Prayers are Answered

This past little while I have been working on being selfless, and I've taken a paperback Book of Mormon aside just for that. I am specifically noting the ways it teaches us about selflessness in the margins and with my marking. It has been a wonderful study, and it has strengthened my testimony that the Book of Mormon really is the keystone of our religion. Now, more firmly than ever before, I believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and I am coming to see just what kind of potential it has to bless our lives and guide us to truth.

As I began this study of selflessness I came to see that praying for others is a huge part of acting in a Christ-like, selfless way. Although I still want to improve myself in this way, I have begun to work on it and I have seen the blessings that come of it.

Here is my letter to President Gustafson this week: 

"Well, this week we worked hard, and although we did not see exactly what we had hoped, things have all turned out for the better (far better than I had hoped or thought). As I have prayed for the investigators that we have stewardship over I have seen those prayers answered in miraculous ways.
The example that stands out in my mind most prominently right now is a miracle from yesterday. Lokendera, a Nepaljin investigator, did not make it to church last week and his baptism has been moved twice. I have been praying for him to find work so that the way will be opened for him to receive baptism with all of his heart. Kurita, whom you might remember, and who has a similar situation, also came to church rather unexpectedly. During the sokujikai after sacrament meeting, in what must have been an inspired moment, I thought of asking for Kurita's help with finding work for our Nepaljin friends. He answered with an enthusiastic yes, and all those involved were blessed to see it happen. After all information was exchanged between the parties, Lokendra gave the warmest hug I have ever felt, and I was filled with gratitude for answered prayer."

That's all I have time for now. My love to all!

Elder Bevan

Baptism!

This week went by like a blur. Le Thanh Tung was baptized on the 11th by Elder Harvy only a few hours after I finished writing my letter. On Sunday I was able to confirm him a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

I know the Church is true and that the fullness of the everlasting gospel is found in it. 

Mostly this week we just worked. We "streeted", and we planned, and we were able to attend a district (a stake) priesthood meeting with the recently baptized Zahn. In church we sat in class with three members who were each baptized in the last month. It was so cool! 

Besides that we just tried to find the people who are prepared. As always, miracles attended us. On Wednesday we have an appointment with a man who we met a few weeks ago after just bumping into as we were parking our bikes. He is awesome!

The three friends that we were hoping could be baptized this last Sunday couldn't make it. They are all from Nepal and their financial situation is dire. They do not know what to do, and in many ways this makes it hard for them to make the gospel the focus of their attention. We are praying hard for them, but as of yet have not quite seen how the Lord will do His work with them. I hope that we might be able to find a way to get the seed of the gospel rooted in them. 

That is basically my hope for all whom we are teaching, and for all.

The Lord is Good,

my love to all!

Elder Bevan

Taikai Picture

Aoyagi Taikai 

From: Japan Mission Fukuoka <fukuokajapanmission@gmail.com

Nagasaki

OK, so things are kind of hectic here. Right now we are at the church preparing the baptismal font for Tung to be baptized. He should be here any minute now. He is from Vietnam, he is twenty seven, and I couldn't love him more. He is a great man, and I hope that I can be like him in a lot of ways... besides that, on Sunday we have three baptisms planned. We also got our transfer calls today and so P-day is on Tuesday (sorry, I didn't know). Elder Harvey and I are not going to be moving.

 

In the short time that I have then I want to tell you a little bit about Nagasaki. The name Nagasaki actually means "long hills", and it is fitting. Everything is hills. The tops of the hills kind of break through buildings where they are the highest and are all covered in green. Nagasaki is (I think) the oldest international trading port of Japan. It was the place where Christianity was first introduced, and where traders from all over the world came to do business. There was a time when the only connection that Japan had to the outside world was through a tiny island called Dejima in Nagasaki (a place I visited my first week here). The dutch traders that stayed there, could not even leave the island. At that time Christianity was outlawed and Christians martyred. 

Since that time many things have changed, among the major events of the city's history, of course was the atomic bomb. The "peace park" is here and a few weeks ago we visited the atomic bomb museum. That is something that I think will never leave my mind. 

Today, Nagasaki's rich heritage of international cultures still thrives. Last week we spent a Monday evening with the Ohira Family (a Family Home Evening type thing) at the  Nagasaki Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is a Chinese celebration that was taken to Nagasaki because of its trading ties. While there, we saw thousands of lanterns strung across the street and over the river. It was beautiful. I was also able to see a Chinese dragon, and that is something I will never forget. I wish I could send a video.

While I was there I was able to get a better grasp on my purpose here, and I realized how much I really do love these people. I love the people of Japan more than I can tell. I love my God, and am immensely grateful for the blessings he has given me. I pray that He will give the power to continue in His graces. I love Him.

Truly yours, with love,

Elder Bevan

Baptism!

Hello Everyone! This week in Nagasaki was beautiful. The weather was wonderful and the fruit trees across from our apartment are in bloom. On the 28th I was able to baptize Zhan Xeio Jie, and then to stand in for his confirmation this Sunday. What a great blessing! If all the world fell to pieces and he only stayed faithful then I would be happy. What a blessing! 

There are a lot of things that we do that are just words on paper, but if we were the most organized, prepared and studious missionaries in all of the world, we couldn't do a thing greater than bringing that simple blessing into the lives of our brothers and sisters. When we see our friends begin to learn about the truth of the gospel, we see the change that it makes for them in their faces and their actions. The Gospel really does change people. I know it more now then ever. I am so grateful for the Atonement and work of Jesus Christ that makes that change a reality for all of us!  I really cannot say how much that means to me. I know The Savior lives! I know that this is His truth! I feel willing to anything for my God.

Working hard,

Truly yours, Elder Bevan