Hi guys!

How are you? I love your emails. They bring me so much happiness. Thank you!!

It’s been a minute since my last email, so I would like to update you on how I’m doing. I’m still in Tsuyama. I have a new companion- his name is Elder Eslawan. He’s from the Philippines and he’s a 5th transfer missionary. He’s amazing and is so kind. I’ve really been blessed with everyone I’ve served with. I’ll miss Elder Bell! (As well as everyone else I’ve had the opportunity to serve with).

Tsuyama is in a rural part of Japan. I think it may be one of the least population dense places in our mission (although the land mass is HUGE!) It very much has the feel of some remote mountain village in certain parts of our area (which I absolutely love to be in). On the other hand, unfortunately, we have to bike 30 minutes to go anywhere worthwhile to find. That is, in nearly 100 degree sweltering heat. However, it really truly is filled with miracles. We’ve gotten really creative on how to find despite the challenges. I’ve learned a lot on how to find besides my Osaka strategy of “sorry, do you have a minute? we’re sharing about Christ!” and it’s starting to pay off. We’re teaching a few new friends, namely Yoshimura and his family, Kouyama, and Hiro. They’re all amazing people and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to share something so important to the amazing and kind Japanese people.

Something I felt very strongly about when coming to Tsuyama is that I need to just love the people here. At first, I understood that as a principle. Of course, I love the people here! I thought. But I’m not sure I really practiced what my thoughts were telling me. After all, I can be a very results-minded person. But something I’ve really truly learned recently is to lead with love and the rest will come. And as I’ve really practiced that principle, not only have I had more joy and fulfillment, but I’ve also seen more success as a missionary. I’m grateful for the example of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament Gospels. As I have really searched those records, I have come to see my Savior in a new light. He started, for the most part, by seeing the people as they are and loving them where they are. He taught them according to their needs. He relied on God and fulfilled His purposes in His plan. I know we each have a purpose in God’s plan. May we work our hardest every day to fulfill that purpose and grow to our utmost potential. I also know God loves us more than we can ever imagine. Sometimes I feel impressions from the Holy Spirit to do something and it leads to something great. And sometimes it leads to something small. However, I know it all points back to God’s plan for us. May we be receptive and humble enough to seek and rely on the Spirit in our daily lives, fulfill the Father’s plan for us, and live as His beloved Son, Jesus Christ lived. I am grateful for the knowledge of a Savior and Redeemer, as well as a plan for each and every one of us as God’s beloved children. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Son

Prayer list: Nishioka, Matsuoka, Okada and her son Yamato, Kanda, Tatsu, Kouyama, Hiro, Maria, Yoshimura and his family, Tsukiyama, and Katayama