Konnichiwa!!
Hows it going everyone?! Thank you so much for the letters and love. I feel my Saviors love through your love and service - thank you so much!
mIn Yonago its finally (kind of) looking like winter... well, fall I guess. The leaves just went red and brown and its really quite pretty. The temperatures arent low enough to warrant a jacket every day but it gets somewhat cold tho.
This has been another really good week, where my testimony of the Savior and His guidance has been strengthened. Lately weve been focusing on strengthening our current investigators and PIs so much that we havent been really able to do much finding. But I realized that the problem wasnt in the time, but it was in my own desire to preach the Gospel. I rededicated myself to the work, and asked Heavenly Father for understanding and strength. Asking for increased charity, for it casts out all fear. I prayed with all my heart, and with increased confidence, we were able to almost immediately see the results. My love for the people grew, as I felt the love of the Savior towards every person we ran into on the streets. And because the Lord forgave and strengthen my weaknesses we were able to more boldy find people, getting phone numbers and even finding an investigator in the process.
As I thought about this and other things, my thoughts turned to how I could become closer to the Savior. Especially during this time of the year, our thoughts turn to Him and His sacrifice, but I felt that I needed to really do as He did, and with all my heart, mind, might and strength, love and serve the people. A heart-warming assurance penetrated my heart, and my desire to serve grew. So I hope that all of us, as we turn our thoughts to the Savior, have a greater desire to follow in His footsteps, and serve as He served. Love as He love. Thereby becoming more like Him though our efforts are imperfect, and many times awkward. I love Him with all my heart. Hes my Redeemer. Hes my Friend. My advocate with the Father, and my comforter. I testify that only through Him we can find true happiness, peace and joy in the life. In HIs Holy name, Jesus Christ, amen.
Love,
Elder Mourao
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
My Reedemer lives!!!
Sorry, today is going to be hard to answer everyone individually, but I love you all with all my heart.
This week has been one of the most incredible weeks of my mission. We saw Sister Takeuchi being baptized and confirmed in a meeting where unseen angles from heaven were present. She has amazing faith and it already has begun to change her family in incredible ways. Love and peace abound in that home because of her faith and obedience to the Savior.
On Sunday, we learned of a young woman (12) who wants to be baptized after coming to Church several times. Shes scheduled for Christmas day!
Then another one of our investigators, who has been seeing incredible changes through the Gospel (and also came to Sister Takeuchis baptism)also wants to be baptized, so well be setting the date this week as well.
Last night we visited a referral. As we knocked, the voice of the Lord told me, `hes waiting for you`. He opened, asked who we were, and when he heard missionaries, he said `come in, I want to listen.` We then testified of the Plan of Salvation and of the Savior, and we saw hope in his eyes as he heard those words.
The Lord lives. He guides this Church. He loves us and wants our happiness. In Nephis words, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord, I pray, in His holy name, Jesus Christ, amen.
I love you all, and until next time,
Elder Mourao
This week has been one of the most incredible weeks of my mission. We saw Sister Takeuchi being baptized and confirmed in a meeting where unseen angles from heaven were present. She has amazing faith and it already has begun to change her family in incredible ways. Love and peace abound in that home because of her faith and obedience to the Savior.
On Sunday, we learned of a young woman (12) who wants to be baptized after coming to Church several times. Shes scheduled for Christmas day!
Then another one of our investigators, who has been seeing incredible changes through the Gospel (and also came to Sister Takeuchis baptism)also wants to be baptized, so well be setting the date this week as well.
Last night we visited a referral. As we knocked, the voice of the Lord told me, `hes waiting for you`. He opened, asked who we were, and when he heard missionaries, he said `come in, I want to listen.` We then testified of the Plan of Salvation and of the Savior, and we saw hope in his eyes as he heard those words.
The Lord lives. He guides this Church. He loves us and wants our happiness. In Nephis words, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord, I pray, in His holy name, Jesus Christ, amen.
I love you all, and until next time,
Elder Mourao
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Revelations...
No, the book written by John.
Genki?
Its getting cold here, but I was still able to wear short sleeve last week - I guess its not as cold as back home. Winter is finally kicking in, and everyone talks about how cold it is. I ask them how low the temperatures go and they say about .... 3 Celsius. I know, not freezing. I was honestly kind of disappointed.
So last wednesday I had the oppportunity to perform a baptismal interview for a candidate in one of the areas in my District. It became an extremely Spiritual experience for me and the candidate and hes ready to go. It was fun working in a different area, and we were able to see a couple of miracles while I was there. But at night, was when it all started.
I was praying about Takeuchi-san, and how we would get her to be baptized. While I was praying, out of nowhere, I got the impression "shes going to receive her husbands permission on Sunday and be baptized next week."
...
I asked Heavenly Father about it again to confirm, and in one of the most powerful manifestations I have felt in my life, He confirmed that it was true. I had mixed feelings; one, not really knowing if it was just my own wishful thinking, and two, this is how my prayers are answered, so I better act with faith.
I told this to my companion a day later and we prayed to know if it was true. Again, with the same force it penetrated to the very depths of our hearts telling us that this was Gods will.
We decided to tell Takeuchi san the next day. We did so and prayed. In the same way, the manifestation pierced our hearts. After finishing, she lifted up her head and told us that she had been feeling, since tuesday, that the 21st of November would be a special day for her. She didnt know why, but she felt that she was closer to baptism than ever. We rejoiced in the revelation poured out from Heaven and she committed to tell her husband.
The next day (sunday morning) she called us, saying that she wanted to come by and tell us something. Before she came I prayed and asked Heavenly Father if she had gotten her permission. The answer was a resounding yes in the chambers of my heart.
She arrived and told us that she had talked to her husband. Because of her pure and unwavering faith, all he could say was "I cant say no". We all received our answers to our prayers and fasts. She will be baptized this saturday at 4:00.
Miracles do happen.
The Lord lives. He leads this Church, and in many ways we cant see, performs many mighty miracles. This is my joy. To be an instrument in the hands of my God to bring about the happiness of His children. This work is true and it is His work. Jesus is the Christ, foretold by ancient prophets and testified of by latter day witnesses. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. I love this work. To this end I testify, in His sacred name, Jesus Christ, amen.
I feel changes coming up. Im really excited for them, while somewhat nervous about what will happen. Transfer announcements are next week, so Ill eventually tell you what happens.
I love and pray for all of you. Miss you a ton. Hope the Holiday season brings the Spirit of the Lord in to your lives, and the lives of those around you in more abundance. Thank you for all you do.
Love,
Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Genki?
Its getting cold here, but I was still able to wear short sleeve last week - I guess its not as cold as back home. Winter is finally kicking in, and everyone talks about how cold it is. I ask them how low the temperatures go and they say about .... 3 Celsius. I know, not freezing. I was honestly kind of disappointed.
So last wednesday I had the oppportunity to perform a baptismal interview for a candidate in one of the areas in my District. It became an extremely Spiritual experience for me and the candidate and hes ready to go. It was fun working in a different area, and we were able to see a couple of miracles while I was there. But at night, was when it all started.
I was praying about Takeuchi-san, and how we would get her to be baptized. While I was praying, out of nowhere, I got the impression "shes going to receive her husbands permission on Sunday and be baptized next week."
...
I asked Heavenly Father about it again to confirm, and in one of the most powerful manifestations I have felt in my life, He confirmed that it was true. I had mixed feelings; one, not really knowing if it was just my own wishful thinking, and two, this is how my prayers are answered, so I better act with faith.
I told this to my companion a day later and we prayed to know if it was true. Again, with the same force it penetrated to the very depths of our hearts telling us that this was Gods will.
We decided to tell Takeuchi san the next day. We did so and prayed. In the same way, the manifestation pierced our hearts. After finishing, she lifted up her head and told us that she had been feeling, since tuesday, that the 21st of November would be a special day for her. She didnt know why, but she felt that she was closer to baptism than ever. We rejoiced in the revelation poured out from Heaven and she committed to tell her husband.
The next day (sunday morning) she called us, saying that she wanted to come by and tell us something. Before she came I prayed and asked Heavenly Father if she had gotten her permission. The answer was a resounding yes in the chambers of my heart.
She arrived and told us that she had talked to her husband. Because of her pure and unwavering faith, all he could say was "I cant say no". We all received our answers to our prayers and fasts. She will be baptized this saturday at 4:00.
Miracles do happen.
The Lord lives. He leads this Church, and in many ways we cant see, performs many mighty miracles. This is my joy. To be an instrument in the hands of my God to bring about the happiness of His children. This work is true and it is His work. Jesus is the Christ, foretold by ancient prophets and testified of by latter day witnesses. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. I love this work. To this end I testify, in His sacred name, Jesus Christ, amen.
I feel changes coming up. Im really excited for them, while somewhat nervous about what will happen. Transfer announcements are next week, so Ill eventually tell you what happens.
I love and pray for all of you. Miss you a ton. Hope the Holiday season brings the Spirit of the Lord in to your lives, and the lives of those around you in more abundance. Thank you for all you do.
Love,
Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Monday, November 9, 2009
About me...
Haisai!
Genki? Boku wa genki da yo.
Thank you so much for all your e-mails and your love. Im deeply touched that all of you will take time out to send me some lines. Im grateful for each one of you because I feel your love, as well as my Saviors love in everything you do for me and those around you. Keep it up, and other surely feel the same way.
Ive been writing a lot about the area, investigators, dendou (missionary work), and at the same time everyone tells me to write about myself. The more I work the more I lose myself in this great work, so that request comes a little offhand, but Ill do my best.
Heavenly Father lives. He loves me. I know that He sent His literal Son in the flesh, and watched Him suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and again on the cross on Calvary, so that I could have a chance at returning to His presence. That knowledge strengthens me, and gives me more happiness and peace in my heart, as I try to rely on the Atonement of my Savior, and friend, even Jesus Christ, to overcome myself, my sins, my mistakes, and become a better son of God. I know my Savior lives. He is the Redeemer of mankind, and there is no other way by which peace in this life and eternally might come, unless its through His redeeming blood.
This has changed me. Living the Gospel more than I ever had has made me conscious of my weaknesses, faults, and sins. But I feel my Saviors love as I kneel in prayer, and ask for, and receive, His mercy and forgiveness. My heart has become softer. My ability to love others has increased. My patience is much stronger, and my ability to resist temptation is ever higher. It is because of Him. I am nothing without His help.
Yes, I am still frustrated a lot of times. Frustrated that I dont feel as effective as I could be. That I still have sins and weaknesses which make me a lesser missionary than I hope to be. But through His Gospel, I came to understand my purpose, and I am filled when I think of all the blessings He has given me.
My body aches - a lot. But as I kneel and bow before my Father, He strengthens me and revitalizes my energy through the joy of His Son - who suffered more than I could ever hope to imagine.
Im happy. I want to see even more success. Our investigators and ward members show an incredible example of faith and love. I love this place.
We meet a lot of crazy people too... "my father: police man, taxi man, post man!!!" -what the....
But Im strengthened through the love of my Savior. I am happy because I have the Gospel, and He has seen fit to pour out His mercy and love on my unworthy soul, and mold me into someone I never knew I could be. This is His true Gospel and it brings happiness to those who are at least willing to try it - with just a small desire.
Im having fun. My companion is great and we keep work fun as we try to overcome our weaknesses and reach out to those who are searching for this wonderful Gospel.
Its hard. Its frustrating. But it has brought me more joy and peace than I could have imagined.
My bike is awesome. Although it has brought about recently, a specially painful pimple on my left cheek (the one I sit on, thats right), which makes it hurt everytime I sit - but makes me laugh with my companion every time I think about it!
I love the mission. I love this experience. I love my Savior, friend, companion, and Light. He lives. He has brought about this great work through a living prophet, and has shown us the way to happiness and eternal life.
I love all my friends, families and leaders, and until we meet again, I pray for your safety, peace, and success. With much love,
Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Genki? Boku wa genki da yo.
Thank you so much for all your e-mails and your love. Im deeply touched that all of you will take time out to send me some lines. Im grateful for each one of you because I feel your love, as well as my Saviors love in everything you do for me and those around you. Keep it up, and other surely feel the same way.
Ive been writing a lot about the area, investigators, dendou (missionary work), and at the same time everyone tells me to write about myself. The more I work the more I lose myself in this great work, so that request comes a little offhand, but Ill do my best.
Heavenly Father lives. He loves me. I know that He sent His literal Son in the flesh, and watched Him suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and again on the cross on Calvary, so that I could have a chance at returning to His presence. That knowledge strengthens me, and gives me more happiness and peace in my heart, as I try to rely on the Atonement of my Savior, and friend, even Jesus Christ, to overcome myself, my sins, my mistakes, and become a better son of God. I know my Savior lives. He is the Redeemer of mankind, and there is no other way by which peace in this life and eternally might come, unless its through His redeeming blood.
This has changed me. Living the Gospel more than I ever had has made me conscious of my weaknesses, faults, and sins. But I feel my Saviors love as I kneel in prayer, and ask for, and receive, His mercy and forgiveness. My heart has become softer. My ability to love others has increased. My patience is much stronger, and my ability to resist temptation is ever higher. It is because of Him. I am nothing without His help.
Yes, I am still frustrated a lot of times. Frustrated that I dont feel as effective as I could be. That I still have sins and weaknesses which make me a lesser missionary than I hope to be. But through His Gospel, I came to understand my purpose, and I am filled when I think of all the blessings He has given me.
My body aches - a lot. But as I kneel and bow before my Father, He strengthens me and revitalizes my energy through the joy of His Son - who suffered more than I could ever hope to imagine.
Im happy. I want to see even more success. Our investigators and ward members show an incredible example of faith and love. I love this place.
We meet a lot of crazy people too... "my father: police man, taxi man, post man!!!" -what the....
But Im strengthened through the love of my Savior. I am happy because I have the Gospel, and He has seen fit to pour out His mercy and love on my unworthy soul, and mold me into someone I never knew I could be. This is His true Gospel and it brings happiness to those who are at least willing to try it - with just a small desire.
Im having fun. My companion is great and we keep work fun as we try to overcome our weaknesses and reach out to those who are searching for this wonderful Gospel.
Its hard. Its frustrating. But it has brought me more joy and peace than I could have imagined.
My bike is awesome. Although it has brought about recently, a specially painful pimple on my left cheek (the one I sit on, thats right), which makes it hurt everytime I sit - but makes me laugh with my companion every time I think about it!
I love the mission. I love this experience. I love my Savior, friend, companion, and Light. He lives. He has brought about this great work through a living prophet, and has shown us the way to happiness and eternal life.
I love all my friends, families and leaders, and until we meet again, I pray for your safety, peace, and success. With much love,
Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Monday, November 2, 2009
Chestnuts roasting...
and a crazy wind hits Yonago!!!
Wait, thats wrong... oh never mind, Im in Japan, there really is no christmas, but there is crazy weather!!! Oh and today, we found some Dr Pepper. Awesome...
This last week has been so good. We were able to make a difference in some peoples lives hopefully, and we decided on some new approaches we are going to use for the work. We decided that trying to find new people while our invewtigators that were teaching keep on dropping so were going to be doing a good ol charity-filled spiritual blitzkrieg on them and hopefully they will start progressing again.
Weve been able to work a lot with the members recently and theyve been introducing us to their friends. Its been incredible and weve been able to find a couple of families to teach through it. The Lord has truly been blessing our efforts, however many shortcomings we seem to have. The more we try to show our love for Him and His atonement, the more blessings we receive. I truly am a beggar. And I know He loves me and the people of this part of His vineyard.
I talked to Pres Isa last interview about why Japan isnt seeing the same numbers as in South America fir example, and he explained to me - in actual historic facts - the cycle of pride shown in the Book of Mormon appearing in Japanese history. In learning that it became mixed feelings of relief (of maybe its not me after all), and also of compassion and care towards them. But like in Alma 23, when we find those who arent compelled to be humbled by their circumstances, who accept the Restored Gospel, their conversion is much more permanent.
I love this work. I know it is the work of the Lord, and Hes compassionately helping us and those He leads us to. He is our Savior and Redeemer and through Him we can gain more peace in this life. Im so grateful for His atoning sacrifice, and His mercy in my life.
I love you all and continue to pray that you are safe and growing closer to our Father each and every day, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Love Elder
Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Wait, thats wrong... oh never mind, Im in Japan, there really is no christmas, but there is crazy weather!!! Oh and today, we found some Dr Pepper. Awesome...
This last week has been so good. We were able to make a difference in some peoples lives hopefully, and we decided on some new approaches we are going to use for the work. We decided that trying to find new people while our invewtigators that were teaching keep on dropping so were going to be doing a good ol charity-filled spiritual blitzkrieg on them and hopefully they will start progressing again.
Weve been able to work a lot with the members recently and theyve been introducing us to their friends. Its been incredible and weve been able to find a couple of families to teach through it. The Lord has truly been blessing our efforts, however many shortcomings we seem to have. The more we try to show our love for Him and His atonement, the more blessings we receive. I truly am a beggar. And I know He loves me and the people of this part of His vineyard.
I talked to Pres Isa last interview about why Japan isnt seeing the same numbers as in South America fir example, and he explained to me - in actual historic facts - the cycle of pride shown in the Book of Mormon appearing in Japanese history. In learning that it became mixed feelings of relief (of maybe its not me after all), and also of compassion and care towards them. But like in Alma 23, when we find those who arent compelled to be humbled by their circumstances, who accept the Restored Gospel, their conversion is much more permanent.
I love this work. I know it is the work of the Lord, and Hes compassionately helping us and those He leads us to. He is our Savior and Redeemer and through Him we can gain more peace in this life. Im so grateful for His atoning sacrifice, and His mercy in my life.
I love you all and continue to pray that you are safe and growing closer to our Father each and every day, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Love Elder
Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
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