MISSIONARY NEWSLETTER (1-31 May 2018)

Transcription

1 MISSIONARY NEWSLETTER (1-31 May 2018) This month saw Elder and Sister Spano involved in many activities, from visiting with a living apostle, to USO activities, and finally enjoying again the beauty of Japan. Sister Spano continues to sing in the ward choir, teach the fourth Sunday s Relief Society lesson, and substitutes in Primary as needed. Our weekly district meetings were inspiring and uplifting. First, Elder Linhardt (he s from Denmark) led a discussion on the Evidences of the Savior s atonement operating in people s lives (D&C 20:37) and as a group we completed the evidence sheet. Next, Elder Murphy led the training discussion, Faith and Finding. As a group we listed the How s to finding ad the Why s (as to why we do it). He asked we accept an invitation to practice a new element of finding which we are not already doing. Another uplifting meeting focused was on online dendo (proselyting)(taught by Elders Low and Hatch) three items: (1) set expectations; (2) using safeguards (focus on purpose, be in tune to spiritual promptings, be one with your companion, and be disciplined); We visited with Sister Jenny Bedoya and her fiancé, Jacob. We presented the Restoration discussion and it was well received. Jacob was brought up a Southern Baptist and attend church regularly until age 12; after that, his family did not attend church regularly. Jacob felt religion was important in his life and that was one reason he asked to know more about the church. We used the Restoration pamphlet and the Joseph Smith pamphlet (First Vision). We also presented him a Book of Mormon. Sister Spano highlighted Moroni 10: 3-5 and we read it together. Jacob was invited to read both pamphlets and write questions and/or feelings in the margins for our next meeting. They are planning a 16 June wedding in Marietta, Georgia. Also, we attended Zone Conference. Both Elder and Sister Spano enjoyed visiting with all the Elders and Sisters. Of most importance from the conference, was an increased understanding and difference between preparing for baptism and an invitation to baptism. Another potential investigator, Derrick Vennevold, attended church several times this month. His girlfriend is a member of another ward, but she attends the Yokota Military Ward with him He will be reassigned back to the states, Edwards Air Force Base, in September. Elder Spano s him several times a week and he s about ready to begin listening to the discussions. On one particular Sunday, Derrick attended the Gospel Principals class and the lesson was #17, Christ s Church in Modern Times. Before class, I told Derrick this was an extension of last week s lesson and he would hear about the First Vision and the Restoration of the Priesthood. Elder Spano asked him how he felt about coming to church and he indicated he very much liked coming. Elder Spano further asked if he would like to hear more about the Church and our

2 beliefs. His response, Is it different than these lessons (Gospel Principals)? After the Sunday School lesson, Derrek left the room in a hurry with his girlfriend right behind him. Elder Spano saw him crying. He went to the men s room to wash his face. When he came out, Elder Spano asked if anything was wrong. His reply, I just started to cry. Elder Spano then said, Why do you think? He replied, I do not know. With that Elder Spano was able to teach him how to recognize the promptings of the Spirit and how the Spirit testifies of the truths discussed during Sunday School. Next, we continue to be involved with the base chapel activities for the single airmen by participated in two, First Term Airmen Luncheons/Chaplains Class, with a total of 26 first termers to the Air Base. In both cases, the assistant chaplain introduced us as LDS representatives to the chapel, but not assigned to the chapel staff. Elder Spano, on both occassions, was asked to outline the importance of taking advantage of educational opportunities and complete degrees as soon as possible. Also, Chaplain Michael McDonald, asked if it was possible if Elder and Sister Spano could particpate in two Marriage Retreats. Each of the two-day retreats, one for couples with children, the other for those without, is intended to assist couples in understanding how Christian values can strengthen one s marriage and relationship with their spouse. The chapel staff is in the process of finalizing the dates. Sister Spano compiles a report consisting of a survey given to the airmen concerning their interests. This is done and ed to Chaplain McDonald after each FTAClass. However, the most spiritual and most significant events of the month was having the opportunity to visit with Elder Dale Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a living apostle and special witness of Jesus Christ. We had four opportunities, two broadcasts and two live sessions. Saturday, 12 May: Viewed Elder Renlund s Area-Wide Military Member Devotional from Seoul, Korea. Elder Renlund s remarks, complemented by Sister Renlund, was spiritual stability. The three aspects of this focus are: (1) knowing Jesus Christ is the Savior and His work has been restored, (2) revelation through the Holy Ghost, and (3) making and keeping covenants. These three items offer spiritual stability when the difficult times come to us. The gift of knowing Jesus is the Christ is given to AL who are on the covenant path and gives us stability in life. He closed with, I bless you that you will be warned of danger in life see miracles in our lives. Friday, 18 May: we viewed Elder Renlund s missionary broadcast from Sapporo. This was specifically for members and their efforts in assisting missionaries in finding families to teach. We loved the analogy of members working with missionaries and chopsticks. Need both to be successful. Elder Renlund s assignment to Ward Mission Leaders was to come up with a list of 100 items members can do to successfully assist missionaries and rank them from the simplest

3 to the more difficult. Then visit each family and have them select the item/items they can feel successful in accomplishing. Saturday, 19 May: The most spiritual time was spent with Elder Renlund. We began with a mission photo. Upon entering the Cultural Hall, President Warnick, our Mission President, indicated seeing all the missionaries moved him and was an inspiring sight. Sister Spano and I both agree our experience with Elder Renlund was spiritual, uplifting and edifying. What an experience for both of us personally; it is one thing to sustain members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and the Seventy. It is another matter when you meet them face-to-face, greet them, and be taught by them. Elder Spano relates when he shook Elder Renlund s hand he got a firm and chilling confirmation Elder Renlund is indeed a prophet of God and a special witness of the Savior and also felt his love for him, Sister Spano, and all the missionaries. The most emotional portion of Elder Renlund s remarks was one of his last messages for us as missionaries As a special witness of the Savior, I express on His behalf His love for each of you! The evening adult session was equally inspirational and uplifting. We hope we re here long enough for another apostle to visit the mission! This month, tender mercies were numerous. There were several this month: 1. Another family, Gutierrez, have a desire to go to the temple to be sealed and plan to have everything approved for temple recommends by October. First is for Bro Gutierrez to be ordained an Elder. In addition they have a few challenges to overcome, one of which is tithing. Elder and Sister Spano decided to pray for them each day that they may feel the spirit and understanding the blessings of paying tithing. We taught from the Tithes and Offerings pamphlet one evening and two weeks later, they told us they had begun to pay their tithing.

4 2. Sloane Klaetsch We mentioned Sloane a few months ago; the two-year old who was diagnosed with Stage 1 Diabetes. Sister Spano and I, as well as the elders and sisters in our zone, and our mission president and his wife, prayed Sloane would be able to cope with this challenge. Well, this month her and her mother attended the Asian Area Dog Handling Competition and it appeared Sloane was back to being her usual self, an energetic, happy toddler. She has adjusted to her diabetic diet, and multiple daily testing and shots like a pro.. 3. Our mission president, President Warnick said over and over, great things are about to happen, well one happened today at church, a mini-miracle of sort. Sister Spano and I asked both President and Sister Warnick and those in our zone to pray for Jacob Woodworth (fiancé of Jenny Bedoya,) that their supervisor s hearts would be soften so both can attend church. We asked in faith and finally both came to church a few Sundays ago. As it stands now both have Sundays off, a definite answer to prayer and their little miracle. We will continue with the discussions and extend an invitation for baptism when they return from the States after their marriage. It is important to note Jenny initially was given Sundays off and that first week Jacob asked if one of his days off could be changed to Sunday so he could attend church. They agreed! This was a testimony builder for both of us in that when we exercise faith and do our part, the Lord will bless us if it is his will. This is another example of the great things happening in our mission and the inspiration our mission president received. The work moves on, one joyful soul at a time! 4. We ve been promised that through our service our children and grandchildren will be blessed. Sometimes it hard for them to recognize their individual blessings and we ve been praying for the windows of heaven be opened to them. Well, it happened! Our youngest daughter who lives in the southern Colorado Springs was blessed with finding and purchasing a home. Secondly, we ve been praying for our daughter in Kansas. She s been asked for the second time to teach a high school, senior level elective entitled the Armor of God and specifically asked to incorporate the teachings of the Book of Mormon into the curriculum. The Lord works in miraculous ways to spread the Gospel. She is one of two families that live in her county and has overcome much prejudice during the last 11 years to become a trusted women in the community. Lead by example and love and hold fast to the Lord s standards is her motto.

5 Then, our volunteer service at the USO brought more memories of service and joy to all. First, National Nurse Technicians Week at the hospital. We arrived at 0530, set up and prepared pancakes for hospital staff. Had an opportunity to visit with two ward members (Bro Gray and Bro Butler), the hospital commander as well as the commander of the nurses. Next, during one shift waiting for the Seattle flight to arrive, we were treated to the C-130s practicing low level drops, flying patterns around the area, and landing in formation, all eleven, one by one. The rotator flight arrived soon thereafter and they were treated to water and snacks. Once all were seated, Elder Spano, as the USO volunteer, greeted all on behalf of the USO staff and briefed them on the opportunities for them at the Yokota USO. Thursday, 17 May: Asia Area Dog Handlers Competition. We received a call from the center director asking if we could arrive earlier to go to the commissary to pick up food items (hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, rolls, chips). We then proceeded to the ball field along with four other volunteers set up the USO canopy, get the grill going, set up the serving table, and then proceed to cook. We served 80 hot dogs and 160 hamburgers to approximately 175 people. We had an opportunity to visit with many people and a handful (about 15) asked Sister Spano about her badge. This opened the window for her to talk about our mission in Japan and bringing joy to many.

6 Finally, our USO service on 24 May ( ) was spent visiting with homeschoolers and their mothers. Elder Spano set up the theatre for the movie and both Elder and Sister Spano visited with mothers (many we already were acquainted with from past visits). Because of our meetings with Elder Renlund, we only had time for one day trip Kamakura Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The Great Buddha is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha with a height of 38 feet (44 fee with the base) is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara s Todaiji Temple at 49 feet. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is Kamakura s most important shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, often called the god of war, and the divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people. The shrine is reached by entering the multiple Torii gates along the path. The main hall stands on a terrace at the very top of a wide stairway. This is where we observed several traditional Japanese weddings. Here s the link to the photos: One last item. Sister Spano has become fascinated, and so is Elder Spano, with the flowers of Japan. Here s a sample of the flowers of May: