77th week in Japan
1/30/2017
"Ask and ye shall receive"

Dear Family and Friends,

Last Friday we had the chance to watch a worldwide broadcast for
missionaries. There is some changes in our schedule and completely new
focus on the key indicators that we have. With this new announcement the
whole way that we do missionary work will change. We are really going
to be focusing on teaching people rather than lessons. I am excited to
see what happens to missions around the world as we continue to move
the work of the Lord forward with these new changes.

It is incredible to see how much missionary work has changed in the
short time that I have been on my mission. I have learned so much and
yet not nearly enough. I recognize that one of the most important
things in this work is our continual progression and improvement.
Always seeking to improve has helped me gain a testimony of the Lord's
promise in John 16:24 "ask and ye shall receive."

God is looking out for us. He can see the potential in us that we
can't. In order for us to reach that potential we need to continually
ask God for help, for answers, for guidance. I am truly grateful that
I can rely on God to find answers to my questions. It is an incredible
gift to be able to pray and receive answers to prayers. I know God
loves us. I know he is waiting and willing to answer our prayers. All
we must do is ask with sincerity of heart.

Ponderizing Scripture: 2 Nephi 22:3

Questions:

How are your investigators doing?  When are your next training meetings?

1. Doing well. We have 2 investigators with baptismal dates. They are
progressing well. We have one today in Kobe.

What is the snow like now?  Has it melted?  Have you been able to get around well enough in the snow?  Have you ridden your bike much in the snow?

2. It has mostly melted. We road in the snow and actually didn't get
slowed down too much. There was only a couple of days where we had to
walk.

Have you heard about the changes in missionaries’ daily schedules and p-days being a little more flexible?  Do you think that will affect you guys much?

3. Yes. It was in the broadcast. It will affect us a bit. President
Welch will arrange it to the needs of this mission.

What has been your favorite dessert you have eaten there or some you have really liked?

4. They don't have too many special desserts that are different here.
They really like treats and snacks, but they don't eat that much
dessert. Mochi with anko is pretty good.

 Besides the language what has been one of the most challenging things about your mission?

5. The language is actually a lot less challenging than seeing people
who will accept the gospel, but their spouses being against it. I
think that is probably the most challenging thing that I have faced in
my mission.

What has been something you have really liked about the area you are in?

6. I love the members. This area doesn't have too many unique things
but we have a fun eikaiwa class on Saturdays.

How is everything holding up?  Your clothes? Bike?

7. Pretty well. I have had to replace a few socks and my bike brakes
again, but I did the brakes on my own so it cost a little bit less.

Have a great week!

Elder Hirschi