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
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| Love this sweet companion of mine! |
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| District on the rocks |
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| Bowling on the American Base! Yes we ate actual American food too. |
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