“失礼でなければ、イエス・キリストについて教えてくださいますか？”

“If it’s not rude, could you teach me about Jesus Christ?” “Yes, it’s very rude. How’s next week?”
(real question from a real certified 日本人).

This past transfer has been so fun and so hard, but I’m seeing the efforts of our missionary labors pay off. Kind of like making mochi [in the above picture with ward friends in Otsu]. We have 7 friends already lined up to consistently teach this next transfer, which is huge for Japan and this area. But it’s right before the transfer ends. It’s actually really unfortunate, because transferring is the norm for freshly trained missionaries. Well, we’ll find out on Tuesday where I’m going [or not]! It’s exciting and sad. This transfer, despite all of its challenges, has been an amazing opportunity for growth. My trainer is amazing. I love the ward in Otsu so much. The members are angels, and they also know how to cook pretty dang good food. I’ll also miss Sister Asaumi and Mr. Huang– a lot. Mr. Huang is going back to China for the Chinese New Year too, which will make it harder to stay in contact with him [for a bit]. But I’ll definitely be reaching back out to him when he’s back. In the meantime, if anyone has any information on LDS Churches in Shichuan province (haha, oddly specific request, I know), please send it my way! It’s too hard for non-Chinese nationals to find. In the meantime, please pray for him! He believes in God. He wants to feel comfort in this life and in the next. He understands the consequences of sin. He is just struggling on a few small things. I think he needs to really know the reality of Jesus Christ and that through Him, he can be perfectly loved. Christ is a source of hope, not fear. [BELOW: See Elder Seegmiller and me with Huang and Sister Asaumi.]

There were probably too many miracles to write down this week in a succinct email. The work is continuing in Otsu. I was able to feel the Spirit guide my words while giving an entire lesson in Japanese for the first time while bearing testimony about the reality of prayer. We’ve had the craziest guidance from God while trying to find people in Japan. People don’t take probability seriously enough here. I honestly consider a person found with an interest in Christianity in a day of finding a really good turn against the odds in Japan, where less than 5% of the population is Christian. There is no doubt that God is guiding my efforts. We probably only have time to have good conversations with 5-7 people each day. And yet, somehow one of those 5-7 daily will be someone who wants to learn more about Christ. But I never really feel exactly “directed towards someone who needs it.” I just talk to everyone and God puts them in my way.

Sister Asaumi also lowkey had a prophesy and told me that I’d meet a guy who was “obsessed with Western culture” at a specific location. I streeted that area for two and a half hours and almost gave up, then prayed again, felt no direct confirmation to go home, so I decided to keep streeting. And then found the exact guy maybe five minutes after. He wore a jean jacket with jeans, had a mullet, and was literally obsessed with American culture. It was actually really funny to see the level of “Western” he was obsessed with. Almost like a caricature of American culture, like the level of some ‘weeaboos’ in America [because yes, that’s a word]. Except the guy was Japanese, and obsessed with America [rather than the other way around]. He also said Jesus Christ was a “respectable person” and wanted to learn more about Him. My “weeaboo for the West” is a certified chiller.

I really don’t want to leave Otsu. I just had a fun day with Asaumi Shimai and Huang-san at Shirahige shrine, but besides the friends I’ve made here, the potential for the work here just feels too strong. I can learn so much from staying another transfer here that it feels like it’d be really detrimental to leave, but at the same time that feels like such a selfish point of view. I’ve definitely already grown so much.

Anyways, I love you all so much. It has been fun writing this email. Take care and please enjoy yourselves. God loves you!

God, be with you till we meet again!
Elder Son

P.S. Some fun pictures. I went to Arashiyama this last P-Day with my district! We saw a bunch of monkeys. When I showed her pictures later, Sister Asaumi said they reminded her of Elder Campbell;)

Elder Son’s Google photos