The Blessings of Sacrifice

Greetings from Morioka!

PURIKURA with Cromar Shimai

Our church is located on the banks of a beautiful pond called 高松の池 (Takamatsu no Ike).

When the weather starts cooling down and the leaves change colors, the pond serves as resting place for hundreds of swans. These majestic birds fly thousands of miles from Siberia to Japan every year and usually stay until the spring. People from all over come to take pictures, feed them small pieces of bread, and simply delight in their beauty.

When the swans began making preparations to make the long journey back, they do a check to see which ones are healthy enough to travel the long distance. The swans who are injured or too weak to make the flight choose to remain behind. They offer themselves as a sacrifice so they don't slow down the other swans, ensuring the entire flock a safe and timely return to Siberia.

When I think of these injured swans, I think of all the examples of sacrifice I have seen throughout my life and on my mission. My parents who work endlessly to provide a good life for my brother, Josh. President and Sister Sekiguchi, who devote everything to this mission. The members of Morioka, who despite their busy lives find a way to come to church and fulfill their callings. The people we teach, and their willingness to keep commitments.

For one person we've been teaching, something that was hard for him to sacrifice was tobacco; however, he had a desire to humble himself and follow God`s commandment. But greater than the sacrifice of giving up tobacco, was his sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit. (3 Nephi 9:19-22). Seeing the power of the atonement change the lives of so many people has been the greatest blessing as a missionary. There is no greater joy than watching someone exercise so much faith that they`re willing to leave behind their old life and follow Jesus Christ!

Joseph Smith taught that, “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.” The faith we exercise through sacrifice brings blessings far greater than whatever we were asked to offer. The Lord desires to bless those who are humble and faithful!

Let us always remember the greatest sacrifice of all, which is that of our beloved Savior Jesus Christ! (2 Nephi 2:6-7). Through His example, we can have the strength to overcome all things!

I love you all so much. Have a wonderful week!

Church is true!

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

I got a little too excited about the Shabu shabu

Splits with Hachinohe Shimai!