Elder Tolen's Adventures in the Japan, Tokyo South Mission: Week 51 [60]: Striving Servants

Monday, November 23, 2015

This week was remarkably busy! Where to begin!

One Tuesday we had zone meeting, and then I had the opportunity to go on splits with someone from my MTC group that day! So we spent the rest of the day by the mission home so he could get his retainer! It was a lot of fun! We were able to meet lots of amazing people! And we met a tour guide that said he would give me a tour of Okinawa after my mission! That was a lot of fun!

Then that night, we had to hurry back because Elder Burton and I had the opportunity to go on splits with the Assistants! That was a lot of fun! I was able to spend time with a missionary named Elder Murakami! We then had to run back for our Volleyball night that we had! And our new investigator showed up! It was amazing! He is from the Philippines! He is awesome! He loves sports and video games. So we met him, played volleyball, then taught him about the importance of families, because he is a father himself!

It was fantastic! I was able to learn so much from Elder Murakami. He is a fantastic missionary. He goes home in about two transfers, so I was able to learn so much from his plethora of experience!

After that, the next day was literally chaos. We were supposed to end splits at about 3:30. Just to show you how hectic it was, the splits didn't end until about 8:30. We had to run all over the place! Assistants really have their work cut out for them! It was a blast! I was extremely stressed, but I never had so much fun just running around!

We have some sad news. Our recent convert has decided to stop coming to church, because he really doesn't like Japanese people. Which is interesting, because he is Japanese. But we are trying our best to help him find charity for his fellow man.

Something I've really been pondering this week is the importance of trials. I know everyone knows why we have trials, but that doesn't make it any easier. But recently I received a quote from my father
that I would like to share:

Sacrifice is not just about giving things up. The roots of the English verb sacrifice mean 'to make something holy.' Sacrifice includes taking something that is precious to us and offering it to God, making it holy because we give it to the Holy One. (Voices of Hope by Wendy Ulrich)

The reason a trial is a trial is because in our trials we always have to sacrifice something. That's what makes trials difficult! But when we take those sacrifices and try and consecrate them unto the Lord, that's when a painful trial turns into a wonderful period of growth! I know this is true! Keep striving!

Elder Burton and I came up with a theme for our districts this transfer, and it is "Strive". Strive to be the best you! Love you all!

Elder Tolen