 |
| Purikura! |
Ever since first entering the mission field, I often
expressed the difficulty of communicating with people in Japanese. Now the
greater challenge has shifted to UNDERSTANDING the people. Not just the
language, but also their traditions, cultures and beliefs.
Missionary work in Japan has its unique challenges. For
example, finding a way to teach about Christian beliefs in a country that is
deeply set in Buddhist traditions. Through the countless rejections, weird
looks and unkind comments, I've come to realize that as we strive to understand
the beliefs of others and acknowledge the truth they do have, we can all
benefit from receiving greater light and knowledge.
 |
| Beloved companions (minus Snow Shimai, she is greatly missed) |
Sister Jacobson came up with a great idea that we put into
action over the past couple weeks. We call it the "keep them at the
door" challenge. The objective: Show genuine interest in the people we
encounter, improve our listening skills, ask inspired questions and well...
keep them at the door!
This was me the first 8 months of my mission:
Us: Hi we're missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints!
Lady at the door: Oh.. I'm Buddhist
Us: Okay we understand, goodbye!
Since the "keep them at the door" challenge:
Us: Hi we're missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints!
Lady at the door: I'm Buddhist.
Us: Wow! What do you believe?
Lady at the door: (Opens up. Goes on a rant. We become
best friends.)
It's worked out pretty well so far! Ever since coming to
Japan, I've encountered countless individuals from various religious and
nonreligious backgrounds who have expressed their own beliefs in what seems to
be the universal search for happiness. God truly desires our happiness and I
know
 |
| Tokyo 2020 |
One such individual that we've met recently is Yamada san, a
woman we do service wth every week. Everytime we meet she brings up the topic
of God. Surprisingly, alot of our beliefs aligned in that she believes that God
is our father and we are all a part of His family. I was amazed. Here is a
woman with no Christian background and hasn't been to church, but has developed
a personal relationship with God.
As we listened intently to her personal beliefs, we were
able to have a wonderful discussion on the nature of God and how we can
continue developing a close relationship with Him. As we talked, I could feel
the love that God has for Yamada san. It's the same love He has for all His
children.
There is no doubt in my mind that God provides a way for all
His children to discover truth, whether it be partial or whole.
Elder B. H. Roberts (1857–1933) of the Seventy said the
following statement. “While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is
established for the instruction of men; and it is one of God’s
instrumentalities for making known the truth yet he is not limited to that
institution for such purposes, neither in time nor place. God raises up wise
men and prophets here and there among all the children of men, of their own
tongue and nationality, speaking to them through means that they can
comprehend. … All the great teachers are servants of God; among all nations and
in all ages. They are inspired men, appointed to instruct God’s children
according to the conditions in the midst of which he finds them.”
This quote reemphasized to me that those with different
religious beliefs do have truth and their leaders were inspired individuals.
Although I don't claim to be Buddhist, I can learn from its beliefs and respect
the truth it does hold.
Knowing this has helped me to be a better instrument in
God's hands by reminding me of the love he has for ALL people.
2 Nephi 29:7
"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?"
As we come to understand and listen to those we serve and
teach, God will guide us in helping all His children receive the full and
restored truth of the gospel.
The church is true!
Love,
Matsuura Shimai
 |
| 4 generations strong! |
No comments:
Post a Comment