Announcements

So I will skip the intros, got some announcements (sorry, kind of cold today hehe):
If you have been following up on Church News lately they have just made an announcement in the Asia North Area - that means us in Japan. As of July 1st, 2010, the Hiroshima Japan Mission will be closed. It was quite a shock to us, last week during an urgent Mission Conference. Apparently President and Sister Isa heard it from President Aoyagi back on November 17th and had to keep quiet about it for all this time. They will also be returning home on an early release. This technically doenst affect me as to my transfers, since I will be the last group departing from the Hiroshima Mission. The transfer after the Mission will be split into 2 - Yamaguchi District and Hiroshima Stake going to the west-neighboring Fukuoka Mission, and the rest (including Matsue) will be going to the neighboring Kobe Mission. It was quite a shock. Im really sad, especially for President and Sister Isa, who will be going home to leave all their missionaries to other missions. And also the fact that the place that I served and loved for 6months (Mission Office) will be no more. Mixed feelings, but we all know that its the Lords will in moving the work in this wonderful country. :`(
In other news, there will be a new email system being implemented next week, and so the email I now use is subject to change.
So, moving on.....
Last week was really good, kind of a Spiritual high that capped off last night. I had thought about things that I could do to redouble the work (as it is the theme here now, so we can hit 90 baptims by June), and I came to different conclusions and ideas. Im still having fatigue and pain issues so I kept thinking that working double (on a figurative sense) would just completely destroy me. I thought about waking up even earlier than rules call for, and thought it impossible - Im already having a hard enough time as it is!!
Then as I prayed, thought, then prayed, I really felt that I should be doubling my study. Gain more power from the scriptures. And the only way to do that was to wake up at 5:30, exercise, prepare, then start study at 7. As I prayed, I felt that this is what I should do, and so I covenanted with the Lord, that if I tried my hardest to make that new limit, that He would give me th strength (both Spiritual and physical) that I needed and I felt an overwhelming confidence at that promise. The next day, 5:22 - not even a little tired. It was an incredible testimony building experience.
Because of that Ive been feeling more Spiritually acute, and powerful - having a stronger confidence in all aspects of the work. It got to the point where, for the first time, I cried during a normal street contact when testifying of the plan of salvation. It was incredible.
Then yesterday, after several disappointing referrals; then a ward mission leader who seems intent on not sharing the gospel with his family; and several bad door knocks (where people came out either not half-clothed, or have never had a thought about life before) we came to a young couple on the way home. It was still a little early and I usually want to stay out as much as possible, but I felt an incredible sense of peace on the way there. As we talked to these 2 young people, I talked with the 18 yrold boy, who was really friendly, and had a conversation about 2012. I mentioned the Mayans and how their ancestors` records are found in the Book of Mormon. I felt the Spirit testify so powerfully, and I knew that he was ready to accept the Gospel.
After so many trials that day, that one moment, being led to someone who will accept the message of the Savior, made it all worth it. How great was my joy! I bowed in thankful prayer, remembering the Savior as He walked the roads of Galilee, Judea, being rejected - and how He knows what I experienced . And because He paid the price, my burden was made lighter, my heart was in peace. I testify that He truly is the Savior of the world. He died for us. He suffered for us. Because of Him, we will overcome. I praise His name, and thank for the opportunity to serve HIm and come to know Him, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
With all my love,

Elder Mourao

Cant write next week; mission conf.

Hello everyone!! How fast winter is flying by; people here are freaking out saying thatit will get colder but I doubt it. Its been an amazing west - not as far as actual finding and teaching - but of spiritual growth. Ive been able to learn and understand more about the Atonement and it has drawn me closer to the Savior. I love this work. I want to see more miracles and keep working at it until the end.
Its funny because the work in Japan is purely based on faith - as it is elsewhere of course, but Ill explain. Its extremely hard - for some reason especially right now. For one, the culture is completely uncooperative to the work. We talked with the bishop and he gave us the sad report that getting to meet members and having them help us in lessons is next to impossible. That kind of shot me down.
In the Japanese culture, if youre working from 7 am to 8 pm, thats completely normal. And kids too. They study (or say they do, but we see them making messes everywhere somehow) like maniacs, and when we ask them so when do you have time? they reply stuff like this (*note: this is a real response. You might want to close your eyes because of the ridiculousness): "uhmmm, I dont know Im pretty busy this year. I can probably meet next year or something." ---- ITS JANUARY 10TH!! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOURE BUSY THE WHOLE YEAR?!
So its pretty frustrating. I still feel like theres something lacking somewhere - especially in finding. Last 3 weeks: 0 new investigators... kind of depressing... The whole entire country needs to change for the Gospel to be accepted. Everyone is too busy for their own salvation and happiness.
But, like the sons of Mosiah, I testify that Im not only dependent upon the mercies of the world, but also upon the mercies of God: the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. It warms my heart, gives me strength, heals my heart, and provides me with unequaled comfort. The Gospel is incredible.
In other breaking news, my back is now starting to give out. Its like my old Jetta, where here the speedometer broke (oh its ok, Ill just drive on the feel of the road); then the wheel fell off (oh its ok, just replace it with super expensive ones); then the battery gave out (oh its ok, Ill just buy a new one and go up the canyon with it); then the engine started making funny sounds (oh its ok, Ill just keep running with it, Ill probably just get used t-.....) \
I should probably go get it checked, but its too much of a hassle and Id rather be out working. However, there is a possibility that it could be strained or something, and the body could just become useless eventually. Ill talk to someone about it. It hurts pretty bad, not gonna lie.
Anyways, my time is up, but I just want to say that I love each and everyone of you. I hope that I somehow help strengthen your testimonies with these emails, for thats my job. I love the Lord. I know He lives. I know that He is the Head of this Church, and that it truly was restored through a living Prophet, even Joseph Smith. Whatever problems we have, the Gospel, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help us. I testify to that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
With much love,

Elder Mourao