoy (while missing him greatly) knowing that he is happy, the Lord is happy and the people of Japan are (mostly) happy....
ear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends,
This one is very short, Only got about 30-40 min. before I gotta go. We`re going to the zoo for my birthday/last Preperation Day for this transfer today. Yes I get to go to the zoo in Japan, and I`m excited, because they have a dolphin show.
Anyway, I can tell you that nothing exciting happened this week, except getting yelled at by an investigator because I Don`t speak perfect Japanese. That`s an interesting story. Tried talking with him and ended up getting yelled at for a good 20 min. over the phone, than he called back and talked to Camacho Choro for another 40 min, and one point threatened to come and hit him. That was not a fun night. But an adventure nonetheless. (By the way it wasn`t my fault, or my companions fault that he got mad). He was mad at us because we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he had problems with that, and also got mad at us for using the phrase: "We know......" telling us that we couldn`t KNOW that these things were true. Then got really mad when we told him that we can, and that he could too if he asked God, that`s when he threatened my companion.
That was one moment that I remember, but the major highlight was on the weekend.
Friday was my Birthday, which, was basically a normal day, just my companion baked me some brownies, which were delicious, I recieved some of the most delicious apples from the Ward Mission Leader, and the "Missionary Papa" took me out for dinner at a delicious restuarant. And my camera broke, pulled it out of my pocket and turned it on to take pictures and the screen was all messed up and broken.
Sunday was the best though. We recieved our monthly "Fruits Basket" from the ward. We quite literally have more food than we know what to do with, lots of vegetables, rice, snacks, cereal, Mikans, Apples, Potatoes, and Bananas. Got to testify at church, which was fun, and then my companion had to go up and testify and tell everyone that it was my birthday a few days ago. The ward here seems to like me, as they were planning for the christmas party and were all hoping that I would be there for it.
Basically that was my week. I got a birthday card from Sister McIntyre, But other than that I Haven`t gotten any letters since the beginning of November. lol O well.
By the way, thanks for the short messages everyone! (Mom sent them too me)
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
Well... I`m 20 years old, I`m no longer a teenager it seems. But I`ll always be one at heart. In Japan I am now officially an Adult. What does that mean? Not much.
I may be an Adult but I still must be as a child, humble, meek, submissive, easily entreated, relying upon my Father in Heaven. (Not whiny or complaining).
I must still be as a Child, constantly inquiring of my Heavenly Father as what I should do, how I should do things, seeking to add to my knowledge and to grow. I must be patient and wait for him to pour out his blessings upon me, and wait for his timing, not mine. As I learn to follow him, to love him, and do as he asks, to rely upon him, he will trust me more, he will give me more. It is as simple as a Father-Child Relationship, except he is our Perfect Father and knows all that we need.
I just want to remind everyone, and I mean everyone, from the lowest of the low, to the highest of the high, that we are all Children of God. We are his sons and daughters and like always he loves us with his perfect Love.
I say these things simply, in the name of God`s only Beloved son, our Brother, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
ear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends,
This one is very short, Only got about 30-40 min. before I gotta go. We`re going to the zoo for my birthday/last Preperation Day for this transfer today. Yes I get to go to the zoo in Japan, and I`m excited, because they have a dolphin show.
Anyway, I can tell you that nothing exciting happened this week, except getting yelled at by an investigator because I Don`t speak perfect Japanese. That`s an interesting story. Tried talking with him and ended up getting yelled at for a good 20 min. over the phone, than he called back and talked to Camacho Choro for another 40 min, and one point threatened to come and hit him. That was not a fun night. But an adventure nonetheless. (By the way it wasn`t my fault, or my companions fault that he got mad). He was mad at us because we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he had problems with that, and also got mad at us for using the phrase: "We know......" telling us that we couldn`t KNOW that these things were true. Then got really mad when we told him that we can, and that he could too if he asked God, that`s when he threatened my companion.
That was one moment that I remember, but the major highlight was on the weekend.
Friday was my Birthday, which, was basically a normal day, just my companion baked me some brownies, which were delicious, I recieved some of the most delicious apples from the Ward Mission Leader, and the "Missionary Papa" took me out for dinner at a delicious restuarant. And my camera broke, pulled it out of my pocket and turned it on to take pictures and the screen was all messed up and broken.
Sunday was the best though. We recieved our monthly "Fruits Basket" from the ward. We quite literally have more food than we know what to do with, lots of vegetables, rice, snacks, cereal, Mikans, Apples, Potatoes, and Bananas. Got to testify at church, which was fun, and then my companion had to go up and testify and tell everyone that it was my birthday a few days ago. The ward here seems to like me, as they were planning for the christmas party and were all hoping that I would be there for it.
Basically that was my week. I got a birthday card from Sister McIntyre, But other than that I Haven`t gotten any letters since the beginning of November. lol O well.
By the way, thanks for the short messages everyone! (Mom sent them too me)
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
Well... I`m 20 years old, I`m no longer a teenager it seems. But I`ll always be one at heart. In Japan I am now officially an Adult. What does that mean? Not much.
I may be an Adult but I still must be as a child, humble, meek, submissive, easily entreated, relying upon my Father in Heaven. (Not whiny or complaining).
I must still be as a Child, constantly inquiring of my Heavenly Father as what I should do, how I should do things, seeking to add to my knowledge and to grow. I must be patient and wait for him to pour out his blessings upon me, and wait for his timing, not mine. As I learn to follow him, to love him, and do as he asks, to rely upon him, he will trust me more, he will give me more. It is as simple as a Father-Child Relationship, except he is our Perfect Father and knows all that we need.
I just want to remind everyone, and I mean everyone, from the lowest of the low, to the highest of the high, that we are all Children of God. We are his sons and daughters and like always he loves us with his perfect Love.
I say these things simply, in the name of God`s only Beloved son, our Brother, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
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