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.

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.

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.

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!

April 2011 New Missionaries

This week, we welcomed an astounding amount of new missionaries into our mission! 22!!! It will be such a great blessing for this mission and the people in it. There were a lot of missionaries, but each one of their beautiful testimonies shine! We are so grateful to each of them for choosing to serve a mission. We feel blessed that it is the Japan Nagoya Mission that they were called to.

The next morning for the new missionary orientation, all of the new missionaries gathered at the Meito church. It was quite a scene to see all of the missionaries sitting shoulder to shoulder as an army for our Heavenly Father. Even their bags with their starting materials were lined up along the wall inside the office! What a scene!

All of the new missionaries and their trainers piled in for a group picture in front of the Meito church
before heading out to their first area!

Elder Cruz (left, trainer) and Elder Scaduto (Tokyo) - Takaoka

Elder Raffael Scaduto is very genki, happy, positive and delightful. He has
a great testimony and was truly obedient. A great missionary!

Elder Andre' Cruz is friendly and outgoing, and can be relaxed or strict when appropriate.  
He can be very strict with himself.  He lived for a while in Provo, Utah to study English.

Elder Rocha (left) and Elder Duarte (trainer) - Fujieda

Elder Frederico Rocha (pronounced  Hosha, for all you non-Brazilians) is from Sao Paulo.  Elder Rocha has been an exchange student in the US.  He loves to play soccer, travel and surf.  He is studying Business Administration and wants to be an executive. Elder Danilo Duarte enjoys soccer, playing piano, church dances, and hanging out and talking with friends.  He plans on college and, of course, marriage after his mission.

Elder Kinnison (Tokyo, on left) and Elder Gordon (Tokyo, trainer) - Kanazawa

 Elder Christopher Gordon, from Spring, Texas, knew that if he put his trust in the Lord,
things would work out.  He came to Nagoya from Tokyo full of faith
and ready to serve wherever he was called.  He went back to Tokyo with the same attitude.

Elder Marshall Kinnison was very excited to teach the Gospel and teach the
Japanese people.  He was a very obedient missionary.

Elder Hollister (trainer) with Elder Matson (right) - Kasugai

Boise, Idaho is home to Elder Joshua Matson.  He likes Tai Kwon Do, ballroom dancing and Brazilian Martial Arts.  Elder Matson has written a book that he plans to publish when he gets home.

Elder Taylor Hollister likes most sports, and wrestled at the
Air Force Academy before his mission. He is hard working,
competetive and likes cleanliness.  He planned to get lost in the work
on his mission, and has done a good job of that.

Elder Horne (trainer on left) and Elder Mechaileh (Tokyo) - Okazaki

 Elder Michel Mechaileh felt blessed to be in the mission, whether Tokyo or Nagoya.
He was so happy to be in Japan at all, after the tsunami.  He loved being in Nagoya.

 Elder Ryan Horne wants to raise a righteous family, and help others 
through the medical profession.  He loves to play piano 
and racquetball.  He tutored math, reading and piano before 
his mission.  Love constrains him to be a missionary.

Elder Jackson (trainer, left) and Elder Farnsworth - Nonami

Elder Peter Farnsworth comes from a family of 9 amazing people, and he is from Lindon, Utah.  It is common to have 25 people for Sunday dinner, all family. All of his brothers and his father have served missions. Elder Farnsworth is planning to get a master’s in Emergency Service and work as a firefighter, eventually becoming a Physician’s Assistant.  Elder Marcus Jackson wants to become a dentist.  He says he has a fun personality and hates to upset people.

Elder Jessop (trainer, left) and Elder Kerksiek - Hamamatsu

Herriman, Utah is home to Elder Axel Kerksiek.  He is the youngest of 9 children,  and has lived in seven countries for at least two years each.  He loves astronomy and astrophysics, is fascinated by machines, and plays the piano.  He loves to laugh and make others laugh, but he is also kind and understanding.   He puts others ahead of himself.

Elder Terry Jessop's favorite sport is tennis.  He also enjoys boating and piano.  He looks forward to having a large family and serving a mission with his wife. Someone who knows him says he is the kind of person who does whatever he is asked, and does it as soon as he can.  He is dependable, very service oriented and cheerful.

Elder Kekauoha (trainer, left) and Elder Danielson - Okazaki

Santa Monica, California is home to Elder Broderick Danielson.  Elder Danielson
plays the piano, and tenor and soprano saxaphones.  He was in marching band,
jazz band, pep band and wind ensemble.  He has been a good student with good
grades and he is a good communicator.

Elder George Kekauoha is from Hawaii, but has also lived in Maryland and Japan. He says his family is the greatest!  He enjoys gardening, yardwork (Wow!), building, playing piano, guitar and ukulele, and sports.  A few of his many goals are to have a farm, an eternal family, and time to serve others.  He enjoys talking to people, and knows he can do anything he puts his mind to.  He loves the feeling of having the  Holy Ghost with him.

Elder Kervinen (trainer, left) and Elder Gish - Ichinomiya

Elder Zachary Gish, from Highland, Utah, loves to snowboard.  He plays the guitar
and writes music and likes to learn random facts.  He is also interested in mythology.
He loves classic cars and wants to restore one someday.  His goal is to become a dentist.

Elder Niilo Kervinen is a social person and a team player, is positive and optimistic.  
He also knows that studying the scriptures is the most powerful tool to get 
to know God.  He is serving a mission to show gratitude to God for his blessings.

Elder Kutney (left) and Elder Roberts (Tokyo) - Seto

Elder Justin Roberts was mature and so focused on his mission.  He was completely happy
to be in Japan and part of the Lord's work.  He felt he was exactly where the Lord
wanted him to be and found great joy in the work.  He had great goals for his mission
and worked hard to make them happen.

Most of Elder Terrance Kutney's goals revolve around the Gospel.  He hopes that whatever job he has will actually help or improve people's lives.  He says he is level headed and gets along with most anyone.

Elder Madsen (Tokyo, left) and Elder Holden (Tokyo, trainer) - Ueda

Elder Jared Holden felt such great love for the people.  He was willing and ready to
go and work.  He savored everything he learned while he was in Nagoya and
developed a love for the Bairds and a greater love for the Gospel.
He said, "I'm on a mission, it is hard, and I love it."

Elder Nathan Madsen, from Boise, Idaho, came to us just before going home,
but worked for success.  He felt he learned a lot about missionary work and felt a lot of love.

Elder Miura (Tokyo, left) and Elder Ogaki (trainer) - Suwa

Elder Tsubasa Miura was very grateful to have served in the Nagoya Mission
and was sad to go.  He was willing to serve wherever he was and do his best.
He said that he experienced a lot of things that were meaningful.

Elder Shunya Ogaki will continue his studies in 
early childhood education after his mission.  After he retires, 
he wants to serve a mission with his wife.  He says he is usually quiet, 
but he is good at talking with people. 

Elder Otahara (trainer, left) and Elder Eguchi (Tokyo) - Ueda

Elder Junpei Eguchi was determined to serve and do his best.  He said
he wouldn't forget the Bairds and this mission, and his goal is to be like the Savior.

Elder Koudai Otahara is blessed to have 10 people in his very faithful family. He loves talking with people, especially foreigners using a different language. He also enjoys music and dancing. He is outgoing and happy.

Elder Chubak (trainer, left) and Elder Christensen (Tokyo) - Ogaki

Elder Russell Christensen was so excited to serve the Lord in Japan.  He came
with a love for the people.  He knew of Heavenly Father's love for us all
and was ready to work and share all he knew.

Elder Austin Chubak, from West Valley City, Utah, fit with the area and people here and
loved his time here.  He hoped to go home with the peace of mind that he did exactly
what Heavenly Father wanted him to do.  He felt he grew a lot while he was in Nagoya.
He was a great blessing to the people here.

Elder McGahan (Tokyo, left ) and Elder Pearson (trainer) - Fukuroi

Elder Trevor McGahan was very teachable.  He let everything that he learned in
Nagoya seep into him.  He was an excellent missionary and enjoyed the time here.

Lehi, Utah is home to Elder Michael Pearson and he is the sixth of seven children.  
Missionary work is big in his family.  His grandfather wrote the original discussions for the church.  
His parents run a website for missionary moms.  Everyone in his family plays a musical instrument.

Elder Reynolds (trainer, Tokyo) and Elder Shimamoto (Tokyo) - Kasagai

Elder Yuki Shimamoto was genki and very good as a missionary.
He was willing to work very hard.

Elder Michael Reynolds, from Elwood, Kansas, loves learning languages, music
and exercising.  He was ready to make a huge impact when he came to Nagoya.
By the time he left, he said he had seen many miracles and gotten to know
some of the best people he had ever known.

Elder Prince (Tokyo, left) and Elder Ring (trainer, Tokyo) - Takaoka

Elder Jordan Ring, from Saratoga Springs, Utah, loves art.  He loves to teach and
hoped with all his heart to share the Gospel of joy and salvation with many people.
He  really was genki and happy and felt like he learned how to put the missionary
principles into practical application.  He had the ability to learn from whoever was around him.

Elder Keven Prince felt the Lord strengthening him as a missionary.  He tried to follow exactly
what the Lord expected of him.  He was ready and obedient on his mission.

Elder Shimajiri (left) and Elder Ito - Inuyama

Elder Yoshiya Ito's home town is Hashimoto, Wakayama, Japan.

He has three older brothers.  Elder Ito majored in Spanish and culture,
and studied Spanish art history in Leon Spain as an exchange student.
He also loves to play basketball and soccer and is interested in sports management.

Elder Naohiro Shimijiri also comes from a wonderful family of 10.  He and two siblings are members of the church.  Elder Simijiri’s dreams are to share love and humility and be a good example.  He is good at focusing on one thing at a time and getting it done. Elder Correia, left, and his trainer, Elder Skankey Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is home for Elder Nicolas Correia.  He loves to listen to music, read the newspaper, enjoy a bike ride or drive a car.  He is also interested in politics.  Elder Correia plans to study business administration.    Elder Bryce Skankey enjoys soccer, technical help with theatre, and looking through telescopes.  He is optimistic and proud to be a geek.

Sister Shaver (left) and her trainer, Sister Wilcox - Takayama

Sister Maricella Shaver comes to us from Orem, Utah.  She enjoys reading, writing and cooking.  She loves the ah-ha moment when she figures something out and is able to fully understand it.  She will decide what to focus on for college after her mission.  She says she is extremely shy, but gets along well with people and loves talking to them when she gets to know them.  She was blessed to be sealed in the temple with her family when she was eleven.

From Provo, Utah, Sister Marie Wilcox comes from an amazing family who love education and science.  She has already graduated with a degree in biochemistry and finds she loves organic chemistry.  She is a talented seamstress, plays piano, organ and trombone.  She picked up Japanese by watching Anime in Japanese while she was in bed for two years with an illness.  She is hard working and humble enough to ask for help when needed.  She learned from her illness to submit to Heavenly Father's will.

Elder Cragun (Tokyo, left) and Elder Wilden (trainer, Tokyo) - Fujieda

Elder Aaron Cragun came to us as a new missionary.  He was excited but nervous about the
language.  One of his goals was to leave areas better than he found them.
He learned much while he was in Nagoya and he worked hard.

Elder Alexander Willden, from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, likes guitar and song writing.
He was a little sad when he went back to Tokyo.  He loved being in Nagoya, but he
probably enjoyed Tokyo every bit as much.  He felt very blessed as a missionary and learned
a lot about himself and his Heavenly Father.  He knew he was meant to be in Nagoya.

Elder Wilson (left and trainer) with Elder Hilyard - Kanazawa

From Bountiful, Utah, Elder Chad Hilyard loves soccer and music.
He has played guitar and drums and sung with the concert choir.
He especially enjoys singing religious music.

One elder in the mission says Elder Samuel Wilson is easy to talk to, friendly,
and a solid kind of calm, keeping hope and faith even when things are bad.

He played football in high school and enjoys reading.

September 2010 New Missionaries

This week, we welcomed in a large group of 13 new missionaries! Elder Ward (Massachusetts), Elder Van Campen (Utah), Elder Hollister (Colorado), Elder O'Kelley (Washington), Elder Skankey (Arizona), Sister Masuda (Hokkaido), Sister Clark (Colorado), Elder Jessop (Utah), Elder Ikeda (Tokyo), Elder Larkin (Nevada), Elder Numakura (Yokohama), Elder Horne (Utah, arrived a couple days after), and Elder Kervinen (Finland, actually arrived a couple weeks earlier). We are so very excited for all of them to be a part of this mission! We know that they will be able to accomplish many miracles! This is the first group we had get on the train straight from the airport to the mission home and preach the gospel the whole way in. It was a very great experience! They all did fantastic! We are excited to see them grow and become great missionaries for our Father in Heaven!

A picture at the Meito church with all of their new trainers!

First morning in the mission home with President and Sister Baird.

Sister Clark (right) and Sister Wada- Matsumoto

Sister Ana-Lisa Clark came to us from Kawasaki, Japan, but she
has lived in Colorado, California, and Utah.  Sister Clark loves volleyball,
ultimate frisbee, dancing, games, walks, traveling, reading, piano and singing.

Sister Sachiko Wada's home is Tokyo.  She was sealed to her family
when she was 1.  Sister Wada has done gymnastics and hula.
She wants to become a nurse.  She is decisive, energetic, has a sense of
responsibility, and is a good finisher of what she starts.
She strengthened her testimony by working in Young Women's.

Elder Hollister (right) and Elder Larson- Shizuoka

Elder Taylor Hollister hales from Colorado Springs, CO and has six sisters  and two brothers.  He plans to major in Military and Strategic Studies and be a career military man.   Las Vegas, Nevada is home to Elder Dustin Larsen.  Elder Larsen plans to become a doctor after his mission.  Sports are a favorite for Elder Larsen and he loves competition.  He is also organized, strong-willed, and likes to make people happy.

Elder Horne's trainer is Elder Insch, below.
They will work in Okazaki.

Murray, Utah is home to Elder Ryan Horne.
  Elder Horne speaks highly of his family, especially a father
who teaches patience, love and reverence by example
and a mother who teaches him about the gospel all the time.

Elder Geoffrey Insch hales from Morgantown, West Virginia.
Elder Ward says he has the best mother in the world, and
he would be happy to turn out just like his father.
He loves to make movies and has used the video camera he earned
money to buy to make many movies.  He is prone
 to help people solve problems and use humor to diffuse tension.

Elder Ikeda (left) and Elder Harper- Kasugai

Elder Akihiko Ikeda, from Tokyo, Japan, enjoys just walking and thinking.  But he also loves to be matched up with good basketball players so that he can improve his skill in that sport.  His goal is to go to BYU and maybe even play basketball. Kaysville, Utah is home to Elder Mario Harper.  His mother is from Japan and his father served a mission in Nagoya; they met while at school in Utah.  Elder Harper dreams of becoming a scuba diver, but he instead does research, gives lectures on economics, and goes to opera and symphony recitals, and any musical event.   He sings and plays trombone.  Some day he hopes to get a  Nobel Prize or laureate in physics or economics.

Elder Jessop (left) and Elder Tsuchiya- Kanazawa

Elder Terry Jessop has 4 younger brothers; 3 of them are triplets.  He grew up in the small town of Fielding, Utah and loved it.  He wants to become and MD or dentist and have a large family.  He is caring, has high self-expectations and likes to do things right.  He had a sacred experience in the Sacred Grove and knows the Church is true.

Sakura-shi, Chiba is home to Elder Hiromasa Tsuchiya.  His parents both converted in their 20's and served missions.  He tries to share the Gospel while playing basketball with his friends.  He is cheerful and good at making friends and hopes to become an accountant.  He has a very strong testimony of prayer.

Elder Kervinen (right) and Elder Fujii- Nanao

Elder Niilo Kervinen is only the second missionary to come to Japan from Finland.
He is from Rovaniemi.  Elder Kervinen wants to teach English or Japanese,
become a good dad and trustworthy priesthood leader.

He plays the trombone and likes to draw and paint.   Hokkaido, Japan is
home to Elder Shinsuke Fujii.  He comes from a family of 7.  He enjoys
exercising and all sports.  He is also good with musica and loves to perform.
He plays several instruments.  Elder Fujii loves teaching and working with children.
He loves talking and laughing with others and will do whatever is asked of him.

Elder Larkin (right) and Elder Palmer- Matsumoto

Elder Jordan Larkin comes from a family of missionaries. He has two siblings. 

He and his siblings are adopted, and he has two very most wonderful parents. 

Just ask him. Elder Larkin is a swimmer and really enjoys being in the water. 

His goal is to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus feel great about 

what he does. He grew up in Las Vegas and feels that there is Zion in 

Las Vegas. He wants to be married in the Las Vegas Temple.

TO ZION! TO ZION! HURRAH! HURRAH! FOR ISRAEL!

Elder Matthew Palmer comes from Cottonwood Heights, Utah.  His father sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  He has an older sister who founded the Chandler, AZ Children's Choir, and another who sings with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.  Elder Palmer enjoys skate boarding, plays guitar and piano. He has thought about becoming a doctor.  He has compassion for people and is good at putting himself in other's shoes. He loves reading the Book of Mormon.

Sister Masuda (right) and Sister Kobashi- Fukutoku

Sister Iyo Masuda is from Hokkaido, Japan.  She likes to cook, serve others, and talk with them.  Service brings her peace.  She is optimistic, cheerful and a good listener. Sister Megumi Kobashi is a third generation member of the church, and she is from Osaka, Japan.  She got her testimony from her grandparents, and she really loves her family.  Sister Kobashi enjoys cooking and went to a technical college in making cakes and other delicious things.

Elder Numakura (right) and Elder Fujii- Gokiso

Elder Diaichi Numakura comes from a family of five, and he is setting the example for his two younger brothers.  When he returns from his mission, he will study accounting at school.  He loves karaoke as a hobby and his goal is to learn English.  Elder Numakura is from Kanagawa, Japan. See more about Elder Fujii above.

Elder O'Kelley (right) and Elder Freeman- Toyohashi

Elder Kenneth O'Kelley hales from Bremerton, Washington.  He plans to become an
electrical engineer and hopes to have 5 boys--his own basketball team.
In addition to sports, he loves history, psychology, sociology, physics and math.
He is good at scheduling, getting things done and problem solving.  He was baptized
a few day after President Hinckley died.  He wants to share the joy
he received by joining the Church.

Elder Hoyt Freeman, from Pleasant Grove, Utah, loves playing brass instruments.
He also enjoys dating, soccer, running, board games, camping,
biking and fishing.  He also loves to learn, and is interested in
landscaping, law, and languages.  He loves talking to people and enjoys
working hard.  He has a strong testimony and has always planned to serve a mission.

Elder Skankey (right) and Elder Da Silva- Fujieda

Elder Bryce Skankey came to us from Yuma, Arizona, but he has lived in lots of states and Okinawa.  After working hard on his mission, he plans to study Astronomical Physics and then get a PhD and hopefully work for NASA.   Elder Julio  daSilva is from Pernambuco, Brazil and has an older brother.  Elder daSilva was baptized at 14, and his brother was baptized five years later. His parents are not members.  The family loves to go to the beach and often spends time there.  Elder daSilva has also lived in Heber City, Utah with the Petersen family,  who he loves like family.

Elder Van Campen (right) and Elder Fredrickson- Inuyama

Elder Benjamin VanCampen is from Morgan, Utah, and his mom is Japanese.  He plans to go to BYU-Idaho, majoring in psychology when he gets home and work as a Japanese tour guide at the Grand Canyon.  He loves sports of any kind, but mostly football.  He also loves singing and dating.  He says he is goofy, fun loving and laid back, but he plans a strong finish to his mission. Elder Kyle Fredrickson hales from West Valley City, Utah.  He comes from a family of 9 and enjoys listening to music and reading.  He plays piano, trumpet, and French horn.  He has been in jazz and concert bands, pit orchestra and Univ. of Utah marching band.  He likes to communicate with people and make them laugh. He has always planned to serve a mission and loves the Gospel.

Elder Ward (left) and Elder Da Silva- Komatsu

Elder Geoffrey Ward is from Medfield, MA, but has also lived in Florida,
Utah and Japan.  He enjoys rock climbing and wants to compete
in that sport.  He also enjoys singing and reading, and has worked
as a lifeguard.  He is easy going and has a sense of humor.  He loves
service projects and physical labor.  He loves to show his testimony.

See more about Elder Da Silva above.