A long awaited baptism

The biggest news this week is that we got to see two baptisms in Hachinohe right before the transfer ended! Grateful once again for the Lord in allowing us to be witnesses to His miracles.

The individual we got to work with was Sister Patricia (Patty) Dulles, who has been investigating the church for some time. She has been taught by several missionaries over the years. Prior to meeting the missionaries, she said she studied the New Testament and Old Testament, but felt something was missing. But when she read the Book of Mormon, her search for truth felt complete, creating the "perfect triangle". Patty has developed a strong testimony of her Savior through studying the scriptures, praying, and keeping the commandments. Her faith is evident in that she walks a total of four hours to attend church every single week - even on the coldest and windiest of days. She's  a trooper!

Patty is a gifted pianist and enjoys playing classical music by Liszt, Beethoven, and Mozart. I remember the first Sunday I walked into the church building and heard beautiful piano music coming from one of the rooms. I peaked inside and was surprised to see Patty throwing on a concert for herself. No people, no sheet music. Just her and the piano.

Patty is also very knowledgable about the gospel, and everything in general. She's like a walking encyclopedia. The many missionaries who taught lessons and translated church meetings for her have done an incredible job!

Through her unique personality, musical talents and gospel knowledge, I know Patty will help strengthen the church in many ways. She truly is a special daughter of our Heavenly Father! I'm so happy for her decision to be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I would like to bear testimony of the love that God has for all of His children. He longs for all of us to return to His presence someday. No matter what choices we've made, what circumstances we're faced with, or where we are in life - He wants us all to come home.

As Patty bore her testimony following her baptism, she expressed her love for the Savior and how she felt like she belonged to a family once again. She's one step closer to her journey home.

May we all strive to be perfect through the atonement of Christ so we can be reunited with our Heavenly Father someday. While we're at it, let's help others along the way.

This church is true!

Love you all,

Matsuura Shimai

2nd Nephi 31

Join the Work!

1/23/18 

I lost the only key to our apartment today. We spent the whole afternoon searching for it without any luck. Not alot of time to write but I'll share the highlight of this week!

WASABI-FILLED OREOS

Well not really, but kind of! We got to give the people of Hachinohe a little taste of America this week! We hosted an America Party, complete with music, disco ball, sloppy joes, baked beans, root beer and yes... wasabi filled oreos (would not recommend). It was quite the experience! Best part was, we had 22 nonmembers attend! Including a young family of four that we housed just the day before! The numbers exceeded our expectations.

We encouraged members to invite their friends, family members and they did! We are starting to see the miracles of member missionary work here in Hachinohe.

This week, I would like to issue a challenge to everyone. Obtain a copy of the Book of Mormon it doesn't have to be expensive. Read it from cover to cover and mark your favorite verses. After you finish, write your testimony in the front or back cover. Then pray for an opportunity to give it to someone! My promise to you is that the Lord will place someone in your path.

Your testimony will grow and I know someone will be touched by your gift. Their life will change! And so will yours:)

This church is true!

I love you all,

Matsuura Shimai

p.s. Ishikawa Shimai and I also performed a mission version of "A Whole New World" at the America Party. Yes there's a video and yes it was embarrassing. If you would like to see it, let me know and I'll send it your way:).

Photos: Help the missionaries out. Share this book!

A Prophecy Being Fulfilled

January 8, 2018

This week, I want to highlight a prophecy given by President Eyring that has had a huge impact in my work as a missionary.

In 1998, President Eyring spoke at the Japan Missionary Training Center and made the following prophecy concerning missionary work in Japan.

“I  testify that in Japan,  the  Lord  will  dramatically  establish  the  church  and  provide  guidance  for  its expansion.  For  many  months  and  years,  it  appears  that  things  are  stalled  in  the  same  situation.  But in reality, the Lord is laying the foundation.  And upon this foundation, miracles will occur... The  day will  come  when  members  of  the  Church  will  consider  it  a  privilege  to  speak  to  colleagues  at  work and people in their neighborhoods about the Church. Your  children  will  live  in  a  Japan  which  is  very  different  from  the  Japan  you  see  now.  This  is because  the  Church  will  begin  to  achieve  a  marvelous  expansion.  It  will  obtain  a  prominent  place and people will want to know  about  it.  They will be interested and come.  Your children  will grow  up not  feeling  embarrassed  to  testify  of  Jesus Christ  in  their  schools  and  in  their  regional  societies. They  will  tell  their  friends  they  go  to  school  with  and  even  their  teachers  that  they  are  Latter-day Saints. They will have no fear.   Not everyone will join the Church, but many will become members. You are only seeing the beginning.  You  wonderful  missionaries  here  will  only  see  a  portion  of  the miracles.  Those  in  the  next  generation  will  be  the  ones  who  will  really  see  them.  But it will begin now.  This  will  be  realized  because  the  Lord  will  change  the  message  of  the  Church  from  what  it  has been  in  Japan.  The  day  will  come  when  members  of  the  Church  in  Japan  will  rejoice  in  their  Church membership and will gladly urge people to learn the gospel from the missionaries. “But  even  if  the  Lord  changes  the  hearts  of  those  outside  the  Church  so  they  hold  feelings  of respect  for  the  Church,  unless  (Church  members)  decide  they  want  to  introduce  their  friends  to  the missionaries  and  their  actions  show  the  gospel  is  true  so  the  people  around  them  will  turn  their ears to the teachings of the Lord, the work of the Lord will be retarded in its progress.”

This prophecy was given 20 years ago. Now is the time to really starting seeing the miracles take place. I have been able to witness some of the blessings of the prophecy come true these past six months and I know the gospel will continue to touch the lives of many as missionaries and members work together.

Although this prophecy is specific to Japan, everyone can benefit from the counsel President Eyring offers. I love the verse in Jacob 5 of the Book of Mormon when the Lord states, "Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might." I believe that the Lord is not only talking to his missionaries but to ALL members. We all have an important work to do in the Lord's vineyard, whether it be visiting a less active, inviting a nonmember friend to a church activity, or doing a joint lesson with the missionaries. Members are vital in strengthening the church in their areas.

I understand the fear that may come with sharing the gospel with those not of our faith. I still find myself hesitant at times with approaching certain people on the streets. When facing moments of fear, the words of 2 Timothy 1: 7-8 come to my mind,

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord..."

We can find courage through our Savior! I know that as we do our part, the Lord will not only bless us, but we will become more converted in the gospel. Our testimonies will grow and we will be better prepared to face challenges in our own lives.

Thank you for the overwhelming support these past six months. Can't believe how fast time has flown. I still have so much work to do!

愛しています!

Church is true.

Love always,

Matsuura Shimai

Love this sweet companion of mine!

District on the rocks

Bowling on the American Base! Yes we ate actual American food too.