Monday, October 26, 2009

Brrrr.....‏

Konnichiwa!! Genki?!
Im pretty genki myself, its been a rollercoaster this past week. A lot happened but the numbers definitely didnt show. But its ok its not about the numbers... or is it? ... no its not, its about helping others come unto Christ through this incredible Gospel.
We were finally able to meet with Takeuchis husband!!!!! It took a long time but through her faith we were able to get a clearance to land in their dinner. Hes a super quiet guy and doesnt speak or smile much, but it was good because we got him to laugh a couple of times even though he kept faking the whole Im so sleepy so Im gonna rub my eyes thing. It was good, and afterwards he told her that now he understands why she is taking the lessons. Were definitely seeing some progress with her. But its not anything we do, its definitely her and her incredible faith. And her daughter too has prayed a couple of times!
I was pretty depressed again after assessing the condition of our investigators but she wrote us a letter that talked about how much more happy shes been since meeting with us and reading the Book of Mormon (she takes it everywhere, you should see it!!), and praying and keeping the commandments. The happiness in her life and the influence it has become to her family makes me grateful to be the tool in the Lords hand to bring happiness to His children. I love this work.
Another miracle though was a members friend who texted her and said she wanted to hear the lessons. Just out of the blue. Amazing!! Were teaching her now and shes a tough cookie but were enjoying it.
I love this work, and being here in Japan being a part of it. I know that the Lord is truly guiding it and that He lives and He is our Savior. Im grateful every day for the sacrifices each of oyu have made to help me be here and help the Japanese people know their Father in Heaven, whom I testify loves and cares for everyone of His children. He has very special blessings reserved for this people.
Thank you and I pray for your happiness and success, in His name, even Jesus Christ, amen.
Love,

Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission

Monday, October 19, 2009

I love to see the Temple...

Konnichiwa minnasan!!
Hows october treating you all. Here the leaves are starting to fall more and more as the temperatures keep on dropping - makes it hard to scrape the futon off your back, but its worth every bit of it. Transfers was last week and I continue in Yonago with Elder Frogley. The only difference now is that its back to a 2 man area, and so we have more space in the apartment, and weve been focusing on making it a much more Spiritual place to live. Its really nice now and the difference is almost night and day. Even the members commented on the absence of the other 2 being good for the ward - they say it will calm down a little bit hehe.
The work keeps on going and the Lord has blessed us to become instruments in His hands to strengthen the faith of the members. It has become a testimony building experience as we see our investigators continue to enjoy the blessings of the Gospel and the members feel the joy of exercising their faith in this great work. IT really is true and if God promises something, and we do our part, nothing can stop the blessings from pouring down from the Heavens.
Im doing good, with days becoming more tiring as it gets along, but its all part of it I guess. Keep praying for God to soften the heart of the people of this area so that they can receive the blessings of the Gospel.
One thing I would like to mention, and its something that has been on my mind lately, is the privilege of you being able to go to the Temple. I would like you to take some time in your personal scripture study and read D&C109, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple. Its worth seeing all the different blessings of Temple worship, and I would like to encourage all those who are reading this to either prepare to go, or go already! This world is crumbling in morality and sin as Satan is making a concentrated attack on Gods children, and through the Temple, we can obtain the needed refuge and protection to withstand his blows and gain strength, coming closer to our Savior.
I love all of you and pray for your happiness and safety. I love Japan. I love the Japanese people, and God truly does have special blessings for those in the `isles of the sea`. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Its cold!!!

Minasan konnichiwa!!
Hows everyone doing this week?! I hope you all had a refreshing feeling after this last general conference. It was great and I have an even greater resolve to repent and become a more righteous disciple of Jesus Christ. I know that God talks to us through His holy prophets and latterday revelation. This work is being moved forward by His hands. And He gives us plenty of opportunities to become more humble and become more effective tools in His hands.
This week was fulll of ups and downs and quite busy. We ended up setting a date with our investigator, Kumagae-san for the 7th of November but it unfortunately dropped as she is quite busy with school and her mother told her to learn more and wait a bit. I think it will be good to test our faith and help her gain a stronger testimony through the Book of Mormon.
Takeuchi san is doing incredible but because of her husband no date yet. Were really praying so she can get permission, but meanwhile, through the mercy of the Lord, her family is noticing the changes in her life from living the gospel. We have faith that this will stand as a testimony to her family and soften their hearts to hear the gospel.
This is the last week of the transfer so things might be different from next week, but well see. Thank you so much for your support and love. I really appreciate the love that all of you have been showing and I pray that the Lords choicest blessings be upon you.
I love this Gospel and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is my friend, my advocate, my Redeemer, Savior, and companion. Im eternally grateful for His eternal sacrifice and love. Keep strong and hang in there - everything will work out.
Love you tons!

Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission

Monday, October 5, 2009

Return date: around June 10th, 2010!!!

Hey guys I really don:t have any time today were about to go teach a lesson and I gotta let my comp get on - hes a bean (greenie) so I gotta give him some more time ;P.
This week has been awesome again - we werent able to find any new investigators, but 3 of our investigators are progressing with 2 really close to baptism. One fasted this last weekend so her husband can give permission and the other, were going to invite her in about an hour!! Im so excited its gonna be waterworks!!
Im doing good, this week was a little disheartening, being rejected by a ton of people, and going down the streets having no one even say hello back to you - it did quite a number on me yesterday. But I think its a good opportunity to show more faith, patience, and love towards the people, and were seeing miracles anyways. I prayed and got some awesome confirmations and Heavenly Father is really giving us a lot of strength.
I love you all!! Thanks so much for the package in advance - it will cause much needed relief from teasings about the worn-out state of my clothes. What?! Its really humid here!!!
I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves each and every one of us. He cares for all His children and supports us in our trials as we work to rely in Him. Im so grateful to be here and doing this wonderful work. It is a wonder! Thank you so much and I pray for the Lords blessings to be upon you!

Elder Mourao