Week 4

From Saijo, Japan

September 26, 2016

To everyone ( sorry forgot the week and as always running out of time):

We have a baptismal date with a woman from the Phillipians. This is her second baptismal date made, and it is very exciting being able to teach her the gospel. We also have many foreign investigators from as far a place as Egypt, and China. Since we are by Hiroshima University, there are a lot of foreigners.

We have seen so many miracles. And thank you for your prayers. I feel them, and I see them. In our district, my companion and I have been able to bring more people to English classes, and a person to church. These may seem small, but to us they are huge blessings. 

I've also NOT been hit by any cars :) so that's nice. The side walks here can be very narrow, or have huge gutters that you can't see while biking at night. There have been many times where I normally would have fallen off, but I haven't. 

When we as missionaries pray for certain gifts. We never get them "for us". But as tools to enable us to serve more people. I love the people of Japan, the people of Saijo. And my investigators so so so dearly. It's because of them, that I have changed. And it is because of you, and the Atonement of Christ that have enabled me to change. To have more faith and hope than I ever would have imagined. To grow in loving people for simple being the,, and not asking them to change. To be meek, to be more humble. To always want to be better. And to progress at the speed the Lord wants

It is because of you, and your prayers that have helped me become more "capable" to serve the people. More qualified. You have helped me in my goal of brining more people to Christ. So thank you thank you thank you so much.  I hope you know I am praying for you as well. 

And As I said earlier. Faith is impossible, and that's why. We as Saint do the impossible. Like believing in marriages that last for ever. 

Much love :)

Freed Shimai

Week 3

September 19, 2016
From Japan


Dear everyone! It is Grandparents day! (....I think 9-17-16)

This past week we were able to meet a group of girls (Potential Investigators) from Myanmar. I have no idea where that is, so please fill me in if you can. All I can say is that they are so kind and all beautiful. I've never been so jealous in my life. I am so blessed to have been able to tract/door find them.

I've fallen off my bike a lot, but thanks to my trusty helmet, and ninja-like-reflexes... (Occasionally) I am able to catch myself. Thanks for your prayers as always, they really help me all missionaries. No effort is ever wasted :)

Short day again, sorry! All I can say is that Faith is such a gift. As it talks about in D&C 29:34

34: Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are
spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was
temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your
father, whom I created.

Faith is hard. And it's.Not.Supposed to be easy.It's not easy to have faith, but when you do, you can accomplish so much. You can do the impossible, because Faith is impossible, unbelievable, unfathomable, unnatural. Faith is hard to believe in, but because faith is so hard, so "un-like" the "natural man". We can do the impossible. Faith is a power, and through Christ, can accomplish anything.

Much love, thank you for your examples, and prayers. Everything begins with faith, and "ours", as saints, isn't blind. We have leaders and the Holy Ghost to thank for that.

- Freed Shimai

Week 2

From Japan
September 12, 2016

Hi everyone! 
Sorry today will be really short. 

But we met a Chinese family. They are amazing! They have just moved to the land of the rising sun, and they are very receptive to the Holy Ghost. 

In a past conference, I remember hearing a talk...That we are called to places, not for the masses. But for certain individuals. And by gosh. I really feel I am here, and my companion is here in Saijo... So that family can be taught about the gospel.

Here are some pictures you can munch on as well

Okonomiyaki! For the first time! 

Eikaiwa classes!

Super fun!

The church is true. The power of prayer is real, but only if you believe it. And that God listens. The atonement is real, it's not just for being cleansed from sin, but enables one to be better. To be better than they could ever be alone. The savior has felt all our pains, sorrows, frustrations, and misery. He has carried and felt all our burdens. Similar to how He walked out of the Garden of Gethsemane triumphant. 

So can you. But only if you believe it's true.

Love as always.

Freed Shimai 

Japan Week 1

From Japan
September 5, 2016

Hi guys, sorry I have been really busy writing. But good news is that out Mission President just called, and congratulated Johnson Shimai and I about having the most new investigators! 8!

Haha, I also fell face first while riding my bike, and almost got hit by a car this past week. Haha, but I have been kept safe by your prayers, and the Lord.

We have also had a new investigator, that was very opposed to religion and God in the first place. And from that meeting with him, we were able to teach by the Spirit. And from that meeting my testimony... That through the Spirit, one can confound the wise and learned, with small and simple means. Reference to Alma 37 verses 6-7.

I love the Holy Ghost, because without it. Missionaries wouldn't be able to convert anyone. If there is one thing, from this mission that I have learned. It is that the Holy Ghost is a gift. And how special

and important baptism is. Not because baptism raises the number of members. But because baptism is one of many key stepping stones that bring people closer to Christ. To come closer to Christ, one

desperately needs the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Maybe, from reading my past blogs, everything seems too happy. Unrealistically so, and you would be right. But based from experience, I believe the reason for this. Is because we as missionaries know things are really hard, but that the good outweighs the bad. That saying negative things won't accomplish anything. Yes they are true, but only for a moment. And that when one looks back, that it's NOT the pain and hardship they will remember from a mission. But what came from the pain, what they learned from it.  And about the good that happened, the miracles and blessings they saw and received. The church is true :)I love this gospel, and the Lord has always been there to help me. And I promise the Lord will always be there for you.

Thank you for your prayers everyone

Much love

Freed Shimai