A Miscommunicated Miracle

 

    Thanksgiving at Fledged Burger! The most American restaurant we could find in Yamagata

                         

WHEN IS MISCOMMUNICATION OKAY?

When it moves a baptism date up four weeks. Yes this really happened, all because I can't speak Japanese. The original plan was for Akemi San's baptism to take place on December 30th, but with all the New Year's festivities, we realized it would be a busy time for everyone. So last week I called her son Brother Akiba (a recent convert) to ask if we could change the date to December 25th. But apparently in the phone call, he thought I said NOVEMBER 25th instead of December 25th! A little panicked, he called the Sekiguchi's and told them November 25th would be difficult because that would only give us literally three days to finish all the lessons, do the interviews, AND plan a baptism. So he proposed the idea of having the baptism on December 2nd because 1) It happens to be his day off, and 2) gives all of us more time. So long story short, we are in the midst of preparing a baptismal service for this Saturday!

IS IT OKAY TO STEAL (temporarily borrow) A MUSIC STAND FROM THE CHURCH?

Yes. If it's for mission-related purposes. I'm incredibly proud to announce that I've been self-hired to work as Sister Snow's personal stage manager as we tour around Yamagata playing violin music for all its inhabitants. My job entails carrying around violin equipment (AKA borrowed music stand), scrambling to gather sheet music as it blows off the borrowed music stand, and building good relations with business owners if we perform near their shops. When I'm not doing those three things, I'm inviting people to church, passing out flyers, and gifting Book of Mormons. Yes it's a full-time job. Yes I'm tired. But yes I love it so much that I'm doing it for free.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN IT SNOWS AND YOU HAVE TO WALK EVERYWHERE?

You just plow right through it. Can't FLAKE out because that would be SNOW good. Okay I'm done.

Didn't ask to have this picture taken. It just happened haha

SPOTTED: WOMAN WALKING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD ENJOYING NATURE. WHAT DO YOU DO?

Stop and talk to her obviously. Invite her to English class. She might actually show up. Which is what happened with Oda san! We found her walking down a country road enjoying nature. When she showed up to English class the next night we were ecstatic! She built good relationships with the members and commented on the beauty of the church building. Her English is already super good so we invited her to help teach the class next time she comes. Grateful for the small miracles we get to witness everyday!

Those were the highlights of this week! Thank you for the thoughts and prayers always. Also, if you haven`t done so already, go watch all the #lighttheworld videos on lds.org! I hope they make your heart cry like it did mine.

So much love for you all,

Matsuura Shimai

Alma 5:62

Selfie portrait

We had to get a Book of Mormon to her

Entrance of Kajo park on a semi rainy day    

For the past four months, we've been making consistent attempted visits with a less active named Sister Matsuda.

The first time we visited her, she appeared to be upset that we stopped by. We introduced ourselves and while we were talking, we noticed a young girl of about 12 years of age standing behind her. Before we could share a short message with them, Sister Matsuda told us she was busy and sent us on our way. As the door closed, my companion and I received a shared prompting that we needed to keep coming back.

So our attempts to get in touch with her ensued for the next couple months. We visited almost every week only to be greeted by excuses of being too busy and silence.

Then yesterday (Monday), we once again decided to make the 30 minute bike ride to pay Matsuda Shimai a visit. After we rang the doorbell, we heard rapid footsteps coming down the stairs. The door opened and we saw the face of the young girl who was standing behind Sister Matsuda the first time we visited her. I asked her if Sister Matsuda was home. She replied yes, but that she was too busy to talk to us. After hearing the same excuse for the 100th time, we thought, "alright," and let the girl go.

But as we stood outside their house, we couldn't leave. I reached into my bike basket, grabbed a Book of Mormon, looked at my companion and said, "We have to get a Book of Mormon to that girl."

We rang the doorbell once again and heard the same rapid footsteps coming down the stairs. When the young girl opened the door, we said, "You are the one we want to talk to." A bit surprised, she stepped outside and listened to us as we testified of the Book of Mormon and how she could feel more of God's love as she reads it. When we offered it to her, she gladly accepted it.

I know that was the reason why we were prompted to keep visiting a less active who clearly had no interest in seeing us. The promptings we received wasn't to accomplish what we thought was the reason, but to fulfill the plan of the one who knows all things.

I've come to realize that every attempt we make to share the gospel, whether it be in the form of a simple hello, passing out a Book of Mormon, or inviting someone to church is helping the Lord's work progress. Even if we aren't able to witness the immediate results, baptisms, or reconversions, our efforts are counting toward something.

Never give up hope in the Lord's work!

Love you all,

Matsuura Shimai

Mosiah 4:9

District Pday!