Week 86: A difference in plans?!

Hello Everyone!!

I honestly had a SUPER miracle filled week, but all that is on my mind is transfer calls from today.

I just got to this area last transfer, and recently, the President has been making younger missionaries leaders, so I figured I was done being Zone Leader, and it was someone else's turn to learn. I thought I could quite comfortably be on my own in Kasukabe, and quietly push forward the work here.

But the Lord has different plans, I suppose.

I was just called to go back to the Mission Office. This time, instead of being a Tech Staff (though they specifically said they also want me to help them), I will be an Assistant to the President.

I was blown away. I had thought of every other possibility. Perhaps even transferring. But this had not crossed my mind. Being a Zone Leader had pushed my limits - but this will be a new chance for learning. I will pray that the Lord can shape me and guide me so I can help the Missionaries I serve. I look forward to the chance I have to learn greater love, patience, diligence - and at the same time, am rather terrified. Not to say that I feel the calling is all that large, but simply to say that I feel oh so small in comparison.

Anyways... That is what is on my mind. I have to be gone by tomorrow morning (as opposed to Wednesday. I get to go pick up new missionaries tomorrow night! I guess we have to decide companionships and such?), so it's been a busy day. But I would like to touch on a few highlights this week:

Brother I came to church for a church tour! He heard the Restoration, and had SOOO many good questions! We found him on the street last week Sunday, and he will come next week to church. Sunday is his break!

Today, I got to meet with a less active and somewhat recent convert that I met when I came to Kasukabe on exchanges when I was in Urawa. He decided for himself he wants to come back to church - just in time to meet him. I feel that meeting with Brother K was a miracle in timing and nature! I had by coincidence met him about 4 times before - once was even in the Temple doing baptisms! Glad the hand of the Lord is in my work!

Had three new students come to Eikaiwa! Seems they will be coming to a lot from now on. And their breaks are on Sundays too! So I think they'll come in the future. :)

Man. So many miracles. I can't write it all.

It's weeks like this that make me humble myself, let me know that God loves us, directs us, and has a great plan for us - even if it is different from ours.

Love you all! Remember this week that I love you, and that God loves you!

Stay AWESOME!
And of course, Hurrah for Israel!
Elder O'Reilly

Here are some people I teach. Wish I had taken more pictures.

All the youth! 

Week 85: Miracles!

Hello Everyone!!!

This week was AWESOME! Here are just a few of the highlights.

Earlier in the week, we visited a former investigator who sells school uniforms. We are pretty good friends with him (simply because he loves to talk, and for some reason, loves missionaries), so he agreed to pass out fliers for our mission school to all the students that come to his shop! All the students are coming right now because the new year starts in April. It was definitely the fastest (and more effective ways - I'm sure he will vouch for us) way I've ever given out that many fliers.

We also started teaching the husband of a recent convert, Bro S! He has been humbled by some life experiences, and feels that he was kept alive for a special purpose. I asked him what purpose. Maybe to find God's power? Maybe it is found in Christianity. Ok. Off to a good start! :) We will meet him twice this week, to help clean up the debris of his house (one of those humbling experiences) and to teach him more about the Gospel.

On Saturday, we went to teach Brother T in the morning. He had read Chapter 11 of 3 Ne for us, and had some great questions. I can see he is opening up more and  more to the Gospel! His wife had taken his son to the Hospital for a regular check up, so we are still just teaching him... Hopefully we can teach the whole family next week!

Afterwords, we went and visited some members in the area, and then went around the block with Sister K, a very active, very awesome member. She just introduced us to some of her favorite neighbors in such a casual way. Some of them had interest in Eikaiwa, so hopefully we can start teaching them that way!

Then, we went to an international party! There were a few foreigners there. But, to be honest, there aren't many foreigners here in Kasukabe. So... there were a good number of people that just liked foreigners and wanted to learn English. In fact, the missionaries were the only native speakers there, so we were pretty popular. 4 people asked me for my contact info, and asked if I could teach them English. Some of them should be coming this week! It was definitely a good place to be! And I just got to eat free dinner and feel like a rock star. So... It was a fun and effective way to work.

Sunday was FILLED with miracles. We had an investigator call us up and ask for a church tour right then. We met at the church, and Bro A BROUGHT A FRIEND! Both have interest in Christianity and English. I think I can help with that! :)

Then, we went and visited our new friend, Bro S, to check out some of the  service we will do next week, and headed off to visit some less actives. One was willing to listen to us! We set up an appointment to teach some English for TOIEC, and then he told us that he wants to become an Elder! He is thinking about changing his job to get Sundays off right now, so it seems like we came at just the right time to encourage him. WAY excited.

On Sunday morning, we also got to listen to Elder Holland speak! He came to Japan. Of course, I was only participating through video, but it was still so powerful. I'm certain that he is, and I sustain him as, a prophet, seer, and revelator. I'm certain as ever that the Priesthood has been restored, and this is God's church. Within it the power of Godliness is made manifest daily, changing us to more Christlike people as we do our best to follow our priesthood leaders. And no one has to - or even should - take my word for it. As Elder Holland pointed out, because it is true, the first thing I want everyone I meet to do is pray about it for themselves, and experience it for themselves. As I do so everyday, I know that I "can in nowise deny the power of God" (Moroni 10:32) that is manifest in the ordinances and first principles of the Gospel.

Hurrah for Israel!
Elder O'Reilly

A few of the people at the international party

Also got to meet Bro. F this week! He is WAY nice! :)

Week 84: Loving the Temple!

Hello Everyone!

This week was pretty great!! A few highlights:

Last Tuesday we were just about to start companion study, when we had the impression to change our schedule. Language study, lunch, and then companion study at the church. On paper, this should have made essentially no difference. However, with the new flexibility of the schedule, we tried it. The church is close, so we only passed one young person on the way to the church. We invited him to have a church tour, and he said he had time!! After the church tour, we invited him to hear the lessons on another day. Again, he said he had time right then! We taught the plan of Salvation, and he said that it made him want to learn more, and that he also wanted to learn English. Brother N is a very nice college student, and I hope we can meet him in the upcoming week! He seems pretty busy, so I'm not sure when we can meet him next, but it was certainly a good experience!

I was able to meet with an investigator for the first time! He was out of town to help his Mother for a while. We weren't certain what his needs were, but as we read 3 Ne 14:7-11, we explained that he could get good gifts through prayer if he sought them. We paused, and he asked after a moment if prayer could help him overcome tobacco. That was what he wanted. It's an awesome moment when your investigator wants help keeping the commandments!

Then, on Thursday, I went to Urawa! One of the LA youth I worked with is active and strong now (and his hair is short!), and I was able to meet him! Also met with some families I hadn't seen in a while, and we were able to meet with another LA Brother I had started working with there as well. He is more active than when I left, but still working on full activity.

Then, today, I went back to Shibuya to go to the temple! One of the other Elder's Investigators was recently baptized! I didn't teach him much, but I got to work with him, and always translated church for him, so that was good news! Now he goes to the English ward, so he doesn't need a translation, which is also good. And Brother K, an investigator I had in Shibuya realized he needs to be baptized again, and already has the testimony to do so! Great to go back and hear everyone is doing well!

Of course, going to the temple was also a great experience today. Every time I go, I leave feeling uplifted, with the direction I need, and secure. I am confident that God loves each of us, that He wants to direct us, and that this is His church on the earth! I would encourage you to attend the temple often, as I know God gives this wonderful peace and direction to all who worthily attend.

Have a great week!

Hurrah for Israel!
Elder O'Reilly

This is Bro. S from Shibuya! Since the temple is in the Shibuya area, we met up for
breakfast and then walked to the temple together.

I got a Valentine's Day present! Yep. I feel special.
Lucy (her American nickname), an Eikawa student, gave chocolate to me and my companion.
Very thoughtful, retired woman who comes every week to church and Eikawa. Not a member.

Thought I would show you what I usually have for breakfast. Miso vegetable soup and Nato-Kimuchi- Mentai.
Absolutely delicious.

Week 83: Justice

Hello Everyone!!!

Well... We are going to play Basketball soon. Not today, but soon. One of the members is going to rent out a court. Why? Because we met a bunch of Less Actives for the first time this week, and it went really well. But they all want to play basketball. So... We will set up an activity for them to come to. One of those moments when I actually wished I was good at Basketball. But hopefully the strong members will come, too, and everyone will make good friends.

Anyways... We had some miracles this week, and some disappointments.

First, let's get the disappointments done and over with.

Brother F basically just dropped off the map. Except he sent us one message.

Can't come to church. Now I have to work.

Bummer. But he's just super busy with work. There is always another week. 

However, Brother T has been doing GREAT this week! By remembering his kids names and handing out chocolates, we've successfully won the children's AND the parents hearts (kids are definitely key! Just read the story of Lamoni's father). And, when we asked him to read and pray everyday, he said he would without hesitation. I feel like the Douseki, Brother H was a great help on that one. They are neighbors and friends, and both have families, so they are just about in the same place in life. That was exciting! Plus, he read the section we asked him to of the Book of Mormon! :) I can already imagine the blessings the Gospel will bring to this cute family! (The H family is really excited about it, too!) They are receiving the Gospel so well. :) 

We had a mutual activity this week again. This time, we played some Ping pong and King of the Couch. It was a blast! :) On the last round we all used the names of Book of Mormon Prophets instead of our names. And two more youth came than last week! One of which, it was my first time to meet him (he hasn't been at church). The youth and members are doing a great job of reaching out to each other now that the ball has started rolling. We had tried to get in contact and even visit him, but it was unsuccessful. Just goes to show how much better member missionaries are! Now we are friends with R kun (kun is the title for people equal to you in Japanese? I don't know how to explain it, but it is the only title I can put here. Brother just sounds weird). I also hung out with him on Sunday (he became my companion. President Nagano is recommending that we go on splits with youth to the classes so we can become better friends with the youth), and he is excited for next Friday and Sunday! :)

Also, exchanges on Thursday! First one in Kasukabe! Elder Pozernick and I had some great miracles. A man who has done architecture for churches who wants to come and check it out (his only concern was he doesn't want to take too much time from his family - maybe a little TOO golden? Haha) and met with one of the Less Actives, K Kun, who happens to want to play Basketball. My companion met two other less actives that day who also want to play Basketball. So... It was decided. Especially since ALL the youth also want to play. :)

As I studied this week, something really just stuck out to me. I read Alma 42.

To be honest, it had never really clicked in my head why we NEED Justice. Can't it just always be mercy?

This verse really struck me.

20. And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.

Because there is a law, there can be justice. Because there is justice, there is a withdrawal of the Spirit, which brings a remorse of conscience (see Alma 42, and D&C 19). Just like pain can be our "friend," as I recently heard my Mission President say (to keep us from doing things that would cause serious damage to our bodies), spiritual pain can be our friend in keeping us out of serious spiritual damage. Justice helps us know what is wrong and right, and therefore be able to progress.

For example, perhaps when we get angry, jealous, impatient, or feel hatred. Or maybe we are just a little thoughtless. When we feel these things, we clearly see what Alma meant when he said "wickedness never was happiness." (Alma 41:10) The withdrawal of the Spirit, or perhaps the recognition of some guilt, will then help us to progress and be more thoughtful, loving, patient, rejoice in others's joys, and seek to be more understanding. In other words, we become a little more like our Father in Heaven. And Alma also teaches that God's nature is the
nature of Happiness. (Alma 41:11).

So let's progress a little more this week. No, nothing needs to happen all at once. But let's get just a little more of the true happiness this week.

Love you all!
Hurrah for Israel!
Elder O'Reilly

We had "American" food, with some stuff we found in the apartment.
White gravy, mashed potatoes (from a powder), etc.
Almost as good as Japanese food. Not really, but it was still fun. haha

Zone Conference - Saitama

Zone lunch

Sweet & Sour chicken. It was way fun to bread, fry, and sauce it up! :)

Exchanges! The one on the far left of the picture was my companion for the day.

Made a great stir fry this week! We make the sauces we use recently. Pretty fun!

Week 82: The Right Roads - at the Right Time

Hello Everyone!

We got to work with a few really cool people this week.

First, Brother F - an investigator that got a baptismal date the Monday before I got here. He is scheduled to be baptized on the 19 of February. Didn't get to meet him, but did some Skype lessons. He doesn't get home until late, and lives far away, but he reads the Book of Mormon, and said he will come to church starting next week! He got really hung up on "no graven images" this week, but I think we got it sorted out.

Next, Brother D - another investigator. He is awesome. He asks golden questions and keeps all the commitments. Except one. Come to church. He is only busy once per week, on Sunday from 10-1. Ugh. He started doing Aikido club right before he met missionaries here and that is when he practices. So... That is a bit of a challenge, but I'm sure it will improve from here.

Then, Brother M. He is WAAAY cool. He is a less active youth, but he really wants to do the right thing, just not too much family support. He is super down to meet with us, and is even considering going on a mission right now. Just waking up for church is hard. But, since he is thinking about becoming a missionary, we might start studying with him to prep, and hopefully he realizes why it is important to come.

So... We had a few cool people we met on the street this week!

First, we were coming back from teaching Brother T (who is the golden, father of a family who just took a Book of Mormon and said he is excited to read it!), and I popped my tire. The first thought that popped into my mind was there is someone you need to meet, and you wouldn't have met him otherwise. So... We got my bike fixed (we were 7 kilometers away from home, and I did not feel like pushing my bike that far. Plus, fixing it would be faster than the alternative), and we started home. We were late (because of my bike), so we weren't talking to everyone. But, I kept alert, and we stopped to talk to one High School Student. We told him who we were, and that we taught English as volunteers at our church.

He told us that that was strange. He was just thinking about how much he wanted to learn English. He said he will come next week.

Yesterday, my companion and I were walking on the way to a members house. We were walking for a bit, stopped a man who had interest in Jesus Christ, exchanged contact info, and then he walked away. We realized we had been walking the wrong direction, so we turned around after talking to him and went back.

Then, on another day, we felt that we should speak with a man on a way back from an appointment. Turns out he was a less active, and we connected well on the street. He told me his concerns right then and there on the street, and then got his number. Looking back on his record, it seems that his father is against missionaries, and it would have been impossible to meet him other wise.

The Lord truly prepared miracles for us this week!

So, perhaps you might take a wrong turn this week, or perhaps you might puncture a tire. But, instead of being frustrated, seek to serve. You never know, perhaps God has put you on the right road at the right time. We can be the Lord's hands on the earth, and nothing is as AWESOME as when we are.

So stay AWESOME this week!
Hurrah for Israel!
Elder O'Reilly

.

Met this man while visiting the home of a less active. He just wanted to go out to eat
with an American (there are not too many foreigners here), and we said we could if we
shared a message. We did, and shared a bit of a message.
Not too interested in the end, but it was fun anyways.

Had a fun activity night! We played chair soccer. It's supposed to be mutual every week,
though not many youth come yet. We'll work on that.
Any good ideas for mutual? Just need the youth to want to come and have fun.
We've been focusing on the youth, and some have already gone from being less active,
to expressing interest in serving missions and coming to church. The effects were pretty much
immediate - they just need strong friends! Hopefully that can be each other pretty soon. :-)

Week 81: Kasukabe

Hello Everyone!!

This week has been AWESOME!!! We are ALWAYS teaching someone. And SOOO many people we want to start working with - part member families, less actives, recent converts that just need a boost of faith before they can be sealed in the temple, etc. Our work here focuses TONS on families - strengthening them, helping them become active and baptizing the fathers, kids, etc, and then, of course, helping them become eternal. It is such a great work.

Plus, the Ward is SUPER supportive. The Bishop himself quoted Gordon B Hinckley and said that there is a better way than finding on our own - it's working through the members! He flat out said that finding is a waste of our time, and we should spend less time on that and more time on teaching members. It will definitely be different working in this area, but it's a good different.

We are already going to teach a father of a full non member family with three kids, a referral from the first councilor in the Bishopric (who seems to have dendod all his friends - many have come to Eikaiwa)! I met him this week just for a drop by visit and to set up the appointments, and I got to become friends with him and his three little sons. SOOO much fun. I get to play with kids and call it missionary work. Haha. There is just SOOO much potential in this area!!

And, I'm in a two man apartment. This is the second time on my mission being in a two man. Do you know how much easier it is to clean for 2 people than for 8? Maybe you don't (or maybe you do if you're my Mother... I feel a lot more for you now, Mom! Haha), but it is awesome. And my companion is super nice, and super clean. Plus, he is also super happy and energetic all the time. We are pretty unified on that, which makes it fun. And we both talk WAY too fast. I'm pretty sure we have exploded a few peoples heads with information, so we are going to need to work on that one. Haha.

Anyways... In preparation for introducing myself at church (which I didn't end up doing. I'll speak next week). I had a good chance to think about why I love missionary work this week.

First, I love my family. There was always a special Spirit in our home, and I think a large part of that has been from the Gospel. It is apparent whether the Gospel has been in someone's home or not. If a family eats together once a week, they would be doing better than most. Rarely do families seem to have very positive relationships. However, member families stay strong, and have great relationships and a lot of love in the home. I can testify that the Gospel makes a difference for families.

Second, I love my Savior. He suffered for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent. As a missionary, I get a front row seat on the miracle of the Atonement. I see it when it takes away pain from those who have lost a loved one as they hear the plan of Salvation. I see it when those who have guilt can feel clean again. I see it when people who thought they could never change or overcome an addiction, do change, and do overcome an addiction. And of course, I get to feel it strengthen, cleanse, and enable me daily as I do my work.

I love this work. I know it is the Lord's work done for our benefit. I know that Jesus is the Christ, and that He suffered for each of us individually. As we follow Him, we can experience true joy through the Gospel. May we experience that joy and share it daily.

Hurrah for Israel!
I love you all!
Elder O'Reilly

My new companion, Elder Nitta! He is SOOO awesome!

Week 80: The Lord's Direction

Hello Everyone!!!

So... I got transferred. Half expected (most missionaries are Zone Leaders for 3-4 transfers, and this was my fourth), but a good part of me REALLY wanted to stay. But, I'm going to Kasukabe, an area I have gone to on exchanges before, so I am excited. My companion is Elder Nitta, A Japanese Elder, which is also cool. I actually trained when he was trained, so I have met him before! I translated for him and my trainee at that meeting. Seems like it wasn't that long ago...

Anyways, I had a great last week in Shibuya. Just a few miracles I'd like to share.

We were going out to visit the Bishop, drop off a card, and find along the way. However, as we prayed at the doorstep, I had the impression, "you'll see the Bishop later (we would see him that night, but I had forgotten), and there are other people for you to visit." So, we changed plans on the spot. Looked up an investigator and a less active we hadn't seen in a while, and one former investigator that lived in the area. Before we set out, we called the former investigator to see if we could get an appointment.

He picked up immediately, and seemed happy to talk with me. We set up an appointment for this upcoming Saturday. He had been dropped for about a year, and had made it all the way to his interview before he decided that he wasn't ready to give up his own beliefs. I think he has great potential - the fact that he is willing to meet again, and it's been a year give me hope that there was a reason we needed to do that.

Then, we headed out. The Less Active wasn't home, but after we walked out of his house, we talked to a few men at a stoplight. They were somewhat interested in the Gospel, and very interested in English. And they knew me (or possibly some other missionary; lot's of Japanese people think all Americans look the same. One example of this is when they think that my hair color is the same as my older brothers, who both have bright, red hair. Haha) from when we ate ramen at his shop. We switched Facebooks, and my companion should meet him later (though I will be gone now).

Then, on the way to the investigator, we ran into a recent convert, Bro I, who was struggling with something and just needed to talk. Glad we ran into him. :)

At this point, we ran out of time to visit the investigator (Typical of me.... Over planning. Haha and we still had the appointment with the Bishop) but we started heading back... And found another new investigator!

Then, classic me, I forgot to give the note to the Bishop thanking him for dinner last week. Oh well. I'm sure my companion will see him again. :P haha.

That day (and actually a few days this week) I strengthened my testimony that the Lord is willing to direct us if we are willing to listen. He loves us. He hears our prayers. As long as we are careful not to let our prayers become rote, and keep them sincere, I am confident that we will be able to recognize the answers and feel closer to God each time we pray. This has been a source of strength, comfort, and direction for me, and I pray that it will be for each of you.

Love you all!
Hurrah for Israel!
Elder O'Reilly