A God of Miracles

First of all, I want to testify that the Lord always pulls through, in one way or another. His miracles are real!

We set a baptism date with Nakata San last Monday. The following day, we did a joint with Sister Sekiguchi. Nakata San seemed a little blue that day. During the lesson, he showed us a letter he received the day before - the same day we invited him to be baptized. The letter disclosed the information that his daughter has passed away.

He lost contact with his daughter many years ago after his divorce. He was heartbroken and spoke of his future dream of meeting his daughter and catching up on all the lost years. It was interesting becuase we had planned to teach "The Plan of Salvation" that evening. We testified to him that families are eternal and he would see his daughter again someday. He felt at peace and reconfirmed his desire to be baptized.

Then two days later we received a phone call from him saying, "I can`t be baptized anymore." In the midst of planning his daughter's funeral, he mentioned to some family members that he was taking the missionary lessons. They reacted angrily, telling him he needed to respect his Japanese culture and if he were to become a Christian, they would cut off all contact with him. Fearing for his relationship with family members, he told us to not come back ever again.

We were heartbroken. I decided to write him a letter, which we planned to drop off later that day. There was a lot of hesitation on whether to visit him or not, but with the assurance of Sister Sekiguchi, we decided to go.

We visited and surprisingly, he answered the door in his usual friendly manner. He let us inside - not what we were expecting at all. He opened up to us, sharing his fears about losing his family members, especially after losing his daughter. He apologized about not being able to be baptized, but that he still had the desire. Then, with tears in his eyes he asked, "How can I make this hurt go away?" We cried with him. We testified of God's infinite love and that through His son Jesus Christ, we can overcome all things.

The amazing miracle is that he believed us. The spirit testified to him that what we taught was true. He told us he prays to God three times a day and has felt a warm feeling in his heart every time he does.

Right now we are praying for the miracle to soften the hearts of his family.

This is where we are currently at with Nakata San. We still don't know what's going to happen, but I am filled with the assurance that the Lord will work His miracles.

Love you all!

- Matsuura Shimai

Doctrine and Covenants 35:8

 

 Artwork done by our friend Nishiwaki San. She is Buddhist, but created this beautiful piece of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus during a difficult time in her life.

You don't want to miss this one

 

(From two weeks ago) Sending off Ikehara Shimai to open one of the first sister-only areas in our mission! (Yes Sisters are currently taking over the mission!) She is companions with none other than the legendary Sister Jacobson!

Last week Sister Burrows and I housed into a man named Nakata San. He was your typical nice man who listened to our message and accepted a Book of Mormon. We didn't think much of it. Fast forward a week later and we decide to visit this man again. It was the day after our mission-wide fast for missionary work. We were hoping for some big miracles to take place.

Nakata San greeted us at the door and seemed pretty excited that we returned. After welcoming us back, the first thing he asked was, "Why did Jesus have to suffer?" It turns out he read a little bit of the Book of Mormon. He said it was a little hard to understand but he wanted to learn more. He then asked if he could come to church, remembering that we briefly mentioned it last week.

We introduced Jesus Christ to him, explaining who He is and what He has done for us. This led into the topic of Christ's perfect example and how we need to follow Him. We then showed him the video of Jesus Christ's baptism. As the video finished, Nakata San started clapping his hands! I remember  looking at Burrows Shimai and both of us knew we were going to invite this man to be baptized. So we did. His response was, "As long as it's not in a river like Jesus!" We assured him that our church building has a "large bathtub" and that it would be a very nice experience. We were able to set a baptism date for the 22nd of this month.

We made it to the starting line with Nakata San! Until then he said he's determined to come to church every week and study the Book of Mormon. Tonight we're doing a joint lesson with President and Sister Sekiguchi. At this point I'm not quite sure whether we'll continue teaching him or if we're passing him to the elders. Either way, I know it will be the best for Nakata San!

I know that the Lord answers prayers and that there are people in this world who are prepared to hear the gospel! Something I've learned in my mission experience are the two main ways in which these people can be found.

Number one: We need to actively seek them, whether it be knocking on doors, chasing people down the streets or asking for referrals. The Lord will recognize and bless all our efforts.

Number two: We need to prepare ourselves so they can find us. This means living righteously so our light will be easily recognizable. There's a scripture in D&C which mentions how "light cleaveth unto light" (88:40). Those who are prepared by the Lord will naturally seek out the light that emanates from our good works and desire to follow our Savior.

Church is true!

Love,

Sister Matsuura

愛するお友だちや家族みなさん!

先週私とバローズ姉妹は中田さんと言う親友見つけました。最初から彼がとても優しくてメッセージを聞いたりモルモン書をもらいました！一週間すぎて彼とも一回会いました！今回会う時彼の最初の質問は 「なぜイエスキリストが私たちのために罪を払いましたか」彼が少しだけモルモン書読みました。理解できなかったのところがありました、しかし彼はもと学びたい気持ちがあります！そこから私たちは彼にイエスキリストを紹介されました。イエスキリストのバプテスマビデオを見せた後、中田さんにバプテスマ決意を進めました！彼が９月の22日バプテスマ受ける予定があります！

今日関口会長や姉妹とジョイントレッスンします！その後おそらく中田さんが長老宣教師にパースします！

祈りの答えが真実であったりそなえられた人々が東北にいると証します！その人々を見つけるためにイエスキリストの光を持って一緒に頑張りましょう！

教会が真実です！

愛してるよ！

松浦姉妹

教義と聖約 88. 40

Will you get baptized in 15 years?

Well first of all tranfers. I'm staying in Morioka with Burrows Shimai! This will be my third transfer in this beautiful place.

Burrows Shimai's depiction of us! She did this in 20 minutes. So talented!

WE MADE A BAPTISM DATE

Got to go on splits with my beloved Jacobson Shimai! We made a baptism date with one of our friends Ichikawa San! But here's the kicker, it's scheduled to take place on August 25, 2033 after she retires. I've got a feeling I won't be in Morioka during that time, but you can bet we will be following up with her!

Mount Iwate at sunset! Check out that gradient.

A NEW APPROACH

I hope this blows your mind as much as mine did when I first heard this. President Sekiguchi introduced a new approach in inviting people to be baptized. 

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true..."

If you take a closer look at Moroni 10:4, you might notice this scripture invites us to ask if these things are NOT true. 

At a recent zone conference we practiced the following approach when inviting people to be baptized. Usually missionaries invite people to pray about baptism followed by the promise that they will feel it is "right" whether it be through a spiritual manifestation or warm feeling. But more often than not, people may not be able to recognize that "warm feeling". Instead we are asking them to pray and if they DON'T receive a bad feeling, to please get baptized! 

Learning this approach has helped me better recognize the spirit and receive direction in my personal life. If the light isn't red or yellow than it's always green! God will never allow us to make a wrong decision without giving us a warning first. If we don`t receive a warning we can move forward with full confidence knowing the Lord supports our decisions!

WE MET THEM BY CHANCE

We were walking the steets of Morioka with our good friend Yukari San when we randomly ran into the Elders. After talking with them for a couple minutes we received the impression to introduce the Elders to Yukari's boyfriend who lived close by! We did so and he is now an investigator. Goes to show that God places us where we need to be at the right time! 

Met up with some old friends! The lady next to me is my mom's college friend Ito San! The other two are her daughter and son. It was great to catch up them!

My prayers are with you all! 

Church is true.

Love,

Matsuura Shimai 

Siesta!!!

Just when you thought our mission couldn't think of another crazy idea...



THE BEST IDEA YET

We received a new summer schedule. For the month of August we are to

 wake up at 5 AM every morning. We do all our studies by 10, go out and

proselyte for two and a half hours, come home eat lunch, and then SIESTA

 for an hour and a half! We are literally being commanded by our mission

 president to take an afternoon nap. I thought it was a joke at first, but let

 me tell you, it has been the most amazing thing of my life!  We get to relax

and rejuvenate ourselves before going out and proselyting hard from 2-9 PM.



NATURE BAPTISM

The Elders had a nature baptism for Shibata San last week! It was one of

the most peaceful baptismal services I've ever attended. The service took

 place in a river at 7:30 on a Sunday morning. Shibata San was so excited

that he arrived at the river bank at 6:30, eagerly waiting for his moment to

enter the waters of baptism. Shibata San has a solid testimony and we were

 so excited to welcome him into the Morioka Branch family!



SANSA ODORI

The Sansa Odori (a dance/drum festival) is the pride and joy of Morioka.

 People from all over the world come to view this 3-day event! Fun Fact:

The Sansa Odori holds a Guiness World Record for having the most

 drums played in unison. If you ever come to Japan please plan your

schedule around this festival because I promise it will be the greatest

thing you ever experience. Or you can just look it up on YouTube:)

You will get chills. Anyways, Burrows Shimai and I were invited by a

 friend to dance in the Sansa parade! It was a wholesome experience,

mainly because we were able to talk to alot of people about what we do

as missionaries! Also, Burrows Shimai made it one TV and exposed her

 missionary name badge to the world. Goes to show that there are many

 ways to share the gospel!

Until next time, have a wonderful week! Love you all so much!

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

2 Nephi 33:10

Photos: Me in my siesta gear, Sansa Odori pics, Shibata San's Baptism, MLC!

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10 Things I learned From a Year in the Mission Field

Dearest family, friends, and previous companions,

July 26th is my year mark since becoming a missionary! You know I will be celebrating

with a bowl of ramen in the midst of having my 2/3 mission life crisis. In the meantime,

here's a list of 10 things I learned from a year in the mission field!

1. I still don't know what I'm doing. (D&C 6:36)

Nine transfers in and there's still so much to missionary work that I don't understand

(like figuring out travel schedules and cooking out of an empty fridge on p-day eve).

I'm just grateful we have far beyond this life to reach our highest potential.

I hate deadlines.

2. Crazy does change the world. (1 Nephi 2:11)

English name badges, viral videos, nature baptisms, jet coasters... This mission is

everything that I envisioned a mission would NOT be. But it's seriously the best!

The Japan Sendai mission is built upon high expectations and has an environment

where creativity is fostered. It`s been a successful approach to missionary work here

in Japan. Check out the "Japan Sendai Mission Newsroom" page on Facebook to see

pics of all the nature baptisms that have recently taken place!

3. God's way is the only way (Mosiah 4:9)

I`ve come to know who God is. The more I come to know him, the more I'm willing

to submit my will to His. I've written out a fair share of complaints to God. But time

and time again I've learned that God has a perfect plan for all of us. When my

original plan to serve a mission two years ago fell through, I didn't think I would

ever be a full-time missionary. But with every experience I've had and every person

I've met, I know that God has desired me to serve at this time. God knows best!

4. The family is central to God's plan. (Mosiah 4:14-15)

Going off of number 3, God's timing and His desire for me to serve at this

time has had a direct impact on my family. My grandpa became very sick about

halfway through my mission, and being able to visit and teach him has been one

of the greatest blessings for me. God organized us into families so we can learn,

grow, and uplift each other through this life and far into the next. I'm just grateful

for the small part I've been able to play in helping my grandparents draw closer to God.

5. I still can't convince people that I'm Japanese. (Exodus 18:3)

There's a long-running dad joke in my family that goes something like this. "Meg,

did you know that you're claimed by two countries? America claims you're from

Japan and Japan claims you're from America." Japan has been claiming I'm from

America since my first day here, and I can't seem to convince them otherwise.

6. I have more weaknesses than I ever thought. (Ether 12:27)

This is a common phrase among missionaries here: "The more Japanese I learn,

the more I realize I don't know." The Lord always ensures we are humble so he

can give us more. When we acknowledge our weaknesses, we give God the

opportunity to step in shape us into the individuals He's intended us to become

since the beginning.

7. My companions are better than me. (Alma 29:14-16)

@kobayashishimai for being better at Japanese than me and having so much patience!

@beanshimai for taking the scary phone calls and teaching me how to survive in Japan!

@snowshimai allowing me to have a front row seat at your violin dendou concerts!

@ishikawashimai 一緒に ぶっとんでることができたので, とても楽しかったです!

@jacobsonshimai for being the "glue that holds me together" ;) Also further instilling that Idaho pride in me.

@burrowsshimai for being the best cook I've ever met in my life.

@howellshimai for teaching me how to relax and enjoy life!

8. The adversary fuels fire (Helaman 5:12)

The gospel is true, no doubt about it. I know it, God knows it, and Satan knows it.

I've faced a number of hard rejections as a missionary. But every time something

bad happens, it motivates me to work harder than before, partly because I want

to provoke Satan. But mostly because God has always remained true to His

pattern of performing His greatest miracles after the trial of our faith.

9. The food is better in Japan, but not the potatoes. (1 Nephi 8:9)

My loyalties still remain with the land of my first inheritance. There's not a day

that goes by when I don't think about a delicious yukon gold nestled in a green

field in some far off land called Idaho.

10. The church is true! (The Book of Mormon)

                               

Thank you for the support and prayers! Have a great week and see lots of miracles!

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

1. Seriously, share this book with a friend!

2. Maiko and I found out we were the same age a couple days ago and have been best friends since!

When Baptizing Becomes Natural

Hello!!

The Japan Sendai Mission is proving once again that crazy ideas change the world.

WHEN BAPTIZING BECOMES NATURAL

Our mission is now allowed to perform baptisms in NATURE during the summer months! We're taking it back to Jesus's time and baptizing in oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds... Is that not the coolest thing ever!? We've already had a couple ocean baptisms and a river baptism. The mission is committed to seeing 20 baptisms this month. There are so many prepared people in Tohoku and we are ready to see these miracles take place!

SHOULD WE EVEN BE ALLOWED TO HAVE BIKES

We've broken four bikes within the last two weeks. Two of them as a result of a three shimaite collision. I was in Sendai for a meeting. My two beloved companions stayed in Morioka and was joined by another sister from up north. These three sisters were riding along one day when the first sister crashed into a pole. The sister behind her was following a bit too close and crashed into the first sister. The third sister, anticipating the oncoming collision, slammed her breaks only to have them give out. She too joined the party and crashed into the other two sisters. Good news is no one was injured! Bad news is, I don't know if the mission can trust us with bikes anymore.

SHE LET US IN

Anyone who has served in Japan knows how hard it is to get past the genkan (doorway) to teach a lesson. Yesterday we had the rare experience of being invited to come inside someone's home! Sasaki San is a school teacher who lives alone. She's was kind and listened to our message of the restoration. Afterwards we invited her to come to church to hear more about this message. We exchanged phone numbers and she said she would probably come next Sunday!

Church is true!

Love,

Matsuura Shimai

3 Nephi 5:13

1. We had another party!

2: Lavendar lemonade will change your life

3: 姉妹力

Climbing Mountains and Miracle Splits!

Hello family, friends, past companions!

We have an investigator named Kumagai San who lives on top of a huge mountain.

It's the type of mountain that we slowly start biking up, but then figure that we could get

there faster by walking instead. At some points we literally have to drag our bikes, hoping

and praying we don't lose our grip on them! Going to Kumagai San's house is always a test

of grit and endurance.

Anyways, we went to go visit her this week. We rolled our bikes into her driveway, dripping in

sweat. We said a quick prayer and knocked on her door. She answered only to wave us off

because she was too busy.

We died a little inside, but it was okay because we figured there was another reason we climbed

this mountain.

We rode a little ways down and decided to house the area. We ended up housing into an elderly

couple whose names were, believe it or not, the Kumagai's! It was as if the Lord doubled our

blessings. We shared a simple message with them and they both became our new investigators!

 Things always end up working out according to the Lord's plan.

In other news, we had a miracle splits and ended up finding 6 investigators, including picking up

an old investigator named Shiho! She's a college student at a nearby university. Apparently

the missionaries lost contact with her because she was super busy, but she was able to meet

with us for dinner! She brought up the topic of religion on her own, making it easy for us. She

has a lot of interest in learning more about the gospel!

Sorry not too much time this week. We had district pday today and I experienced Shabu Shabu

(Best food ever) for the first time in my life. It was an emotional experience for me. If you ever

get the chance to eat it, please do! It would make you so happy. It would make me so happy.

We would all be so happy!

Love you all so much!

Matsuura Shimai

1: Burrows shimai's cute art!

2: My two cute companions!

3: Cute Howell Shimai

4: Zone conference with my cute mission family. So cute.