January 2012 Finishers

This week, we said good-bye to a really great group of missionaries! It was a large, energetic group of 9 wonderful missionaries! Elder Boss, Elder Hooton, Elder Pearson, Elder Adachi, Elder Curtis, Elder Transtrum, Sister Clark, Elder Valentine, and Elder Stachowski. They are all great missionaries and we will miss them! We love them so much and are so grateful for their examples and their service.

Seated, left to right: Elder Transtrom, Sister Clark, Elder Valentine, Elder Stachowski
Standing: Elder Boss, Elder Hooton, Elder Pearson, Elder Adachi, Elder Curtis, and Sister and President Baird

Of Elder Stachowski, another elder said, "He is a very handy elder.  He can fix anything, any time, anywhere."

One of Elder Valentine's former companions said of him, "He has a very big heart...and an even bigger appetite."

Elder Hooton has a great sense of humor.  One missionary said he was one of the funniest people he has met.  Elder Hooton also enjoys fixing things, and has fixed everything from a dryer to a computer.

Sister Clark loves to teach and be involved with learning.  She may become a language teacher, likely teaching Japanese.  She likes most any activity where there is learning involved.

Sister Clark and Sister Baird at the mission home

Elder Pearson says he doesn't show much emotion, so people can't always tell how he is feeling about something.  But he is almost always positive and doesn't think he has any enemies.  He has finally fulfilled his life-long dream of serving a mission.

Elder Boss is hoping for a business/marketing degree and is interested in advertising. He is a good friend, organizer and has a good sense of humor.  He lived in Japan for 10 years, but attended an American school.

Walking into Chubu Airport

Elder Transtrum knew how to dendo, according to one of his former companions.  He knew how to work hard and, when the time was right, he knew how to have fun.  He also had very good Japanese.

Missionaries who knew Elder Adachi said he loves people and enjoys talking to them.  He always has a loving feel about him and is easy to love.  He had the privilege of serving in the mission at the same time as  his sister for a while.   

From West Valley City, Utah, Elder Derrick Curtis thinks soccer is the all time best sport in the world.  He also loves to read and plans to become an engineer or architect.  Elder Curtis likes to do what he is supposed do.

"What We Do Is True"

Experience shared by Elder Dustin Larsen

I remember coming in as a young missionary, ready to work and see tons of baptisms along the way.  As time went by, my work ethic continued to get stronger and more effective, but the baptisms never came.  It wasn’t until January 16, 2010, almost a year into my mission, when I saw my first baptism.  It was an older lady named Osada.  I refer to her as my “Japanese grandma”.  I love Osada san with all my heart and am so blessed to be a part of her conversion. 

I worked with her for six months and after all that needed to be done was finished, she was baptized.  I remember walking into the font with her, saying the prayer word for word, immersing her into the water and lifting her up. 

What happened after that though, is something I’ll never forget.  I escorted her out of the font and I remained there alone for about 30 seconds.  In those 30 seconds I looked up towards heaven and felt God’s love stronger than any other time in my life. I knew that God lives and what we do is true.  I will never forget that special witness after Osada san’s baptism.

Merry Christmas! 2011

Merry Christmas!

We have been celebrating this Christmas season thoughout the entire mission. This week, we visited each zone in the mission to do a Christmas devotional. The mission Christmas tour started in Shizuoka on Wednesday. The following day, we made a long trip to Matsumoto and over to Kanazawa. Friday, we were next door in the Meito chapel. On Christmas Eve, we finished in Gokiso. The time we spent together as a mission was enjoyed by all. It was so fun to visit the different zones and see the wonderful missionaries there. Many missionaries received packages from their loved ones. It was fun to see their excited faces! But, the best part of the trip was not just the presents received in packages, but through reflecting on the many blessings we enjoy!



Through sharing our testimonies, hearing and pondering the Christmas story, and recalling the blessings we have because of our Savior now, we were able to spend a fun, spiritual time together. Everyone was able to be edified and feel the true Christmas spirit. This is a very special time of year! Truly, there is something magical in the air. We are blessed to be in Japan sharing this message of Jesus Christ. We are blessed to know that our Savior was born and lived a life for us! We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! May the spirit of this wonderful holiday fill your hearts with warmth and joy! Let us ponder together on the wonderful blessing we enjoy because of that babe in manger. Posted are the pictures taken of the different zones! We hope you enjoy them!

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!

December 2011 New Missionaries!

We had four wonderful new missionaries come to our mission tonight. Elder O'Hara (Arizona), Elder Kuwahara (Fukushima), Elder Finlinson (Utah), and Elder Shimohara (Utah). They did great on their first night! We are excited to watch them grow throughout their mission!

From left: Sister and President Baird, Elder O'Hara,
Elder Kuwahara, Elder Finlinson, Elder Shimohara,
Elder Rust (ZL) and Elder Hollister (ZL)

The missionaries rode the train to the mission home sharing the gospel all the way! They all did great! They were willing to open their mouths and share their testimony with everyone!

Stopped for a quick picture inside the Nagoya Eki underneath the Golden Clock.

Elder Finlinson (left) and Elder Eckman- Takabata

Elder Alexander Finlinson comes to us from Oak City, Utah.  He is the third child in a family of four.  Elder Finlinson enjoys reading, hanging out with his cousins, and "table top role playing, because you can do whatever you want."

Elder Eckman is very well-read.  He is very smart and a good teacher.  

Elder Shimohara (left) and Elder Tsutamori- Nonami

Elder Samuel Shimohara’s parents converted before he was born, so he grew up in the church. He lives in Torrance, California. He hopes, when he gets home, to spend a few days listening to General Conference talks and making a plan for the rest of his life.  It will most likely involve getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Elder Tsutamori loves many sports and has already studied engineering in college.  He is good at listening to others and pondering deeply.  Elder Tsutamori is from Hokkaido, Japan.

Elder Kuwahara (left) and Elder Ogaki- Ichinomiya Elder Sei Kuwahara is from Kawahuma, Fukushima, Japan.  He enjoys fixing motor bikes, fishing, skiing, photography and rowing.  His dream is to have a happy family.  Elder Ogaki loves sports, music and talking with people.  He has a zest for life. He has good English and plays piano.

                            Elder Kuwahara (left) and Elder Ogaki- Ichinomiya

Elder Sei Kuwahara is from Kawahuma, Fukushima, Japan.  He enjoys fixing motor bikes, fishing, skiing, photography and rowing.  His dream is to have a happy family.

 Elder Ogaki loves sports, music and talking with people.  He has a zest for life. He has good English and plays piano.

Elder O'Hara (left) and Elder Gottfredson- Kanazawa

Elder Andrew O'Hara is a Mesa, Arizona native.  His mother is a convert to the Church, as a result of ekaiwa classes.  She also served a mission in Nagoya.  His father is also a convert and served in Bolivia.  Elder O'Hara loves to draw, wrestle, read, run, listen to music and be with friends.  His goal after his mission is to become a chiropractor and help people feel better.  He could also enjoy being a cartoonist.

Elder Gottfredson likes music.  He plans to minor in music and major in something that
will provide a living.  He makes friends easily, and sees being a bit prideful
as a strength and a weakness.

December 2011 Finishers

Tonight, we said good-bye to six great missionaries. Sister Tsukino, Elder Kekauoha, Elder Sorensen, Elder Jackson, Elder Carr, and Elder Santin. We love them so very much and miss them a lot! They have been a great blessing to this mission!

Sister Nozomi Tsukino's mother is a convert to the Church and served a mission.  She is strong in her faith and a wonderful example.  She loves to sing and has performed at missionary firesides.  She also love to cook.  She would love to learn English, Korean and sign language better, and even learn more languages.  She is positive and optimistic.  Most of her baby blessing was about her serving a mission, and she has a strong testimony. Elder George Kekauoha had this said of him:  "He is a very relaxed Hawaian who knows when to work hard and when to have fun." Elder Luke Sorenson is from Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, but he is also a US citizen.  He has a huge extended family cheering him on. He likes biology and learning other languages.  He likes to keep things clean and to cook.  Returned missionairies have inspired him to serve because they were polite, kindhearted, responsible and had direction in their lives.  Elder Marcus Jackson, says one missionary who served with him, is very funny, smart, and speaks English and Japanese fluently.  Before his mission, Elder Jackson loved to go to the temple. Elder Michael Carr is from Heber, Utah and he loves music and art.  He plays several instruments.  He also enjoys computers and new technology. He wants to learn as much as he can and then find a job that will help him continue to expand his knowledge.  He is a good listener, is obedient and respectful. Home for Elder Adriano Santin is Sao Paulo, Brazil.  His mother is from Japan. His talent is math and numbers, and he's very good at memorizing.  He enjoys reading, good movies, and spending time with his family.  He doesn't take things personally or get mad at people.

From left:  Sister Tsukino, Sister Baird, President Baird and in
front of him, Elder Kekauoha, then from back clockwise,
Elder Carr, Elder Santin, Elder Jackson, and Elder Sorenson.

One last picture before departure of the December Finishers!

Many members from Fukutoku Ward gathered together at the Komaki Airport to surprise Sister Tsukino and say good-bye one last time. It was very touching to see the support of these strong Japanese members!

The Elders wave good-bye as they go together to board the Shinkansen.

Golden Anniversary

How many people can say that they had the opportunity to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Japan as a missionary?! I would guess not a lot!

Our wonderful office couple, Elder and Sister Oldroyd, celebrated their Golden Anniversary this week! So, we decided to make it one to remember! We contacted missionaries throughout the mission and asked them to send in a Hashioki (chopstick rest) for the Oldroyds. (Sister Oldroyd loves hashioki.) We had a lot of the missionaries participate.




Also, we planned a surprise party for the Oldroyds by inviting some members over. We hid the shoes and gathered in the living room to welcome the Oldroyds. I think they were sure surprised! We spent the night by celebrating them and the wonderful people they are. We sang, opened presents, and enjoyed one another's company.









Elder and Sister Oldroyd opened each present together, even looking at each hashioki. Their favorite mailman even dropped by for the visit! I think everyone could see the pure joy in the eyes of the Oldroyds. They are a great example and influence on every one who comes in contact with them. We are so grateful for the blessing it is to serve together with them! We love them so very much!

Happy Golden Anniversary Elder and Sister Oldroyd!

We love you!

Elder and Sister Stevensons' Visit

This week, we had the privilege to host a mission conference tour with Elder and Sister Stevenson. The missionaries met at various locations throughout the mission. Elder and Sister Stevenson's visit to the mission was a great source of strength and guidance for the missionaries. Everyone was uplifted and edified. It was a blessing to hear from a servant of God. We are so grateful for the time we were able to spend this week feeling the spirit through the great example, love, and testimony of Elder and Sister Stevenson.

The Nagoya Zone and Nagano Zone joined together in the Gokiso church.

The Nagoya East Zone and Shizuoka Zone joined together for the conference in Meito church.

The last stop on the tour was Kanazawa Zone in the Kanazawa church.