I Have Seen Him Change Completely

Elder Terrance Kutney

My miracle story takes place in Seto—beloved pottery city.  I transferred into the area in January with President Baird’s assurance that there were prepared people waiting for me. 

We visited an off-and-on investigator named Koike.  We were able to make an appointment with him and came back the next week.  He had been an investigator for 10 years.  This time, however, he had been thinking deeply after receiving a bit of a shock—his wife’s mother had died. 

To make a long story short, in our first lesson we taught the atonement and asked him “How would you feel if we told you that you could be forgiven of all your past mistakes?”  He was deeply moved and said, after some hesitation in stuttering English, “No, No! I can’t…”  

We could tell that he was feeling the Spirit work upon him, so we testified of the reality of Christ’s Atonement and asked him to be baptized.  He accepted, set a date, and hasn’t missed a day at church since.  I have seen him change completely.  We can see it, he can feel it and his wife knows it.  The next miracle is for his wife to join him.

Elder Voss and Elder Kutney, on right.

Labels and More Labels

Some transfers, especially the one after the Tsunami in 2011, were so large, all of the names wouldn't fit in the label area.  This post is simply to add those names so that you can find yourself.


So if your name is below, simply go to the blog called "April 2011 New Missionaries," and there will be your wonderful picture, and maybe even something about you (that hopefully, is true).  Once again, we welcome any additions or changes you might want to make.  Send an email to japannagoya.mission@ldschurch.org, and we will make changes and corrections.



Kervinen
Kutney
Madson
Ogaki
Otahara
Chubak
Pearson
Reynolds
Ring
Wilden
Wilcox
Shimajiri
Skankey
Wilson

But, if you are looking for Nakanishi or Shimohara, go to July 2012 blog.

August 2010 New Missionaries

We welcomed in our first group of 4 great elders! Elder Voss (California), Elder Brown (Australia), Elder Cruz (Brazil), and Elder Rust (Indiana)! They all looked great and ready to go to work. It was so great to talk to them and get to know them! They are a great group!

Left to right: Kathryn Baird, Whitney Baird, Sister and President Baird
Elders Voss, Brown, Cruz, and Rust

The elders on their first morning in the mission home!

Elder Rust and Elder Valentine- Fukuroi
Elder Ryan Rust (right)  hales from Evansville, Indiana. His parents are both teachers. Elder Rust wants to become a doctor. He loves to be in nature, usually on a bike or ATV. He also has a black belt in karate. 

Elder Christopher Valentine was born at Misawa AFB in Japan.  He has lived in several places throughout his life.  He is the elder brother in his family, with six younger siblings.  

Elder Brown (right) and Elder Stachowski- Nonami

Elder Michael Brown (right) is from Australia. His family (4 boys) enjoys sports and outdoor activities. Elder Brown loves to read. He is a hard worker and also enjoys studying the scriptures.

Elder Benjamin Stachowiski is from down under, Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia.  He has also lived in Poland, New Zealand, and the UK.  He loves to learn and considers reading a hobby.  He has been a DJ and loves sports.  Electrical Engineering is his field of study. 

Elder Voss (left) and Elder Kutney- Toyota
Chico, California is where Elder Adam Voss (left) calls home. Both of his parents served missions. Elder Voss's greatest dream has been to serve a mission, but other goals include a good education, marriage, and earning Shadan rank in Danzan Tyu Juijitsu. He wants to share the peace and happiness the Gospel has brought into his life with others.

Elder Terrance Kutney hales from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Elder Kutney says nothing beats reading a good quality book except reading the scriptures.  He also loves rugby and loves to follow politics.  He plans to go into International Relations. 

Elder Cruz (right) and Elder Jorgenson- Suzuka

Elder Andre' Cruz (right) comes from Sao Paulo, Brazil and has one younger brother and sister.  Before his mission, he loved to play soccer and be with friends. After his mission, he wants to go to school and work hard so he can get married.  

Elder Jacob Jorgensen calls Mesa, Arizona his home.  He comes from a close and loving family and has four great sisters.  Elder Jorgensen loves drawing, piano, cross country and track, and academics and he is a hard worker.  He has looked forward to serving a mission all of his life and would have chosen Japan because he has many Japanese friends.