November 20, 2010

Hi Everyone

OK! Cool miracle! We have an investigator getting prepared for baptism on December 18th. He came to Church for the second time yesterday, and we set a date. He is so golden! he is 19, working, and wanting to go to America for School. He came to English class this last week, and met Yogo, a 17 year old member. They really hit it off. So here is what I'm thinking. If Yogo were to baptize him, they would be eternal friends, Yogo would remember it the rest of his life, his desire to serve a mission would sky rocket, Yamaguchi (the investigator) would be baptized, and we would all be on the road to Eternal Life! There would be no better way to end my mission then to see this 19 year old get baptized. He would serve a mission too, and help numbers of people. If I can ask one thing of all of you. Please don't pray for me anymore. I'm not important right now. Forget about me. Please pray that Yamaguchi will develop the faith to be baptized on December 18th. Please remember him in your prayers.

Love you all so much, thank you for your love and support!

Elder Stewart

October 4, 2011

Hello Everyone

Okay so the last week has been way good! I got my new Bean! His name is Elder Gregory. He is from Seattle Washington. He is 19 years old, went to BYU Hawaii before the mission. Hes a stud and is shorter than me, so we get along really well! He is obviously a really young missionary, but he is a really hard worker.

Yesterday we had a all Mission Conference, so it was really cool to see everyone from the mission again. Also because it was my last one, I gave my farewell testimony to the entire mission. That was scary. One of the other missionaries gave a really good testimony and I wanted to share something from that. This missionary is one who is really shy, always alone, never really had that outgoing personality. Always thought of as a failure, and just ignored sometimes. His entire mission has been like that. He was my Senpai in the MTC, and I was in the same district as him in Ushiku. He talked about his entire life hes had people tell him he can't do things. Hes not good enough. He came on his mission and learned one important thing. That is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I tell you listening to him speak was just a tearjerker. It really felt like he new his savior. It made me realize how much i still don't know nor recognize the savior enough. He said something interesting though. It was this.

To say you can't do anything is to deny the power of the Atonement.

It was a really humbling experience. So many times of my mission i have said, I can't do it. I can't. Its too hard for me. I did not use the power of the Atonement enough. That is the miracle of the atonement. It does the things we can't do. Again, I can't express the things i felt when i heard him speak. A simple awkward, shy, untalented, uneducated man who knew his savior and was pouring out his soul to us. I realized that no money, talent, education, or any worldly possession could come close to the simple knowledge of ones savior.

I know this work to be true, and I commit to work harder to know my personal savior. That is what will bless us more than anything else. Thanks for all your love and support. I love you all.

Elder Stewart

September 24, 2011

Hello everyone!

Well the typhoon was a little bit of a scare, but its something The Japanese are kind of used to. About every year they get a typhoon. The sad thing though is that some people died in this last typhoon. It had some really strong winds in some areas, and really heavy rain. But everything is back to normal now. Also yes, Japanese are really good at recovering after something happens. After the earthquake and tsunami, everyone was really good to preserve energy/water etc. I was way impressed.

Well I didn't get transferred, but my companion did! So for the last 5 transfers I've been Zone leader here, but now I'm not that anymore, and for my last two transfers I get to train again! A lot in my group when I came to Japan are training as well. We've all got 2 left, so were getting a bean for the last two. I'm so excited! It going to be way fun. I'm a little bit nervous, but more confident than I was last time i trained. I'm excited to dendo with a new missionary, and help him get going on his mission right as I go home. A perfect little exchange there right. Ha ha. Another interesting thing, they have a new training program for new missionaries. For their first two transfers, companionship study is going to last 2 hours! There is a variety of training exercises and things to do during those two hours. President is also having everyone in the mission do it. So we all are having 2 hour companionship study. It should help us all become better teachers, and more effective missionaries. I'm excited for it.

Well we had a couple of cool miracles this past week. Last Sunday we found these two people and set up appointments to go and visit them. One of them is name Imai Takashi. We taught him lesson 1, and shared that he can know these things are true. He felt some pressure, so afterwards he sent us an email saying that he has his beliefs and he doesn't think he can believe in the Book of Mormon. He asked us not to come back, and to delete all of his information. We replied saying that we understand he has his religion. We just want to share ours, and its okay if he doesn't believe it. He said that is okay, and we kept our appointment to visit on Thursday. So we went over, and taught him the Plan of Salvation. So when I teach I always use scriptures. But with him, we used more than I've ever used! He was really good with the scriptures, and liked having them so we wanted to use them more. We read a lot of scriptures, and taught the plan of Salvation. When we were talking about the Celestial Kingdom, he pointed to it and said, I want to go there! He told us that his mother had passed away some years ago, and he would really love to see his mom again. Previous to this we explained that missionary work is going on in the spirit world. I mentioned that I think his mother was studying there as he is studying here. I told him about my Grandpa who passed away, and how i feel like he could be in the spirit world teaching, possibly even to his mother! He laughed and thought that would be cool if our deceased relatives were talking like we were talking then. Ha ha. After that lesson though he mood completely changed. He said he wanted to believe the message, and he said he thinks he can. After that he came to Saturday Eikaiwa, then after Eikaiwa we had a lesson. In that lesson we said we wanted to share how we can receive eternal life. We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he understood really well. Again, we used a lot of scriptures. We asked how his faith was, and he said right now from 1 to 100 is about 20. When we met it was at 0. Also if he gets to 70 or 80, he wants to get baptized! So we set a date to work towards. He is really a kinjin. (Golden Investigator) He only has a couple of problems to overcome, but we feel like he can do it.

We also have this new couple investigator who are way cool! They are both Protestant, and way cool. The wife speaks fluent English. The husband doesn't, but at the Eikaiwa he explained that he wants to improve his English so he can preach the Gospel, because that is what Jesus has commanded all men to do. I couldn't believe it! He wants to preach the gospel. The two of them though say they go to the Protestant Church, but they don't really believe it. They just go because its to worship God. They ask a lot of questions though. We've been talking a lot through email. They asked what the difference is between the Mormon Church and the Protestant Church. We were able to send videos from lds.org, and a lot of other stuff. The two of them are really like those people who are hidden from the truth, because they know not where to find it. Once i get my new bean, we are planning on visiting them hopefully Thursday night, and talk with them about it. We haven't had a chance to talk about it yet slowly. I'm looking forward to that.

Well again things are going great. I'm excited for these next two transfers. Just ready to see a lot of miracles with him. That is what I'm hoping for, and that is what we're going to work for. Love you all!

Elder Stewart

Septembwr 18, 2011

Ohayou Gozaimasu!

Today is a really beautiful day here in Takasaki! Things are going great here. Its week six of the transfer, and the tension of transfer calls is starting to build up! Ha ha. We'll be getting the call on Friday night, saying whether or not someone is transferring, then Saturday morning we get the call of who is going where, and what is happening. This last week here has been way fun! On Thursday we went to Oyama and dendoed(missionary work) with the missionaries there. The two missionaries there is Elder Petersen, (my dendo son) who is training Elder Kinjo (My dendo son's dendo son, therefore, my dendo grandson). It was so much fun. Kinjo is a really really good missionary, and I learned a lot from him. Pretty humbling, him being a transfer 1, and me being 13. Ha ha. It was way good though. So he is my dendo grandson, which is really rare. Rarely do you see your son train in the mission field, so its pretty cool.

Yesterday we saw a really cool miracle! We got our 75 year old Investigator, Ishida, so say he would come to Church. Hes been having back problems, so we were a little worried. Its his first time, which is always the hardest. Anyways, he called before church, and said because of the medicine he was taking for his back, he was getting really itchy. He said coming to Church would be hard. I explained how Satan is doing everything to keep him from coming to Church, and that if he were to come to Church, the itch would go away. He said okay, and still came. So we were sitting there, he took the sacrament, and right after he took it, he turned to me and said that his itch was gone. Also that his back didn't ache. He said he knew it was God that helped him. After sacrament meeting we shared 1 Nephi 3:7 and said that God will always provide a way. We have a baptismal date set for him, and I promised him that Satan is going to try and keep him from getting baptized, but if he relies on the Lord, and trusts that he will prepare the path, then just like yesterday, the 'itch' will go away, and we'll be able to feel God's Peace and Love. It was a way cool testimony builder. He has way strong faith.

Things are going well though! Yesterday after Church we went housing, and saw the most success I've seen doing housing (Except for maybe this Chinese Apartment in Kiryu). By-the-way this is pretty good in Japan. We were invited in to someone's apartment, (I can count on one hand the number of times someone has invited me in to share a message), then talked with this 19 year old, who had interest, and said his family does to, so we got an appointment to come back on Thursday and meet his family, then we found a couple of PIs who might come to English Class. Then we were about to head home because it was getting late, but decided to do one more building. The last door we knocked on was a less active, who had been wanting to contact the church, but didn't really know how. That was a big miracle. It was way cool to see the Lord guide and direct us.

Thanks for everything you all do! I'm eternally grateful for you love and friendship.

Elder Stewart

Takasaki!

September 4, 2011

Hello!!

So this last week we had a couple of cool experiences. The sisters here have teaching this 8 year old girl. Her mom and siblings are members, but she hasn't been baptized yet. They thought she was 9, started teaching her, found out she was 8, but kept preparing her for baptism. So she had a date for yesterday, and Ken Kyodai was going to baptize her. (Her father is not a member) However Ken is leaving on his mission, so he had somethings to do, and I got asked to baptize her. I've never officially talked to her before, so it was a little weird, but it was way good! It made me so happy! I love baptizng little kids!! Just like Haruki and Julia. It was the best.

Today we saw a cool miracle. We were heading to Kiryu to give the missionaries there something, but we missed our train, so we decided to do a little streeting and tracting around the Eki. Right when we left the Eki we ran into Ishida! Hes our 75 year old investigator who is moving to Takasaki. He is in Yokohama now, and moved here a week or two ago, but got sick, went to the hospital and then went back to Yokohama to recover. So hes in Yokohama now, but in order to move, he came here to prepare. The chances of us running into him are very slim. We gave him a book of Mormon, talked more about baptism, set a date to work towards, and taught the Word of Wisdom. He smokes, but knows its bad, and said he can stop. He is really one of the elect who are ready to hear and accept the word of God. Once he comes to Church he is going to be fellowshipped so well! This ward is full of Older guys, so its perfect! But he is doing well now again. He'll be moving back to Takasaki soon, but until then we are going to send him scriptures to read.

Again things are going well. This week we are really wanting to find some new investigators. I have a goal for what I want to accomplish in my short time left, and I really want to see it happen.

Thanks for all your love and support. I love you!!

Elder Stewart

August 29, 2011

Hello Everyone

So it has been a pretty good week. We saw some cool success with the computers. In Shonan I had this investigator named Yamaguchi. He almost got baptized a couple of times, but it never happened. Well he isn't doing so well right no, and really needs stronger faith. So even though I'm here in Takasaki, we have been reading the Book of Mormon together, and talking about it through mail. Every morning I read the chapter for the day, and send him an e-mail with some questions to think about as he reads it. Its been going really well. He has been learning and having a spiritual experience every day, and is really helping him to progress.

This week we also got invited to eat at a members house on Wednesday. That was cool! Haha.

This past week my love for Japan has improved immensely. On Saturday we went to a Matsuri, and it was really really cool. Also lately I've been feeling more and more comfortable speaking in Japanese. Its fun again to learn and Study Japanese. Earlier on in my mission I loved studying Japanese, but I kind of lost it a little, but the past week or two has been great. Its going to be so hard to leave this country. I love it here. Right now, I would say i love it over America, but maybe that is just because I haven't experienced America in over a year and a half. Haha. Last transfer here in Takasaki, I was having a hard time getting in to the Ward here. It just felt weird. It didn't feel like I was a part of this ward. But now, I feel really comfortable at this ward. I love the members. Things are really looking up right now. We just need to find some more investigators, and keep working with our current investigators. Negishi lost his baptismal date, but he is still progressing. This last week we had a REALLY good lesson, and were stressing the Book of Mormon more than ever, and hopefully he starts reading it more.

Well Love you guys!!

Elder Stewart

August 13, 2011

Well I did not get transferred this week!! I'm staying in Takasaki, and I'm getting a new companion. His name is Elder Richmond. He is actually my last companions beanchan. He is transfer 3, and from Kearns, Utah. Calvin Richmond. He went to Kearns High. We woke up at 5 in the morning, we had to walk to the train station, then go to Omiya. In Takasaki here we have two Sisters as well, and one of them, Utsumi Shimai, who I was in the MTC with, is going home tomorrow, so we said bye to her. Then waited at Omiya for a while, got my new companion and then headed back here to Takasaki.

So yesterday I gave a talk at Church, and it was my first talk that i didn't write down everything I was going to say. They asked me to speak for 8 minutes, and I unfortunately went over, so they had to slip me the note telling me to end. Haha. The theme was what events led me to serve a mission. I talked about two major things. One was my brothers, who both served missions. I saw them leave, and come home different people, and I wanted to see that change in me too. I wanted to become like them. The other reason was because of the Blessings I have received. I've grown up in the Gospel, I have a testimony, I've received so much love in my life, and i felt like it was my duty to share it. If I didn't serve a mission, I truly didn't appreciate it. I felt like there are people waiting for me. Friends that were waiting. There is a story called Ill find you my friend, that I also shared and talked about. As a missionary and as members of this church, we need to find those friends we had in the pre-world who asked us to find them. We must find them and help them to relearn of the Gospel. I didn't talk about this is my talk, but we have this one investigator named Negishi. He is a shoe polisher, and he works at the Eki. Hes 22 years old, way cool, and way nice. I really feel like he is one of those friends that I promised I would find. We set a baptismal date with him for 9/10, and hes looking good for it. Its still the beginning, but I think he can really make it. I'm glad i wasn't transferred because now I can continue to work with him.

Im now transfer 13, getting more and more tired everyday. I cant believe how fast time is going by. Its blowing me away. I know this Gospel is true. Joseph Smith was a prophet, and Thomas S. Monson is God's representative on Earth today. I know that is true.

Elder Stewart

July 31, 2011

Well this last week has been an interesting week! At English Class we had a party for Takei Shimai! (One of the sister missionaries here) That was way fun. Then Brother Mita brought us some food and stuff from Costco! He brought us tortillas, Costco Pizza (SO GOOD!!) salsa, chips, cheese, etc. SOO good. A costco is opening up in a month in the area next to us here, so if were still here, its going to be way cool!

The Taksaki ward here had the summer festival on Saturday, so we tried to visit as many less actives as possible. It was a good week as far as less actives goes. We had two less actives come back to church yesterday. One we stopped streeting. Haha. Me and my companion were at the Oyama ward, but the Sisters said they came, and both said they're coming again next week. Oyama Ward was way fun! It was my first time going there, but they were all so happy to see the missionaries. There are still no missionaries in that ward, so they were way happy. My bean, Elder Petersen, has a brother who married a sister in that ward. She was there with her daughter, so I met Elder Petersen's niece and sister in law as well! To get there we had to take a 2 hour train ride, so we woke up at 5, and headed out to Oyama. Its on the complete other side of the Zone, and Kiryu Zone is the biggest in the mission. On the way back, we stopped at Kiryu, and met up with the Sakurais. Exactly a year ago from yesterday, (7/31) Jun got baptized. So we wanted to go visit him. So we got off the train at Kiryu, then went with them back to Takasaki. We visited Jun, but he was completely different. He did not want to see us. He remembered us, but didn't want to go to church or anything. The reason why is because of where he is living. His real mother is quite apposed to church, and her boyfriend doesn't like church. So hes changed a lot, and probably just really really scared. I feel bad for him. I just kept looking at him in the eyes. Every once in a while he would look up at me, but then quickly break eye contact. I told him that even if he doesn't go to church we are still friends. He didn't say anything. I asked, are we friends? He didn't say anything........ That was hard. We did all we can, and I don't feel bad about that. But its sad to see him change like that. I don't know whats going to happen with him. I can kind of understand how God sees those who turn away from him. So full of love, willing to do everything to help them, but still, they turn away from God.

I read a cool scripture this week that has been making me think a lot. Corinthians Chapter 13. Its about Charity. Paul talks about how even though we may have knowledge or skill, or talents, or faith or anything, if we don't have Charity, we are nothing. So what if you know every principle every doctrine of the church. If you don't have love, no one cares! Love is the greatest commandment! Love god, and love all people. ALL PEOPLE!!! EVERYONE!! Even those who hate, mock, or scourge us. Love them. If we don't have love, we have nothing. If we don't show our love, it doesn't mean anything. A quote i really like "No one cares how much you know, unless they know how much you care". We must have love, or we are not following Christ.

Thanks to everyone who reads this. I love you all. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Arigatou!

Elder Stewart

July 25, 2011

Woah!! The 24th of July!! I totally forgot about that!! Wow. I cant believe how fast time is flying by. So right now I'm sitting in my apartment emailing. Its 5:30 in the morning. Yesterday all us missionaries gathered at the Matsudo church, and we had training from 9 until 5. We received computers, and our DVD players. I know Ive probably been talking alot about this, but we are the first missionaries in the history of the Church to receive computers. Were way excited to use it, but were all nervous about it as well. We just hope it doesn't get ruined by some stupid missionaries.

So on Sunday we had some extra time, so we went and visited some less actives. They were way cool! This one guy is from the Phillipines. When he saw us, he just told us, I'm not active. We said we know, and that is why we're here. Haha. The next was the Take family. They were way cool. There was the parents, and 3 kids. We dont understand why they were less active though. They were so cool. This Saturday we have the natsu matsuri for the ward. Its the summer festival. So we invited both of them to that, and it seemed like they would! The Phillipine guy also has a son who is a member. He is priesthood age, and we really want to work with him. This ward needs more priesthood holders, so he would be very much needed.

This week is going to be a fun week! On Sunday me and my companion were asked to go to the Kiryu Stake Oyama Ward. There is still no missionaries in that ward, so me and my companion are going there to speak in Sacrament meeting, and do a little referal seeking activity. That ward has over 30 ward missionaries, and no missionaries. So the ward missionaries have no idea what to do. Hopefully we can get some things going for when the missionaries come back to the area!! Sunday is also a year anniversary for Jun. In Kiryu last year on 7/31 he was baptized. Now hes in this Takasaki ward, and not active. Sakurai Kyodai and shimai are coming here on Sunday so were going to go try and visit him. Hopefully we can try and get him and his mom back to church. It seems hard. Some members have called her before, and she always says shes driving or at work, then never answers the phone again. Really Really sad. When we saw Jun the other day, he seemed not as happy as usual. im sure he remembers church and the love he felt here. We just need to get him to Church a few times so he can feel that.

Thanks everyone for your love and prayers. I love you all!!

Elder Stewart

July 19, 2011

Well we did have another earthquake. It hit by Tsukuba, which is right next to Ushiku, my second area, and I did feel it. It wasnt really big, just a little one. Nothing compared to the big one. Yea I heard about Japan winning the world cup game! Yesterday at Conference President announced it. Haha. It was suprising.

So in a week from today, were getting the computers!! I cant believe it. haha. When I got here, they said it was going to be happening soon, and now its finally happening. Theres over 90 computers in the mission home, and on next Tuesday, theres going to be a big training and they`re going to hand them all out!! Were are the pilot mission for the world for this project. The missionary board, the 12 apostles, the first presidency, and everyone is going to be watching us closely. President feels really strongly about this idea, but for obvious reasons, is really really nervous. Were going to have internet access, so we can email investigators and members more effeciently. We are also going to have a digital area book. No more paper area books, but its all going to be on the computer. Also presidents letters, and all other paper things are going to be done online. Again, our mission is the pilot mission for the world. If we mess it up, its going to be stopped, and not continue to other missions. However if were able to use it effectively, then it will be spread out to other missions. Another cool thing, is were going to be able to do Skype. Well be able to video call investigators, members, and also for mothers day and Christmas, our family. Its crazy. Everything is going to be completely different. Itll be interesting to see how things will go.

Yesterday at conference, I got a letter. It had me release date, and what is called here, the `death letter`. My release date is December 20th. 5 months. Crazy fast.

Last week we found 3 new investigators!! We met this Chinese bro named Alex. Set up a time to meet, and do a little free Japanese class for him. He also brought his wife to it as well!! We met, played ping pong, did some Japanese, then talked about church. They`re about to have a baby in about a month here, so family is a very important thing for them. We talked about eternaly families and the blessings that come from it. Then we talked about how to get it. Then we read 2 Nephi 31 where it talks about the gate we must enter is repentance, and baptism. We said this was the first step. Without the step, we can not gain Eternal Life. They met each other in Australia, so they`re English is really good. We commited them to be baptism next month on the 14th, and they said yes! We just need to follow up like crazy, and help them to meet that goal. They`re the cutest couple though. So cool. It would be so cool to see them get baptised, and go to the temple! We talked about temples too. They said they would like to be married for eternity as well. If possible. They still need more faith, but they have the desire, so the faith will come.

Again its been a good busy week!! Me and my companion went to Kiryu last Thursday for Splits. I visited some members we baptised, and it was cool to see them still strong. Sakaki Kyodai was doing really good. Unfortunately Julia and Haruki went back to their real mother, so we have absolutely no idea where they are. Its kind of sad, but the family they were staying with in Kiryu cant even know their whereabouts. I just pray Ill be able to see them somehow again before my mission ends.

Thanks everyone for all your love and concern. I love you all

Elder Stewart

July 5, 2011

Hello Everyone

Wow, that is surprising news about Spencer. I'm glad to hear he is safe and well. I tried to watch the video on KSL, but it wouldn't let me. Pictures look epic though. Is he the one in the read shirt and red cap?

Well I don't have a lot of time, but I got transferred!! I am now in Takasaki with Elder Andrus. Andrus is another half who lived pretty much his entire life in Japan. His Japanese is better than his English. He is a stud though. I'm so happy to be with him. He is on transfer 9, so were way excited to be together. Takasaki is in the Kiryu zone, so I'm also excited to go to Kiryu soon!! I think were going there tomorrow for district meeting. We have also planned splits for every area, and were planning on going there soon.

Were whitewashed into this zone. Missionaries haven't returned back here yet, so were all whitewashing into the zone. Way excited to be back here. Its REALLY Inaka, but I think I'm going to like it here. The ward is really big, and strong. They told us, that while serving in this ward, there is no dieting. A member brings us Costco stuff once a week! Yabai! But it is summer coming up, so a lot of sweating, and hopefully I don't gain too much weight..... Haha..

Well I love you all!! Thanks for everything you do! Hang in there in Utah or wherever you are.

Ganbarimasho!!

Elder Stewart

June 27, 2011

Hey Everyone!!

Hey I don`t know anything about the earthquake. I don't remember feeling a thing.... Thats funny. What did you hear? All I know is that it was in Iwate Ken. But again. I didn't feel anything.

So a new announcement. This is a worldwide thing. Every companionship in the entire world is going to be getting personal DVD player for their apartment..... The computers we are getting don't have a DVD or CD compartment. They have this training movie called `the district` and they are wanting missionaries to be able to do more training from them, so every companionship is getting DVD players....... Interesting. I wonder how long it will last.

So I`m getting transferred this week. I talked with President on the phone today, and he said I'm getting transferred. He didn't say where, or who is coming in to Shonan, but I'm gone. I told him to send in someone strong, and older to keep things going. Last week we had 3 new investigators! Two weeks ago we had a new student at Eikaiwa, and set up a lesson the following week. So last week we had her introduction lesson, and she was WAY interested. Shes been to Church before, and believes in God and Christ. Got another appointment, and new investigator. Also our New Zealand member brought his two friends to Church from New Zealand. They are planning on getting married in October, so temples in something we wanted to talk to them about. Well lucky for us, a member talked about Richard G. Scott's talk about being married in the temple from this last talk. (Made a LOT of missionaries WAY trunky....) And luckily, I was the one translating, so I ended up just talking to them about Temples, and how its for time and all eternity. After I handed him a book of Mormon in English, and he was way grateful. Way cool. Were seeing them again this Saturday.

Today was REALLY hot. Its been up to like 34 C recently, and were excited for it to get hotter! That's about all the news I've got...... OH! so our family investigator SATO, has a 10 year old daughter Mia. Shes way cool. She came to Primary a while ago but stopped. After the earthquake we visited, and slowly got the daughter and mom to church. Well the past two weeks have been amazing. Mia has come to church all by herself, and stayed for all three hours!! Also last week she sang with all the primary kids. She pretty much is like any other primary kid. Anyways we've been trying to help her be baptized, but whenever we are with her, and talk to her about it, she shys off and goes to her mom. Well this last week we decided to visit, and took her a picture of John the baptist baptizing Christ. So we were able to talk with her honestly and openly. She said she wanted to be baptized. We were way happy! Unfortunately the father said no. He thinks it would be good for her to be baptized, but he feels like if she got baptized now, he would not be able to support and help her. The father says he smokes, and drinks, and it would not be good for Mia. We tried to help him understand the importance of her being baptized, and receiving the Holy Ghost as a companion, but he still said no. We respect that though. He also said that maybe someday they could all be baptized together. That would be amazing!

Seriously though that's heart breaking!! Kobayagawa and Mia. Both want to be baptized, but just don't have the permission. Its hard to see that. I can`t say that here in Shonan we saw a lot of success baptism wise. But we've seen A LOT of miracles. We've seen a lot of cool things. This area is much much stronger now. A lot more going on. In that way I feel like we have seen success here. It would have been nice to see some more people get baptized, but I think we've started a lot of seeds that someday will sprout. I can truly see a lot of these people being baptized. Just may need time, and help. I just pray they`ll all have another chance to be baptized. But everything is in the Lords hand, and everything will happen in his timing. I believe that.

Again thanks everyone for your friendship and love and support. 伝道で頑張りましょう!

Just remember... Every member a missionary..... Every day look for an opportunity to Dendo! (Dendo - missionary work) That's the lifeblood of the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God cannot progress without the members doing dendo. I promise the Lord will bless you if you reach out and help someone else.


Elder Stewart

June 22, 2011

Hello Everyone!!

Hey that is cool Brother Dahle called. He was a cool guy. Yea his companion was kaneko Kyodai. You talked to his wife and maybe son when you called for mothers day. Do you remember? We are probably not going to be able to get him back to Church now, but we have definately made a BIG step. Were not going to give up on him.

As far as the computers go, they`re going to be really restricted. We`ll only be able to get on a few websites. LDS. org, email, and I think that is it. Way strict, but its good. That is interesting that even missionaries had problems with Porn. It makes sense. I don't know what it is like in Guatemala, but Porn is all over the place here. The Sendai mission wasn't even allowed to go into convenience stores because of all the Porn. But its only one rack, so if you avoid that, your totally fine. Sorry Mom don't mean to worry you. But yea its interesting.

I am still in Shonan right now. Still with the Kanekos. I love it here, but I am out in a week in a half. Technically it has not yet been decided, but President told me in my interview I'm getting transferred. He also told Elder Christensen who came in recently he had 3 weeks to learn everything before I am gone. Way good news though. So from coming back, two zones have not been opened yet. That is Kiryu and Matsudo. The two zones I have been in. Well, they`re opening up some of the areas again!! In the Matsudo zone, only two areas are opening, and in the Kiryu zone, all but two are opening!! I think I might be sent up to Kiryu Zone. I talked to president about it in the interview, and I think that really might happen but we will see. There are some things I want to do up there. Jun Gallini, the 12 year old we baptized, moved to the Takasaki area, (Kiryu Zone) with his inactive mom. Now he is less active as well.

So Kobayagawa was scheduled to be baptized this Sunday, but he talked with his parents, and they didn't give him the approval. They said once he turns 20, if he still wants to, he can, but until then he needs to focus on his studies, and things with the family. Dang. he really wanted to join too. That is the sad thing. We went and visited his parents with a Kaneko Eugene, and we only met his grandpa and Mom. They were both pretty scary. It was the first time for all of us.

This Sunday was AMAZING at Church!! We left Church at the end of the 1st hour, to go get Makoto Kyodai. (Sacrament meeting here is the Third hour) He was not home, but his dad was home, and said he was at work. So we started heading back, and ran into him!! So after joking around, we went to Church together!! We were a little late to Sacrament meeting, but he came! He took the bread and water and everything. He said he liked it. Then during the sacrament, Eduardo, a man we found from Bolivia walked in. He saw a Brazilian brother on the stand who was blessing the sacrament, and said that they work together! In total yesterday we had 5 investigators at Church!! We really have some good investigators and hopefully well see at least one baptism before I leave.

Well things are going great!! We went to the Temple yesterday. It was way fun!! Now were at Fujisawa church and we have a district meeting. You guys all hang in there! I love you all!!

Elder Stewart

June 14, 2011

Hello!!

Well I have a new companion!! We had Mini Zone Conference on Friday and had interviews as well. In the interview President told me that I was getting a new companion and Petersen Choro was going into the Honbu. The Tokyo mission is going to be test piloting computers. In a month here, every apartment is going to get computers. We are the first mission in the world to get them. So with that they`re going to be needing more help. They pulled two more APs in to the mission home to handle all the work. He is one of them. My bean is an AP now! So I am now with Elder Christensen from Sugarhouse. He is transfer 2 right now. Hes way cool. He actually went to East High school, so he knows Brother Yablonavsky from our Ward. Haha. So yea President pretty much told me and him that we had three weeks together. He said I have 3 weeks to help him learn the area and everything. Then Im getting transferred. Way unexpected!! I really couldn't believe it.

So Kobayagawa, our 16 year old investigator is doing really really well. I don't know if I said how we found him, but we found him streeting. I was riding in the front, and crossed the road, but Petersen choro couldn't really follow. He was about to cross later on, but I told him to stay on that side, and talk to people. Then I would talk to people on my side. The first person he stopped was Kobayagawa. Got his info, and set up another appointment. So he came to Ito Shimais baptism and we met after and got a date for baptism. Then came to church the next day and loved it. The past couple of days when we were talking we asked how his faith is going. He said he believes more than the first time we met. He also said that the more he reads the Book of Mormon, the more he feels like he needs to be baptized. The only problem is that he is 16, and we need his parents approval. He hasn't talked to them yet. When we talked about that he said hes going to talk to them on Friday. I asked him if he knew what he was going to say, and he said he didnt, but was planning on saying something like He wants to join this church. He feels something different at church. Different than when he goes to School. Hes sooo strong! We`re just praying that his parents will let him be baptized. His date is for the 26th. Please pray for him. Hes going to talk to them on Friday. Were just praying they`ll let him.

Something I learned/remembered recently. I was doing an activity for companionship activity with Elder Petersen, and we started talking about the restoration for something. Also recently I feel like I haven't had something cool to talk with people about on the street or housing. Then I remembered something in my patriarchal blessing. It says that throughout my mission I will love bearing testimony of the restoration, and even continue testifying of it until after my mission. I set a goal at that time to testify as much as possible about the restoration. I really do know the restoration is true. I`ve had opportunities recently to testify of it, and I love the feeling it gives me. Its amazing. Again, I know it is true.

Thanks everyone! I Love you!!

Elder Stewart

June 6, 2011

Hello Minna!

This last week we went up to the areas hit by the Tsunami... It was really sad, as you can tell from the pictures, it was a sacred place. Really devastating. Besides that, nothing big has happened this last week. Yamaguchi said he wants to get baptized in this month, We met Makoto Kyodai again last night at his house. He was really really drunk, so that was fun...... A little scary. (Former Yakuza member)

So something I`ve learned this last week, is that ultimately, Having faith is a choice. There was a talk last fall conference, about that. Faith, as described in the scriptures, is just hoping for something not seen. We all have faith. We all hope for something. Then we must test that faith, then it can become a perfect knowledge. But that choice to nourish the faith is essential. I was listening to some music, and it had a cool line. It said something like `there will come a time in all our lives, when we will need to decide, whether or not we truly know if the gospel truths are so` (4Ordained, Do you believe). We all must decide whether we believe in Christ. That is what it starts with. Some people feel and even see Christ, but decided NOT to believe. Faith is a Choice. As Richard C. Edgley said in his talk, We must `Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism` (http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/faith-the-choice-is-yours?lang=eng&query=Faith+choice) Its all a choice.

I love you all! Thanks for all your letters and love.

Elder Stewart

June 6, 2011

Here are some pictures from service, and of the tsunami areas in Tohoku.

May 30, 2011

Itos baptism!

This is us and the Kaneko Family. First time for dad to come in over 16 yrs.
Came to Ito shimais baptism!!

May 30, 2011

Well good news everyone!! Ito Shimai got baptized safely on Saturday, and confirmed on Sunday! It was a really cool service. Elder Gordon came in for it. We had 3 investigators there, and the big miracle, Kaneko Kyodai came!! He has been less active for over 20 years, and he came. It was the first time for his 16 year old son to see his dad step inside the church. He is making progress, but still has a little bit to go. For Ito Shimais baptism, we filled up the font nice and well, but when they went to the font, the water was pretty much gone!! The plug wasn't fit in all the way. It was sticking out a little bit, so the water slowly went away. They had to wait for it to fill up more. It was pretty funny.

Yamaguchi wasn't able to be baptized, but he is definately getting baptized in the near future. Its just up to him when.

So big big news!! This Friday, we are going on a field trip!! (Not many missionaries can say that) We are going up to an area hit by the tsunami, and we are going to do service for a day. We will leave Thursday night, and come home Saturday morning. Its going to be way hard from what President was saying, but we are excited.

Well I love you all! Thanks for the love and support! Ganbaro!

Elder Stewart

May 23, 2011

Hey I'm not going to be able to email tomorrow, but I love you guys!! We`re getting transfer calls on Wednesday, and then all the other missionaries are coming back up to Tokyo on Thursday, then were transferring on Friday. I think I'm gone, but well find out soon. I could stay, could go. Well find out. Its my turn to go, and I have been here a while, so it could come.

So quick update, Yamaguchi and Ito are getting baptized this Saturday!! Yay!! We think they`ll go through. Yamaguchi is nervous like crazy, but he is doing good. Yamaguchi`s baptismal interview is tonight, and Ito`s was last week. Were looking good!!

Well I love you guys! Hang in there with everything, and I`ll let you know about transfer calls! Love you!!

Elder Stewart