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
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Called to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hiroshima, Japan
Map of Japan (for a complete map of where he's been, look at the bottom of this page)
Elder Victor M.S. Mourao
Called to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan
Map of Japan (for a complete map of where he's been, look at the bottom of this page)
Our Elder's address:
Elder Victor Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Tottori-ken Yonago-shi
Nishifukubara 3-6-27
Mezon Pineru 201
683-0805
JAPAN
Japan Hiroshima Mission
Tottori-ken Yonago-shi
Nishifukubara 3-6-27
Mezon Pineru 201
683-0805
JAPAN
You can write him an email at
Victor's time
Hiroshima |
Elder Mourao's favorite scripture: Alma 32:42
"And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst."
Thanks for reading Victor's blog!
Mission pictures
Where Victor's been!
Dramatic Growth
"Under the inspiration of the Lord and the courageous action of Joseph Smith, the first Latter-day Saint missionaries ever to serve beyond North America brought the restored gospel to the British Isles in 1837. Heading that first group of elders was Heber C. Kimball, who set a great example for all newly called missionaries. Humbled by the responsibility and fully aware of his limitations, he poured out his heart in prayer."
'O, Lord,' he cried, 'I am a man of stammering tongue, and altogether unfit for such a work; how can I go to preach in that land, which is so famed throughout Christendom for learning, knowledge and piety; the nursery of religion; and to a people whose intelligence is proverbial!'
"But rising from his knees and accepting his duty, he said, 'The moment I understood the will of my Heavenly Father, I felt a determination to go at all hazards, believing that He would support me by His almighty power, and endow me with every qualification that I needed' (Life of Heber C. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1945, p. 104). Surely God responded to the faith of that young elder, because Brother Kimball and his companions were endowed, 'with every qualification' they needed."
-Jeffrey R. Holland
'O, Lord,' he cried, 'I am a man of stammering tongue, and altogether unfit for such a work; how can I go to preach in that land, which is so famed throughout Christendom for learning, knowledge and piety; the nursery of religion; and to a people whose intelligence is proverbial!'
"But rising from his knees and accepting his duty, he said, 'The moment I understood the will of my Heavenly Father, I felt a determination to go at all hazards, believing that He would support me by His almighty power, and endow me with every qualification that I needed' (Life of Heber C. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1945, p. 104). Surely God responded to the faith of that young elder, because Brother Kimball and his companions were endowed, 'with every qualification' they needed."
-Jeffrey R. Holland