Oh the Places Randy's been. I can't wait to meet the Man he has become. What a treat to read his letters, what a treat to feel his love... One of my favorite lines in a Dr. Seuss book is
"Kid, you'll move mountains!
Today is your Day
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!
That's how I feel about Randy. He is moving mountains every day. He is on his way!
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
Phew! It`s HOT!! It`s really REALLY REALLY Hot! I am sweating bullets
and drinking gallons but it never seems to quench my thirst. I come
home at night disgusting, sweaty, smelly, and just plain gross. But at
the end of each night when I can say my prayer, although the only
thing that I want to do is roll over and go to bed, I just can`t stop
myself from praying just a little bit longer. Just being on my knees
brings me great comfort as I know that I did all that I could, and
that the Lord is pleased with me. I`ve never slept better in my life,
despite the excrutiating heat.
I don`t really remember it being this hot last year, but at least
this is my last summer in Japan. Only have to put up with it for about
3 months. O.o, 3 months and General Conference rolls around again. I
hate time.
Anyway, if you couldn`t tell, I`m still happy as yet another amazing
week rolls past. Sometimes I just feel like I could jump for joy.
So this week, for a quick review. I worked. Everyday, all day. Monday
through Monday, I was working, and am working. Tuesday the Travelling
assistants left, they got picked up by the Assistant Presidents, and
then we had a Companion Exchange that day with the Zone Leaders. That
went well too.
Wednesday, I can`t really remember, we were just working. Thursday we
had District Meeting and then the only thing I can really remember is
a 30 min. phone call with Sato, an investigator we have, in which she
just opened up and told me a lot of things, that helped me get to know
her soo much better and be able to help her a lot more. I`ll explain
more about her in a moment.
Friday, was another Exchange, this time with the District Leader,
except we just went out with a member to visit a whole bunch of
Less-actives. We were both extremely tired because of the heat, and
passed out in the car.
Saturday we ran around getting ready for the talent Show we had that
night. Then we had the talent show which was a blast. Me and my
companion, Elder Cloward, ran around the aduience with a microphone as
reporters and talked with random people, asking them how it was,
making jokes, and just having fun. Elder Cloward would ask in
something in English, and then I`d translate it. Although it surprised
us when we found someone that spoke English. We also scared a group of
High School Girls because we sat behind them just before we were to
start talking. They didn`t realize we were there until the announcer
asked where the missionaries were, and we said
"Konnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiichiwaaaaaaaaaa!!" They burst out laughing and
didn`t want to talk at first. Then my Elder Cloward had to ask "Why
does rice turn green when it grows?" Yea just fun stupid stuff like
that!
Then I got up and sang, messed up when I skipped a line in the song,
but I just sang the same line twice, and no one noticed, not even
Elder Cloward who was playing the piano. Then Elder Cloward played his
song, which was awesome! He`s an amazing pianist.
Ok then Sunday rolled around, and almost all the investigators that
said they were going to come to church didn`t come, even though I
contacted some of them.... That was dissappointing. But Saito did come
after half-way through church and we had an amazing lesson, and at the
end when she prayed she even said that she now felt like she wanted to
learn more and really feel the things that we have felt. She even
called me that night and we talked for about 45 min. about what she
needed to do next, what she wanted and how we could help her. That was
a great experience, because even though there were points that I had
no idea what she said. I knew what it was that I needed to say, and I
was able to teach to her needs and tell her what she needed to hear.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
"The Roads that we Walk"
Life is a blessing, Life is a Gift. Life is full of Adventure and
Joy. Everyday sunrise brings new experiences, every sunset closes but
a single page. The story of our life unfolds before our eyes, as each
new passing day shows us what else might lie in wait. All of us walk
the Road of Life, it`s twisting bends, it`s awesome scenery, it`s
treacherous obstacles and sudden changes. A thousand turn-offs at
every corner, and a million more after that. The friends that we meet,
the friends that we leave. The things that we see, the things that we
miss. Life is a road, unknown and unsure. With countless decisions and
things we may see, which turn do we take, which way should we go. Lost
in the maze of the Roadway of Life.
Each of us passes through life, walking the pathways and roads that
are countless and endless. Many of us wander, uncertain of where to go
or what to do, overwhelmed by all that is around us. Some of us choose
the easy and low lying roads, but soon find ourselves missing some of
the grandest things of life. Yet Others seek the thrilling roads, one
that seem the most exciting, but soon find themselves at a dead end,
with no where else to go, trapped and lost in the wilds of the world.
Then others seek a destination, looking forward to what is at the end.
These are they that climb the mountains and try to find out where they
are, and where it is that they need to go.
In the great words of Bilbo Baggins "It`s a dangerous road Frodo, If
you don`t keep you`re feet, their is no knowing where you`ll be swept
off to." We need to `keep our feet` as we wander the Roadways of Life.
We need to watch our step and see where it is that we are going. In
the end we need some sort of ultimate goal, some vision to reach for,
something to hope for. So it is that we must climb the mountain.
We must climb to the top of the mountain and look out and see what
lies ahead, what it is that we want. That mountain can take shape in
various forms, it could be within the Temple of God, within a grove of
trees, upon a lofty mountain, at the bedside, or simply within a car
alone. Often this trip to the mountain is upon one`s knees, but always
is it in humble prayer seeking that almighty God.
Each of us will have times when we wish to know where are life is
taking us. Each of us will wonder what else lies in store. These times
are especially for those who are young of years such as I, but those
of age may also climb the mountain. When we have those questions in
life, when we face a new turn, a new bend, or a new crossroad it is
then that we should remember the Lord our God and seek his guidance
and assistance in choosing the right path for us.
I did this, a year and a half ago. Mine was simple, mine was humble.
"Shall I go, or shall I stay?" My answer was clear: "Go!" I followed.
I did this again, but a month ago. Mine was simple, mine was humble.
"What more shall I do? What more can I do?" My answer was clear:
"Work!" I worked.
Each time after I climbed the mountain upon my knees, I recieved an
answer. I saw more clearly what it was that I needed to do, where it
is that I needed to go. Then I acted, I followed the path that was
layed before me. It`s been hard, it has been difficult. Everytime
there are obstacles in my path, things that I most overcome. Everytime
something appears to frighten me, to try and choose a different route,
something easier something more smiple, or even to just give up. But
no, I have a goal in mind, I have a place that I need to go. I must
endure to the end.
The Roads that we Walk are Endless. Some are short, some are long.
Some lead us astray, yet others lead us straight. A million turns, a
trillion steps, thousands of obstacles, and hundreds of stops. The
Roads that we Walk can take us home. The Roads that we Walk can make
us lost. Yet there at your side, a smiling face, a helping hand,
stands one that knows the way. He`s walked the same roads, he`s seen
the same paths. He knows what you can do, he knows where you can go.
He is Christ, our Saviour and our Redeemer. He knows your pain, he
knows your joy. He shares your sorrows, and shares your joys. Never
far is he from you. Never will he forsake you. His arms are open, his
smile wide. His way is worth it, no matter how hard. He knows the
trails, he knows the obstacles. He`s overcome the world, he`s been to
the end. He waits for you, he beckons you to come.
I can never cease to Testify of Christ. I can never cease to proclaim
him as my Saviour and Redeemer. He is the one that has lifted me up
from my many falls, he is the one that is my rock. I choose to build
upon him as my foundation. I choose to follow him. For I know that he
will never lead me astray, that he will forever guide me onward
towards eternal life. He will help me overcome all of my trails, he
will catch me when I fall. I know that this is true. That the Son of
God Lives! I know that this is his work, as I see new people start to
come unto Christ, as I see their desires and feel their joy as they
see at last before their eyes, the fountain of living waters that they
have so long sought for. I bear witness of this from the bottom of my
heart, in his holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
With Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sometimes you just have to play at being Mother....
It's good to hear again from Randy. His letters just crack me up and I'm grateful for them. He has a wonderful companion that keeps him smiling and wonderful ward members that help lift him up. Thank you to Randy for being an awesome missionary.
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
KONNICHIWA!!!! From a few thousand miles away on a very rainy day,
with wet socks and shoes. I`m happy, I`m good, I`m fantastic. Life as
a missionary is good, and as the hymn goes "There is sunshine in my
soul!"
So. This week has been metcha metcha(very very) busy. Monday we were
supposed to have a lesson but that fell through and instead the Ward
Mission Leader took us out for dinner, then we just ran around and
talked to a whole bunch of random people.
Tuesday was very busy as well. We had lots of Lessons, including a
lunch appointment with a member, than a Practice Lesson with another
member, than we ended up having a little bit of a bible bash with
someone. Yes, I did, not intentionally. We planned on teaching the
lesson of the restoration and than he turned around and just tried to
prove me wrong the rest of the time. He wasn`t christian though, he
was SGI(Sokka Gakkai International). But at least it wasn`t an
arguement, we left on good terms and I handed off a Book of Mormon and
he gave me an SGI book. Moral of the story: When people want to argue,
if possible Testify, afterwards leave. I`m glad that we were busy and
the whole confrontation only lasted an hour. My head was starting to
hurt from all the difficult Japanese.
After that we went up and met with President and Sister McIntyre for
the last time. Had quick interview and said goodbye.
Wednesday we rode our bikes way far, talked to a Less-active member
for over an hour, after trying to leave 3 times. Then we taught
English class and had fun there.
Thursday we had District Meeting, half of which I had to translate
into Japanese for the Senior Couple that is here, then we taught
English for the Senior Couple`s area, before we started a
Companionship Exchange and I went to Sakai.
Friday during the exchange we rode for about 4 hours straight trying
to contact a referral that we couldn`t find. It was a long ride. Then
at night I came home and me and Elder Cloward ate dinner with a
member. It was quite hilarious because my companion doesn`t speak much
Japanese, and they were trying to talk to him while he was helping
them make mashed potatoes. He was hyper that day to and whenever they
talked to him and asked him a question he would look up at them with a
blank look in his eyes and say "Huh!?" Then look to me and ask for a
translation. I love my companion, he makes me laugh.
Saturday was all planning before we went out with a member to visit a
couple of less actives and then we went to a kind of Farewell talk
given by the McIntryre family for the stake. It was really good, I saw
a lot of old friends from the Sennan ward and sang with our ward
choir. Then we came home and the Travelling Assistants came in our
door and that`s when everything just started blowing up.
Elder Imai and Elder Everett came, with the intent of helping us get
an investigator that Elder Everett had found here last week while he
was here with us. But they had both gotten extremely sick and they
basically just collapsed as soon as they walked in the door. I had the
bishop bring some medicine over to help them, but they were absolutely
horrible. At one point during the night Elder Everett had a fever of
40 degrees Celcius. Yea, not good at all. But on Sunday it was
starting to down and now his fever is gone today. But they are both
passed out in our apartment and we`re playing mother for them.
Sunday at church went great, we had a member bring her friend to
church and we taught him a lesson and then sat with him in the Foyer
and talked with him instead of going to Priesthood because he didn`t
really want to go and was waiting for his friend. It went pretty good.
Than we went home and checked on the Dying Elders in our apartment,
grabbed our study stuff, ate a quick PB&J sandwich and ran back to the
church not wanting to get sick. The bishop then asked us how they were
doing and we told him not so well. The bishop then told us to stop by
his house on our way home and pick up some more medicine and other
things to help them. After we studied we did so and then checked up on
them and by that time Elder Imai was up and about and doing ok. So we
handed off the medicine and ran away again to go do something besides
be in the apartment. Came back, ate dinner, and slept.
This morning we got up and things were better with the Elder Imai and
Elder Everett. But they are now staying here until Tuesday at least.
Elder Everett can hardly even move, he has no energy, and President
and Sister McIntyre told them to move as little as possible until they
recover. So we get to take care of them, and then we have the Zone
Leaders coming over tonight for a Companionship Exchange. It`ll be way
fun having 6 people in our apartment! It`s also a mess... :(
Other things of note: On Monday and Tuesday I successfully ate the
traditional Japanese breakfast of Natto and Rice. Yes, I ate Natto
without puking. It smelled like coffee to me for some reason, and I
really think that praying and asking God to help me eat it, helped the
most. I still do not like it by any means, but I am able to eat it.
It`s just utterly disgusting...... Like soggy peanuts that just have
gone bad and been dipped in some sort of slime. Note: Natto is not
recommended as a food.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
Well, as I prayed just now, wondering what I should talk about this
week, I am reminded of an example that another missionary taught me.
It`s also an example that President Uchtdorf would probably use, since
it has to do with airplanes.
So most of us know how airplanes work. The shape of the wing causes
the wind to speed up which in turns alters the air pressure difference
between what is above the wing and below the wing. This all results in
what is called lift and pushing the airplane upwards. That is airplane
physics in a nutshell.
So in order for a plane to obtain lift it needs to have wind, or
forward moment that creates air movement along the wing. Therefore as
a plane moves forward it starts to create lift. But if there is no
lift on the wings than the airplane will stall and begin to fall.
Where this is all leading to is this: If an airplane is moving
forward constantly it will continue to rise or will stay in the air,
but if it stops it will immediately begin to descend and will
eventually crash and burn.
So, what does this have to do with anything. It is the meaning of the
Gospel. Continual progression and advancement.
We must be constantly moving forward. Pushing forward despite
difficulties or obstacles. We must constantly seek to improve
ourselves and to grow, to learn. For there is only up or down. If we
think we have learned enough and stop seeking to learn more we will
begin to digress and lose what we have.
As it is written in the scriptues: "Unto him that recieveth I will
give, but unto him that will not receive I will take even that which
he hath." In things of spirituality we must always be moving forward
and as we do so we will always have the Lord beside us helping us to
go forward.
Last week I spoke a little bit about humility. As we humble
ourselves, and realize that we have so much more to learn in this
life, that no matter where we are there is so much more ahead of us,
then will we avoid stalling, then will we continue to move forward and
rely upon the arm of the Lord.
God loves each and every one of us. He is by our sides and will be
with us everystep of the way. So long as we come unto him, learn of
him and seek his help he will help us. Manytimes, even when we don`t
think we`re worthy of him, even when we don`t think he cares, he is
there. Oh how I have come to realize that. I have learned that the
Almighty one, the creator of the Heavens and the Earth, all knowing,
all powerful, without end and without beginning, that great God has
always been willing to reach out to me, as weak as I am, as
insignificant as I am. He cares far more than we could ever imagine.
Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
KONNICHIWA!!!! From a few thousand miles away on a very rainy day,
with wet socks and shoes. I`m happy, I`m good, I`m fantastic. Life as
a missionary is good, and as the hymn goes "There is sunshine in my
soul!"
So. This week has been metcha metcha(very very) busy. Monday we were
supposed to have a lesson but that fell through and instead the Ward
Mission Leader took us out for dinner, then we just ran around and
talked to a whole bunch of random people.
Tuesday was very busy as well. We had lots of Lessons, including a
lunch appointment with a member, than a Practice Lesson with another
member, than we ended up having a little bit of a bible bash with
someone. Yes, I did, not intentionally. We planned on teaching the
lesson of the restoration and than he turned around and just tried to
prove me wrong the rest of the time. He wasn`t christian though, he
was SGI(Sokka Gakkai International). But at least it wasn`t an
arguement, we left on good terms and I handed off a Book of Mormon and
he gave me an SGI book. Moral of the story: When people want to argue,
if possible Testify, afterwards leave. I`m glad that we were busy and
the whole confrontation only lasted an hour. My head was starting to
hurt from all the difficult Japanese.
After that we went up and met with President and Sister McIntyre for
the last time. Had quick interview and said goodbye.
Wednesday we rode our bikes way far, talked to a Less-active member
for over an hour, after trying to leave 3 times. Then we taught
English class and had fun there.
Thursday we had District Meeting, half of which I had to translate
into Japanese for the Senior Couple that is here, then we taught
English for the Senior Couple`s area, before we started a
Companionship Exchange and I went to Sakai.
Friday during the exchange we rode for about 4 hours straight trying
to contact a referral that we couldn`t find. It was a long ride. Then
at night I came home and me and Elder Cloward ate dinner with a
member. It was quite hilarious because my companion doesn`t speak much
Japanese, and they were trying to talk to him while he was helping
them make mashed potatoes. He was hyper that day to and whenever they
talked to him and asked him a question he would look up at them with a
blank look in his eyes and say "Huh!?" Then look to me and ask for a
translation. I love my companion, he makes me laugh.
Saturday was all planning before we went out with a member to visit a
couple of less actives and then we went to a kind of Farewell talk
given by the McIntryre family for the stake. It was really good, I saw
a lot of old friends from the Sennan ward and sang with our ward
choir. Then we came home and the Travelling Assistants came in our
door and that`s when everything just started blowing up.
Elder Imai and Elder Everett came, with the intent of helping us get
an investigator that Elder Everett had found here last week while he
was here with us. But they had both gotten extremely sick and they
basically just collapsed as soon as they walked in the door. I had the
bishop bring some medicine over to help them, but they were absolutely
horrible. At one point during the night Elder Everett had a fever of
40 degrees Celcius. Yea, not good at all. But on Sunday it was
starting to down and now his fever is gone today. But they are both
passed out in our apartment and we`re playing mother for them.
Sunday at church went great, we had a member bring her friend to
church and we taught him a lesson and then sat with him in the Foyer
and talked with him instead of going to Priesthood because he didn`t
really want to go and was waiting for his friend. It went pretty good.
Than we went home and checked on the Dying Elders in our apartment,
grabbed our study stuff, ate a quick PB&J sandwich and ran back to the
church not wanting to get sick. The bishop then asked us how they were
doing and we told him not so well. The bishop then told us to stop by
his house on our way home and pick up some more medicine and other
things to help them. After we studied we did so and then checked up on
them and by that time Elder Imai was up and about and doing ok. So we
handed off the medicine and ran away again to go do something besides
be in the apartment. Came back, ate dinner, and slept.
This morning we got up and things were better with the Elder Imai and
Elder Everett. But they are now staying here until Tuesday at least.
Elder Everett can hardly even move, he has no energy, and President
and Sister McIntyre told them to move as little as possible until they
recover. So we get to take care of them, and then we have the Zone
Leaders coming over tonight for a Companionship Exchange. It`ll be way
fun having 6 people in our apartment! It`s also a mess... :(
Other things of note: On Monday and Tuesday I successfully ate the
traditional Japanese breakfast of Natto and Rice. Yes, I ate Natto
without puking. It smelled like coffee to me for some reason, and I
really think that praying and asking God to help me eat it, helped the
most. I still do not like it by any means, but I am able to eat it.
It`s just utterly disgusting...... Like soggy peanuts that just have
gone bad and been dipped in some sort of slime. Note: Natto is not
recommended as a food.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
Well, as I prayed just now, wondering what I should talk about this
week, I am reminded of an example that another missionary taught me.
It`s also an example that President Uchtdorf would probably use, since
it has to do with airplanes.
So most of us know how airplanes work. The shape of the wing causes
the wind to speed up which in turns alters the air pressure difference
between what is above the wing and below the wing. This all results in
what is called lift and pushing the airplane upwards. That is airplane
physics in a nutshell.
So in order for a plane to obtain lift it needs to have wind, or
forward moment that creates air movement along the wing. Therefore as
a plane moves forward it starts to create lift. But if there is no
lift on the wings than the airplane will stall and begin to fall.
Where this is all leading to is this: If an airplane is moving
forward constantly it will continue to rise or will stay in the air,
but if it stops it will immediately begin to descend and will
eventually crash and burn.
So, what does this have to do with anything. It is the meaning of the
Gospel. Continual progression and advancement.
We must be constantly moving forward. Pushing forward despite
difficulties or obstacles. We must constantly seek to improve
ourselves and to grow, to learn. For there is only up or down. If we
think we have learned enough and stop seeking to learn more we will
begin to digress and lose what we have.
As it is written in the scriptues: "Unto him that recieveth I will
give, but unto him that will not receive I will take even that which
he hath." In things of spirituality we must always be moving forward
and as we do so we will always have the Lord beside us helping us to
go forward.
Last week I spoke a little bit about humility. As we humble
ourselves, and realize that we have so much more to learn in this
life, that no matter where we are there is so much more ahead of us,
then will we avoid stalling, then will we continue to move forward and
rely upon the arm of the Lord.
God loves each and every one of us. He is by our sides and will be
with us everystep of the way. So long as we come unto him, learn of
him and seek his help he will help us. Manytimes, even when we don`t
think we`re worthy of him, even when we don`t think he cares, he is
there. Oh how I have come to realize that. I have learned that the
Almighty one, the creator of the Heavens and the Earth, all knowing,
all powerful, without end and without beginning, that great God has
always been willing to reach out to me, as weak as I am, as
insignificant as I am. He cares far more than we could ever imagine.
Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Humility...one of the greatest gifts..
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
Phew! I don`t even know where to start. This week was just jammed
back, and next week looks even worse. I`m exhausted both mentally and
physically, running around all over the place, sometiems I just feel
like a chicken with my head cut off!
Tuesday we went far far away, to a place I`d never been in our area,
and a place that isn`t even in our area, but we didn`t know that at
all. I had no idea where are area ended in that direction, and I
thought that it was my area. Yea, it was far away, and up hill.
Wednesday we were full. Had a lot of buisiness to do. Ran around and
before we knew it we had to be at the church for Eikaiwa, but only one
person showed up, which was annoying, seems like everyone is busy with
tests before Summer vacation.
Thursday we had District Meeting as well as an exchange with the
Travelling Assistants. I was with Elder Imai, possibly my favorite
missionary in the mission and we ran around like crazy talking to
everyone possible and just having a great time. My companion though
had a miracle with the other Travelling Assistant, but that`s a long
story. Suffice to say they found somebody that had long been looking
for peace in her life.
Friday we did weekly planning and walked out to visit a few members
that lived nearby, or at least THOUGHT lived nearby and ended up
taking a long time finding their houses and talking to random people
and knocking on random doors while we went. Even ran into a very large
farm area between our apartment and the church, which we thought was
ALL houses. Yea, random rice patty in the middle of a neighborhood.
Caught us off guard.
Saturday we visited a few people and then just did some more Dendo,
so nothing too exciting happened there.
Sunday was hectic, we were supposed to sing in Sacrament, had a
meeting after church followed by a lesson. I was really running around
worrying over everything, and really wishing that I could somehow
split myself in half and be in two places at once. I couldn`t do that
and so I did the next best thing and sent my young Companion off on
splits with a member. Luckily for him, the home teaching that he was
supposed to do fell through. The lesson we had was great, but it was
lots of listening to the Investigator, and less of us talking and the
part that really seemed to help her the most were the testimonies of
the Members that were in their with us. Which in and of itself was a
miracle. We had made plans for other members to joint with us, but
both fell through and we ended up with two entirely different members
than we had planned. But it worked out perfectly I think.
Then this morning the bishop wanted to talk to us and update us on
the ward plan for working with less actives and part member familes.
Phew, I have a lot of work to do and I think now I`m going to be
praying even harder so that my companion can speak Japanese!
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
It is often said: "English speaking missionaries come back
scriptorians. Spainish speaking missionaries come back Linguists. But
Japanese speaking Missionaries come back humble."
Well, my experience as a missionary has taught me that the language,
although important, does not play such a major role in the development
of a missionary. I have learned to love the scriptures and bury myself
deep in their pages. I have learned how to speak, and to even read and
write a little bit of Japanese. I have also been humbled very greatly
by my experiences as a missionary. More than anything I have been
humbled by experiences as a missionary.
Humility. That is a great strength. A strength through which we can
learn to truly be a great person, a strength through which we can
obtain the favor of God and taste of his mercy and grace and love.
Humility is to be teachable. Humility is one of the greatest of all
attributes, it is that of recognizing weaknesses within ones own self
and knowing ones limitations. But not only that is recognizing the
strengths of others, and learning from those strengths to improve
one`s self. And even more than that it is learning to rely upon God.
In this past week not much has really changed in my skills. I am no
better a teacher than I was before, I`m no better at finding that I
was before, I`m no better in Japanese than I was before, but something
great has changed. I feel different than before, I think different
than before. That difference is that I have learned to rely upon the
Spirit. To trust in God even more than I had before. I have recieved
many times throughout the week a confirmation that what I was doing
was right, despite the fact that I thought I had messed up horribly.
Despite the fact that I was not nearly as good as Elder Imai was at
finding I still felt that the Lord was please with me, and even Elder
Imai was happy with the work that I did, no matter how little it was.
When everything fell through on Sunday, and the investigator came
late, when I did not know what to say during the lesson and prayed to
God in silent but fervent prayer, I felt and knew that everything
would be alright. The members testified, they fellowshipped and loved,
the investigator listened and accepted, and we set up another
appointment. Everything worked out.
As I and Elder Cloward have been discussing lately we came across the
topic of us being 20 year old boys out trying to preach the Gospel to
the world. Who are we, but 20 years of age, inexperienced, untried,
untested, young, and foolish, to go about and teach the wise, the well
educated, the old, and the experienced about life, about God, about
Families, about Love, about Truth? Why would God send out a couple of
20 year old small town boys to Japan? Then this morning I came across
this scripture in 1 Corinthians 1: "When preaching was foolishness,
God saw so fit to do so." Something along those lines.
God knows that we young boys alone are incapable of doing anything
here. But he sends us anyway. He wants us to learn, to grow and to
experience. He wants us to be humble and to rely upon his arm, to
recognize that it is through him that all things are possible. That
when we humble ourselves and bow down in prayer, that almighty God,
that all-knowing, all-powerful, ever present, eternal God will hear
our prayers and reach out his hands and answer them.
Humility. It is not pulling one`s self down, nor is it simply raising
someone else about one`s self. It is recognizing the weaknesses that
one has and relying upon God to overcome them. As it it is written "I
give unto men weaknesses, that they may be humble and come unto me.
And my grace is sufficient for all men who come unto me, and if they
humble themeselves and come unto me I will make weak things become
strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I am of myself a weak man. It is only through my prayers that I am
who I am, it is only through the Grace of God that I am where I am. I
know he lives, I know he guides me. I know that through him I can
become more than I could ever be alone. For that I am grateful, for
that my heart cries out in Joy. "Be thou Humble, and the Lord God
shall lead thee by the hand." Of this I testify in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.
With Much Love,
Elder Randall K. K. Tateishi
Phew! I don`t even know where to start. This week was just jammed
back, and next week looks even worse. I`m exhausted both mentally and
physically, running around all over the place, sometiems I just feel
like a chicken with my head cut off!
Tuesday we went far far away, to a place I`d never been in our area,
and a place that isn`t even in our area, but we didn`t know that at
all. I had no idea where are area ended in that direction, and I
thought that it was my area. Yea, it was far away, and up hill.
Wednesday we were full. Had a lot of buisiness to do. Ran around and
before we knew it we had to be at the church for Eikaiwa, but only one
person showed up, which was annoying, seems like everyone is busy with
tests before Summer vacation.
Thursday we had District Meeting as well as an exchange with the
Travelling Assistants. I was with Elder Imai, possibly my favorite
missionary in the mission and we ran around like crazy talking to
everyone possible and just having a great time. My companion though
had a miracle with the other Travelling Assistant, but that`s a long
story. Suffice to say they found somebody that had long been looking
for peace in her life.
Friday we did weekly planning and walked out to visit a few members
that lived nearby, or at least THOUGHT lived nearby and ended up
taking a long time finding their houses and talking to random people
and knocking on random doors while we went. Even ran into a very large
farm area between our apartment and the church, which we thought was
ALL houses. Yea, random rice patty in the middle of a neighborhood.
Caught us off guard.
Saturday we visited a few people and then just did some more Dendo,
so nothing too exciting happened there.
Sunday was hectic, we were supposed to sing in Sacrament, had a
meeting after church followed by a lesson. I was really running around
worrying over everything, and really wishing that I could somehow
split myself in half and be in two places at once. I couldn`t do that
and so I did the next best thing and sent my young Companion off on
splits with a member. Luckily for him, the home teaching that he was
supposed to do fell through. The lesson we had was great, but it was
lots of listening to the Investigator, and less of us talking and the
part that really seemed to help her the most were the testimonies of
the Members that were in their with us. Which in and of itself was a
miracle. We had made plans for other members to joint with us, but
both fell through and we ended up with two entirely different members
than we had planned. But it worked out perfectly I think.
Then this morning the bishop wanted to talk to us and update us on
the ward plan for working with less actives and part member familes.
Phew, I have a lot of work to do and I think now I`m going to be
praying even harder so that my companion can speak Japanese!
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
It is often said: "English speaking missionaries come back
scriptorians. Spainish speaking missionaries come back Linguists. But
Japanese speaking Missionaries come back humble."
Well, my experience as a missionary has taught me that the language,
although important, does not play such a major role in the development
of a missionary. I have learned to love the scriptures and bury myself
deep in their pages. I have learned how to speak, and to even read and
write a little bit of Japanese. I have also been humbled very greatly
by my experiences as a missionary. More than anything I have been
humbled by experiences as a missionary.
Humility. That is a great strength. A strength through which we can
learn to truly be a great person, a strength through which we can
obtain the favor of God and taste of his mercy and grace and love.
Humility is to be teachable. Humility is one of the greatest of all
attributes, it is that of recognizing weaknesses within ones own self
and knowing ones limitations. But not only that is recognizing the
strengths of others, and learning from those strengths to improve
one`s self. And even more than that it is learning to rely upon God.
In this past week not much has really changed in my skills. I am no
better a teacher than I was before, I`m no better at finding that I
was before, I`m no better in Japanese than I was before, but something
great has changed. I feel different than before, I think different
than before. That difference is that I have learned to rely upon the
Spirit. To trust in God even more than I had before. I have recieved
many times throughout the week a confirmation that what I was doing
was right, despite the fact that I thought I had messed up horribly.
Despite the fact that I was not nearly as good as Elder Imai was at
finding I still felt that the Lord was please with me, and even Elder
Imai was happy with the work that I did, no matter how little it was.
When everything fell through on Sunday, and the investigator came
late, when I did not know what to say during the lesson and prayed to
God in silent but fervent prayer, I felt and knew that everything
would be alright. The members testified, they fellowshipped and loved,
the investigator listened and accepted, and we set up another
appointment. Everything worked out.
As I and Elder Cloward have been discussing lately we came across the
topic of us being 20 year old boys out trying to preach the Gospel to
the world. Who are we, but 20 years of age, inexperienced, untried,
untested, young, and foolish, to go about and teach the wise, the well
educated, the old, and the experienced about life, about God, about
Families, about Love, about Truth? Why would God send out a couple of
20 year old small town boys to Japan? Then this morning I came across
this scripture in 1 Corinthians 1: "When preaching was foolishness,
God saw so fit to do so." Something along those lines.
God knows that we young boys alone are incapable of doing anything
here. But he sends us anyway. He wants us to learn, to grow and to
experience. He wants us to be humble and to rely upon his arm, to
recognize that it is through him that all things are possible. That
when we humble ourselves and bow down in prayer, that almighty God,
that all-knowing, all-powerful, ever present, eternal God will hear
our prayers and reach out his hands and answer them.
Humility. It is not pulling one`s self down, nor is it simply raising
someone else about one`s self. It is recognizing the weaknesses that
one has and relying upon God to overcome them. As it it is written "I
give unto men weaknesses, that they may be humble and come unto me.
And my grace is sufficient for all men who come unto me, and if they
humble themeselves and come unto me I will make weak things become
strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I am of myself a weak man. It is only through my prayers that I am
who I am, it is only through the Grace of God that I am where I am. I
know he lives, I know he guides me. I know that through him I can
become more than I could ever be alone. For that I am grateful, for
that my heart cries out in Joy. "Be thou Humble, and the Lord God
shall lead thee by the hand." Of this I testify in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.
With Much Love,
Elder Randall K. K. Tateishi
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Spirit Guides us all....
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, Friends and other
people I don`t know,
Well. It`s been an absolutely beautiful week. The son is shining, the
rain has stopped, summer is rolling around and I`m sweating like mad.
But on the bright side I`m getting tan again.
Monday night me and Elder Cloward just went out and dendoed around.
Had a great time, talking to large groups of high school kids and just
trying to talk to everyone.
Tuesday we left early and I headed off to Kobe for leadership
training because my new companion, Elder Cloward is only on his second
Transfer and I am basically his trainer now. That and they just came
out with a new in-field training schedule for 1st and 2nd transfer
missionaries. So I went and learned that, as well as other leadership
skills and attributes. It was loads of fun and a great experience. I
love President McIntyre.
Wednesday after we finished training me and the two other Elders that
came up with me went and ate dinner together. It was delicious,
because it was the first bit of Kobe Beef I`ve had on my mission. xD
Yes I can now say I have eaten Kobe Beef. It was utterly delicious. It
was a Kobe Beef burger that I ate, so it may not have been the best
quality but it was just amazing. Nice and juicy and amazing (Dad,
don`t get too jealous). It was also a lot cheaper than I thought it
would be, but it was so worth it.
Thursday was just another regular day of running around trying to
find. Friday was just the same, and then Saturday was a great day of
finding. We worked 110% trying to talk to as many people as we
possibly could, testifying constantly and just trying to find someone
who would hear our message. At the end of the night, we were both
exhausted but pleased with the day, and we slept like rocks.
Sunday was a special day for me. It was fast Sunday and another
amazing day. Filled with the Spirit as we went to Church, had fast and
testimony meeting and worked with the members. We ate Dinner at a
members house again and had a great time with them, we also had a
practice lesson with a recently returned missionary who is just
awesome.
All in all this week has been a very spiritual week, even this
morning was amazing as I studied the scriptures and prayed.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
As I said, Saturday and Sunday were amazingly spiritual days, and it
all accumulated and peaked this morning during my study as I realized
what I was being taught.
This morning as I began my study, reading in Ether 3 from the Book of
Mormon. I pondered the scriptures, mainly thinking about Faith and
being in the presence of God. My mind wandered much as I pondered the
idea and played with it in my mind, but then my mind drifted to the
past few days and the experiences that I have had.
On Saturday, I spent the day testifying to everyone that would hear
me. I felt the spirit as a constant companion as I bore sincere
testimony about God, about his love for his children, about this
church, and about how we can know that he Lives.
But Sunday was possibly the greatest experience. During fast and
testimony meeting I moved to the long line of people waiting to bear
their testimonies, and as one by one they bore great testimonies I
thought about what I should bear my testimony about. As the person
before me neared the end of their testimony I said a simple prayer,
still uncertain of what to say, asking the Lord to Guide me to say
what needed to be said.
When I stood up at the pulpit and looked out at the congregation I
still had no idea what to say, and I even told them all that I didn`t
know. But with confidence that the Lord would guide me I continued and
I quoted D&C 88:84 "I will go before thy face, I will be on thy left
hand and on thy right hand, and my angels shall be round about thee to
bear thee up." It was the first thing out of my mouth, and I testified
that God has and always is by my side, and that his angels are always
there to guide me. That those angels are often the people around me,
those great members who are at times, given small bits of inspiration
that bless me and help me to become a better and greater person. As I
poor sincere testimony I looked down at the front row and saw a Mother
in tears. I felt the spirit burning strongly as I continued to speak
and then I ended. After Sacrament meeting I saw her run out of the
room, holding her 4 year old daughter close as she was still crying. I
asked if she was ok but she just nodded and quickly ran away. Later
she came up to me and said "Thank you, I really needed to hear what
you said today. You were an answer to my prayers and you helped me." I
know now that when I bore testimony I was guided by the spirit. I was
told what this woman needed to hear.
Now, as I studied this morning I pondered these experiences and again
felt another prompting. This time to pray. I went and knelt down in
silent prayer, again uncertain of what I needed to pray for. As I
opened my prayer and called upon my God, I felt my heart filled with
words and joy. I then knew what I was being taught. I then understood
that God was answering my prayers. He was showing me how to follow the
Spirit. He was showing that he was with me, that he was guiding me and
would always be at my side so long as I remain worthy of his help. I
felt at that moment an overwhelming since of being close to my God,
and I knew that I was enjoying his presence.
I know that God lives. I know that he guides this work, that he is at
the head of this church. I am simply his servant, and of myself I am
weak. It is only by his grace, by his love and great patience that I
am who I am. Without him I am nothing, I have no worth, and my words
are empty and useless. I know that Christ lives, that he has atoned
for my sins. I have felt his cleansing power, and I know that all
mankind can be purified and cleansed through his great sacrifice. I
know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet
of God and restored the true church of God. I know that the work I am
doing is the true work of God. I bear humble witness of these truths,
in the name of my Saviour, my Redeemer, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
people I don`t know,
Well. It`s been an absolutely beautiful week. The son is shining, the
rain has stopped, summer is rolling around and I`m sweating like mad.
But on the bright side I`m getting tan again.
Monday night me and Elder Cloward just went out and dendoed around.
Had a great time, talking to large groups of high school kids and just
trying to talk to everyone.
Tuesday we left early and I headed off to Kobe for leadership
training because my new companion, Elder Cloward is only on his second
Transfer and I am basically his trainer now. That and they just came
out with a new in-field training schedule for 1st and 2nd transfer
missionaries. So I went and learned that, as well as other leadership
skills and attributes. It was loads of fun and a great experience. I
love President McIntyre.
Wednesday after we finished training me and the two other Elders that
came up with me went and ate dinner together. It was delicious,
because it was the first bit of Kobe Beef I`ve had on my mission. xD
Yes I can now say I have eaten Kobe Beef. It was utterly delicious. It
was a Kobe Beef burger that I ate, so it may not have been the best
quality but it was just amazing. Nice and juicy and amazing (Dad,
don`t get too jealous). It was also a lot cheaper than I thought it
would be, but it was so worth it.
Thursday was just another regular day of running around trying to
find. Friday was just the same, and then Saturday was a great day of
finding. We worked 110% trying to talk to as many people as we
possibly could, testifying constantly and just trying to find someone
who would hear our message. At the end of the night, we were both
exhausted but pleased with the day, and we slept like rocks.
Sunday was a special day for me. It was fast Sunday and another
amazing day. Filled with the Spirit as we went to Church, had fast and
testimony meeting and worked with the members. We ate Dinner at a
members house again and had a great time with them, we also had a
practice lesson with a recently returned missionary who is just
awesome.
All in all this week has been a very spiritual week, even this
morning was amazing as I studied the scriptures and prayed.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
As I said, Saturday and Sunday were amazingly spiritual days, and it
all accumulated and peaked this morning during my study as I realized
what I was being taught.
This morning as I began my study, reading in Ether 3 from the Book of
Mormon. I pondered the scriptures, mainly thinking about Faith and
being in the presence of God. My mind wandered much as I pondered the
idea and played with it in my mind, but then my mind drifted to the
past few days and the experiences that I have had.
On Saturday, I spent the day testifying to everyone that would hear
me. I felt the spirit as a constant companion as I bore sincere
testimony about God, about his love for his children, about this
church, and about how we can know that he Lives.
But Sunday was possibly the greatest experience. During fast and
testimony meeting I moved to the long line of people waiting to bear
their testimonies, and as one by one they bore great testimonies I
thought about what I should bear my testimony about. As the person
before me neared the end of their testimony I said a simple prayer,
still uncertain of what to say, asking the Lord to Guide me to say
what needed to be said.
When I stood up at the pulpit and looked out at the congregation I
still had no idea what to say, and I even told them all that I didn`t
know. But with confidence that the Lord would guide me I continued and
I quoted D&C 88:84 "I will go before thy face, I will be on thy left
hand and on thy right hand, and my angels shall be round about thee to
bear thee up." It was the first thing out of my mouth, and I testified
that God has and always is by my side, and that his angels are always
there to guide me. That those angels are often the people around me,
those great members who are at times, given small bits of inspiration
that bless me and help me to become a better and greater person. As I
poor sincere testimony I looked down at the front row and saw a Mother
in tears. I felt the spirit burning strongly as I continued to speak
and then I ended. After Sacrament meeting I saw her run out of the
room, holding her 4 year old daughter close as she was still crying. I
asked if she was ok but she just nodded and quickly ran away. Later
she came up to me and said "Thank you, I really needed to hear what
you said today. You were an answer to my prayers and you helped me." I
know now that when I bore testimony I was guided by the spirit. I was
told what this woman needed to hear.
Now, as I studied this morning I pondered these experiences and again
felt another prompting. This time to pray. I went and knelt down in
silent prayer, again uncertain of what I needed to pray for. As I
opened my prayer and called upon my God, I felt my heart filled with
words and joy. I then knew what I was being taught. I then understood
that God was answering my prayers. He was showing me how to follow the
Spirit. He was showing that he was with me, that he was guiding me and
would always be at my side so long as I remain worthy of his help. I
felt at that moment an overwhelming since of being close to my God,
and I knew that I was enjoying his presence.
I know that God lives. I know that he guides this work, that he is at
the head of this church. I am simply his servant, and of myself I am
weak. It is only by his grace, by his love and great patience that I
am who I am. Without him I am nothing, I have no worth, and my words
are empty and useless. I know that Christ lives, that he has atoned
for my sins. I have felt his cleansing power, and I know that all
mankind can be purified and cleansed through his great sacrifice. I
know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet
of God and restored the true church of God. I know that the work I am
doing is the true work of God. I bear humble witness of these truths,
in the name of my Saviour, my Redeemer, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Family Changes....
Well, this week has been a week of many changes in the family. Randy's older brother Mike left on Saturday to serve a tour of duty in Iraq. Although this is his second deployment, it doesn't get any easier. This time Mike leaves a wife and 2 very beautiful young daughters. We will miss him greatly and we love him so much! I know that Randy will be keeping Mike in his prayers as will we all. I hope and pray that this deployment will be a safe and efficient one and Mike comes home with all his fingers and toes that he was born with. (he wants a purple heart, but I vote no!) With Randy being on his mission it can only help keep blessings that will be greatly needed for the family. Thank you Mike for taking time away from your family to serve this great Nation!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sweet and Simple
Amazing how testimony grows when you are on a mission. Such a sweet and simple lesson on the Book of Mormon. Again, he is such a loving young man and when he comes home he will make some girl very happy. At the very least he will keep her laughing with his mission stories.
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.............
I`m still in Kawachinagano, for my third transfer............... and my fourth companion in the area. Yes, I have switched companions yet again. I am now with the amazing Elder Cloward from Kaysville Utah. He is the youngest companion I have ever had, only second transfer...well barely even second transfer. He`s only been in Japan for 5 weeks. His Japanese is pretty good for being only second transfer.... but then again I can`t remember how horrible or how good I was when I was second transfer. I just remember my companion doing everything becauseI never had any idea what was going on. In any case he is awesome, and we are going to have an awesome transfer here in Kawachinagano.
So as for my week. Tuesday we got transfer calls and Elder Hart jus tpacked up all day. We then ate dinner, all you can eat shabushabu (I`m not even sure how to explain this), with some members. It was delicious and I was absolutely stuffed. Wednesday was more packing and visiting a few people before we had Eikaiwa. Not very many people showed up this week though which was very sad. Then Thursday rolled around and me and Elder Hart parted ways, he headed off to Okayama West to be a zone leader and I waited for my new companion. While waiting for my new companion had a good long talk with a random person on the street, that didn`t really go over to well, but was good nonetheless. I then met my companion and we turned around and headed home. We got home, ate a quick lunch before we headed off to go visit a whole bunch of less active familes, ended upgetting invited to dinner for sunday night, and then just came home and did some planning.
Friday was another good day, we did more planning, a little bit of Dendo and then went with another member home teaching. Got some banan abread out of that one. It was way cool, the member was awesome and way nice. I learned a lot more about Japanese culture too.
Saturday we went to go stop by an investigator`s house, but she wasn`t home, so instead we said hi to a member that lived right next door, then we ended up going to the church with him and found out that they were having a primary activity. We then got invited to lunch by a family, which worked out perfectly because we really didn`t have anything to eat in the apartment other than rice. Had lots of fun with them, they gave us some food to make for dinner and everything. It`s kind of like what Christ told his disciples, "go out and don`t tak eany money or extra clothing or food with you, I`ll provide for you." We then tried to dendo in the rain, which didn`t work out to well, so we ended up visiting a less-active before we came home for dinner and the rest of the night.
Sunday was just plain awesome. We had a missionary from the Sendai mission return home and he bore his testimony and we all had a grea ttime at church with the members. After church we tried to dendo but the zone leaders called us and told us to go home and stay in the apartment because it was a typhoon. It wasn`t raining all that bad ,but we still went back to the apartment. I studied, and had an awesome study experience, full of the Spirit. Then we went to a members house for dinner, shared a quick message, and rushed home, 30 min. late. xDBut the Zone Leaders forgave us.
That was my week, it was awesome and I`m loving this transferalready. Everthing is going amazingly and we are going to see miracles this transfer! Although, tomorrow I`m going up to Kobe, for some special training on how to be a trainer. By the way, it`s now rain season, and it`s raining like crazy.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
This week I feel impressed to talk about the Book of Mormon. I think it might be because that was what my major spiritual experience was yesterday. Anyway, I`ll first start by explaining the Book of Mormon for those who do not know what it is. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and also the Holy Bible as far as it is translated correctly. We believe in the Holy Bible and all of the truths that are contained within. We believe in the great testimony that it gives of God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ.
But we have been given another Testimony, another witness to go alongside the Bible, and that is the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a collection of writings of ancient prophets that lived from around the destruction of Jerusalem to about 400 years after Christ was born. But these prophets all lived upon the American Continents. They taught of Christ and his great mercy and his love. They testified of God and his great plan. From their teachings we can gain a full and clear explanation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of the Plan of Salvation, the Plan that God has laid out for us, and know all that is necessary for the salvation of our souls.
The purpose of the Book of Mormon is just that. It is there for us to gain a clear and unobstructed view of God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost. To teach us the truth about God and all that he has planned for us. It is there for us as a witness of Christ, that we might know that he lived, and still lives, as our Saviour, our Redeemer and the only begotten Son of God. That through him, and only him, we might obtain eternal life and eternal happiness.
It warns us of the consequences of sin and gives us hope for the life after as we strive to follow its teachings. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that "The Book of Mormon is the mos tcorrect of any book upon the earth, and that through it a man might draw closer to God."
I stand as a witness to that. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I felt its power as I have read from its pages. I have tasted of its goodness and have seen its fruits. When I read from it the other day, I felt within my heart that it was true. As I read it every day, and strive to learn from it, to follow its teachings I grow closer to God. It is the Keystone to our religion. It is what testifies that this church is true, it is what shows us the way to Eternal Life.
Great Joy comes as we read, and learn from Book of Mormon. I know that God lives, because of the Book of Mormon. I know that Christ is my saviour, because of the Book of Mormon. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, Because of the Book of Mormon. I bear witness of this, in the name of my Saviour, and my Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sincerely, Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.............
I`m still in Kawachinagano, for my third transfer............... and my fourth companion in the area. Yes, I have switched companions yet again. I am now with the amazing Elder Cloward from Kaysville Utah. He is the youngest companion I have ever had, only second transfer...well barely even second transfer. He`s only been in Japan for 5 weeks. His Japanese is pretty good for being only second transfer.... but then again I can`t remember how horrible or how good I was when I was second transfer. I just remember my companion doing everything becauseI never had any idea what was going on. In any case he is awesome, and we are going to have an awesome transfer here in Kawachinagano.
So as for my week. Tuesday we got transfer calls and Elder Hart jus tpacked up all day. We then ate dinner, all you can eat shabushabu (I`m not even sure how to explain this), with some members. It was delicious and I was absolutely stuffed. Wednesday was more packing and visiting a few people before we had Eikaiwa. Not very many people showed up this week though which was very sad. Then Thursday rolled around and me and Elder Hart parted ways, he headed off to Okayama West to be a zone leader and I waited for my new companion. While waiting for my new companion had a good long talk with a random person on the street, that didn`t really go over to well, but was good nonetheless. I then met my companion and we turned around and headed home. We got home, ate a quick lunch before we headed off to go visit a whole bunch of less active familes, ended upgetting invited to dinner for sunday night, and then just came home and did some planning.
Friday was another good day, we did more planning, a little bit of Dendo and then went with another member home teaching. Got some banan abread out of that one. It was way cool, the member was awesome and way nice. I learned a lot more about Japanese culture too.
Saturday we went to go stop by an investigator`s house, but she wasn`t home, so instead we said hi to a member that lived right next door, then we ended up going to the church with him and found out that they were having a primary activity. We then got invited to lunch by a family, which worked out perfectly because we really didn`t have anything to eat in the apartment other than rice. Had lots of fun with them, they gave us some food to make for dinner and everything. It`s kind of like what Christ told his disciples, "go out and don`t tak eany money or extra clothing or food with you, I`ll provide for you." We then tried to dendo in the rain, which didn`t work out to well, so we ended up visiting a less-active before we came home for dinner and the rest of the night.
Sunday was just plain awesome. We had a missionary from the Sendai mission return home and he bore his testimony and we all had a grea ttime at church with the members. After church we tried to dendo but the zone leaders called us and told us to go home and stay in the apartment because it was a typhoon. It wasn`t raining all that bad ,but we still went back to the apartment. I studied, and had an awesome study experience, full of the Spirit. Then we went to a members house for dinner, shared a quick message, and rushed home, 30 min. late. xDBut the Zone Leaders forgave us.
That was my week, it was awesome and I`m loving this transferalready. Everthing is going amazingly and we are going to see miracles this transfer! Although, tomorrow I`m going up to Kobe, for some special training on how to be a trainer. By the way, it`s now rain season, and it`s raining like crazy.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
This week I feel impressed to talk about the Book of Mormon. I think it might be because that was what my major spiritual experience was yesterday. Anyway, I`ll first start by explaining the Book of Mormon for those who do not know what it is. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and also the Holy Bible as far as it is translated correctly. We believe in the Holy Bible and all of the truths that are contained within. We believe in the great testimony that it gives of God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ.
But we have been given another Testimony, another witness to go alongside the Bible, and that is the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a collection of writings of ancient prophets that lived from around the destruction of Jerusalem to about 400 years after Christ was born. But these prophets all lived upon the American Continents. They taught of Christ and his great mercy and his love. They testified of God and his great plan. From their teachings we can gain a full and clear explanation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of the Plan of Salvation, the Plan that God has laid out for us, and know all that is necessary for the salvation of our souls.
The purpose of the Book of Mormon is just that. It is there for us to gain a clear and unobstructed view of God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost. To teach us the truth about God and all that he has planned for us. It is there for us as a witness of Christ, that we might know that he lived, and still lives, as our Saviour, our Redeemer and the only begotten Son of God. That through him, and only him, we might obtain eternal life and eternal happiness.
It warns us of the consequences of sin and gives us hope for the life after as we strive to follow its teachings. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that "The Book of Mormon is the mos tcorrect of any book upon the earth, and that through it a man might draw closer to God."
I stand as a witness to that. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I felt its power as I have read from its pages. I have tasted of its goodness and have seen its fruits. When I read from it the other day, I felt within my heart that it was true. As I read it every day, and strive to learn from it, to follow its teachings I grow closer to God. It is the Keystone to our religion. It is what testifies that this church is true, it is what shows us the way to Eternal Life.
Great Joy comes as we read, and learn from Book of Mormon. I know that God lives, because of the Book of Mormon. I know that Christ is my saviour, because of the Book of Mormon. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, Because of the Book of Mormon. I bear witness of this, in the name of my Saviour, and my Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sincerely, Elder Randall KK Tateishi
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