Dear family,
It’s not even been a week yet with my new companion, Kouzawa Shimai, but we’re already such good friends and have done so many things together that it feels longer! Kouzawa Shimai is so kind—definitely one of the nicest and most selfless people I know! She only speaks a little English, so we really only speak in Japanese—which I’m sure will really help my Nihongo! It’s so fun being her companion and so fun doing missionary work with her!
Lately missionary work has become more fun and rewarding than before! I’ve realized more and more what it means in Ether 12:27: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” This has become my theme scripture lately—truly the Lord’s grace is sufficient if we are humble and trust in Him! With the Lord’s help, it’s sufficient, it’s enough! Recently I’ve been blessed with more confidence than before to open my mouth and talk to everyone I see to share a message that is the most important they will ever hear! I love testifying to everyone that God loves us, and that Jesus Christ lives!
Today (Preparation Day) we were able to meet with an investigator we haven’t been able to meet for a while because she’s been busy and lives far away. But she has so much faith-even though we hadn’t met for a while, she prays and reads the Book of Mormon every day. She wants to be baptized. We were able to set a baptism date for next month! Helen san is from the Philippines but married a Japanese person and has been here in Japan for a long time. Her Japanese (and English) is very good. She has two children, one is nine years old and she wants him to be baptized too. Helen san is wonderful, and definitely has been prepared to hear this message and be baptized. We’re so excited for her!I love all of you so much!
Love,
Swain shimai
To the Swain Family - I wanted to share with all of you about how much I have enjoyed following this blog. I served a mission in the Nagoya, Japan mission from 1992-94. I work for the U.S. Government and about 9 months ago I found out that I was going to be posted in Sendai, Japan. I found this blog online and both my wife and I read it and are thrilled at the missionary work. I recently arrived in Sendai about four weeks ago. My family and I attend the Izumi Ward. It has been fun to follow this blog and catch the excitement of missionary work in Japan. Thanks for this blog! Steve and Tiffany Browne.
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