Thoughts on Faith

There are people in the world who have philosophized that the only thing a person can know for certainty, with 100% assurance they are not wrong, is the reality of their existence. " I think, therefor I am." They asserted that we cannot know anything else beyond this. Everything that we know could be doubted away to that point. If I am not wrong, I think they might say "we cannot know if we are not simply the figment of someone else's imagination.... our perception of reality might be totally skewed."

It is a very "smart" idea... In a way it is true. Now, this might sound strange at first, but I kind of like this idea. I think it shows how much faith is a real part of everything that we do. Everyone uses faith, everyday, all-day. It is part of us. If this idea is true, than everything we do is based on faith.... I say faith, but this is not the same kind of faith that we talk about in church. That "Faith", is Faith in Jesus Christ. I am still thinking about this, but I think that these two faiths might work in about the same way. If you need faith to do normal everyday things and to carry out all of the tasks that we do all day. I think in the same way, we need Faith to carry out spiritual things. If everyday faith motivates us to try and do good in our work and our human relationships, then it would make sense that Faith in Jesus Christ would leads us to be much better than we already are. And if faith was what it took to send a man to the moon, or to make iPads, imagine what a real and vital faith in Christ could do to the souls of God's children!

I know that God lives, Jesus Christ is the Atoning One, and that the Book of Mormon is true by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Love to all, Elder Bevan

This is me and my "brother" and my "dad". Elder Harvey will be "dying" soon. .... gooofy picture :) I like it.

This is of our last zone conference. There are actually almost two zones in this picture... President and Sister Gustafson are right up front middle. I love them.

My Week

Last monday:Elder Lee went with a member and taught an awesome investigator while Elder Kirkham and I tried to figure out my bike situation... The lesson was awesome and my bike is expensive... and won`t be able to be fixed for a month or so. (Had to order abnormally large rims) Then just P-day things.

Tuesday:Worked on getting my bike figured out. Had a lesson with a struggling new convert named Nakano. "Dendo"ed (proselyted). Met with a less active who taught himself English by watching TV and gave himself an European movie-star accent. Helped him prepare for a TV interview. We listened to him play the piano and sing. He has a killer singing voice... really impressed. "Dendo"ed. Had a meeting with the other missionaries in the Ward about an Open house.

Wednesday:Had a funny lesson where Elder Kirkham and I taught a new investigator (long story) and Elder Lee taught the same guy he did on Monday. He accepted the invitation to be baptized. Then prep for English class. Another lesson, and English class.

Thursday: Zone Training Meeting, really awesome. Dendo for a really long time. Ate a "Tonkatsu Burger" at MacDonalds. Had  another meeting about the Open house.

  

Friday: Dendo. Weekly planning (always too long). Dendo. Played Basketball with some young people in the area.

Saturday:Visited a less active. Dendo. A member present. Choir practice. Stake confrence with an investigator!

16 Elders Stayed in our apartment! Crazy! Elder Harvey (my trainer) and Elder Oshima (my breaker) were both there. As well as Elder Iordachescu from the MTC!

Very fun.

Sunday: Stake conference. Three referrals from a member! (not for out area though) Attended a Funeral (great Experience, I hope I die faithful to the very end!). Borrowed a bike from Bishop! No more walking! Dendo. Talked to a young less active. 

That`s pretty much it! 

Love you all,

Thanks for all you do!

Love, Elder Bevan

Baptism!

 This is an investigator that Harvey, Malcolm Choro, and I found. He gave up smoking and was prepared for baptism within two weeks of our meeting. What a blessing! 

Brother Yamasaki! Shiawase!!

Transfers and Things

Well today has been kinda hectic. We got transfer calls today and I will be getting a Nehonjin (Japanese) Companion! His name is Oshima. I will be staying in Nagasaki and Harvey Choro is becoming zone leader of Kumamoto Zone. My new companion will be Zone leader with Malcolm Choro... That means that when they go off and do Zone Leader things I will be working with Malcolm Choro's new companion. He happens to be a brand-new missionary from China.... 

It should all be fun. I'm looking forward to the next six weeks. 

The past week has been good too. Having Malcolm Choro as our companion changed a lot. Our focus shifted on certain things and it changed the dynamics of our companionship a lot. I learned a lot about the things that I need to work on, and what I would like to be better at. I think those lessons are probably what I needed for this upcoming change in the district, and getting my new companion. I hope that I will be able to continually learn and apply these kinds of lessons for the rest of my time here. 

I will miss Harvey Choro. He has been a great friend and support to me, and especially in these past few weeks I have realized just how invaluable He is. He will do fantastic in his role as a Zone leader and I am sure that He will bless many more lives as he serves. I hope that I can become the missionary that I need to be to follow his example of loving service, and ultimately the Savior's example. One of my friends wrote me recently and bore testimony of the reality of the Saviors life. Of that, I also would like to bear testimony. I know that the Savior's sacrifice has effect on us, and that it is real. I know that Heavenly  Father hears our prayers, and that this is His Church once again established on the earth. I love Him.

My love to all,

Elder Bevan 

  My tricompanionship:  Bevan Choro, Malcolm Choro, and Harvey Choro

                                   

The District

Zone Conference

My Second Tripanionship!

Well this week began began with zone conference on Monday, and proceeded form there with oddities. Tuesday was p-day. On Thursday our zone leader got a call from the mission president calling him as the new AP. On Saturday he left and the other zone leader became my second companion. The new AP's name is Elder Coelho and my new companion is named Elder Malcolm. We a lived in the same apartment before now, so it isn't like this is extremely weird but it is definitely different.

On Saturday, after Elder Coelho left, we had the chance to go hiking to the top of a Nagasaki mountain. it was a great experience and we got to be with two new converts and two investigators. On the way back out of the mountain we passed by a Shinto temple. I felt like I was in some sort of Zelda Game or something. It really was perfect. All around us was covered in green and everything was quiet. The entrance was cut through a rise in the ground and the walls were covered in moss and greenery. 

As we passed through, the elders quorum president talked a little bit about the similarities between Shinto religion and Christianity. That was king of interesting too. 

Sunday was crazy too. We came to the church at eight thirty and practiced a musical number that the Nagasaki Missionaries, had ward mission coordination meeting for an hour, then taught priesthood, then stayed with our investigators throughout Sunday school and then went to Sacrament meeting. In sacrament meeting I had the chance to speak. I did not do so great because of the language and because I didn't have a lot of time to prepare, but I did my best and It inspired me to work harder at the language. For the rest of the meeting I tried to repeat in a whisper everything that was said and realized just how hard it was to do. I understand a lot more than I can say, but I'm glad that I can at least understand the little that I do. I really am blessed. 

I guess the final thing I want to write is about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the foundation of all that we have, and all that we, as members, do. Without the Atonement the restoration is not important. Temples, families, and service are useless. Without the atonement of Christ we are are nothing. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is true and real. I have seen it at work in my life. I am grateful for it.

my love to all

Elder Bevan

Elder Malcolm

Elder Harvey,...Elder Bevan

Hard Work

This week I learned a little more about what it means to work hard. From the honbu (the mission home), we received instructions to go finding for three hours of the day, every day for two weeks. 

When we got that instruction we skipped dinner to fill our three hours talking to people for the day. After that we worked hard to fill those hours every day. It has often been difficult to fit it in, and we haven`t been perfect, but we have been really blessed. On this last Saturday we accidentally took the wrong train and ran out of time to do our part, but when we came home we decided to knock doors for the hour that we had. It was dark and raining, and neither of us was in a happy mood, but we did it anyways, knowing that it was the work that we are out here to do. We found our sixth new investigator of the week that night. 

I am very prone to be discouraged when I think things are not going perfectly well, but this week I have realized that it is really only as we rely on the Savior`s mercy to overcome our imperfections, and simply set ourselves to the work that He works through us. To our perfection, and the sustaining of His perfect will. 

I am so glad to be about this work and to be His servent. 

Thanks for all your love and support,

My love to all,

Elder Bevan

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

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

Shinto Shrine

Awesome week

This week was Awesome! I am so grateful for the miracles that the Lord is doing here, and for the chance that I have to be a part of them! I am learning to have faith and trust the Lord. I am learning about the things that the Lord wants me to do and how He expects me to work. I am doing everything I can. I work as hard as I can and try to all that I can to be what I need to be. I try to be exactly obedient and to do everything that I am asked to do. I learn every day about how I can improve, but mostly we trust the Lord and simply do what He asks of us, and then we get to see miracles happen.
I wrote this to the mission president about what is happening in Nagasaki:

We had 9 investigators at church! What a miracle! For me it is even more of a miracles because almost everyone we teach knows enough English for me to be involved in the lesson and help teach them. I am never not involved, and I am seeing how much the Lord has blessed and helped me with the language so far. What miracles I have seen!
We thought we were going to have to cancel a baptism this week. Zan, a Chinese College Student living here in Nagasaki, had not learned or committed to the law of tithing, and then he stopped answering texts the day before his baptismal interview. We were to say the least, worried. We were worried especially because he has only had the time for the past few months to meet with us once a week. We prayed for him. Elder Coelho and Elder Malcom, our roommates and zone leaders fasted. Zan made it to Sacrament meeting, and told us that he had dropped his phone and broken it, and that is why he couldn't reply. He then read the tithes and offerings pamphlet, and, in our lesson after sacrament meeting, shared how much it meant to him. He expressed the truest Christian sentiment I have ever seen towards helping those in need, and helping the poor, and committed whole heartedly to living the law. We went over the interview questions, and we held the interview with no scruples. He will be baptized on Tuesday 28 January 2014. 

We really do see miracles every day.

Other things make living in Japan good too. Everything here is beautiful. The mountains/hills are covered in green, and the city is beautiful. The people are better.

Yesterday, the day of Zans interview, we had a lunch after church. It was wonderful!!! Everyone is kind and considerate. They are so loving, and in such a small branch they really love each-other. It really was just amazing. I love these people!!!   ...The food was great too :). I really cant express the love I feel for my people. I love them, and am so grateful to serve them.

I'm out of time again. My love to all.

Elder Bevan

Elder Harvey and Bevan

Miracles!

OK, Sorry this came late and I didn't say anything about it. I didn't know until later that p-day was moved this week. We had interviews with the mission president and so they moved us to Tuesday.

  

Two days ago we had ten minutes to get to a train station to pick up some incoming elders. We stopped maybe four people on the way (that's how we find most of our investigators) and we found a new investigator. While we were at the station waiting we stopped maybe five or six more people, and found a new investigator. The Lord truly does bless us as we set about His work. I see it every day without fail. 

     This Sunday was a particular blessing. Our branch is not very large, maybe sixty members. We have an outstanding mission leader and all the members are supportive. In the area we have eight missionaries, so we are a big part of the branch, but this week rocked the boat. We had eleven investigators in sacrament meeting, and when the meeting finished the president asked if we could introduce everyone. It was so Awesome!!!!! I am absolutely astounded to see how many lives are being blessed by God's great hand.

     Also I love to see how the Lord prepares those who He sends us. Right now we are teaching a Chinese college student named Zan. He is the Bomb!!! He is going to be baptized on the 28th. As we taught him the word of wisdom he told us; first, that he didn't even like taking prescription medication, then, that he didn't smoke, then, that he didn't even drink pop, then, that he hated coffee, and then that he didn't even like tea that much (although if anything at all he was surprised by that one). It was Amazing ! I love to see the Lord at work!   

    I'm out of time again, But thanks to all you all for your great support and all you love!

With all my love,

Elder Bevan

Mom, I love you sorry i was late, the pictures below are of last pday at a buddhist temple with Tung, a Vietnamese friend. im safe and am glad that you send this to so many people I love you

Tung and Elder Bevan

Pictures

These all are of- 

the view

me and Elder Harvy

Dajima- a cool old Dutch port -museum thing

a bookmark we made for a chines investigator.... and i think that about covers it, sorry this isnt very good ill try and do better next week

love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JAPAN!!!!

Japan is awesome!! I arrived in Fukuoka after something like over a full  24 hours of traveling.... I`m still not exactly sure  :) We slept that night in the mission home (which is underneath the temple), were trained a little, had a lot of Japanese food, and then went out to do some work with some of the more experienced missionaries.
The particular missionary that I was set up with had a lesson to teach to a couple of guys from Nepal who spoke a little English and a little Japanese. We taught the message of the restoration to them and were astounded at how prepared they were. Before they came to Japan they had studied Christianity and they had a lot of questions. During the lesson I asked if they had any about what we were saying and they said "no, you just gave us a lot of answers".... That was my first day here, and they committed to baptism. I have never seen such a miracle, I really cant express quite how amazing it was.

After we "streeted" for a while we had dinner with the president and his wife, and then found out our new areas and our companions. I was sent to Nagasaki, and my new companion is Elder Harvy, from Utah. He is awesome.

I met him the next day, and they took us to our apartment and showed me around.

Everything is narrow and small. We "housed" yesterday and it was probably the craziest thing I have ever done, ever. There are like a billion houses all scrunched together with crazy winding cement pathways threaded between them and stairs and just craziness... It`s hard to tell the front and back doors apart and for like the first hour I wasn`t even sure that we were even like supposed to be that close to peoples stuff, but the sidewalks that thread between the houses are totally their "streets" and it`s just normal. Besides that, sacrament was awesome, we had five investigators there, and four of them have baptismal dates!

I dont have time to write more but I love this. I love it so much! I love the people here more than I ever expected! I am anxious to be about the Lords work. I am grateful that I can be here serving Him and His people.
Love to all! 

Elder Bevan