59th week in Japan
9/25/2016
秋祭りと良い模範 (Fall Festival and Good Examples)

Dear Family and Friends,

We have had a lot of finding time and some fun activities last week. I
have been learning how to become a better leader and follow the
example of the ward leaders in the Katsura ward. These members are
incredibly strong and have such great faith. I cannot describe how
grateful I am to be able to build friendships with such great people.

A few nights ago we had a fall festival at the church and invited many
people to come. They set up games, had some good food, and we set up a
missionary booth. It was a very good opportunity to find some more
people who were prepared to hear the restored gospel. We were able to
help a lot of people learn more about the church and find some new
investigators by doing so. We also were able to develop greater
friendships within the ward. We had a lot of fun.

It was great to see many of the members being their friends and talk
with them about the gospel. We were introduced to a few of the members
friends and are going to start working with some more people now. One
thing that stuck out to me during this ward activity is how good these
people are. They have such great hearts. Even though sometimes
Japanese people may seem a little bit stubborn and self centered on
the outside. They truly have good hearts on the inside.

On Sunday we had ward conference. We were able to hear from our bishop
and the stake president. They both gave great powerful talks. Our
stake President pretty much called everyone to repentance. I am
excited to start working with the members more. President Shibata said
that he wants us to teach the members how to find from preach my gospel
using chapter 9 "how do I find people to teach." Because the members
live so far away we are going to start trying to do Skype lessons.

Well sorry this one is so short and not as spiritual, but I do want
you to know that I know the church is true. Jesus is the Christ. He
loved each one of us so much that he was willing to volunteer to come
down to Earth and die for us. The Lord has so much mercy. I know that
God loves us and answers our prayers. We can talk to him about
anything. Through sincere pray we can see miracles in our daily lives.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Ponderizing scripture: Alma 33:23

Questions:

 How is the ward mission leader in your area?  Do you sometimes go on splits with the members?

1. The ward mission leader is amazing. He is 23 years old and he
served a mission in Tokyo. We have done a few joint lessons with him
when he isn't busy, but we have never been able to do splits yet. I
think he wanted to try it out though once he has some time.

Do you sing mostly hymns in church or do you ever sing the primary songs?

2. We always sing hymns. I don't think we have really sang any primary
songs before.

When are the next transfers?  Are you hoping to stay in Katsura or would you like a change?

3. Transfer calls should come next Tuesday. For some reason I feel
pretty indifferent. I would love to stay, but if Heavenly Father wants
me to go, I would love to go as well.

Do you put your garbage out once a week and the recycling every week, or how does the recycling work?

4. We have certain days of the week that we have to take out certain
types of trash every week. It really depends on the area that you live
as well. Here we do plastic on Wednesday. Burnable is on Monday and
Thursday. Cans and glass are on Friday.

 Do you have any suggestions for Logan of how to stay organized with your stuff on your mission? 

5. I don't think he will have that much of a problem. We transfer fairly often so I leave a lot of my stuff in my luggage. When transferring just double check to make sure you have
everything. He should be all good.

Do you ever share ties or trade ties with the other missionaries?

6. Yes. With most of my companions we have traded ties at the end of
our companionship.

Love you everyone. Have a great week!

Elder Hirschi
ハーシ長老