The Miracle of Kyoko

Kyoko Yaguchi Conversion Story
Written by President Scott O. Baird

The conversion story of Kyoko Yaguchi is inspiring and instructive. Kyoko’s story helps missionaries to develop the faith to find by:

1. Illustrating the power of multiple finding methods

2. Demonstrating ways the Lord leads people to the missionaries and

3. Proving that no effort is wasted.

By considering sweet Kyoko and her experience, missionaries can learn from and duplicate a marvelous experience that will help to bring about the prophetic promises regarding missionary work in Japan.

Kyoko in Kimono

In early 2012, Kyoko Yaguchi was 14 years old. She was schooled in the art of traditional Japanese dance. Traditional dance requires discipline and grace and Kyoko developed both. At a first introduction Kyoko appears to be much older than her 14 years. Her grace and composure project the image of an older and more mature young woman.

Sister Baird and I joined the missionaries in a lesson with Kyoko when a concern arose which threatened her baptismal date. Members wondered if our missionaries might be pressuring Kyoko to receive baptism and suspected that her parents might also feel the same way. A member called me to express the concern. I asked a few questions and learned that Kyoko had attended church 7 or 8 times. Her mother regularly attended with her and her father acted as chaperone to each lesson.

I asked the parents and the member to join us in the lesson. We started the lesson by explaining that baptism was the mechanism by which we enter God’s Kingdom. Because it is God’s Kingdom the standards for entry are high. We taught that liking the missionaries and wanting to please them was not sufficient reason to be baptized. We explained that God had outlined the standards for receiving baptism in the Doctrine and Covenants section 20 verse 37. We opened our scriptures together and read, stopping at the end of each phrase and asking someone to share their understanding of the phrase. We first read “all those who humble themselves before God”. I asked Kyoko’s mom what she thought that standard meant. She gave a thoughtful and insightful answer.

We moved to the next phrase, “…and desire to be baptized.” This time I asked Kyoko directly. “Do you desire to be baptized?”

She gave a direct answer, “Yes.”

“Will you please explain to me why you desire to be baptized?” Her answer was simple but clear. Both her mother and the member were satisfied from her answer that Kyoko was not being pressured but that she was making a well considered choice based on her budding faith. We continued by reading and discussing each phrase. Many of our questions were directed to Kyoko’s mother; occasionally we sought a response from either Kyoko or the member. In conclusion we spoke about the gift of the Holy Ghost and read together John 14:26 and talked about the spirit being able to teach us all things and being able to recall all things to our memory. We then asked Kyoko, “You are scheduled to receive baptism on March 3. Do you still want to be baptized on that day or would you prefer to wait?”

“I would like to be baptized on March 3.”

“Mother, how do you feel about that?” I asked.

“I don’t want to postpone my daughter’s baptism. Her father and I support her in this choice and will do all we can to help her to honor the choice she makes today.”

“Member, how do you feel about Kyoko’s desire to be baptized on her appointed day?”

With tears of emotion, having been moved by the spirit, the member agreed that postponing her baptism would serve no useful purpose.

With everyone united in opinion we shifted our attention. I spoke to Kyoko’s mother. “Sister Yaguchi, you say that you and your husband support Kyoko in her choice. I have two requests for you and the family, is that okay?”

“Of course.”

“It would be a great support to Kyoko if all the family could be present for her baptism and later, her confirmation. Will you all join us on those days?”

“Of course!”

“Second, after her baptism, the missionaries will teach Kyoko all the lessons over again from the beginning. It would be of great help to Kyoko if her family participated in those lessons and had a clear understanding of the things being taught. Will you do that?”

“Of course.”

These invitations are simply following the suggestions in Preach My Gospel p. 167. Bullet point number three suggests teaching recent converts and asking them to introduce other people you can teach. The final bullet point recommends inviting people to baptismal services. Both of these suggestions were useful with Kyoko’s family. When Sister Baird and I went to Kyoko’s baptism there were her parents seated near the front of the chapel. We had a wonderful visit with them and invited them to our home for a family home evening. They gratefully accepted. Again, when she was confirmed, her parents and her older sister were in attendance and were warmly welcomed by the members.

Kyoko’s baptism

Elder Andersen and Elder Koesashi

Kyoko and her family participating in Family Home Evening.

Standing: Sister and President Baird, Sister and Brother Allen

Seated: Elder Rust, Elder Koesashi, Michiko, Shoko, Kyoko, and Ritsuo Yaguchi.

If the story of Kyoko’s conversion ended there it would be a wonderful story, but that is not the end. Our very wise missionaries continued to follow the guidance on pages 167 and 172 of Preach My Gospel. Page 167 suggests asking for referrals. Page 172 recommends an activity to help members to make a list of names. The missionaries pressed forward. They are trustworthy missionaries who know their purpose and who “act in the office in which they are appointed.” They helped Kyoko make a list of names.

One name on Kyoko’s list was one of her friends, a young man in her school class, Shotaro Furukawa. Kyoko invited Shotaro to a lesson with the missionaries; he accepted. When the missionaries got to the end of the first lesson, they did exactly as they are taught and they invited Shotaro to be baptized. He accepted. The missionaries knew there was still a permission barrier looming so they studied a handout they had received in specialized training on how to get permission. They scheduled an appointment with Shotaro’s mother, a single parent raising two children, Shotaro, age 15, and his younger sister age 9. When they met her, they praised Shotaro’s mother for being such a great parent, pointing to Shotaro and his desire for good things as evidence. They shared some of the teachings of the church, focusing on For the Strength of Youth as an example of things they had been teaching her son. They explained to her that her son believed the things the missionaries taught and that he wanted join the church. They explained that joining the church meant being baptized. They then asked Shotaro to share with his mother his own feelings about the things he had been taught and his desire to be baptized.  At the conclusion, Shotaro’s mother said she simply could not refuse her son permission to be part of so great an organization and she signed the baptismal record that the Elders had prepared. Shotaro Furukawa was baptized 22 April.

 Shotaro’s baptism

Shotaro with Elder Koesashi and Elder Rust

Again, a great end to the Kyoko story??? Not yet.

The missionaries, sensing an opportunity asked Shotaro’s mother, Sister Furukawa, if she would like to see for herself some of the things the church taught. They explained that the following Sunday would be the church’s General Conference, that prophets of God would speak there. They invited her to attend. She came, along with Shotaro’s younger sister.

Sister  Misako Furukawa and Shotaro’s younger sister, Aoi.

After the conference the missionaries asked Sister Furukawa how she felt. She confessed that she had been touched by the talks and the focus on families. She concluded, “I may want to join this church myself!” Sister Furukawa not only attended Shotaro’s baptism but she spoke from the pulpit—providing the introduction of her son to the congregation. She and her daughter became investigators and are preparing to be baptized on 2 June.

Furukawa family at Shotaro’s baptism with
Elders Koesashi and Rust

Because of her peaceful and composed nature, a shy 14 year old Kyoko was able to win permission to be baptized for herself. She influenced her father, mother and older sister to become investigators. One of her friends became and investigator and has already received baptism. That friend’s mother and younger sister also became investigators and will soon receive baptism.

No one connected with this story thinks it is over. The progress of Kyoko’s parents is slow but it is steady. There are yet other friends to reach out to and an ever widening circle of influence and people to contact.

So if we don’t know the end of the story yet, at least we know how it started. A young girl interested in English class connects with the missionaries and finds something far more than she ever dreamed. In a great story about faithful missionaries and the hand of the Lord, even the beginning of the story has a surprising twist. That first young girl interested in English class was Kyoko’s grandmother. Thirty years ago Kyoko’s grandmother wanted to study English and met the missionaries. She didn’t join the church but thirty years later when her granddaughter was interested in English, the Grandmother shared her own experience and told Kyoko to find the missionaries and they would teach her English.

The first section of chapter 9 of Preach My Gospel is entitled Developing the Faith to Find. The first paragraph promises missionaries that God will lead them to people who are preparing to receive the Gospel or he will lead such people to the missionaries. Kyoko’s story demonstrates how the Lord will lead people to the missionaries including using English class and relationships with existing and new members. As missionaries follow and become more skilled in multiple patterns of finding outlined in Preach My Gospel, they will be able to exercise a greater measure of faith in the Lord’s promise.

The final section of Chapter 9 is No Effort is Wasted. One sentence stands out, “Even when people do not accept the opportunity to learn the gospel, your service and words are evidence of God’s love for them and may plant seeds that future missionaries and members of the Church will harvest.”

I think of those two missionaries of 30 years ago whose names I do not know. They must have worked hard.

They must have had faith.

They must have been tried. They may have questioned the value of their effort. There may have been days that they felt like they were wasting their time here. There were probably days they thought no one would hear or accept them. Perhaps one or more missionaries wrote in their journal about a middle-aged woman they hoped would become an investigator who told them she had no interest in religion, she only had interest in English class. On that day, perhaps, they thought they had failed. Little did they know that they were planting a seed that would grow into a great miracle 30 years later.

Elder Ringwood promised our missionaries, “Two missionaries who follow the spirit and give everything they have all day every day will be blessed with a miracle every day of their missions even if they don’t see it personally.” The story of Kyoko and her conversion helps missionaries in the Japan Nagoya Mission to understand and believe in those words. It helps them to develop the faith to find. It gives them peace that their efforts will bear fruit—even when they do not see it.

This is My Homework From God

Written by Elder Kenneth O’Kelley

When I came to Takabata, we had no investigators.  My companion and I tried various finding activities, with not much success.  We decided to take some time one day to look through old records to find people that had already been found.  We found a record for Mikoto.  She is the youngest daughter of a less active family, and had not been baptized.  The family had been on the “To The Rescue” list for a while, but because of a lack of visable progress, previous missionaries and the ward decided to focus elsewhere.

Elder O'Kelley is in center.

As we started working with this family, we encountered many of the same problems as before:  baseball, girl scouts, and other things took preference over church.  Lessons were suddenly cancelled.  Things never seemed to line up.  Baptismal dates came and went.  Church never seemed to move up on the priority list.  Honestly, we discussed whether or not we needed to focus elsewhere, but while talking, we both felt that we had to keep going.

One day, after teaching Mikoto about the Sabbath Day, we turned to her mother and committed her to keep the Sabbath Day holy, with Mikoto.  Then, something I thought never would happen, happened.  She opened up.  She explained why she stopped going to church, why she had trouble coming back, how she tried to come back but couldn’t, that she wanted to come back.  Then through tears, she said, “Earth is like school.  This is my homework from God.  Thank you for not letting me get away from it.”

At the time, Mikoro and her mother committed to come to Sacrament meeting at least once a month, and improve from there.  Mikoto’s father also started coming.  On July 7, Mikoto’s father performed her baptism.  The next day, I had the privilege of confirming her in Sacrament meeting.

That night, my companion and I went to their home for a barbeque.  There, we became friends with Taken, one of Mikoto’s older brothers.  As we were leaving, we asked if he would come to church.  He said yes, and the next week, four of the family came to church and stayed for all three hours.  The brother is currently working on receiving the Aaronic Priesthood.

From Darkness to Light

Written by Elder Skankey

When one area of our mission was reopened, I would only hear horror stories about it.  “There is no work.”  “The branch is tiny.”  “The members are difficult.”  “The Branch President is the only priesthood leader.”  It was a land of darkness.  I felt blessed to be in a different area.  

Within two transfers, though, I received a phone call from President Baird.  “Elder, you are going to (this area) and you are whitewashing it.”  He said one thing in particular that I remember.  “Elder, forget whatever things you’ve heard about this area.  It is full of miracles ready to happen.”  President told me that by the end of my time there, I would see the branch doubled, if not tripled.  With that, I transferred there.

My companion, Elder Gottfredson, was a transfer four.  I was a transfer seven.  We had become the first and second counselors to the Branch President.  Our very first night we somehow ended up with no cell phone, no keys, and no idea where our apartment was.  We just laughed for it was the only thing that we could do. 

The first month or two was slow starting, having to get lost thousands of times before finding the person.  The Branch president was stretched to the limit.  He loved to talk about badmitten, not so much about the branch or dendo.  There were only six people at church any Sunday, including us.  To some, this would have been a land of darkness, but with the help of Elder Gottfredson, and the tender mercies of the Lord, we could see the potential that was there in that valley.

 

We found one person who agreed to be baptized, who within a few weeks disappeared from off the face of the earth.  We found another person, who received all of the lessons, agreed to baptism, and a week before her baptism told us that she couldn’t become Christian.  We knew there were miracles waiting but every time we would get close, it would slip away.

We stayed optimistic though, and worked as hard as we knew how to.  We began bringing less active members back to church, bringing investigators to church, which helped the branch realize that they were not stuck in a rut.  The Branch President caught our enthusiasm.  We could talk about members’ needs, less active members, and our investigators.  He embraced his responsibilities more vigorously.  We were seeing the light beginning to pierce through the darkness.

 

We met a former investigator, an older lady.  With the guidance of President Baird, we progressed forward with her.  An amazing thing happened.  Our Branch President took time to help us teach her, and bring her to church.  He was hesitant at first, but he soon became great friends with her.  With persistence, and the Lord’s help, we saw her baptized, the first Japanese baptism this branch had seen in three years.  This jump-started the whole branch.

Elder Jessop and Elder Skankey (on right)

Everyone was much more willing to aid us in our efforts to increase the branch.  Elder Gottfredson transferred away, and I received a new elder from the MTC, Elder Tojo.  One of the first things we did was find a less active member .  Elder Gottfredson and I had previously tried to contact him, but never could.  When we first met him, he told us that he had been baptized in Korea, and since then, had not been to church or associated with it in any way for 20 years or so.  He was interested in us teaching his daughter, but he had no intention of returning to the church.  The next day, when President Baird heard this, he told us to give him the Aaronic Priesthood by the next Sunday.  So, that is what we did.  We explained the Priesthood, how it could bless his family, and how he could possess it.  In that week he quit drinking, tossed his coffee, came to church, was interviewed and received the Aaronic Priesthood.  He then came to Church every day for the rest of my stay in that branch, another four and a half months. 

Elder Skankey in front; Elder Tojo behind him.

I was there for eight and a half months, and in that time, with the aid of my companions and the Lord, we were able to bring it out of the darkness and into the light.  There is hope there once again.  Before I left, I saw the church attendance go from 6 people to 14. Doubled, and on the rise.

Inochi no Michi, July 2012

Of Restoration, Dispensations and prophets

Preach My Gospel provides essential guidance to our service as missionaries. It was carefully scrutinized by every member of The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Preach My Gospel is a cornerstone for my personal gospel study each day. President Boyd K. Packer recently renewed his testimony about the importance of Preach My Gospel when he told the new Mission Presidents, “the missionary guide, Preach My Gospel is a marvelous and inspired instrument for missionaries” (Seminar for new Mission Presidents 2012).
From its very first page, Preach My Gospel teaches us about our purpose as missionaries. The first item on the back cover reminds us again, “Your purpose is to bring souls to Christ” (PMG inside back cover). We fulfill that purpose by cultivating faith in Christ which leads to repentance, baptism and confirmation. We encourage those we teach to endure in their faith.
Central to our role to cultivate faith in Christ is teaching the truths of the restoration. Preach My Gospel instructs us, “Whatever your initial approach, refer quickly and simply to the Restoration of the gospel, for this is our unique message to the world” (PMG p. 159). By teaching the truths of the gospel we help individuals return to God and we gather scattered Israel. We do this through our first covenants of Baptism and Confirmation.
The period of time when all things are restored is known as the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times (Eph 1:10).  A dispensation is a time when, “the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth…who has the divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth” (Bible Dictionary p.657). Well known are those who ushered in some of the key dispensations of the Bible including Adam, Enoch, Noah, Moses, Abraham and Jesus Christ. Because of The Book of Mormon we are aware of non-Biblical dispensations and Christ spoke of even more which were, “not of this land (American Continent), neither of the land of Jerusalem…” (3 Nephi 16:1). I can only imagine how the ancestors of the people we now teach in Japan were influenced by previous dispensations of truth.
Dispensations are simply periods of restoration! The truths of the gospel having been lost through disobedience, the priesthood was also taken from the earth along with prophets. When prophets were taken there were no longer authorized servants to dispense the truths and ordinances of the gospel. New dispensations restored truth, authority and prophets.
This pattern of dispensations where God selected a prophet and restored all truth and priesthood authority is well established in the Scriptures. Sincere seekers of truth acquainted with the Bible should be looking for a new dispensation of truth restored through a prophet selected by God. They should be looking for Joseph Smith! Men selected as THE Prophet are given all priesthood keys which entitles them to govern the Kingdom of God on earth. There are also lower case “p” prophets. The scriptures teach that such prophets teach men about the character of God. All who have a testimony from the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ are lower case “p” prophets. Above all, these prophets are preachers of righteousness (Bible Dictionary p.754).
Doesn’t that sound like missionaries? Preachers of Righteousness. Men and women with a testimony of Jesus Christ. Young people who teach the world the lost truths associated with the character of God who is our Father and who has a plan for our happiness and our salvation.
Does that sound like you? Is your testimony confirmed to you by the Holy Ghost? Do you open your mouth and preach righteousness? Do you bring others to Christ by helping them to know both Him and His Father?
I am inspired by you! I stand in awe of you! You are great prophets of the restoration! You have a dispensation of truth from modern and living prophets and through the Holy Ghost. To the new Mission Presidents Elder Packer also taught the importance of a relationship with the Holy Ghost. "I worry sometimes a bit that we can be too well organized and too directed, too regimented so that we do not leave ourselves in the position where we have to be rescued by the Spirit."
There it is. In the end, we have all the tools we need. God has helped us to see some things in Preach My Gospel on which we should focus in the Japan Nagoya Mission. After that bit of insight, He asks us through His modern Prophets to be guided by the Spirit. To rely on the Spirit. To be rescued by the Spirit. When the desire for the salvation of those we are called to teach burns in our souls, when want to be successful in His work, let us turn to the Spirit for guidance. Let us turn to the Spirit for answers.

“The Spirit is the most important single element in this work. With the Spirit magnifying your call, you can do miracles for the Lord in the mission field. Without the Spirit, you will never succeed regardless of your talent and ability” (PMG 176).

I pray that our hearts and minds will be turned to heaven. I pray that we will seek the spirit in the conduct of His work. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Goodbye to Finishers, July 2012

Missionary work can be challenging.  It has its really hard days where there is nothing but rejection.  But it has its great days, when things go well, and especially when someone gets baptized.  These days make the hard days all worth it.  Always, missionaries who are finishers are stronger than when they began.  

For senior missionaries who work in the office, the most difficult part of missionary work is saying goodbye to great young men and women whom we have grown to love.  It seems to get more difficult every time.  This group of missionaries was no exception.  

God be with you till we meet again.

Seated:  Elder Horne, Elder Van Campen, Elder O'Kelley, Elder Skankey, Elder Larkin, and Elder McClellen
Standing:  Elder Kervinen, Elder Jessop, Sister Shaver, Sister and President Baird, Elder Ward, and Elder Augusto

 In alphabetical order:

When Elder Augusto is given an assignment, he always reports back.   

He also loves to have fun and he has great skill at getting along with just about everyone.
He is easy going, but knows what he is doing and does it well. 

Elder Horne, in addition to knowing Japanese, is also fluent in Portuguese 

and has used it often on his mission. One elder said, 

"He just loves to work hard and loves teaching people.  

Elder Jessop, according to someone who has worked with him, 

has a pure heart.  He is also a person who, when you ask him 

to do something, he gets it done--quickly and well.  

He is completely dependable.

Elder Kervinen is, according to another elder, probably the greatest guy ever, 

with a super strong spirit.  He is always optimistic and can brighten

 any situation with his smile.  "We all love him and his awesome personality." 

He is a great leader, AND, he knows Santa Claus.  (He must be from Finland!)

Elder Larkin has a strong personality and a forward attitude,
according to one elder who knows him.  He doesn't like to take no
for an answer and will push however he must for victory.

Elder McClellen was described as having a frank and strong attitude,
making him welcome in any social circle.  His relationship with his 

brothers is very close and strong.  They even have nicknames and codes.  

Elder O'Kelley has been called a "way good guy," and he loves to joke but 

always know when to be serious.  He is good at making friends
and can get along with anyone.

Sister Shaver likes to draw.  On her mission she especially enjoyed getting 

to know the members and investigators, and loved 

playing with the kids.  Takayama was her favorite area because 

she started and ended there.  

Elder Skankey has a flair for making creative stories, according to 

those who know him.  He is also very obedient.  One missionary said that Elder Skankey
would read the Missionary Handbook looking for little things he could do
better, and try to improve. 

Elder Van Campen's personality can be best captured by the thought of a pineapple.  

Sometimes he can be kind of bristly on the outside, but inside is the soft, 

spiritual giant that the people of Japan have come to love.

One of Elder Ward's great strengths is patience.  He is calm, easy going,
and has a good perspective about life.

Elders Van Campen, O'Kelley, and Skankey

 We were treated with a special feast this transfer.  Brother Hall, a member 

of a nearby ward, offered to come to the honbu and prepare a turkey dinner 

for the missionaries who were leaving.  The turkey was cooked in a 

deep fat cooker, and it was wonderful.  Thank you, Brother Hall!  Delicious!!

The beautiful Hall Family

 After dinner, 11 missionaries left the honbu and went out either proselyting, 

getting referrals from members (Fulfillment and Follow-up), working with 

members, or doing "To The Rescue," which helps part-member and 

less active families.  

Elder O'Kelley, Brother Shinohara (from the Meito Ward), Elder Skankey
and Elder Ward.  Brother Shinohara could easily be called "Brother Service."
He helps with everything in every way, and practically every time.

Sister Shaver with Sister Kubota (who will be leaving on a mission
herself in the next month) and Sister Liu.  Both are superb
ward missionaries.

11 New Missionaries, July 2012

Here they are!  Welcome, welcome to Elder Yoshizawa, Elder Kaminishi, Elder Matsunaga, Elder Roney,
Elder Honda, Sister Fujisawa, (Sister and President Baird), Elder Roney, Elder Matsatahti,
Elder K. Baker, Elder Harada, and Elder Kaneko.

Of course, there was the greeting.
Sister Fujisawa first.

Lots of smiles and happy hellos.
Elder Kaminishi with President Baird

There was a little bit of "getting to know you."
Elder Kaminishi, Elder Koesashi (commissarian), Elder Matsunaga,
and Elder Honda (facing right).

This is how the end of the Hoiza Shout looks.

And finally, dinner at home with 11 tired missionaries.
Elder Ellsworth, AP on left, Elder Barney and
Elder Koesashi (commissarian) on right.

The next day, we enjoyed the pleasure of a piano/cello rendition.
So much talent! (Elder Honda and Kaminishi)

Elder Matsunaga (left) with his trainer, Elder Nakanishi

Elder Subaru Matsunaga is from Tokyo, Japan.  He is very proud of his mother, 
who is deaf and uses sign language.  She is a wonderful woman.  
He likes to watch movies and make stories and videos.  He studied film making 
when he was in the US, and also studies editing and script writing.  It is both a hobby and a major.

Elder Nakanishi makes friends fast and is positive and friendly.  
He became converted to the Church when he traveled to Salt Lake City 
and attended General Conference.  

 Elder Kaminishi (left) with his trainer, Elder Sambongi

Elder Shimon Kaminishi has joined missionary lessons often, and has felt that 
missionary work is a gift from God.  He has recognized the strong 
testimony and great love and power of the spirit.  He knows missionary 
work is the work of God and that God will help us as we teach.  
Elder Kaminishi is from Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan  and has been 
preparing hard to go on a mission and go to college.

Elder Sambongi plans to be a dentist.  His greatest talent and hobby is music.  
He plays string bass and was a member of Utah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra 
and played with Utah Symphony where he toured in Italy.

Elder Honda (left) with his trainer, Elder Soliai

Elder Takumi Honda comes from a family of eight.  He will serve  his mission at the same time as his younger brother.  Elder Honda is from  Tokyo, Japan and he and his brother have been going to the temple every  week in preparation.  He has lots of hobbies, and especially mentions reading,  sports, driving cars, drawing, travel, and piano.  His is very optimistic and has a  strong testimony of the Gospel.  He knows the Gospel makes us better.

Elder Soliai hasn't planned his future occupation, but he knows he can 

be successful if he remains obedient to the commandments.  

He is accepting, humorous and adaptable. 

Elder Harada (left) with his trainer, Elder Kuwahara

Home to Elder Yoshiharu Harada is Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.  His family loves to go camping, and they do it often.  Elder Harada loves to watch sports and play baseball.  He also enjoys puzzles.  His goals include learning English (to help him have a world view) and having an eternal family.  His strengths are trying lots of things, being patient, and having unity.

Elder Kuwahara wants to master English and travel.  He enjoys 

making people smile and has many friends.  He is also 

obedient and a good listener.

Sister Fujisawa (left) with her trainer, Sister Stott

Coming to us from Tokyo, Japan, Sister Kaho Fujisawa has a brother also serving a mission.  She says her family loves to talk together, and they work hard.  She has learned a lot through sports and hopes to do sports for a long time.

Sister Stott plans to become and educator, focusing on elementary students, 

but she also likes graphic design.  And temple marriage and motherhood 

are also in her plans.  She is a caring, but also determined person.  

Sister Stott always wanted to serve a mission, and when she found out she 

had to wait until she was 21, she cried.

Elder Kaneko (left) with his trainer, Elder Kishi

Elder Norikazu Kaneko is from Nakano, Tokyo, Japan.  His father, brother and he converted to the Church 7 years before his mission.  His mother has always been a member and was the influence to their conversion.  Elder Kaneko loves to cook and plans to go to culinary college after his mission.  He also enjoys sports, music and movies.  He likes to pray and feels it is a great blessing to be able to talk with God.

Elder Kishi has a talent for singing, cutting paper into wonderful animals 

and shapes, juggling and card tricks.  He is cheerful and positive and 

makes friends with everyone.  Children especially love it when he is around.  

He is a hard worker and has a strong testimony.

Elder Seipel (left) with his trainer, Elder Hilyard

Orem, Utah is where Elder Mckay Seipel calls home.  He is the youngest in a family of five and both of his siblings have served missions.  Elder Seipel wants to become an electrical engineer, get married, be a lake artist and a photoshop  artist.

Elder Hilyard is a hard worker and loves

to read the scriptures.  He says he is shy until he gets to know people

and is good at empathy.  He wants to get a degree in science or business

and master in Japanese Language.  He was surprised, though,

to be called to Japan.  

Elder Roney (left) with his trainer, Elder Shimohara

Elder Jarom Roney, from Heber City, Utah, is the third of six children.  Both 
of his older siblings are serving missions at the same time as him.  Elder Roney 
loved growing up in a small town, and has enjoyed travel, sports, board 
and card games with his family, but he doesn't care for hiking, hunting and fishing.  
Tennis, basketball and badminton are his favorite sports, and he loves to read.

Before his mission, Elder Shimohara was really into computers. He likes building 

and taking things apart.  In college, he was part of a team that built a small 

unmanned submarine. He says he is kind of serious, but when he loosens up, 

he is just a normal goofy guy. 

Elder Metsatahti (left) with his trainer, Elder Gish 

Only the second missionary to serve in this mission from Finland, Elder Niklas Metsatahti is from Turku in Suomi.  He is the oldest of six children and loves to read comics and draw.  He also enjoys board games.  He says he is kind and can  adapt to situations well.  He doesn't like giving up, and is normally cheerful.   He knows the Book of Mormon and its teachings are true.  He has liked Japan  for a long time, so he is looking forward to serving here.

Elder Gish would like to become a good father like his own.  He would also enjoy

coaching high school baseball or lacrosse.  He is outgoing and never nervous.

 It is easy for him to meet new people and speak in any size crowd.  He is kind

and wants to make people happy. Ever since he was a little boy,

he has wanted to serve a mission.

Elder Baker (left) with his trainer, Elder Finlinson

From Salem, Oregon, Elder Kevin Baker is interested in history, politics and 
studying religion.  He says they all help to further understanding of why we are here 
and how it relates to us today.  His other hobbies are reading and playing paino. 
 Elder Baker plans to enlist in the US Army and attend BYU when he finishes 
his mission.  He wants to make a difference in the world.

Elder Finlinson says that he thinks he has a small presence despite being tall.  

And he doesn't like to talk about himself.  He is also a fast learner.

Elder Takumi Honda comes from a family of eight.  He will serve 

his mission at the same time as his younger brother.  Elder Honda is from 

Tokyo, Japan and he and his brother have been going to the temple every 

week in preparation.  He has lots of hobbies, and especially mentions reading, 

sports, driving cars, drawing, travel, and piano.  His is very optimistic and has a 

strong testimony of the Gospel.  He knows the Gospel makes us better.

Home to Elder Yoshiharu Harada is Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.  His family
loves to go camping, and they do it often.  Elder Harada loves to watch sports
and play baseball.  He also enjoys puzzles.  His goals include learning English
(to help him have a world view) and having an eternal family.  His strengths
are trying lots of things, being patient, and having unity.  

Coming to us from Tokyo, Japan, Sister Kaho Fujisawa has a brother also

serving a mission.  She says her family loves to talk together, and they work hard. 

She has learned a lot through sports and hopes to do sports for a long time. 

Elder Norikazu Kaneko is from Nakano, Tokyo, Japan.  His father, brother and he converted to the Church 7 years before his mission.  His mother has always been a member and was the influence to their conversion.  Elder Kaneko loves to cook and plans to go to culinary college after his mission.  He also enjoys sports, music and movies.  He likes to pray and feels it is a great blessing to be able to talk with God.  

Orem, Utah is where Elder Mckay Seipel calls home.  He is the youngest in a

family of five and both of his siblings have served missions.  Elder Seipel wants to become an electrical engineer, get married, be a lake artist and a photoshop

 artist.  

Only the second missionary to serve in this mission from Finland, Elder Niklas Metsatahti is from Turku in Suomi.  He is the oldest of six children and loves to read comics and draw.  He also enjoys board games.  He says he is kind and can 

adapt to situations well.  He doesn't like giving up, and is normally cheerful.  

He knows the Book of Mormon and its teachings are true.  He has liked Japan 

for a long time, so he is looking forward to serving here.

Elder Yoshizawa (left) with his trainer, Elder Tojo

Elder Touya Yoshizawa comes to us from Sagamihara, Kanagawa,  Japan.  He and his two brothers were involved in cubscouts and scouting when  they were young, and really enjoyed that.  He also enjoys many games and the computer.  He says he has a good memory and great dexterity.  He has a   testimony  of prayer and has been blessed to always find answers  when he needs them.

Elder Tojo's favorite scripture (D & C 25:12) is about singing hymns.  
Singing hymns gives him peace.  Elder Tojo has a great smile 
and is obedient.  He is good with his hands at making things,
 like assembling furniture.  He also plays guitar.  

Elder Touya Yoshizawa comes to us from Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 

Japan.  He and his two brothers were involved in cubscouts and scouting when 

they were young, and really enjoyed that.  He also enjoys many games and the computer.  He says he has a good memory and great dexterity.  He has a 

 testimony  of prayer and has been blessed to always find answers 

when he needs them.

Heavenly Father Never Forgets

Story by Elder Carson Jessop

Soon after I arrived in Matsumoto, we received a phone call at the church.  A lady called asking about eikaiwa and said she had interest in coming.  We told her the information and hoped she would come.  She did.  She came with her daughter.  Her name is Miyuki.  Her daughter is Mio.  From that time, they came each week to eikaiwa.  They are two of the nicest people I have ever met. 

My companion and I always talked about how great they are.  One day, we were having nightly planning and were trying to figure out what to do the next day.  We both felt strongly to go to Shiojin.  We usually never go there because it is so far away.  But, we decided to go there and looked at the list of people who live there to visit.  On the list, we found a name…Miyuki.  We were shocked.   We went to Shiojin that day, but no one was home at all. 

We didn’t have time to go all the way out to their house, but we talked to them later at eikaiwa.  I asked a couple of questions to figure out where they live.  It turned out that it matched!  We did an interview with her after that and when we asked her how she heard about eikaiwa, she said there was something we should know.  She pulled out a notebook with a story written…her conversion story.  It was a miracle.  She had been away for 40 years! 

We also interview Mio.  They both agreed to lessons.  They wanted to learn.  They are now coming to church regularly.  They even sang with us in Sacrament Meeting.  Mio is the accompanist for eikaiwa.   

I will always remember the first time Miyuki came back to church.  We walked into the chapel for Sacrament Meeting and some members came and greeted her.  I went ahead, and she turned to me with watery eyes and said, “The man sitting behind us baptized me 40 years ago.”  I think about this miracle and the things still occurring and I feel so strongly that God never forgets us, especially those who have entered into covenants with Him.  I think about the timing and everything that happened with us and her, and I know for sure it was all God’s will and timing.  She has been away for a long time, but God prepared a way and a time for her. 

Elder Jessop, Elder Rust, Elder Soliai

I know that he will do so for everyone!  I know God lives and loves us all.  We are never alone, for He is there.  I know this Gospel brings us lasting happiness.  I am so grateful I was able to witness this miracle.  I feel so blessed.