Hello everyone!!
How are you doing? Sounds like this Swine Flu is getting everyone and their dog sweating right now. Mission medical sent us a couple of e-mails about it. But nothing anyone can really do about it here. I don't know, it's kind of funny being a missionary: we're so concerned about people's salvation and their wellbeing, that we don't notice all these little things that people keep freaking out about. I mean, they're not necessarily little, but being closer to Heavenly Father definitely gives you a better perspective on things. Like it says in 1 Ne 11:17 - I do know that God loves all of His children; nevertheless I do not know the meaning of all things. The Gospel is really a blessing, and this work is amazing. I can't believe I'll be hitting my year mark next transfer! It's just going sooo fast. I don't have time to think and all of a sudden I'll be going home soon. For you, it might not seem as fast, but it's like we want more time so that we can help these people. We truly want to see them happy. And it's so frustrating, that even though they have received a confirmation, they still choose to follow the path of least resistance, and therefore, missing out on all the great blessings of the Gospel. I can kind of relate it to flying. The faster you go, the more drag (or resistance) you will encounter. However, as your speed increases, you are able to get lift (or the force that pushes you upward). As you ascend, you encounter less resistance, and realize that pushing the limit below has allowed you to travel safer, faster airways. Of course, turbulence is a given (it is still the atmosphere), however, as you focus on keeping your attitude straight and level, not worrying about the slight altitude drops (or things that have minimal importance), you are able to safely, quickly, and happily reach your destination. Maybe that's why I like planes so much... what's not to like right?
So this last week we were able to contact 60 people with only good 23 hours of working time. We did find 2 investigators, and it holds true that the more people you meet, the more likely you are to find those prepared to teach. However, as one of the things that I've been thinking about lately, it has more to do with the quality of these "natural invitations" (as our APs put it), than how many grandmas and grandpas you can gab with in a week. And the principle of you find what you look for. If all you're doing is ineffectively housing places where the old folks live, of course, you will find them. If you are looking for young, normal kids, who are searching for their purpose in life, well, you go to the college. Now you're thinking: "Mourao, it took you that long to figure this out? What's wrong with you? Did Japan mess with you?" Haha. No. But, surprisingly, missionaries set on autopilot and don't actually pay attention for all the great opportunities there are around them in order to find those prospective priesthood holders, bishops, stake presidents, worthy husbands, etc.
For example, we went to go get some new stamps (not mail stamps) for the office and we ended up talking to the man there for 30 minutes. We invited him to hear the lessons, and even though he might not seem that interested now, as we continue to talk to him, that interest will spark. Another example is Fujiwara-san, who we met last night. Good kid. Good job. Doesn't have that much going for him. But, because he works at a Hotel, he wants to learn English. Then, as we teach and show interest in him, he will naturally have those so-called "questions of the soul" come, and we'll be there to help him.
Missionary work is sometimes a lot more simple than we give it credit. In Jacob it talks about those who "look beyond the mark" and miss the simple and plain things. We've decided recently that instead of Investigators and Potential Investigators, we're going to find Friends and Acquaintances. Now, that might sound pretty cheezy, corny, or whatever. The point is, these people aren't numbers. They are children of God, who need the Gospel, even if they don't realize it. So, as we become friends with them, truly show love and charity towards them, show unfeigned interest, and apply the Gospel to their own concerns and questions, they will naturally feel the Gospel bless their lives.
Sounds so simple, doesn't it? Well, saying it is easy. Putting it to practice takes courage, faith, and determination. All of which I'm not sure I have. hehehe. But I'll try. And I know that I'll succeed. I know God lives. I know that because He talks to me and I can feel His love. Prayer is amazing. If you haven't tried it lately, please do. He knows you better than you know yourself. Trust Him. Rely on Him. He'll literally carry you if He has to.
I'm glad to see most of you are doing better, and I continue to pray for your health, happiness and success. I love you all.
Elder Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
