Dec 4th, 2017
We recently had a baptism here in Yamagata! Let me introduce
you to one of the most humblest, kindest, and courageous souls I know - Akemi
San.
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| Love Akemi Shimai's smile! |
A mother of two. Great style. A love for talking. Akemi San
is a literal angel from heaven.
She is also one of the bravest people I know. About 12 years
ago, Akemi San started losing her eye sight. Having known what the world looked
liked and then losing sight of it all was extremely difficult for her. During
one of our lessons she shared how in her dreams she can still see, but then
always awakes to a dark reality. Blindness made it difficult for her to believe
in a God.
She couldn't understand how a loving Heavenly Father would
let this happen to her.
But then a miracle happened. Her son, Naoki, found the
missionaries and started taking the lessons. He was baptized this last
September and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood shortly after. Akemi San attended the baptism and felt the
spirit. It was then when she started to accept the idea of a loving Heavenly
Father.
She started taking the missionary lessons. When teaching
lessons, one of the greatest tools we have are visual aides. With Akemi San we
didn't have that option. We had to teach with words, audio recordings and
music. Little by little, she began to understand.
Naoki was a vital support to her learning and conversion.
After his baptism, he brought Akemi San to church. I can still envision the two
of them walking in the chapel, Naoki leading his blind mother by the hand and
ensuring she sat in the front so she could hear the speakers. Every night
before his mother fell asleep, he would play The Book of Mormon on audio for
her. After each lesson, he made sure to review what was discussed.
The members were also a great support, always doing joints
with us and explaining the lessons more clearly than we ever could. But most of
all, we knew it was through the spirit that she was able to understand the
teachings and feel of God's love.
Akemi san entered the waters of baptism this Saturday (Dec.
2) and was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints the following day. I will always remember the spirit that was present as
she bore her heartfelt testimony of the Savior.
Although she is unable to see through her physical eyes,
Akemi San has been given the greater sight of knowing her divine identity and
eternal purpose. She knows she is a special daughter of God and that He has a
perfect plan for her.
Likewise, we are limited in what we can see. But if we trust
in Him who can see all things, we too can have the strength to face challenges,
to overcome temptations, and achieve our fullest potential.
My love for you all,
Matsuura Shimai
2 Nephi 8:6
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