Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
I`m not sure where I need to start off this week. It kind of flew
past really really fast. I had a Companion Exchange with the Senboku
Elders this week on tuesday and Wednesday. That went pretty well. I
had loads of fun talking with Elder Bailey from Las Vegas, plus had
fun trying to talk to people.
Wednesday went awesomely as we taught English and had quite a few
people show up. Thursday and Friday were regular days of Dendo, except
we did go to a Handbell concert. Yes Handbells. It was very beautiful
and productive, we contacted another investigator and a less active
member. We also met with a part member family and met their HUGE talk
that slobbered all over my suit..... yea the dog was almost as big as
I am.
Saturday and Sunday we were in Sakai for General Conference, and that
was just plain awesome, I loved the talks that were given, all of them
and it was just splendidly amazing. On Sunday we were given a ride
back to our apartment by a member and his family. I got to listen to
them talk in Kansai-ben the whole 40 min. ride back. Which you might
compare to a Southern accent of English, except.... it really doesn`t
sound like Japanese. If you learned basic japanese you would have no
idea what these people were talking about. But it was loads of fun for
me and I laughed the whole way back because it was just so hilarious
to hear the Ben. I love Kansai.
After that we had a lesson and then had a dinner party at some
Senboku member`s house, there were over 30 people squashed in a single
apartment, but that was fun.
I love my Mission!
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
This General Conference we had many amazing speakers stand up at the
podium and declare the word of God unto all nations, all kindreds, all
tongues, and all peoples. As Elder Holland said at the end of the
Conference any and all can learn something personal from the Talks
given over that podium. If only my writings could be the same.
I feel impressed to talk about Potential again. My least favorite
word, but now my favorite word.
In the priesthood session of Conference President Uchtdorf talked
about many priesthood holders living beneath their deserved level, not
obtaining to the level of power they are entitled to have as holders
of God`s Holy Priesthood. He used the analogy of a man who wanted to
take a cruise of the Mediteranean, who wanted to go see the famous
places of Italy and the Mediteranean. So this man, skrimped and saved
and bought a ticket. He also brought with him beans, and spam, and
little curmbs of food so that he would have something to eat
throughout the cruise. As the ship sailed he watched the others having
fun, and eating endless amounts of food and felt left out, as he sat
alone in his cabin living off of beans and spam. In the end he got to
see the wonderful places he wanted to see, but as the journey neared
its end a steward asked the man which of the farewell parties he would
be obtaining. At this point the man realized that all of those games,
the food was included in the price of his ticket, but it was too late
to enjoy it all, and he only got a taste of what he could have had the
whole time.
The moral of the story, many of us live far below our actual
potential. Many of us do not realize that we can obtain a far higher
level of Happiness, of Joy, of Power, of Success than we ever thought
of. Many of us live off of beans and spam(although I wouldn`t mind the
spam personally) when we are entitled to all we can eat buffets of the
most delicious food. Many of us hunker alone in our cabin when we are
entitled to feel the joy of friends around us of laughter and
happiness.
Potential. All of us have it. All of us are Children of God, are Sons
and Daughters of an all powerful, all knowing, deeply loving Father in
Heaven who is God. Just as the catipellar turns into the butterfly, so
are we entitled to transform into greatness and Godliness. We all have
that potential, and God, our Loving Father in Heaven knows we do and
seeks to help us obtain that potential.
In my last training meeting with President McIntyre he showed us
again the "See-do-Get" model. What we see, influences what we do, and
what we do influences what we get. So if you see a candybar, you eat
it, and what you get is a delicious snack! If what you see looks
incredibly disgusting than what you do is not eat, and what you get is
nothing. Get where I`m going yet?
I invite each of you to look at yourself. What do YOU see? Who are
you? Where are you? Then I invite you to look at yourself in the
future, who you want to be. Then ask yourself "What do I see? Where
can I go? Who can I become?" See yourself as that person! Don`t look
at just the here and now. Don`t simply say "Well.... I`m just me and
nothing can be done about it. I`m lazy, I`m boring, I`m stupid, I`m
ugly" Those are all just lies. What you see, in the end, is what you
get. Remember the saying "Monkey see, Monkey do!" Then choose to see
something better!! Than you`ll DO better.
Let me ask you this last question. What does God see in you? In me?
In those around us? Who does he see you as? Who does he see us as? If
you don`t know the answer to that question, imagine that you are a
father, or a mother, and you look at your children. Don`t you love
them? Can`t you see them as successful adults, raising their own
families? Well let me tell you this. God sees even more in them than
you do, and he see more in you than you could possibly imagine. So
what does he do? He loves you, he cares for you, and every single day,
every single night, every single moment he sees you and wants to help
you. He tries to show you how to get to where he knows you can go. He
loves you enough to place trials and challanges in your way so that
you can grow. He loves you enough that he was willing to send his only
begotten son to die for you! He loves you. He loves you individually,
he loves no person any more or any less than another. And his love is
far deeper than you could ever imagine.
So I say to you, Open your eyes and see! See your own potential, then
do, then get! Don`t be content with the fact that you`re on the cruise
boat, go out and enjoy it. Be postive in the face of adversity, smile
into the snarling teeth of trials. And Remember that God is by your
side, and he KNOWS that you can do it. He is the ultimate cheerleader,
the one that not only sits on the sidelines and roots you on but
stands beside you as you go. "As you draw near unto me, I draw near
unto thee. Seek me." Is what Christ has said. He is there with open
arms and as the quote that I have seen so many countless times this
transfer says: "I never said that it would be easy, I only said that
it would be worth it."
I Testify to you that it IS worth it. That it IS hard. That it`s so
hard every single day. To try to open my mouth and speak to people. To
try every single day to obtain that potential which I know lies before
me. It is hard as I slip, as I stumble, as I fall. It is hard as I cry
out in pain and sorrow as I push myself farther and farther than I
ever thought I could go before. BUT IT IS WORTH IT! What do I remember
more than those dark times? I remember those brilliant times! Those
great times, those lovely times. Pain is but a moment, lost upon the
wind, but when it passes, then, as winter turns to spring, the
blossoms come and beauty springs forth. All those answered prayers,
all those comforting thoughts, those comforting feelings that God has
give unto me. Those are what I remember. When he reached out with
loving hands, brushed the dirt from my knees, cleaned my scrapes and
my bruises and set me on my feet again. I look back now and see that I
stand high upon the mountainside, far higher than I had ever dreamed
before, far better than I ever thought I could become.
It IS worth it. I say again, I know that Christ lives, that he is
there, and I, as is humble servant, testify of his great and
everlasting sacrifice. In his Holy name. Amen.
With Much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
As the blossoms bloom...
Ok so 10 more months and Randy will be heading home...I don't have much to say (especially about the picture of Randy being a scarecrow) but I will say this....I LOVE MY SON!
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTT!!!!!!
Ok, just had to get that out. I`m just excited. I`m happy, like
usual, and just plain overjoyed. The Sakura are beginning to bloom and
spring is rolling in. The clouds are gone the skies are blue and
beauty is all around me. I love these moments, when one can gaze out
and with a smile proclaim "All is well, all is well."
This week has been an awesome week, and a great learning experience
for me. I went to Kobe on Monday night and was there until Thursday
night for Leadership Training. Not that I have any leadership position
at the moment. Nevertheless I am very grateful I was able to go. It
was amazing and I learned a lot. I learned how to be a better teacher
and a better missionary in general. It was just wonderful, three days
spent with President McIntyre and some of the best missionaries in the
mission, hearing amazing stories about miracles in the work and also
learning how to produce those miracles. For three days we would be
lectured, than we would practice, review, practice, lecture, practice,
review, practice, practice, practice. It was just awesome.
On Friday we met with Mami, our investigator and her boyfriend a
member and taught them the plan of Salvation. Once we were done we
went out and played soccer in the parking lot. That was tiring, but
lots of fun. I suck at soccer but I enjoy playing it.
Saturday we road all around to different places trying to find good
spots to find people. Talked with a drunk old man and that was about
it. Then we had fast Sunday, which was also awesome. I love fast
Sundays, they are so refreshing for me spiritually and help me to just
feel so much better. A members grandson came to church and also a
recently married less-active and his nonmember wife came to church. By
the way, they were married on April 1st. Same as Mum and Dad, by the
way Congrats Mom and Dad!
After Church we walked around a nearby park, it was great to see the
beautiful trees and scenery, and there were a lot of families out
together having picnics in the cool weather. We mainly stopped people
that had dogs, because that was the easiest, simply point and say
"OOHH That`s a cute dog! What kind of dog is it?" We had a few nice
conversations but that was about it.
Then Sunday Night we had a Dendo Shokujikai, as they called it....
ummmmm.... english...... Missionary Work Dinner/Fireside thingy......
Sometimes Japanese is just soooo much easier.... We watched a video
about missionary life and testified about missionary work, and then
ate dinner, which was delicious.
Hmmm... as for news. Transfers MIGHT be this week. It looks like they
are going to try to send some missionaries back to the safer areas
within the Tokyo Mission, and so they aren`t sure if Transfers will be
this week, or next week..... Things are just so hectic in missionary
life. But as we always sing "I`ll go where you want me to go dear
lord!"
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week.
So...... 1 year ago was the first time I`ve stepped in Japan. 1 year
ago I looking on with a little puppy dog face at the beautiful
blossoms of Japan. I was wet behind the ears and following my trainer
around like a good little puppy dog just trying to make it around the
block without getting lost.
Now I am here, still in Japan, at the very prime time of my mission.
The flowers are blossoming again, the sun is shining bright and the
Lord`s smile is even brighter.
I was just flipping back to my first emails home from Japan. They
make me laugh inside. Seeing how young I was at the time. But now I
would like to reflect back on my first Gospel message when i came to
Japan.
"Have no Regrets"
I don`t know how many of you remember this, but I do. It`s my slogan,
one that I`ve tried to keep with me all the time, in the back of my
mind at the very least, and I`ve held to it for the most part. I have
no regrets. Despite many times that I have failed, that I have
stumbled and fallen, I have no regrets. Because I can say I learned
from those experiences, and those sins that I have committed I have
repented of.
Which is what I want to focus on this time around. Repentance. The
second principle in the gospel that has played a large role in me
having no regrets. Repentance, the almighty duck tape for our soul. It
heals our spiritual wounds and cleanses us from sins.
I remember many a time feeling guilt and pain from having sinned
against the Lord, from making mistakes over and over again. But then I
always remember the words of the blessing I recieved from President
Henderson when I was set apart over a year ago. "By your faith your
have been made clean." Time and time again I remember that as I kneel
down before my God and plead with him for forgiveness, and everytime I
sincerely do so, and with real intent seek the mercy of the Atonement
of Christ, I recieve it.
I know I am far from perfect, that everyday I make mistakes, I let my
anger slip every so often, I let bad thoughts slip into my mind. I let
fear take over me and miss a contact or don`t commit someone. But
everyday I try a little harder to be just a little better, everyday I
seek to be just one step closer to the Lord. I know that through the
Atonement of Christ we can be healed of our sins, we can become clean
and free of those feelings of pain and guilt.
Lastly I would like to use a quote, for those that which to judge how
well their life is going. "I would rather be one step out of Hell,
than a thousand miles away heading in." It does not matter where we
are, it only matters where we are going.
I love you all dearly, and I testify again of the atonement of
Christ. That through it and by it can we be cleansed, that we can
stand before God at the last day and be accepted into his presence.
For that I am grateful, for that I serve the Lord my God. In the name
of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Monday, March 28, 2011
And it came to pass....
I felt it a personal responsibility to reports that Randy truly did ride a pink bike and here is the proof. He is doing AWESOME and learning more and more every day. I will attest to his stubbornness. He of all my children has the most stubborn streak of anyone I know. But I still love him. At least he learns from his stubbornness. LOL.....well enjoy the letter, it again is a wonderful testimony to me of the how missionaries work, learn and love.
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
And it came to pass that the week went on.
I`ve attached a couple long overdue pictures to this. You have me on
my pink Bicycle, Elder Meyer and me, Elder Young and me, and also a
little party we went to with the members because one of them was
headed off to the MTC the next day.
Anyway, time to get cracking on my weekly report.
IT`S BEEN AWESOME!!!
Elder Young is a hard working, dilligent, fun loving missionary, and
it`s a pleasure to be his companion. I`ll admit it`s a little hard at
times, because he`s going a different direction than what my one year
rut has brought me into. It`s like gaining an entire new perspective
on how to do the Lord`s work and it helps me to understand that there
are many different ways to work!
We visited many members this week, just knocked on their door and
offered prayers with them, asked about who we should visit, or where
we should go and it ended up being very helpful. We got 4 people
referred to us because of that. It`s the most referrals I`ve ever seen
in my whole mission.
We`ve also been writing thank you cards to different members, which
has been fun to do, gives me lots of practice with my reading and
writing Kanji, and it seems to make the ward happy when they see them.
I`m very pumped for all of this and excited to keep on working. Even
though I know I`m as stubborn as a cement wall (And mother can
probably confirm that) It`s been great for me to try to loosen up, and
try someone else`s way. I`ll admit I`m the farthest one from being
perfect, but I try. I just wish that I could actually be perfect,
would let me give into my lazy side a bit and not have to try so
hard..... Phew.... Wears me out.
Let`s see..... On Wednesday a member played Taxi Driver for us and
drove us all over the place to other Members` houses to find out where
they live and get to know them a little better. It was fun, but made
both me and my companion a little car sick.... Man, I forgot what it`s
like to ride in cars....
Friday one of our less actives brought his girlfriend to the church
and we started teaching her, and met with her again on Saturday and
Today.
Saturday we went to an Orchestra Concert with one of the Members, all
in an attempt to contact some of the referrals. We did succeed in
watching some AMAZING musicians play as well as watch an amazing
Marching show, I swear one of the Trombones was going to take out
another kid. But when it was over, we didn`t get to meet the
Referrals, but we did have fun with the member, and she was very happy
that we went.
Let`s see,,, O almost forgot, last Monday after we emailed we went to
a members house and had a Takoyaki party, (Direct Translation: Fried
Octopus, but it`s really just some small bits of octopus in a little
breadish like ball, with some sweet sause poured over it, very
delicious) at which, I was able to make Takoyaki with them. IT WAS
AWESOME!! I`m definately buying a little Takoyaki pan and taking it
home, as well as a recipe for how to make it. xD Dad and the
Grandparent`s will love it I bet!
As for a side note: I Have gotten no mail in the past month or so,
and I`m assuming most of it is because the earthquake has messed up
the mail. If I haven`t answered to your letter yet.... well it might
be because I haven`t gotten it yet xD. But I`ll work hard on replying
to those as soon as I get them. Love you all!
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week.
I`d first like to say, that I`ve seen some of the responses to my
Testimony from last week from other Missionarys` Moms. Which in all
reallity surprises me. Some of those Missionaries whose Moms
commented, are far better Missionaries than I am, Elder Rahn and Elder
Crapo are both amazing missionaries and far better than me! But I
guess I am glad I could touch someone`s heart with my messages.
So I just wrote an entire message..... but it wasn`t right....
I think I`ll try this again... but this time I`m going to talk about
Ether 12:27-28
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give
unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient
for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble
themselves before me, then will I make weak things become strong unto
them. Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will
show unto them that faith, hope, and charity bringeth unto me-- the
fountain of all righteousness."
Humility.....Teachability.
The greatest lesson I have learned on my mission is this. Is
Humility. There has been no easy way out while I`ve been here. I can`t
coast through my mission like I did High School, no sleeping in the
back row of class, no procrastinating homework till the day it`s due.
No nodding my head and turning off my ears as Mother yells at me to
work harder. No playing video games during class and then still
getting A`s and B`s without lifting a finger.
This work is hard. I`ll tell you that.... It`s been hard for me, and
it`s pushed me. It has shown unto me how weak I am. It has taught me
how much I HAVE to rely on the Lord. I can`t do it without him, I
can`t do anything without him. Every morning I get on my knees and beg
the Lord for the strength to open my mouth and wipe the fear from my
mind. Every Night I get on my knees and beg the Lord to forgive me for
not stopping one more person, or not testifying one more time.
But then..... then my mind flips back to Ether...... My grace is
sufficient for ALL men that humble themselves before me..... So it
is..... I am filled with weaknesses... riddled with them, left and
right I seem to find more everyday. But, I know that as I try, as I
strive to overcome them, as I strive to be just that one step better
every day, and as I rely upon the Lord, as I cry out to him with all
my heart, and all my soul that he will come! He will come.... My
Savior, my Redeemer will come and lift me up and help me.
There is a song that goes:
"You raise me up, so that I can stand on mountains. You raise me to
more than I can be. I am Strong, when I am on your shoulders. You
raise me up, to more than I can be."
I can Testify to all of you that the Lord`s hand is guiding this
work. He has sent out over 50,000 20 year old boys to preach the
gospel around the world. He has asked these inexperienced children to
go forth and to teach people that are sometimes old enough to be their
Grandparents, (And in Japan some could be my GREAT grandparents). Yet
we go forth, two by two, young men, teaching and preaching the Gospel.
Those missionaries that are the best among us are those that have
humbled themselves the most.
Again I say that I know that Christ lives, that he truly does guide
this work. I know that as I humble myself before him he will teach me,
he will guide me. I know that he loves me, and that he is my Shepard
and my Stay. And I bear this testimony in his holy name. Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
And it came to pass that the week went on.
I`ve attached a couple long overdue pictures to this. You have me on
my pink Bicycle, Elder Meyer and me, Elder Young and me, and also a
little party we went to with the members because one of them was
headed off to the MTC the next day.
Anyway, time to get cracking on my weekly report.
IT`S BEEN AWESOME!!!
Elder Young is a hard working, dilligent, fun loving missionary, and
it`s a pleasure to be his companion. I`ll admit it`s a little hard at
times, because he`s going a different direction than what my one year
rut has brought me into. It`s like gaining an entire new perspective
on how to do the Lord`s work and it helps me to understand that there
are many different ways to work!
We visited many members this week, just knocked on their door and
offered prayers with them, asked about who we should visit, or where
we should go and it ended up being very helpful. We got 4 people
referred to us because of that. It`s the most referrals I`ve ever seen
in my whole mission.
We`ve also been writing thank you cards to different members, which
has been fun to do, gives me lots of practice with my reading and
writing Kanji, and it seems to make the ward happy when they see them.
I`m very pumped for all of this and excited to keep on working. Even
though I know I`m as stubborn as a cement wall (And mother can
probably confirm that) It`s been great for me to try to loosen up, and
try someone else`s way. I`ll admit I`m the farthest one from being
perfect, but I try. I just wish that I could actually be perfect,
would let me give into my lazy side a bit and not have to try so
hard..... Phew.... Wears me out.
Let`s see..... On Wednesday a member played Taxi Driver for us and
drove us all over the place to other Members` houses to find out where
they live and get to know them a little better. It was fun, but made
both me and my companion a little car sick.... Man, I forgot what it`s
like to ride in cars....
Friday one of our less actives brought his girlfriend to the church
and we started teaching her, and met with her again on Saturday and
Today.
Saturday we went to an Orchestra Concert with one of the Members, all
in an attempt to contact some of the referrals. We did succeed in
watching some AMAZING musicians play as well as watch an amazing
Marching show, I swear one of the Trombones was going to take out
another kid. But when it was over, we didn`t get to meet the
Referrals, but we did have fun with the member, and she was very happy
that we went.
Let`s see,,, O almost forgot, last Monday after we emailed we went to
a members house and had a Takoyaki party, (Direct Translation: Fried
Octopus, but it`s really just some small bits of octopus in a little
breadish like ball, with some sweet sause poured over it, very
delicious) at which, I was able to make Takoyaki with them. IT WAS
AWESOME!! I`m definately buying a little Takoyaki pan and taking it
home, as well as a recipe for how to make it. xD Dad and the
Grandparent`s will love it I bet!
As for a side note: I Have gotten no mail in the past month or so,
and I`m assuming most of it is because the earthquake has messed up
the mail. If I haven`t answered to your letter yet.... well it might
be because I haven`t gotten it yet xD. But I`ll work hard on replying
to those as soon as I get them. Love you all!
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week.
I`d first like to say, that I`ve seen some of the responses to my
Testimony from last week from other Missionarys` Moms. Which in all
reallity surprises me. Some of those Missionaries whose Moms
commented, are far better Missionaries than I am, Elder Rahn and Elder
Crapo are both amazing missionaries and far better than me! But I
guess I am glad I could touch someone`s heart with my messages.
So I just wrote an entire message..... but it wasn`t right....
I think I`ll try this again... but this time I`m going to talk about
Ether 12:27-28
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give
unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient
for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble
themselves before me, then will I make weak things become strong unto
them. Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will
show unto them that faith, hope, and charity bringeth unto me-- the
fountain of all righteousness."
Humility.....Teachability.
The greatest lesson I have learned on my mission is this. Is
Humility. There has been no easy way out while I`ve been here. I can`t
coast through my mission like I did High School, no sleeping in the
back row of class, no procrastinating homework till the day it`s due.
No nodding my head and turning off my ears as Mother yells at me to
work harder. No playing video games during class and then still
getting A`s and B`s without lifting a finger.
This work is hard. I`ll tell you that.... It`s been hard for me, and
it`s pushed me. It has shown unto me how weak I am. It has taught me
how much I HAVE to rely on the Lord. I can`t do it without him, I
can`t do anything without him. Every morning I get on my knees and beg
the Lord for the strength to open my mouth and wipe the fear from my
mind. Every Night I get on my knees and beg the Lord to forgive me for
not stopping one more person, or not testifying one more time.
But then..... then my mind flips back to Ether...... My grace is
sufficient for ALL men that humble themselves before me..... So it
is..... I am filled with weaknesses... riddled with them, left and
right I seem to find more everyday. But, I know that as I try, as I
strive to overcome them, as I strive to be just that one step better
every day, and as I rely upon the Lord, as I cry out to him with all
my heart, and all my soul that he will come! He will come.... My
Savior, my Redeemer will come and lift me up and help me.
There is a song that goes:
"You raise me up, so that I can stand on mountains. You raise me to
more than I can be. I am Strong, when I am on your shoulders. You
raise me up, to more than I can be."
I can Testify to all of you that the Lord`s hand is guiding this
work. He has sent out over 50,000 20 year old boys to preach the
gospel around the world. He has asked these inexperienced children to
go forth and to teach people that are sometimes old enough to be their
Grandparents, (And in Japan some could be my GREAT grandparents). Yet
we go forth, two by two, young men, teaching and preaching the Gospel.
Those missionaries that are the best among us are those that have
humbled themselves the most.
Again I say that I know that Christ lives, that he truly does guide
this work. I know that as I humble myself before him he will teach me,
he will guide me. I know that he loves me, and that he is my Shepard
and my Stay. And I bear this testimony in his holy name. Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Sunday, March 20, 2011
With Great Faith...
So Faith...what is it? How do we have faith? I personally know that I have faith...I love that fact...That I know without a doubt that the Lord has Randy's best interest at heart...That the Lord loves Randy and will take care of him. I have faith that the Lord has a plan for Randy and that his mission here on earth is still needed and that there is a great work for him to do. I know and have faith that Randy is protected and has comforting arms around him and I have faith that my Father in Heaven will guide, lead and protect not only Randy, but all missionaries that are going about his work. I am so grateful for my son and the spirit he brings to my life and to the life of others.
I HAVE FAITH!!!
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
Well, It`s another week in Japan, but it`s been fairly hectic lately. Monday through wednesday were just about normal. Except while I was on my Companionship exchange with Senboku we got a call telling us that we would be recieving Transfer calls the next day. That`s when everything went haywire. 42 missionaries from the Tokyo mission have been shipped down here and are now scattered throughout the mission, and on Thursday morning I got the call that my companion, Elder Meyer, would be transfering out and I`d be recieving a Tokyo Missionary as my new companion. Everything was messed up, Elder Meyer had less than 24 hours to get everything packed up and sent off to his new area, and by Friday afternoon I had my new companion and was saying goodbye to someone who will be a friend forever. We were only together for 2 weeks, but I found that it was possibly the best two weeks of my mission. He is definately one of my companions who I will hook up with after the Mission.
Friday night I came home with my new companion, Elder Young, from Orem Utah, and it was then that the realization of the sudden transfer settled in. I was without my favorite companion, in an area that I barely even know, with people I don`t even know, and I felt alone for a little bit. But that was only a passing moment, as on Saturday we met with the bishop here, who was quick to help us get everything ready, he told us more about the ward, and the goals of the ward, he helped my Elder Young get settled in and took us out to lunch as well as played Taxi driver for us because my Companion didn`t have a Bike. Then Sunday came as well and the Ward welcomed us with open arms and open hearts, I truly felt like just a member of the ward.
So let me talk a little bit about my new companion, and a brief overview of his story and experience in Tokyo. Elder Young is 20 years old. He`s from Orem Utah and an awesome missionary, we look alike (I`d show a picture but I forgot my SD Card reader again) and he`s really cool. He felt the Earthquake in Tokyo, and when that all happened he was told to stay in his apartment. Then on Wednesday he was told to pack everything as quickly as possible and get to the Mission home, and from there on Thursday he was shipped off here to Kobe. They stayed the night at the Church in Kobe and then I picked him up Friday afternoon. Apparently he had barely slept in the past few days because of all the rushing around and excitement. But He`s ok now and doing great. I`m glad I have him as my companion and I`m looking forward to this Transfer.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Again, I wish to extend my feelings of Gratitude to those that have reached out to comfort my family. It warms and touches my heart to see how many people there are that reach out everyday to those in need, to see how many people there are that care.
Now, this week, I`m going to talk about why am here, and why I WILL NOT LEAVE until all my 2 years are done.
Over 1 year ago, on a quiet night, I was alone in my room, as always, sitting on my laptop getting ready for bed. Many thoughts crossed my mind, as at that time I was only a few weeks away from leaving for my mission to Japan. At that time I did not know what would lie in store for me, the hardships, the trials, the Joy, the Growth, the Experience. I asked myself on that quiet night, "Why am I going? Do I really need to go? Do I really WANT to go?" Those types of questions drifted through my mind as I sat alone in the dark. As it grew later and later into the night it was finally time for me to go to bed, and so I turned off my computer and laid down to bed as always, but still my mind was troubled. I remembered then one of the most simple things: Prayer. I knelt down before my God and offered up a prayer, a personal, hearfelt prayer that I had never before given in my life. I asked God if it were right for me to go to Japan, if it were right for me to take two years to serve him in an entirely new world. I prayed and I begged him for forgiveness from my sins, from my follies and my stupidity. It was then, on that quiet night that I learned that God loves me. For not a moment passed after I offered that prayer that my heart was filled with joy. With great overwhelming Joy. I KNEW, I knew without a doubt in my mind that I was needed in Japan, that the Lord needed ME to go forth and preach his Gospel. I was filled with such overwhelming Joy that I could not even sleep despite the exhaustion that had previously filled me.
If I were to say simply why I am here, I would say: "Because God asked me too." Although that is a good enough reason in and of itself, it is not all of the reasons why I am STILL here. In this past year, I have tasted more of God`s love than I ever have before. I have drank the bitter cup of repentance and felt the overwhelming Joy of Forgiveness, I have felt the hand of God touch my heart as he lefted me up from the depths of despair, I have felt his power flow through me as I have testified of him and his Church. I have watched as the lives of people have been changed to overwhelming happiness as they have accepted this Gospel. I have learned for myself how true this work is, and because of that I will not, I CANNOT come home until I have served all 2 years. To do so would be like turning my back to the truth, would be as it were, denying that the sun had ever shone.
For those that worry about my health and safety here, I pray that you are comforted. For those that desire my quick return I simply and gently say, I will not go home. The Lord has called me here, he has a work for me to do, that I alone can do. I do not know who it is he wants me to teach, what hearts he wants me to touch, but I know that they are here. I know that God has not forgotten any of his children, that all are beneath his gaze. I also know that the Lord God will watch over me, will protect me so long as I have a work to do. He will not let me fall into harm unless my work is complete or unless I forsake him. His hand is over his work, his eye watches over all his people.
I love the Lord my God, and I strive to serve him with all my heart and all my strength. I know that I am weak, that I am imperfect, I know that I am far from the best missionary to have ever served him. But I know that he still needs me. That he still has something for me to do. So I continue, pushing everyday to be just one tiny bit better than the day before, trying everyday to take just one babystep forward as I call upon the Lord night and day to help me do his will.
I repeat again, I know that God lives, and that he loves me. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Anchor. I know that I am where I have been called to be, that were I stand right now is the best place for me to be. I know that this church is the true church of God, that it is guided by a true prophet and by true leaders who hold the priesthood of God. I know that this work, this missionary work, is the work of God. I bear testimony, time and time again that Christ lives, that he is ever my stay. I rely upon him in all things, and follow him the best way I know how. I truly Love you all, and desire that all of you may be comforted concerning me. Know that I am in the Lord`s hands, and let his will be done, never mine. I bear my Testimony, in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
WIth Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
I HAVE FAITH!!!
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
Well, It`s another week in Japan, but it`s been fairly hectic lately. Monday through wednesday were just about normal. Except while I was on my Companionship exchange with Senboku we got a call telling us that we would be recieving Transfer calls the next day. That`s when everything went haywire. 42 missionaries from the Tokyo mission have been shipped down here and are now scattered throughout the mission, and on Thursday morning I got the call that my companion, Elder Meyer, would be transfering out and I`d be recieving a Tokyo Missionary as my new companion. Everything was messed up, Elder Meyer had less than 24 hours to get everything packed up and sent off to his new area, and by Friday afternoon I had my new companion and was saying goodbye to someone who will be a friend forever. We were only together for 2 weeks, but I found that it was possibly the best two weeks of my mission. He is definately one of my companions who I will hook up with after the Mission.
Friday night I came home with my new companion, Elder Young, from Orem Utah, and it was then that the realization of the sudden transfer settled in. I was without my favorite companion, in an area that I barely even know, with people I don`t even know, and I felt alone for a little bit. But that was only a passing moment, as on Saturday we met with the bishop here, who was quick to help us get everything ready, he told us more about the ward, and the goals of the ward, he helped my Elder Young get settled in and took us out to lunch as well as played Taxi driver for us because my Companion didn`t have a Bike. Then Sunday came as well and the Ward welcomed us with open arms and open hearts, I truly felt like just a member of the ward.
So let me talk a little bit about my new companion, and a brief overview of his story and experience in Tokyo. Elder Young is 20 years old. He`s from Orem Utah and an awesome missionary, we look alike (I`d show a picture but I forgot my SD Card reader again) and he`s really cool. He felt the Earthquake in Tokyo, and when that all happened he was told to stay in his apartment. Then on Wednesday he was told to pack everything as quickly as possible and get to the Mission home, and from there on Thursday he was shipped off here to Kobe. They stayed the night at the Church in Kobe and then I picked him up Friday afternoon. Apparently he had barely slept in the past few days because of all the rushing around and excitement. But He`s ok now and doing great. I`m glad I have him as my companion and I`m looking forward to this Transfer.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Again, I wish to extend my feelings of Gratitude to those that have reached out to comfort my family. It warms and touches my heart to see how many people there are that reach out everyday to those in need, to see how many people there are that care.
Now, this week, I`m going to talk about why am here, and why I WILL NOT LEAVE until all my 2 years are done.
Over 1 year ago, on a quiet night, I was alone in my room, as always, sitting on my laptop getting ready for bed. Many thoughts crossed my mind, as at that time I was only a few weeks away from leaving for my mission to Japan. At that time I did not know what would lie in store for me, the hardships, the trials, the Joy, the Growth, the Experience. I asked myself on that quiet night, "Why am I going? Do I really need to go? Do I really WANT to go?" Those types of questions drifted through my mind as I sat alone in the dark. As it grew later and later into the night it was finally time for me to go to bed, and so I turned off my computer and laid down to bed as always, but still my mind was troubled. I remembered then one of the most simple things: Prayer. I knelt down before my God and offered up a prayer, a personal, hearfelt prayer that I had never before given in my life. I asked God if it were right for me to go to Japan, if it were right for me to take two years to serve him in an entirely new world. I prayed and I begged him for forgiveness from my sins, from my follies and my stupidity. It was then, on that quiet night that I learned that God loves me. For not a moment passed after I offered that prayer that my heart was filled with joy. With great overwhelming Joy. I KNEW, I knew without a doubt in my mind that I was needed in Japan, that the Lord needed ME to go forth and preach his Gospel. I was filled with such overwhelming Joy that I could not even sleep despite the exhaustion that had previously filled me.
If I were to say simply why I am here, I would say: "Because God asked me too." Although that is a good enough reason in and of itself, it is not all of the reasons why I am STILL here. In this past year, I have tasted more of God`s love than I ever have before. I have drank the bitter cup of repentance and felt the overwhelming Joy of Forgiveness, I have felt the hand of God touch my heart as he lefted me up from the depths of despair, I have felt his power flow through me as I have testified of him and his Church. I have watched as the lives of people have been changed to overwhelming happiness as they have accepted this Gospel. I have learned for myself how true this work is, and because of that I will not, I CANNOT come home until I have served all 2 years. To do so would be like turning my back to the truth, would be as it were, denying that the sun had ever shone.
For those that worry about my health and safety here, I pray that you are comforted. For those that desire my quick return I simply and gently say, I will not go home. The Lord has called me here, he has a work for me to do, that I alone can do. I do not know who it is he wants me to teach, what hearts he wants me to touch, but I know that they are here. I know that God has not forgotten any of his children, that all are beneath his gaze. I also know that the Lord God will watch over me, will protect me so long as I have a work to do. He will not let me fall into harm unless my work is complete or unless I forsake him. His hand is over his work, his eye watches over all his people.
I love the Lord my God, and I strive to serve him with all my heart and all my strength. I know that I am weak, that I am imperfect, I know that I am far from the best missionary to have ever served him. But I know that he still needs me. That he still has something for me to do. So I continue, pushing everyday to be just one tiny bit better than the day before, trying everyday to take just one babystep forward as I call upon the Lord night and day to help me do his will.
I repeat again, I know that God lives, and that he loves me. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Anchor. I know that I am where I have been called to be, that were I stand right now is the best place for me to be. I know that this church is the true church of God, that it is guided by a true prophet and by true leaders who hold the priesthood of God. I know that this work, this missionary work, is the work of God. I bear testimony, time and time again that Christ lives, that he is ever my stay. I rely upon him in all things, and follow him the best way I know how. I truly Love you all, and desire that all of you may be comforted concerning me. Know that I am in the Lord`s hands, and let his will be done, never mine. I bear my Testimony, in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
WIth Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Earthquake...
There is nothing more that I can add to Randy's world. I will just say that I am so appreciative of his special spirit and his willingness to serve the Lord. He was so very touched by the love and concern that he learned of from the wonderful ward that we live in....
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends, and To all
The news is, I am fine. I didn`t feel anything at all down here in Kawachinagano. And it has taken me most of the weekend to gather enough information to piece together everything that has happened up in Sendai. It`s hard, since we don`t get all that much news over here. But as I have said, I am safe, with no injuries or worries at all. I have recieved no news from the Mission Home on any new actions or any precations that we need to take here. But my heart does go out to those in Sendai.
There isn`t much to report about most of my week, I went to Senboku on wednesday but that was about it, other than what happened from Friday on.
Friday me and Elder Meyer, were going around tracting all over the place. We didn`t even feel anything at all and had no clue what had happened. Our first clue was when we stopped somebody while riding down the escalator. He was looking intently at his Iphone, and we asked him what he was doing. We didn`t quite understand all that he was saying, other than that he was looking up the epicenter of some earthquake. It didn`t click that there was an actual earthquake until that night when our district leader called us and told us that he had seen the news and there had been a huge earthquake in Sendai. The next morning the Zone leaders called us and warned us to stay away from bodies of water in case of tsunamis and to be on alert for earthquakes, by this time we still weren`t sure what was going on. They then asked me if I had any family in the Sendai area, but I don`t, that I know of at least. Throughout Saturday and Sunday more information came in, and the pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. While tracting houses that morning we saw a newspaper with a picture of Sendai on it, flames raging and the city nearly leveled. Then when we talked to a family at a cafe they handed us a newspaper and started explaining what was going on. Gasoline tanks had exploded, nuclear power plants were on meltdown and cities were entirely leveled. The Death count was high and we started worrying about the missionaries and people living there, including some missionaries from this ward serving in Sendai. Sunday rolled around, and they announced in Sacrament meeting that all missionaries were safe, and accounted for. Which was a huge relief. What really touched me, was that they immediately were asking the members to bring any extra food, tissues, or things that could be used to help those in Sendai that very day.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
In all Honesty I do not know what I need to write. This disaster has left me speechless.
My heart goes out to all of those in Sendai, to those who have lost their homes, their familes. To those all across Japan who now mourn the devestation that has been dealt to the Sendai area. May God be with them to comfort them, to help them rebuild those shattered lives. I guess I will simply reply to what my mother sent me, as part of my Gospel Message.
This is what my Mother wrote me:
"My Friday started out as follows: 6:00am - Bishop Hansen calls me and asks me to take a "deep breath"...and then tell me there has been a massive earthquake in Japan. The stake President "sends his prayers and concerns to you and Randy"....they also asked me to just remain calm (like that could happen) and have faith and no that the church/ward and stake are working hard on locating all missionaries. What a jolt to wake up to.....(no pun intended). Then I got a call from my visiting teaching within 5 minutes of hanging up. Throughout the day so many ward members contacted me with their concern and love expressed in your behalf. They truly do love you! As the Young Men's President said "we take care of our own"....It warms my heart to know that we are a family in this ward. I cannot express enough gratitude to them for the outpouring of love they have shown this last day to your dad and I and mostly to you!
So...I just ran to Lins for a sale and ran into Sister Gough and here is how it went....tears...tears...tears...hugs...hugs....hugs....tears...tears....tears....again you get the picture. She was so concerned for your safety and just so thrilled when I told her you were fine. What an emotional roller coaster kind of day yesterday and today has been. I'm still getting calls from ward members seeing if I'm ok and you are ok. What a testimony builder this is for me. That there is a loving God who cares for each of us individually and knows who we are and what we need. I am almost speechless (not that it could really happen to me).
Last night Sister Jentsczch showed up about 9:30pm with a bottle of coke for me and Adam. They sat and talked for quite a while, cried, laughed and cried some more. It was very sweet of them to come over and visit and share their concerns as well.
Time: Sunday morning at 9:01am 12:01am Monday for you....I'm not sure what you have heard or know about the earthquake. it was a 8.9 earthquake with some major, major, major damage done to the Sendai region, Tokyo and other places. A 30' Tsunami swept ashore and took out towns, airports and now there is MAJOR concerns about the nuclear plants. Apparently they are on Red alert because one or more of them are in Meltdown. I'm am so scared for the people of Japan and you, of course. I'm praying so hard for your safety and Bobby even offered to go get you and bring you home at his expense. LOL Karma wants you to come home too as well as Grandma. It is hard to explain to them that knowing you. You would not be any other place than where you are right now. Helping the people of Japan. I pray that the radiation does not carry as far as where you are, but I do have concerns (just because I'm a mom). Just now another reactor is starting the meltdown process. So...so...scary for the people of Japan. There was also a Tsunami that hit the Hawaii coast and did some damage on Kona and the shores of Waikiki were hit with water going up to the hotels but not into them. Also, in California some major damage was done at some places where it hit in the northern part of the state. It took only 10 hours from the time of the earthquake till the Tsunami hit California....traveling at over 500mph....can you believe that. There are still warnings and major after shocks happening (which I'm sure you are probably feeling some). There have been hundreds of aftershocks at 5+ or more and they are still happening.
Dad says it's possible that some missionaries will be heading north to help with relief efforts. In a way I'm hoping you get sent so you can help out. Bobby wants to take a week and fly over to help with clean up. He is so funny. He text me last night that he has money to fly you home and will buy the plane ticket now...LOL
I am so anxious to read your letter tonight and hear your reports. Many people are waiting for me to post to your blog. I have to teach today in Relief Society today on Service. What a subject for today to speak on. I hope I can due it justice. I will write some more to you after Church....I LOVE YOU!!!!
Sunday afternoon 2:25pm....ok Church is over and my lesson went well. There was not a dry eye in the house, so to speak. I am so grateful for your willingness to serve the Lord. More than you even know. I really don't have much more to say other than the Bishop stood up in Church after the missionaries spoke and was in tears saying "I don't even know Randy, but I feel his spirit every Sunday here with us and I enjoy his letters that he sends" and then he proceeded to quote something your wrote about the Joy of serving. He was and is really touched by your letters and told the congregation what a wonderful person you are. What a wonderful man he is.
I anxiously await your letter and account of what you have been told and what has been happening during this past week."
This has been a very touching letter for me. To see how many prayers were sent out on my behalf, but more so, to see how quickly and lovingly hands went out to comfort my family, my mother especially. To know that no matter what happens to me, whether serious injury or death itself my family will be well taken care of. That to me, matters far more than anything else. I know that God is watching over me and my family, but not just me and the ones I love, but those that are in Sendai, those missionaries that have dedicated their lives to him, and their families, but not just them, but all who suffer throughout Japan, and the World
Well did the Prophet Nephi Write: "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth"
God does not forget us, no matter where we are or who we are. God, is the God of us all, he watches over all the nations of the earth, he rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath, nothing strays from his eyes.
"For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me"
God will not forget us, no matter who we are. He loves each and everyone of us. He is no respecter of Persons, he doesn`t care where we live, what race we are, how rich, or how poor we are. He simply knows that each one of us is his precious child, and he begs us to go forth and help his children. He wants us to serve each other, to lift up the hands that hang down, to comfort those that need to be comforted, to love those that are not loved. He sends his missionaries forth to proclaim his Gospel, "the good news" with sounds of rejoicing with love and care. He seeks all to come unto him.
I am honored to be a servant of God. To stand as a missionary, no matter how imperfect I am. I truly can say that I wouldn`t want to be anywhere else at this moment than where I am now. To know that God lives, that he loves, that he cries, that he feels for everyone of his children. I wish I could express that same love, that same emotion. But I am only human, and words cannot truly describe that pure love of God.
I don`t have much else to say, other than thank you for all your prayers, for your loving hearts. For being the Hands of the Lord as you reached out to my family. It truly has touched my heart very deeply, and it is yet another Testimony of the Love of God.
I know that God Lives, that he loves, and I testify of his existence, and of his power. All things are in his hands, as am I and all those that serve him. But let us be his Hands, let us go and do what we can to serve those that stand in need. Comfort those that need comfort, and pray for those that we personally cannot help.
I love you all, and again I say thank you.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother,
Don`t worry about me Mother. "Stand still, and know that I am God. Doubt not, Fear not." I truly am in the Lord`s hands, and whatever happens to me, it is for his purpose. Keep praying for those in Sendai, express your love to all those around you, and I want you to stay safe. I love you Mom soo much, as well as all the family. It means far more than I could ever express to hear that you and Dad are well taken care of. Simply let them all know, that nothing will pull me back from serving the Lord, not yet. I still have a year left, and until that`s over, I`m not coming home.
I love you Mom, Take care of the family.
Love,
Your Son,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends, and To all
The news is, I am fine. I didn`t feel anything at all down here in Kawachinagano. And it has taken me most of the weekend to gather enough information to piece together everything that has happened up in Sendai. It`s hard, since we don`t get all that much news over here. But as I have said, I am safe, with no injuries or worries at all. I have recieved no news from the Mission Home on any new actions or any precations that we need to take here. But my heart does go out to those in Sendai.
There isn`t much to report about most of my week, I went to Senboku on wednesday but that was about it, other than what happened from Friday on.
Friday me and Elder Meyer, were going around tracting all over the place. We didn`t even feel anything at all and had no clue what had happened. Our first clue was when we stopped somebody while riding down the escalator. He was looking intently at his Iphone, and we asked him what he was doing. We didn`t quite understand all that he was saying, other than that he was looking up the epicenter of some earthquake. It didn`t click that there was an actual earthquake until that night when our district leader called us and told us that he had seen the news and there had been a huge earthquake in Sendai. The next morning the Zone leaders called us and warned us to stay away from bodies of water in case of tsunamis and to be on alert for earthquakes, by this time we still weren`t sure what was going on. They then asked me if I had any family in the Sendai area, but I don`t, that I know of at least. Throughout Saturday and Sunday more information came in, and the pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. While tracting houses that morning we saw a newspaper with a picture of Sendai on it, flames raging and the city nearly leveled. Then when we talked to a family at a cafe they handed us a newspaper and started explaining what was going on. Gasoline tanks had exploded, nuclear power plants were on meltdown and cities were entirely leveled. The Death count was high and we started worrying about the missionaries and people living there, including some missionaries from this ward serving in Sendai. Sunday rolled around, and they announced in Sacrament meeting that all missionaries were safe, and accounted for. Which was a huge relief. What really touched me, was that they immediately were asking the members to bring any extra food, tissues, or things that could be used to help those in Sendai that very day.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
In all Honesty I do not know what I need to write. This disaster has left me speechless.
My heart goes out to all of those in Sendai, to those who have lost their homes, their familes. To those all across Japan who now mourn the devestation that has been dealt to the Sendai area. May God be with them to comfort them, to help them rebuild those shattered lives. I guess I will simply reply to what my mother sent me, as part of my Gospel Message.
This is what my Mother wrote me:
"My Friday started out as follows: 6:00am - Bishop Hansen calls me and asks me to take a "deep breath"...and then tell me there has been a massive earthquake in Japan. The stake President "sends his prayers and concerns to you and Randy"....they also asked me to just remain calm (like that could happen) and have faith and no that the church/ward and stake are working hard on locating all missionaries. What a jolt to wake up to.....(no pun intended). Then I got a call from my visiting teaching within 5 minutes of hanging up. Throughout the day so many ward members contacted me with their concern and love expressed in your behalf. They truly do love you! As the Young Men's President said "we take care of our own"....It warms my heart to know that we are a family in this ward. I cannot express enough gratitude to them for the outpouring of love they have shown this last day to your dad and I and mostly to you!
So...I just ran to Lins for a sale and ran into Sister Gough and here is how it went....tears...tears...tears...hugs...hugs....hugs....tears...tears....tears....again you get the picture. She was so concerned for your safety and just so thrilled when I told her you were fine. What an emotional roller coaster kind of day yesterday and today has been. I'm still getting calls from ward members seeing if I'm ok and you are ok. What a testimony builder this is for me. That there is a loving God who cares for each of us individually and knows who we are and what we need. I am almost speechless (not that it could really happen to me).
Last night Sister Jentsczch showed up about 9:30pm with a bottle of coke for me and Adam. They sat and talked for quite a while, cried, laughed and cried some more. It was very sweet of them to come over and visit and share their concerns as well.
Time: Sunday morning at 9:01am 12:01am Monday for you....I'm not sure what you have heard or know about the earthquake. it was a 8.9 earthquake with some major, major, major damage done to the Sendai region, Tokyo and other places. A 30' Tsunami swept ashore and took out towns, airports and now there is MAJOR concerns about the nuclear plants. Apparently they are on Red alert because one or more of them are in Meltdown. I'm am so scared for the people of Japan and you, of course. I'm praying so hard for your safety and Bobby even offered to go get you and bring you home at his expense. LOL Karma wants you to come home too as well as Grandma. It is hard to explain to them that knowing you. You would not be any other place than where you are right now. Helping the people of Japan. I pray that the radiation does not carry as far as where you are, but I do have concerns (just because I'm a mom). Just now another reactor is starting the meltdown process. So...so...scary for the people of Japan. There was also a Tsunami that hit the Hawaii coast and did some damage on Kona and the shores of Waikiki were hit with water going up to the hotels but not into them. Also, in California some major damage was done at some places where it hit in the northern part of the state. It took only 10 hours from the time of the earthquake till the Tsunami hit California....traveling at over 500mph....can you believe that. There are still warnings and major after shocks happening (which I'm sure you are probably feeling some). There have been hundreds of aftershocks at 5+ or more and they are still happening.
Dad says it's possible that some missionaries will be heading north to help with relief efforts. In a way I'm hoping you get sent so you can help out. Bobby wants to take a week and fly over to help with clean up. He is so funny. He text me last night that he has money to fly you home and will buy the plane ticket now...LOL
I am so anxious to read your letter tonight and hear your reports. Many people are waiting for me to post to your blog. I have to teach today in Relief Society today on Service. What a subject for today to speak on. I hope I can due it justice. I will write some more to you after Church....I LOVE YOU!!!!
Sunday afternoon 2:25pm....ok Church is over and my lesson went well. There was not a dry eye in the house, so to speak. I am so grateful for your willingness to serve the Lord. More than you even know. I really don't have much more to say other than the Bishop stood up in Church after the missionaries spoke and was in tears saying "I don't even know Randy, but I feel his spirit every Sunday here with us and I enjoy his letters that he sends" and then he proceeded to quote something your wrote about the Joy of serving. He was and is really touched by your letters and told the congregation what a wonderful person you are. What a wonderful man he is.
I anxiously await your letter and account of what you have been told and what has been happening during this past week."
This has been a very touching letter for me. To see how many prayers were sent out on my behalf, but more so, to see how quickly and lovingly hands went out to comfort my family, my mother especially. To know that no matter what happens to me, whether serious injury or death itself my family will be well taken care of. That to me, matters far more than anything else. I know that God is watching over me and my family, but not just me and the ones I love, but those that are in Sendai, those missionaries that have dedicated their lives to him, and their families, but not just them, but all who suffer throughout Japan, and the World
Well did the Prophet Nephi Write: "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth"
God does not forget us, no matter where we are or who we are. God, is the God of us all, he watches over all the nations of the earth, he rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath, nothing strays from his eyes.
"For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me"
God will not forget us, no matter who we are. He loves each and everyone of us. He is no respecter of Persons, he doesn`t care where we live, what race we are, how rich, or how poor we are. He simply knows that each one of us is his precious child, and he begs us to go forth and help his children. He wants us to serve each other, to lift up the hands that hang down, to comfort those that need to be comforted, to love those that are not loved. He sends his missionaries forth to proclaim his Gospel, "the good news" with sounds of rejoicing with love and care. He seeks all to come unto him.
I am honored to be a servant of God. To stand as a missionary, no matter how imperfect I am. I truly can say that I wouldn`t want to be anywhere else at this moment than where I am now. To know that God lives, that he loves, that he cries, that he feels for everyone of his children. I wish I could express that same love, that same emotion. But I am only human, and words cannot truly describe that pure love of God.
I don`t have much else to say, other than thank you for all your prayers, for your loving hearts. For being the Hands of the Lord as you reached out to my family. It truly has touched my heart very deeply, and it is yet another Testimony of the Love of God.
I know that God Lives, that he loves, and I testify of his existence, and of his power. All things are in his hands, as am I and all those that serve him. But let us be his Hands, let us go and do what we can to serve those that stand in need. Comfort those that need comfort, and pray for those that we personally cannot help.
I love you all, and again I say thank you.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother,
Don`t worry about me Mother. "Stand still, and know that I am God. Doubt not, Fear not." I truly am in the Lord`s hands, and whatever happens to me, it is for his purpose. Keep praying for those in Sendai, express your love to all those around you, and I want you to stay safe. I love you Mom soo much, as well as all the family. It means far more than I could ever express to hear that you and Dad are well taken care of. Simply let them all know, that nothing will pull me back from serving the Lord, not yet. I still have a year left, and until that`s over, I`m not coming home.
I love you Mom, Take care of the family.
Love,
Your Son,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Pink Bicycle....
Well, so now Randy is sporting a new/used pink bicycle with a basket....all he needs is a bell and clappers for his spokes...Picture him riding down the road trying to attract attention so he can initiate a conversation with the Japanese people...Yep, he probably figured out a good way to start a talk...LOL (pictures to follow in next weeks blog) Another transfer closer to coming home, but yet he wants to stay and has fallen in love with what he is doing. I am so happy to see him happy...Yep I truly am...
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends
Wellllllllll.......... I guess It`s time for the big announcement. As we know, transfers were last week. Which puts me on my 9th transfer, and brings me close to my year mark in Japan... :(
It also places me in my 5th area, Kawachinagano, The place with the really long name, the horrible Japanese, and extremely strange looking Tower (called the PL[Perfect Liberty] Tower). It also makes this my 3rd area in the Wakayama Zone, and the 3rd district in the Wakayama Zone. So basically By the end of this transfer I`ll have been to every area in the Wakayama Zone, the largest Zone in the mission.
My new companion is Elder Meyer, who was a greenie when I went into Sennan, We actually worked together once on an Exchange. We get along splendidly, have loads of fun (maybe a little too much) and work amazingly well together. He`s from somewhere in California, extremely smart, really cool, loads of fun and a really hard worker. We talk all day, while working and getting things done, and we talk together when we contact people, making the work even more fun.
Anyway. My week up until thursday was uneventful, just packing and getting ready to send things off. Thursday I came to Kawachinagano and met up with Elder Meyer, got things settled in and did some Dendo. Friday my bike came and we walked it up to the nearest Asahi(Bike Store) to get it fixed. They have to order the part so it`ll be a week before I`ll get my bike back. But instead they let me borrow a pink 3 speed "mamachari" with the cute little front basket, all it really needs are the little sparkely trailers coming of the handlebars, and a princess reflector on the front basket. I have a picture of me riding it, but, I forgot my little SD card reader, so that`ll have to wait until next week. We basically spent the rest of the day walking around every, that was exhausting cause we walked really far.
Saturday was also more walking as we did some more Dendo all over the place, went to a donut shop to take a quick break and ended up getting fed by these 5 old women who were coming in at the same time and were trying to speak english with us. It was nice, free donuts, fun conversation, and we talked a lot about church stuff, mainly because one of them new just about everything about us. After that we got stopped by another guy who randomly asked us about American "Arukikata" or The way Americans walked. I swear, everywhere I go I find the strange things and the random people start contacting me.
Sunday was church, which was awesome. This ward is actually really big, somewhere around 50-60 people. It also helped me realize how horrible the accent here is in Kawachinagano. Kawachingan-ben as we call it, is about the worst Japanese in all of Japan. Even worse than Kansai-ben, which would be the equivalant of lets say, southern English. You could probably compare it with Pigeon English, it`s just plain dirty. It`s probably the closest to swearing that the Japanese Language would get to. During the Testimony meeting on Sunday I heard quite a bit of Kansai-ben, with very limited formal speech. Yea.... I`m kind of in the hick`s vill` of Japan. BUT I LOVE IT!! It`s so much fun.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week.
The power of Unity.
In one of the Prayers of Christ, recorded in the Gospel of John, he prayed that his disciples would be one, that they would be united in purpose and in idea as they worked to spread the Gospel. That they would become one with the Spirit, and become one with God in puropse and mind.
I`ve actually found a companion that I am "one" with. As me and Elder Meyer go out and Dendo, there is not just one of us talking, there is both of us talking. We pick up where the other left off, we testify about what the other said, we feel in unison, and I`m pretty sure that people can see that we are in unison. We are open with each other already, we talk often and work together. And because of that, I can feel whole other level of power as we go forth to preach the Gospel.
Unity is a key part in the gospel. For it is written: "Contention is of the Devil." Fighting and arguing drives away the Spirit, and it not only drives us apart from each other, it pushes us away from God. Through Unity within our homes, and within our associates we may gain more influence from the Spirit and also more strength within our homes and our friends. For it is written: "A house divided against itself will surely fall."
We can obtain unity by being open with each other, by keeping no secrets, being honest and truthful with each other. If we show that we trust another, they will most likely see so and feel so, in return they will probably trust us. If we keep our word and do what we say we do, or do as we are told to do in the case of those that are our elders we also build trust and improve our unity. I always found that with my parents, when I did what they asked me to do, and earned their trust I had more freedom to do what I wanted to do and go where I wanted to go.
We can build unity by supporting each other, advising each other and assisting each other. We can "mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." We listen to each other, we seek to understand what the other is feeling or thinking, and within that we can find solutions to problems or clashes. When we support others around us, we will have others to support us when we need it.
We can find unity within the Gospel. The Gospel of Christ gives us a goal. It points us towards eteranl life. It places us upon the path which leads to eternal Happiness. When we start we can see what lies ahead, what awaits us if we hold true to the end, and although the path is difficult at times, we are never alone. The Gospel if Family oriented, it is designed so that families may become Eternal. So the family unit moves forward, building each other up a long the way. Helping those that stumble, and picking up those that fall.
As we grow closer together, we shall enjoy a new light, and obtain a new hope. Love shall abound more freely and the Spirit of God shall rest upon us. Burdens will seem lighter, tribulations less intense. Our faith shall be strengthened and greater things will come. Christ again shows forth the perfect example, for he was always one with God, always in complete unison, allowing his own will to be swallowed up in the will of God, from that he was able to perform the many miracles he did, from that he was able to perform the Atonement.
Let us seek for such a unison within our own lives, first with God and then those that are closest to us, and then expand outwards. Let us "mourn with those that mourn," "Comfort those that stand in need of comfort," Meet together oft, and offer up our songs of praise to almighty God, and let us lift up the hands of them that hang down.
Simply put, "Love one Another"
In the holy name of Christ, Amen.
With love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends
Wellllllllll.......... I guess It`s time for the big announcement. As we know, transfers were last week. Which puts me on my 9th transfer, and brings me close to my year mark in Japan... :(
It also places me in my 5th area, Kawachinagano, The place with the really long name, the horrible Japanese, and extremely strange looking Tower (called the PL[Perfect Liberty] Tower). It also makes this my 3rd area in the Wakayama Zone, and the 3rd district in the Wakayama Zone. So basically By the end of this transfer I`ll have been to every area in the Wakayama Zone, the largest Zone in the mission.
My new companion is Elder Meyer, who was a greenie when I went into Sennan, We actually worked together once on an Exchange. We get along splendidly, have loads of fun (maybe a little too much) and work amazingly well together. He`s from somewhere in California, extremely smart, really cool, loads of fun and a really hard worker. We talk all day, while working and getting things done, and we talk together when we contact people, making the work even more fun.
Anyway. My week up until thursday was uneventful, just packing and getting ready to send things off. Thursday I came to Kawachinagano and met up with Elder Meyer, got things settled in and did some Dendo. Friday my bike came and we walked it up to the nearest Asahi(Bike Store) to get it fixed. They have to order the part so it`ll be a week before I`ll get my bike back. But instead they let me borrow a pink 3 speed "mamachari" with the cute little front basket, all it really needs are the little sparkely trailers coming of the handlebars, and a princess reflector on the front basket. I have a picture of me riding it, but, I forgot my little SD card reader, so that`ll have to wait until next week. We basically spent the rest of the day walking around every, that was exhausting cause we walked really far.
Saturday was also more walking as we did some more Dendo all over the place, went to a donut shop to take a quick break and ended up getting fed by these 5 old women who were coming in at the same time and were trying to speak english with us. It was nice, free donuts, fun conversation, and we talked a lot about church stuff, mainly because one of them new just about everything about us. After that we got stopped by another guy who randomly asked us about American "Arukikata" or The way Americans walked. I swear, everywhere I go I find the strange things and the random people start contacting me.
Sunday was church, which was awesome. This ward is actually really big, somewhere around 50-60 people. It also helped me realize how horrible the accent here is in Kawachinagano. Kawachingan-ben as we call it, is about the worst Japanese in all of Japan. Even worse than Kansai-ben, which would be the equivalant of lets say, southern English. You could probably compare it with Pigeon English, it`s just plain dirty. It`s probably the closest to swearing that the Japanese Language would get to. During the Testimony meeting on Sunday I heard quite a bit of Kansai-ben, with very limited formal speech. Yea.... I`m kind of in the hick`s vill` of Japan. BUT I LOVE IT!! It`s so much fun.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week.
The power of Unity.
In one of the Prayers of Christ, recorded in the Gospel of John, he prayed that his disciples would be one, that they would be united in purpose and in idea as they worked to spread the Gospel. That they would become one with the Spirit, and become one with God in puropse and mind.
I`ve actually found a companion that I am "one" with. As me and Elder Meyer go out and Dendo, there is not just one of us talking, there is both of us talking. We pick up where the other left off, we testify about what the other said, we feel in unison, and I`m pretty sure that people can see that we are in unison. We are open with each other already, we talk often and work together. And because of that, I can feel whole other level of power as we go forth to preach the Gospel.
Unity is a key part in the gospel. For it is written: "Contention is of the Devil." Fighting and arguing drives away the Spirit, and it not only drives us apart from each other, it pushes us away from God. Through Unity within our homes, and within our associates we may gain more influence from the Spirit and also more strength within our homes and our friends. For it is written: "A house divided against itself will surely fall."
We can obtain unity by being open with each other, by keeping no secrets, being honest and truthful with each other. If we show that we trust another, they will most likely see so and feel so, in return they will probably trust us. If we keep our word and do what we say we do, or do as we are told to do in the case of those that are our elders we also build trust and improve our unity. I always found that with my parents, when I did what they asked me to do, and earned their trust I had more freedom to do what I wanted to do and go where I wanted to go.
We can build unity by supporting each other, advising each other and assisting each other. We can "mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." We listen to each other, we seek to understand what the other is feeling or thinking, and within that we can find solutions to problems or clashes. When we support others around us, we will have others to support us when we need it.
We can find unity within the Gospel. The Gospel of Christ gives us a goal. It points us towards eteranl life. It places us upon the path which leads to eternal Happiness. When we start we can see what lies ahead, what awaits us if we hold true to the end, and although the path is difficult at times, we are never alone. The Gospel if Family oriented, it is designed so that families may become Eternal. So the family unit moves forward, building each other up a long the way. Helping those that stumble, and picking up those that fall.
As we grow closer together, we shall enjoy a new light, and obtain a new hope. Love shall abound more freely and the Spirit of God shall rest upon us. Burdens will seem lighter, tribulations less intense. Our faith shall be strengthened and greater things will come. Christ again shows forth the perfect example, for he was always one with God, always in complete unison, allowing his own will to be swallowed up in the will of God, from that he was able to perform the many miracles he did, from that he was able to perform the Atonement.
Let us seek for such a unison within our own lives, first with God and then those that are closest to us, and then expand outwards. Let us "mourn with those that mourn," "Comfort those that stand in need of comfort," Meet together oft, and offer up our songs of praise to almighty God, and let us lift up the hands of them that hang down.
Simply put, "Love one Another"
In the holy name of Christ, Amen.
With love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Cloudy with a chance of Transfers!
Wow...time is slipping on by, and apparently so is Randy...that is slipping over his handle bars on his bike (and breaking his bike). I guess I should be grateful that his $400 bike has lasted this long and thankfully it is a rather cheap fix. Again he sounds so happy and so ready to face the world. Just think 10 more months and he will be coming home. YIPEE! Although, I know he prefers I don't remind him of that part, as a mother, I can and will wait anxiously for his arrival home....
This week`s Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of Transfers! Tomorrow is transfer calls and thursday is tranfsers. I`m about 90% sure I`m transfering, but that`s because if I don`t transfer I`ll be here for 4 transfers, which will be way long.
Anyway, time to tell the tale of my week. Last Monday, we smashed a giant pumpkin for a Less active, that was loads of fun actually. Tuesday..... Was English class. Wednesday, I flipped over my handlebars because I pulled the wrong brakes (my fault) Note to Self: Don`t ride with one hand in your pocket. Thursday we rode our bikes over to Himeji and had a Companionship Exchange. Didn`t end up doing all that much but it was fun. Friday we had District Meeting which was loads of fun, then we came back to Kakogawa. Saturday we went to Akashi and all the missionaries in the zone sang at a little mini concert.
So now for the fun part. If any of you remember, about 8 or 9 weeks ago when I went to Himeji, I broke an Elder`s bike. Well, Oops, I did it again.... Except it was my bike this time. Note to self: Don`t downshift when you notice something is messed up with your gears. So my gear shift for the back tire has completely sheared off. That`s the really bad news. The good news is, that it`ll only cost me around $25 to get it fixed..... IF they can get the part. But that`ll have to be delayed till after tranfsers, because I can`t have them order the part, because if I do I`m not sure if I`ll even be here or not. Other good news, I only had to walk about 20 min. back to the apartment instead of almost 2 hours like last time.
Now, the reason why I am late this morning, is because I just had a 45 min. lesson turn into a 3 hour lesson. It`s amazing how long someone can go on about things that have nothing to do with the current conversation. So that has been half of my P-day, besides the point that it`s raining, we have to walk everywhere, and we still need to go buy food for the week. Hurray for adventrous days!!! At least it`s not the same as always, although I want get to go visit my favorite less-active, Matt Fugal at all.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
I`m kind of stumped this week. I`m not sure what to write today. I Guess I`ll just share what I`ve been studying lately
Recently, I`ve been trying to focus on the attributes of Humility and Charity. Actually, I picked them out so that I can work on them for next transfer, but I have begun to study them and try to find ways to improve them. So for Charity, I flipped to the typical place that must scriptorians would go to. 1 Corinthians 13. I read through each point. Pondering about all of them, and noticing as always, that the description of Charity and Love was on of action not simply an emotion. Then later as I flipped through the scriptures and read the first and greatest commandment. "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Compare that with the description of Charity and we gain a view point of what we should become in our relationship towards God.
But in reverse, we know that God holds that same love towards all of us. He will never abandon us, never forsake, never leave us alone so long as we seek after him. Recently as I have read the Old Testament I realize that more and more. God NEVER abandoned Israel, it was Israel that abandoned God. They turned to idols, to false gods for their help, yet they could NEVER find solstice nor safety amongst them. As the Assyrians told the Israelites at Jerusaluam when they laid siege, "The Gods of other lands did not save them when we invaded their lands." But the Assyrians took this even farther to blaspheme against the TRUE God and said "Why do you think that YOUR God will save you?" In reply to the faith of Isaiah, and Hezekiah, and those that remained faithful to God, the Assyrian army was smitten and thrown back by an angel of God. There are countless other stories contained within the Old Testament that Testifies again and again that so long as one Loves God "With all [his] heart, with all [his] soul, and with all [his] mind" he shall have the arm of God to rely upon, and have that sure confidence that God is with him.
It is written: "For with God, nothing is Impossible"
The power of our Beloved Father in Heaven is limitless. But we can only access him if we seek him. We must humble ourselves before him, we must not be ashamed to seek after him, to seek his love. We must love him with all our might. And when we do, that love shall become an anchor to our souls. For it is written, "charity NEVER faileth." We will be able to endure all things, to bear all things, to believe all things. We will rejoice in righteousness and in truth, we will reject evil and its iniquities.
I Love God. I love my Father in Heaven, every night I pray to him and seek his guidance and love. Without him I truly am nothing. He bears me up everyday. He helps me through my difficult times, he is the reason why I am here. I Love God, and everyday I strive to draw closer to him. As imperfect as I am, as frightened as I am at times, he calls to me with a loving voice "Come unto me!" And one day I will be able to return to his presence, to partake of his fullness. I await that joyful day, when I shall see my Heavenly Father`s face, with earnest anticipation.
I love you all and wish you all well. God Bless you all. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
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