Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
Another week is gone, and the first week of a new year at that.
Well, again I will just focus on the highlights of my week.
On Wednesday we had our New Years/Christmas conference with all the other missionaries. It was way fun and we played lots of Dodgeball, sang songs, and generally just had lots of fun and lots of good food. Except for the point when I had to stand up in front of everyone and give my "I`m old and am going home soon" talk to everyone else. That was a real shocker on the system. I really hadn`t been expecting that, mainly because they didn`t tell me until right before.
Sunday was another great day. Having not been able to sleep for the past week I was understanbly completely exhausted as I went to church on Fast Sunday. But there we participated in a baby blessing, (I love Baby Blessings) and were able to have quite a few of our investigators come to church as well. The Spirit was strong and even though I fell asleep during priesthood meeting while sitting next to the stake president it was way fun. After church was when everything else just started to go crazy. We had planned to teach one of our investigators after church and as we were leaving priesthood meeting the first counselor in the bishopric ran up the stairs and grabbed us saying "QUICK! YOU NEED TO TEACH A LESSON!" Of course we already knew this and were wondering why he was freaking out about it. (Then again he is kind of an eccentric person) He then explained that Risa (Our investigator) was crying and wanted to be taught a lesson. We hurried down the stairs and saw her standing in front of the door to the room we usually teach in, she was obviously in tears. We opened the door and she walked in setting up chairs while gloomily looking at the floor, and we told the first counselor to grab the young woman`s president and another sister to come help us as we are not allowed to be alone in a room with a girl. With that we found out that she had been having fights with her parents lately and that they didn`t want her to come to church. They are getting progressively more antagonistic to her coming to church. Yet all she wants is for her family to be happy like the families at church. It was really heart breaking to listen to her and it was really great to have the sisters there helping, giving her hugs and trying to comfort her. In the end we were able to get her to calm down and helped her to have some more hope that things would work out. We pray for her and hope that things will get better.
After that lesson another of our investigators randomly popped up asking to be taught, and me and Elder Niven did so without any complaints. She even brought up being baptized, and was basically like "So, I think March will be good, that`s when my schedule will open up and you can finish up all the lessons more easily." I replied "But we only have about 2 more lessons." She replied "Oh? Realy?" With that we hope we can get her baptized before I leave, if not at least in Febuary not long after I leave.
I`m never ceased to be amazed as long as I am a missionary here. In my last 3 months in Fushimi I have been surprised again and again by the investigators that we have here. They are touched by the spirit, and have a personal desire to learn and to change. They want to live the gospel and they love church. I do nothing except help them understand what the gospel is and what they need to do to live it. I am always just struck dumb by all that happens here.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
The Sacrament
The Sacrament is my favorite time of any week. I love partaking of the sacrament and being able to again renew my covenants with God. Every week at church I sit in my chair and listen to the prayers and remember that what I am doing is essentially being baptized again. As I partake of the bread and water in rememberance of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ made for me I am always filled with a sense of peace and calm, an assurance that the path I am walking is the right path and that although I have made and will make mistakes I can be forgiven and become clean. Every moment of the sacrament is precious to me and even though there might be little children running around, with parents chasing them, or someone`s cellphone going off in the background, it just feels great to partake of the sacred ordinance of the Sacrament.
As we partake of the Sacrament we must always remember what it is for, what it does for us and why we have it. With a spirit of reverence in our own hearts, as we respectfully partake of the Bread and Water of Life we can be filled with Joy and Happiness. Personally I believe an attitude of prayer is the best way to partake of the sacrament. Seeking forgiveness and offering up thanks unto God helps me to partake of the sacrament with a proper spirit.
I know that as we honestly and truly partake of this wonderful ordinance it will bless our lives in a variety of ways. It will help us be filled with more joy and love, it will comfort us in our times of trials and it will keep us continually upon the right path. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Home Stretch....
As letters go this is a great one, but I can read between the lines at how sad he is to be leaving Japan. He has grown so much over the past 2 years and has truly come to learn to love others....for that I am forever grateful.
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
明けましておめでとうございます！！
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2011 is over and 2012 begins. My time here in Japan begins to wind to an end and soon, quicker than I like, I will be on a plane home to America. Lots of things have happened here in Japan that will forever leave a mark upon me. Countless blessings have been poured out upon me and even more countless blessings have been poured out upon my family. These two years have truly been the best two years of my life. I can say that I would`nt have traded them for anything. I have found great joy in the service of my God and I have found great Joy in seeing the lives of others blessed and helping them to find true happiness. It has been hard at times, yes, but it has been worth every tear, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night and all that I have experienced. Blazing hot summers, to freezing cold winters. Crashing bikes, to climbing mountains. The laughing, the crying, the smiling, the joy. These are all burned into my heart forever more.
I`m not really sure what I`m going to write at all today, because it won`t be long at all before I`m home. Maybe I should just stop emailing and leave everyone in suspense until I`m home, but then again I know my Mom will get infuriated.
Well, to say the least, it`s been a bit of a difficult week this week. We`ve felt a lot of pressure pushed on us this week and it was in all honesty pretty hard and really frustrating. Even though we were working as hard as we could we were still being pressured. But that pressure has actually helped me to bond even more with my beloved companion Elder Niven. Many a night we have just sat and talked with each other, uplifting each other, testifying to each other, seeking to support each other in our difficulties. It`s been a very spiritual week with my companion, and although we haven`t been able to teach too many people, or find new investigators we`ve been teaching each other and have helped each other a lot. I can say that Elder Niven is my favorite companion and we`ll be lifelong friends.
Even though our best investigator, Ozaki Risa`s parents are against her coming to, or joining this church there has ever been a light of hope and faith in our hearts. Every time we talk with her, or teach her she surprises us with what she asks, or what she replies. She is truly someone that is seeking to find God and true happiness and stability in her life. This morning as we talked with her she even talked about wanting to serve a mission herself if she ever could. She has great faith, and knows that this church is true and that God lives. I`m pretty sure that she`ll be able to get baptized pretty soon.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Selfless Service
"He that loseth his life for my name`s sake shall take it up again." Jesus Christ
Selfless service is a sign of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who loses himself in the cause of another, seeking to uplift, to encourage, to support, to love, and to help those in need is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. One such great example is my companion Elder Niven, who came out seeking to help his own friend that had lived a very hard and difficult life, thinking that somehow his example, or what he would learn would be able to help her to learn of God and be able to find true joy and happiness.
This past week Elder Niven and I have been seeking to support each other and help each other. Together we have grown and learned a lot about Love, Charity, and service. We have turned away from ourselves and turned to each other and those around us. Both of us, as older missionaries have taken it upon us to help teach and nurture the two younger missionaries in the District and have sought with all our hearts, mights, minds, and strengths to uplift those less-actives, investigators, members, and new members as they have faced challanges and have met great obstacles. Never have I felt more joy or success as a missionary as we have done such. Watching others smile and find peace and joy brings to us a great feeling of Happiness and Joy. When they are happy we are happy. We cry, when they cry, we laugh when they laugh.
Christ has shown us the way to truly be selfless and to give up ones entire life for others. He showed me how to love those around me, and he has helped me to soften my heart and his everlasting atonement has made me into who I am today. I know that he cries when I cry, he hurts when I hurt, and he rejoices when I rejoice. He is your saviour, he is my saviour, he is the reason why I am here.
Let us take these first steps into a new year remembering what Christ has done for us, and let let us seek to do what we can to repay him. Love your Neighbor, your friends, your enemies. Show kindness unto all those around you and seek to uplift those who are saddened or injured. This is true Religion, and this is where we can truly find happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
明けましておめでとうございます！！
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2011 is over and 2012 begins. My time here in Japan begins to wind to an end and soon, quicker than I like, I will be on a plane home to America. Lots of things have happened here in Japan that will forever leave a mark upon me. Countless blessings have been poured out upon me and even more countless blessings have been poured out upon my family. These two years have truly been the best two years of my life. I can say that I would`nt have traded them for anything. I have found great joy in the service of my God and I have found great Joy in seeing the lives of others blessed and helping them to find true happiness. It has been hard at times, yes, but it has been worth every tear, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night and all that I have experienced. Blazing hot summers, to freezing cold winters. Crashing bikes, to climbing mountains. The laughing, the crying, the smiling, the joy. These are all burned into my heart forever more.
I`m not really sure what I`m going to write at all today, because it won`t be long at all before I`m home. Maybe I should just stop emailing and leave everyone in suspense until I`m home, but then again I know my Mom will get infuriated.
Well, to say the least, it`s been a bit of a difficult week this week. We`ve felt a lot of pressure pushed on us this week and it was in all honesty pretty hard and really frustrating. Even though we were working as hard as we could we were still being pressured. But that pressure has actually helped me to bond even more with my beloved companion Elder Niven. Many a night we have just sat and talked with each other, uplifting each other, testifying to each other, seeking to support each other in our difficulties. It`s been a very spiritual week with my companion, and although we haven`t been able to teach too many people, or find new investigators we`ve been teaching each other and have helped each other a lot. I can say that Elder Niven is my favorite companion and we`ll be lifelong friends.
Even though our best investigator, Ozaki Risa`s parents are against her coming to, or joining this church there has ever been a light of hope and faith in our hearts. Every time we talk with her, or teach her she surprises us with what she asks, or what she replies. She is truly someone that is seeking to find God and true happiness and stability in her life. This morning as we talked with her she even talked about wanting to serve a mission herself if she ever could. She has great faith, and knows that this church is true and that God lives. I`m pretty sure that she`ll be able to get baptized pretty soon.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Selfless Service
"He that loseth his life for my name`s sake shall take it up again." Jesus Christ
Selfless service is a sign of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who loses himself in the cause of another, seeking to uplift, to encourage, to support, to love, and to help those in need is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. One such great example is my companion Elder Niven, who came out seeking to help his own friend that had lived a very hard and difficult life, thinking that somehow his example, or what he would learn would be able to help her to learn of God and be able to find true joy and happiness.
This past week Elder Niven and I have been seeking to support each other and help each other. Together we have grown and learned a lot about Love, Charity, and service. We have turned away from ourselves and turned to each other and those around us. Both of us, as older missionaries have taken it upon us to help teach and nurture the two younger missionaries in the District and have sought with all our hearts, mights, minds, and strengths to uplift those less-actives, investigators, members, and new members as they have faced challanges and have met great obstacles. Never have I felt more joy or success as a missionary as we have done such. Watching others smile and find peace and joy brings to us a great feeling of Happiness and Joy. When they are happy we are happy. We cry, when they cry, we laugh when they laugh.
Christ has shown us the way to truly be selfless and to give up ones entire life for others. He showed me how to love those around me, and he has helped me to soften my heart and his everlasting atonement has made me into who I am today. I know that he cries when I cry, he hurts when I hurt, and he rejoices when I rejoice. He is your saviour, he is my saviour, he is the reason why I am here.
Let us take these first steps into a new year remembering what Christ has done for us, and let let us seek to do what we can to repay him. Love your Neighbor, your friends, your enemies. Show kindness unto all those around you and seek to uplift those who are saddened or injured. This is true Religion, and this is where we can truly find happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
The Home Stretch....
As letters go this is a great one, but I can read between the lines at how sad he is to be leaving Japan. He has grown so much over the past 2 years and has truly come to learn to love others....for that I am forever grateful.
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
明けましておめでとうございます！！
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2011 is over and 2012 begins. My time here in Japan begins to wind to an end and soon, quicker than I like, I will be on a plane home to America. Lots of things have happened here in Japan that will forever leave a mark upon me. Countless blessings have been poured out upon me and even more countless blessings have been poured out upon my family. These two years have truly been the best two years of my life. I can say that I would`nt have traded them for anything. I have found great joy in the service of my God and I have found great Joy in seeing the lives of others blessed and helping them to find true happiness. It has been hard at times, yes, but it has been worth every tear, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night and all that I have experienced. Blazing hot summers, to freezing cold winters. Crashing bikes, to climbing mountains. The laughing, the crying, the smiling, the joy. These are all burned into my heart forever more.
I`m not really sure what I`m going to write at all today, because it won`t be long at all before I`m home. Maybe I should just stop emailing and leave everyone in suspense until I`m home, but then again I know my Mom will get infuriated.
Well, to say the least, it`s been a bit of a difficult week this week. We`ve felt a lot of pressure pushed on us this week and it was in all honesty pretty hard and really frustrating. Even though we were working as hard as we could we were still being pressured. But that pressure has actually helped me to bond even more with my beloved companion Elder Niven. Many a night we have just sat and talked with each other, uplifting each other, testifying to each other, seeking to support each other in our difficulties. It`s been a very spiritual week with my companion, and although we haven`t been able to teach too many people, or find new investigators we`ve been teaching each other and have helped each other a lot. I can say that Elder Niven is my favorite companion and we`ll be lifelong friends.
Even though our best investigator, Ozaki Risa`s parents are against her coming to, or joining this church there has ever been a light of hope and faith in our hearts. Every time we talk with her, or teach her she surprises us with what she asks, or what she replies. She is truly someone that is seeking to find God and true happiness and stability in her life. This morning as we talked with her she even talked about wanting to serve a mission herself if she ever could. She has great faith, and knows that this church is true and that God lives. I`m pretty sure that she`ll be able to get baptized pretty soon.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Selfless Service
"He that loseth his life for my name`s sake shall take it up again." Jesus Christ
Selfless service is a sign of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who loses himself in the cause of another, seeking to uplift, to encourage, to support, to love, and to help those in need is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. One such great example is my companion Elder Niven, who came out seeking to help his own friend that had lived a very hard and difficult life, thinking that somehow his example, or what he would learn would be able to help her to learn of God and be able to find true joy and happiness.
This past week Elder Niven and I have been seeking to support each other and help each other. Together we have grown and learned a lot about Love, Charity, and service. We have turned away from ourselves and turned to each other and those around us. Both of us, as older missionaries have taken it upon us to help teach and nurture the two younger missionaries in the District and have sought with all our hearts, mights, minds, and strengths to uplift those less-actives, investigators, members, and new members as they have faced challanges and have met great obstacles. Never have I felt more joy or success as a missionary as we have done such. Watching others smile and find peace and joy brings to us a great feeling of Happiness and Joy. When they are happy we are happy. We cry, when they cry, we laugh when they laugh.
Christ has shown us the way to truly be selfless and to give up ones entire life for others. He showed me how to love those around me, and he has helped me to soften my heart and his everlasting atonement has made me into who I am today. I know that he cries when I cry, he hurts when I hurt, and he rejoices when I rejoice. He is your saviour, he is my saviour, he is the reason why I am here.
Let us take these first steps into a new year remembering what Christ has done for us, and let let us seek to do what we can to repay him. Love your Neighbor, your friends, your enemies. Show kindness unto all those around you and seek to uplift those who are saddened or injured. This is true Religion, and this is where we can truly find happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
明けましておめでとうございます！！
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2011 is over and 2012 begins. My time here in Japan begins to wind to an end and soon, quicker than I like, I will be on a plane home to America. Lots of things have happened here in Japan that will forever leave a mark upon me. Countless blessings have been poured out upon me and even more countless blessings have been poured out upon my family. These two years have truly been the best two years of my life. I can say that I would`nt have traded them for anything. I have found great joy in the service of my God and I have found great Joy in seeing the lives of others blessed and helping them to find true happiness. It has been hard at times, yes, but it has been worth every tear, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night and all that I have experienced. Blazing hot summers, to freezing cold winters. Crashing bikes, to climbing mountains. The laughing, the crying, the smiling, the joy. These are all burned into my heart forever more.
I`m not really sure what I`m going to write at all today, because it won`t be long at all before I`m home. Maybe I should just stop emailing and leave everyone in suspense until I`m home, but then again I know my Mom will get infuriated.
Well, to say the least, it`s been a bit of a difficult week this week. We`ve felt a lot of pressure pushed on us this week and it was in all honesty pretty hard and really frustrating. Even though we were working as hard as we could we were still being pressured. But that pressure has actually helped me to bond even more with my beloved companion Elder Niven. Many a night we have just sat and talked with each other, uplifting each other, testifying to each other, seeking to support each other in our difficulties. It`s been a very spiritual week with my companion, and although we haven`t been able to teach too many people, or find new investigators we`ve been teaching each other and have helped each other a lot. I can say that Elder Niven is my favorite companion and we`ll be lifelong friends.
Even though our best investigator, Ozaki Risa`s parents are against her coming to, or joining this church there has ever been a light of hope and faith in our hearts. Every time we talk with her, or teach her she surprises us with what she asks, or what she replies. She is truly someone that is seeking to find God and true happiness and stability in her life. This morning as we talked with her she even talked about wanting to serve a mission herself if she ever could. She has great faith, and knows that this church is true and that God lives. I`m pretty sure that she`ll be able to get baptized pretty soon.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Selfless Service
"He that loseth his life for my name`s sake shall take it up again." Jesus Christ
Selfless service is a sign of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who loses himself in the cause of another, seeking to uplift, to encourage, to support, to love, and to help those in need is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. One such great example is my companion Elder Niven, who came out seeking to help his own friend that had lived a very hard and difficult life, thinking that somehow his example, or what he would learn would be able to help her to learn of God and be able to find true joy and happiness.
This past week Elder Niven and I have been seeking to support each other and help each other. Together we have grown and learned a lot about Love, Charity, and service. We have turned away from ourselves and turned to each other and those around us. Both of us, as older missionaries have taken it upon us to help teach and nurture the two younger missionaries in the District and have sought with all our hearts, mights, minds, and strengths to uplift those less-actives, investigators, members, and new members as they have faced challanges and have met great obstacles. Never have I felt more joy or success as a missionary as we have done such. Watching others smile and find peace and joy brings to us a great feeling of Happiness and Joy. When they are happy we are happy. We cry, when they cry, we laugh when they laugh.
Christ has shown us the way to truly be selfless and to give up ones entire life for others. He showed me how to love those around me, and he has helped me to soften my heart and his everlasting atonement has made me into who I am today. I know that he cries when I cry, he hurts when I hurt, and he rejoices when I rejoice. He is your saviour, he is my saviour, he is the reason why I am here.
Let us take these first steps into a new year remembering what Christ has done for us, and let let us seek to do what we can to repay him. Love your Neighbor, your friends, your enemies. Show kindness unto all those around you and seek to uplift those who are saddened or injured. This is true Religion, and this is where we can truly find happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
The Home Stretch....
As letters go this is a great one, but I can read between the lines at how sad he is to be leaving Japan. He has grown so much over the past 2 years and has truly come to learn to love others....for that I am forever grateful.
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
明けましておめでとうございます！！
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2011 is over and 2012 begins. My time here in Japan begins to wind to an end and soon, quicker than I like, I will be on a plane home to America. Lots of things have happened here in Japan that will forever leave a mark upon me. Countless blessings have been poured out upon me and even more countless blessings have been poured out upon my family. These two years have truly been the best two years of my life. I can say that I would`nt have traded them for anything. I have found great joy in the service of my God and I have found great Joy in seeing the lives of others blessed and helping them to find true happiness. It has been hard at times, yes, but it has been worth every tear, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night and all that I have experienced. Blazing hot summers, to freezing cold winters. Crashing bikes, to climbing mountains. The laughing, the crying, the smiling, the joy. These are all burned into my heart forever more.
I`m not really sure what I`m going to write at all today, because it won`t be long at all before I`m home. Maybe I should just stop emailing and leave everyone in suspense until I`m home, but then again I know my Mom will get infuriated.
Well, to say the least, it`s been a bit of a difficult week this week. We`ve felt a lot of pressure pushed on us this week and it was in all honesty pretty hard and really frustrating. Even though we were working as hard as we could we were still being pressured. But that pressure has actually helped me to bond even more with my beloved companion Elder Niven. Many a night we have just sat and talked with each other, uplifting each other, testifying to each other, seeking to support each other in our difficulties. It`s been a very spiritual week with my companion, and although we haven`t been able to teach too many people, or find new investigators we`ve been teaching each other and have helped each other a lot. I can say that Elder Niven is my favorite companion and we`ll be lifelong friends.
Even though our best investigator, Ozaki Risa`s parents are against her coming to, or joining this church there has ever been a light of hope and faith in our hearts. Every time we talk with her, or teach her she surprises us with what she asks, or what she replies. She is truly someone that is seeking to find God and true happiness and stability in her life. This morning as we talked with her she even talked about wanting to serve a mission herself if she ever could. She has great faith, and knows that this church is true and that God lives. I`m pretty sure that she`ll be able to get baptized pretty soon.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Selfless Service
"He that loseth his life for my name`s sake shall take it up again." Jesus Christ
Selfless service is a sign of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who loses himself in the cause of another, seeking to uplift, to encourage, to support, to love, and to help those in need is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. One such great example is my companion Elder Niven, who came out seeking to help his own friend that had lived a very hard and difficult life, thinking that somehow his example, or what he would learn would be able to help her to learn of God and be able to find true joy and happiness.
This past week Elder Niven and I have been seeking to support each other and help each other. Together we have grown and learned a lot about Love, Charity, and service. We have turned away from ourselves and turned to each other and those around us. Both of us, as older missionaries have taken it upon us to help teach and nurture the two younger missionaries in the District and have sought with all our hearts, mights, minds, and strengths to uplift those less-actives, investigators, members, and new members as they have faced challanges and have met great obstacles. Never have I felt more joy or success as a missionary as we have done such. Watching others smile and find peace and joy brings to us a great feeling of Happiness and Joy. When they are happy we are happy. We cry, when they cry, we laugh when they laugh.
Christ has shown us the way to truly be selfless and to give up ones entire life for others. He showed me how to love those around me, and he has helped me to soften my heart and his everlasting atonement has made me into who I am today. I know that he cries when I cry, he hurts when I hurt, and he rejoices when I rejoice. He is your saviour, he is my saviour, he is the reason why I am here.
Let us take these first steps into a new year remembering what Christ has done for us, and let let us seek to do what we can to repay him. Love your Neighbor, your friends, your enemies. Show kindness unto all those around you and seek to uplift those who are saddened or injured. This is true Religion, and this is where we can truly find happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
明けましておめでとうございます！！
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2011 is over and 2012 begins. My time here in Japan begins to wind to an end and soon, quicker than I like, I will be on a plane home to America. Lots of things have happened here in Japan that will forever leave a mark upon me. Countless blessings have been poured out upon me and even more countless blessings have been poured out upon my family. These two years have truly been the best two years of my life. I can say that I would`nt have traded them for anything. I have found great joy in the service of my God and I have found great Joy in seeing the lives of others blessed and helping them to find true happiness. It has been hard at times, yes, but it has been worth every tear, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night and all that I have experienced. Blazing hot summers, to freezing cold winters. Crashing bikes, to climbing mountains. The laughing, the crying, the smiling, the joy. These are all burned into my heart forever more.
I`m not really sure what I`m going to write at all today, because it won`t be long at all before I`m home. Maybe I should just stop emailing and leave everyone in suspense until I`m home, but then again I know my Mom will get infuriated.
Well, to say the least, it`s been a bit of a difficult week this week. We`ve felt a lot of pressure pushed on us this week and it was in all honesty pretty hard and really frustrating. Even though we were working as hard as we could we were still being pressured. But that pressure has actually helped me to bond even more with my beloved companion Elder Niven. Many a night we have just sat and talked with each other, uplifting each other, testifying to each other, seeking to support each other in our difficulties. It`s been a very spiritual week with my companion, and although we haven`t been able to teach too many people, or find new investigators we`ve been teaching each other and have helped each other a lot. I can say that Elder Niven is my favorite companion and we`ll be lifelong friends.
Even though our best investigator, Ozaki Risa`s parents are against her coming to, or joining this church there has ever been a light of hope and faith in our hearts. Every time we talk with her, or teach her she surprises us with what she asks, or what she replies. She is truly someone that is seeking to find God and true happiness and stability in her life. This morning as we talked with her she even talked about wanting to serve a mission herself if she ever could. She has great faith, and knows that this church is true and that God lives. I`m pretty sure that she`ll be able to get baptized pretty soon.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
Selfless Service
"He that loseth his life for my name`s sake shall take it up again." Jesus Christ
Selfless service is a sign of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. A person who loses himself in the cause of another, seeking to uplift, to encourage, to support, to love, and to help those in need is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. One such great example is my companion Elder Niven, who came out seeking to help his own friend that had lived a very hard and difficult life, thinking that somehow his example, or what he would learn would be able to help her to learn of God and be able to find true joy and happiness.
This past week Elder Niven and I have been seeking to support each other and help each other. Together we have grown and learned a lot about Love, Charity, and service. We have turned away from ourselves and turned to each other and those around us. Both of us, as older missionaries have taken it upon us to help teach and nurture the two younger missionaries in the District and have sought with all our hearts, mights, minds, and strengths to uplift those less-actives, investigators, members, and new members as they have faced challanges and have met great obstacles. Never have I felt more joy or success as a missionary as we have done such. Watching others smile and find peace and joy brings to us a great feeling of Happiness and Joy. When they are happy we are happy. We cry, when they cry, we laugh when they laugh.
Christ has shown us the way to truly be selfless and to give up ones entire life for others. He showed me how to love those around me, and he has helped me to soften my heart and his everlasting atonement has made me into who I am today. I know that he cries when I cry, he hurts when I hurt, and he rejoices when I rejoice. He is your saviour, he is my saviour, he is the reason why I am here.
Let us take these first steps into a new year remembering what Christ has done for us, and let let us seek to do what we can to repay him. Love your Neighbor, your friends, your enemies. Show kindness unto all those around you and seek to uplift those who are saddened or injured. This is true Religion, and this is where we can truly find happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
So close...
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
Ok! Well, it`s another week. Ummmm.... Where do I start? Monday was hectic, ran around getting a new washer and were barely able to have it delivered in time before we had an appointment to go eat at an all you can eat pizza restuarant with a less active high school kid. So that was a little crazy. Tuesday we had all you can eat at a members house, and wednesday I skipped lunch because I was stuffed and decided that I didn`t need to eat for another month because I was over fed. Thursday me and Elder Perry from Joyo area worked together and lots of fun running around and visiting members. Friday me and Elder Toyosato spent the day planning and had only a little time for Dendo. Saturday I was absolutely destroyed in a game of Table Tennis by a 15 year old girl and then obliterated in a game of Shogi (Japanese chess) by a man in a wheel chair. Sunday I ran around like a chiken with its head cut off trying to work out lessons and Splits in order to teach two teenage girls and get one extremely shy investigator to the christmas devotional. So that was my week in a nut shell. Pretty hectic but really good.
To go into more detail about Sunday we had two of our investigators at church, both of them are teenage girls. One is the daughter of a less-active couple and the other is the girlfriend of one of the YSA that is preparing to leave on a mission next year. Both of them get along really well and act as if they have been members their whole lives and have instantly created great friendships within the ward. When we taught them after church we had to do splits and so I taught the member`s girlfriend which was way fun and way surprising. She told me flat out that as she hears the lessons she doesn`t want her boyfriend to be there. She also had the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Bible on her Iphone before she had ever come to church. I was sitting in utter amazement and my Member companion was just saying "Kids these days are so different." Then our extremely shy investigator came to the Christmas Devotional and actually talked with the members and was very open and had a good time. It was just a miraculous day yesterday and full of surprises.
Not sure what it is I need to write this week, other than everything is going to get even more hectic this week as my companion prepares to return home to Okinawa. We have to get all of his stuff packed up and sent off before Sunday and then Sunday night we have to head of to the Mission home in order to get him home by Sunday. Things just keep getting busier and busier, which just makes time move faster and faster.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
D&C 25:12 "The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me."
Singing hymns or songs of praise is a wonderful way to invite the spirit. The Lord has caused that many hymns should be written and he himself enjoys those beautiful melodies and lyrics that are sung. Songs can bring comfort, peace, love, and Joy both to those that sing and those that hear.
A few years ago as I was travelling about with my High School Choir for Christmas we sung in a Hospital Lobby as worried parents, friends, spouses, children and patience scurried in and out. I always remember one little boy, who was rolled up in a wheel chair and hooked up to an IV bag, he was hairless and his skin was pale and his body frail. He asked us to sing one of his favorite christmas melodies. As we sang through that song again I remember seeing him smile and his parents, standing behind his wheel chair cry, moved with emotion. I felt the joy that comes from sharing the love of Christmas through singing as I saw his family obtain just a small little piece of joy on that day.
With much love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Ok! Well, it`s another week. Ummmm.... Where do I start? Monday was hectic, ran around getting a new washer and were barely able to have it delivered in time before we had an appointment to go eat at an all you can eat pizza restuarant with a less active high school kid. So that was a little crazy. Tuesday we had all you can eat at a members house, and wednesday I skipped lunch because I was stuffed and decided that I didn`t need to eat for another month because I was over fed. Thursday me and Elder Perry from Joyo area worked together and lots of fun running around and visiting members. Friday me and Elder Toyosato spent the day planning and had only a little time for Dendo. Saturday I was absolutely destroyed in a game of Table Tennis by a 15 year old girl and then obliterated in a game of Shogi (Japanese chess) by a man in a wheel chair. Sunday I ran around like a chiken with its head cut off trying to work out lessons and Splits in order to teach two teenage girls and get one extremely shy investigator to the christmas devotional. So that was my week in a nut shell. Pretty hectic but really good.
To go into more detail about Sunday we had two of our investigators at church, both of them are teenage girls. One is the daughter of a less-active couple and the other is the girlfriend of one of the YSA that is preparing to leave on a mission next year. Both of them get along really well and act as if they have been members their whole lives and have instantly created great friendships within the ward. When we taught them after church we had to do splits and so I taught the member`s girlfriend which was way fun and way surprising. She told me flat out that as she hears the lessons she doesn`t want her boyfriend to be there. She also had the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Bible on her Iphone before she had ever come to church. I was sitting in utter amazement and my Member companion was just saying "Kids these days are so different." Then our extremely shy investigator came to the Christmas Devotional and actually talked with the members and was very open and had a good time. It was just a miraculous day yesterday and full of surprises.
Not sure what it is I need to write this week, other than everything is going to get even more hectic this week as my companion prepares to return home to Okinawa. We have to get all of his stuff packed up and sent off before Sunday and then Sunday night we have to head of to the Mission home in order to get him home by Sunday. Things just keep getting busier and busier, which just makes time move faster and faster.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
D&C 25:12 "The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me."
Singing hymns or songs of praise is a wonderful way to invite the spirit. The Lord has caused that many hymns should be written and he himself enjoys those beautiful melodies and lyrics that are sung. Songs can bring comfort, peace, love, and Joy both to those that sing and those that hear.
A few years ago as I was travelling about with my High School Choir for Christmas we sung in a Hospital Lobby as worried parents, friends, spouses, children and patience scurried in and out. I always remember one little boy, who was rolled up in a wheel chair and hooked up to an IV bag, he was hairless and his skin was pale and his body frail. He asked us to sing one of his favorite christmas melodies. As we sang through that song again I remember seeing him smile and his parents, standing behind his wheel chair cry, moved with emotion. I felt the joy that comes from sharing the love of Christmas through singing as I saw his family obtain just a small little piece of joy on that day.
With much love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sometimes, the Lord knows exactly what you need....
Dear Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, Family, and Friends
Well, this week has been hectic and fun. Just everything not working out the way I thought it would, plus my birthday and a load of surprises along with that.
Monday, was just absolutely crazy. We went the department store to buy a new washing machine, found one and called the mission office to get the money put on our cards so that we could buy it. They said they`d get it to us ASAP, well a few hours later of waiting and calling them again, they told us it would be a couple days before they could get back to us. By that time our P-day was over and so we just had to go out and work without getting anything else done.
Everything was pretty normal up until thursday night when we went to a member`s house for dinner. He fed us to the point where we were about to explode, bought me a very expensive wallet for my birthday and then still had more food for us to eat, but we couldn`t fit anything else into our already overpacked stomachs. But time was up and we had to rush back to our apartment to make it on time for Curfew.
Friday was just another friday but saturday was when everything started to pick up.
Saturday was my birthday and so I`m now 21 years old, and despite all my attempts on Saturday to avoid the Happy Birthday Song and lots of attention being drawn to me, I was foiled time and time again. The biggest of which was a member lunch that we had been invited to. Brother Mercado, an immigrant from Peru made us lunch and it was way delicious. As we finished up lunch and he was putting away the dishes and talking to his little boy when I heard the words "Birthday Cake." Then out of the kitchen he came with a birthday cake and him and his family and my companion sang for me. The biggest surprise was that the way he had found out about my birthday was because Mom looked him up and added him on facebook, and then he looked at my profile and saw that it was my birthday, and thus prepared for me. It was a very wonderful surprise and very welcomed.
The next surprise came that night at the Christmas Music night that we had, well after at least. During the program I was the announcer so I made absolute sure that my Birthday was not announced at all, but afterwards as almost all of the members were sitting around talking and we were talking to a few less actives my companion gathered everyone and they sang happy birthday for me. It was the beautiful Happy Birthday song I have EVER heard, and I`m serious to, they were all in perfect tune. It was almost like listening to a choir. They also bought me pizza from pizza hut.
Those were my birthday surprises, and Sunday was wonderful as well, we had 3 investigators at church and had some awesome lessons. Everything seemed to just work out and we had a great time with the YSA and Youth at the ward Family Home Evening activity, where 2 of our investigators came.
All in all it was a great week with loads of fun.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
3 Nephi 13:30ish "For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."
This week has been a very wonderful, but quiet and simple week, as I was really able to feel the truthfullness of this scriptures. God as our loving Heavenly Father knows all the things that we need. He knows what will make us happy, what will comfort us and what will be best for us. I feel as if God celebrated my Birthday along with many other people, that he reached down from heaven as if to say that he knows who I am and to wish me a happy birthday.
I`m far away from home, many thousands of miles away and speaking a language that is compeletely foreign and strange. To be honest it does at time feel lonely and sad. Yet this far away from home I can still feel the radiant Love of God and his many blessings. It was a miracle that Brother Mercado knew about my birthday, as I do not know how my Mother would have known that he was in my ward at all. That small gift, that sweet and tender moment wwas very powerful for me.
Also, in this work as a missionary, times have been tough and when things seemed to not be going so well I came across this scripture. Almost immediately I felt that everything would be all right and everything would turn out good. Then on Sunday we had huge success with our investigators coming to church and we have been recieving many referrals of late. God knows what we need to do his work, he knows what we need to achieve what he wants us to do.
I testify that God loves each and every one of us. That he knows us by name and by face, by voice and by action. He knows what we need, he knows what will bring us the greatest joy and he strives to use all of his infinite power to bring to pass our Eternal Salvation and Happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Well, this week has been hectic and fun. Just everything not working out the way I thought it would, plus my birthday and a load of surprises along with that.
Monday, was just absolutely crazy. We went the department store to buy a new washing machine, found one and called the mission office to get the money put on our cards so that we could buy it. They said they`d get it to us ASAP, well a few hours later of waiting and calling them again, they told us it would be a couple days before they could get back to us. By that time our P-day was over and so we just had to go out and work without getting anything else done.
Everything was pretty normal up until thursday night when we went to a member`s house for dinner. He fed us to the point where we were about to explode, bought me a very expensive wallet for my birthday and then still had more food for us to eat, but we couldn`t fit anything else into our already overpacked stomachs. But time was up and we had to rush back to our apartment to make it on time for Curfew.
Friday was just another friday but saturday was when everything started to pick up.
Saturday was my birthday and so I`m now 21 years old, and despite all my attempts on Saturday to avoid the Happy Birthday Song and lots of attention being drawn to me, I was foiled time and time again. The biggest of which was a member lunch that we had been invited to. Brother Mercado, an immigrant from Peru made us lunch and it was way delicious. As we finished up lunch and he was putting away the dishes and talking to his little boy when I heard the words "Birthday Cake." Then out of the kitchen he came with a birthday cake and him and his family and my companion sang for me. The biggest surprise was that the way he had found out about my birthday was because Mom looked him up and added him on facebook, and then he looked at my profile and saw that it was my birthday, and thus prepared for me. It was a very wonderful surprise and very welcomed.
The next surprise came that night at the Christmas Music night that we had, well after at least. During the program I was the announcer so I made absolute sure that my Birthday was not announced at all, but afterwards as almost all of the members were sitting around talking and we were talking to a few less actives my companion gathered everyone and they sang happy birthday for me. It was the beautiful Happy Birthday song I have EVER heard, and I`m serious to, they were all in perfect tune. It was almost like listening to a choir. They also bought me pizza from pizza hut.
Those were my birthday surprises, and Sunday was wonderful as well, we had 3 investigators at church and had some awesome lessons. Everything seemed to just work out and we had a great time with the YSA and Youth at the ward Family Home Evening activity, where 2 of our investigators came.
All in all it was a great week with loads of fun.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the week
3 Nephi 13:30ish "For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."
This week has been a very wonderful, but quiet and simple week, as I was really able to feel the truthfullness of this scriptures. God as our loving Heavenly Father knows all the things that we need. He knows what will make us happy, what will comfort us and what will be best for us. I feel as if God celebrated my Birthday along with many other people, that he reached down from heaven as if to say that he knows who I am and to wish me a happy birthday.
I`m far away from home, many thousands of miles away and speaking a language that is compeletely foreign and strange. To be honest it does at time feel lonely and sad. Yet this far away from home I can still feel the radiant Love of God and his many blessings. It was a miracle that Brother Mercado knew about my birthday, as I do not know how my Mother would have known that he was in my ward at all. That small gift, that sweet and tender moment wwas very powerful for me.
Also, in this work as a missionary, times have been tough and when things seemed to not be going so well I came across this scripture. Almost immediately I felt that everything would be all right and everything would turn out good. Then on Sunday we had huge success with our investigators coming to church and we have been recieving many referrals of late. God knows what we need to do his work, he knows what we need to achieve what he wants us to do.
I testify that God loves each and every one of us. That he knows us by name and by face, by voice and by action. He knows what we need, he knows what will bring us the greatest joy and he strives to use all of his infinite power to bring to pass our Eternal Salvation and Happiness. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
With much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Monday, November 28, 2011
It's almost the end....but a future to look towards...
Dear Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends
Well, another crazy week flies by like lightning. Not sure what to write. Things just never work out as planned anymore. Makes planning seem almost pointless to me now since we never manage to get even half of the plan done ever. Quite entertaining but at the same time quite a nuisance.
Let`s see... What I remember the most from this week is being absolutely exhausted every single day. Not sure why but I`m constantly tired. We did have a few good lessons though. On Tuesday we met with Okuda Yuta, the investigator that I had found over a year and a half ago, and talked to him and asked him a lot of questions trying to find out what he`s thinking. It was way fun and way cool to get him to open up and tell us that why he didn`t want to get baptized was simply because he didn`t even believe in God yet, and he didn`t want to get baptized if he isn`t going to stay in the church or have a firm testimony. So now we know how to work with him.
Other than that we had a lesson with another investigator a few times that just liked to talk a lot. Kind of gets frustrating when people don`t focus or don`t let you continue on with what your trying to say. Guess it just means I`m supposed to learn a lot of patience.
We also had Zone Conference, which was way fun, got to see a few good friends and learn really cool things from President Zinke. Also was taught about how to stay healthy and told not to mentally criticize myself by the Asia North Area Missionary Health Advisor Missionaries peoples.
After that I beat my companion, Elder Toyosato in a game of Shogi (Japanese Chess) and his rear bike wheel is falling apart. He`s way funny and way chill about what`s going on, but we`re both wondering why that at the very end of his mission when he wants to work hard his bike breaks, his health gets worse, and other things just get in the way of him working. Poor guy, I love him to death, but long hours waiting in front of the bathroom also make me very tired.
Not sure what else to type. I want to go out site seeing but, between my companions broken bike, and our broken washing machine we don`t have all that much time. Hopefully next week we`ll be able to start seeing some cool stuff.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
As we visited a family last night I asked them a question "What has been the greatest blessing that hs come from knowing the Gospel?" As I thought about that question for myself, and how I would answer it myself I came up with a very simple answer: "My Future"
Being raised in the Gospel has always been a great blessing to me. The Gospel has always blessed my life and my family as I learned righteous morals and ideals. It has given me many strong and valiant friends and shown me many great examples of righteous people. The scriptures opened my mind to the truth, and the Holy Ghost has testified to me of it all. I have been comforted by the Comforter, I have been forgiven of my sins, and I have seen many miracles performed before me. Those blessings are all wonderful and amazing to me, but still not the greatest blessing to me.
My Future has been the greatest blessing to me. As I look back to where I was 2 years ago, before I truly knew the Gospel was true and before I truly learned to repent and rely upon God and upon my Savior, I can see exactly where my life would have led. I can see that I would have little hope for the future if any at all. I would have lived and then I would have died, with no success no true happiness, nor joy. Yet Now I can look forward and see what lies ahead. I can see that in my future there is of course trials and tribulations but far more than that there is Happiness and Joy indescribable. I can picture easily in my minds eye my future family filled with the joy of the gospel. I have that hope that I can live together forever with my family. I can look forward, past the here and now, past the current trial or the current tribulation and understand that the "Best is yet to Come" (Elder Holland).
"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4)
Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
With Much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
Well, another crazy week flies by like lightning. Not sure what to write. Things just never work out as planned anymore. Makes planning seem almost pointless to me now since we never manage to get even half of the plan done ever. Quite entertaining but at the same time quite a nuisance.
Let`s see... What I remember the most from this week is being absolutely exhausted every single day. Not sure why but I`m constantly tired. We did have a few good lessons though. On Tuesday we met with Okuda Yuta, the investigator that I had found over a year and a half ago, and talked to him and asked him a lot of questions trying to find out what he`s thinking. It was way fun and way cool to get him to open up and tell us that why he didn`t want to get baptized was simply because he didn`t even believe in God yet, and he didn`t want to get baptized if he isn`t going to stay in the church or have a firm testimony. So now we know how to work with him.
Other than that we had a lesson with another investigator a few times that just liked to talk a lot. Kind of gets frustrating when people don`t focus or don`t let you continue on with what your trying to say. Guess it just means I`m supposed to learn a lot of patience.
We also had Zone Conference, which was way fun, got to see a few good friends and learn really cool things from President Zinke. Also was taught about how to stay healthy and told not to mentally criticize myself by the Asia North Area Missionary Health Advisor Missionaries peoples.
After that I beat my companion, Elder Toyosato in a game of Shogi (Japanese Chess) and his rear bike wheel is falling apart. He`s way funny and way chill about what`s going on, but we`re both wondering why that at the very end of his mission when he wants to work hard his bike breaks, his health gets worse, and other things just get in the way of him working. Poor guy, I love him to death, but long hours waiting in front of the bathroom also make me very tired.
Not sure what else to type. I want to go out site seeing but, between my companions broken bike, and our broken washing machine we don`t have all that much time. Hopefully next week we`ll be able to start seeing some cool stuff.
Elder Tateishi`s Gospel Message of the Week
As we visited a family last night I asked them a question "What has been the greatest blessing that hs come from knowing the Gospel?" As I thought about that question for myself, and how I would answer it myself I came up with a very simple answer: "My Future"
Being raised in the Gospel has always been a great blessing to me. The Gospel has always blessed my life and my family as I learned righteous morals and ideals. It has given me many strong and valiant friends and shown me many great examples of righteous people. The scriptures opened my mind to the truth, and the Holy Ghost has testified to me of it all. I have been comforted by the Comforter, I have been forgiven of my sins, and I have seen many miracles performed before me. Those blessings are all wonderful and amazing to me, but still not the greatest blessing to me.
My Future has been the greatest blessing to me. As I look back to where I was 2 years ago, before I truly knew the Gospel was true and before I truly learned to repent and rely upon God and upon my Savior, I can see exactly where my life would have led. I can see that I would have little hope for the future if any at all. I would have lived and then I would have died, with no success no true happiness, nor joy. Yet Now I can look forward and see what lies ahead. I can see that in my future there is of course trials and tribulations but far more than that there is Happiness and Joy indescribable. I can picture easily in my minds eye my future family filled with the joy of the gospel. I have that hope that I can live together forever with my family. I can look forward, past the here and now, past the current trial or the current tribulation and understand that the "Best is yet to Come" (Elder Holland).
"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4)
Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
With Much Love,
Elder Randall KK Tateishi
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