JT - Revelation is real!

Dear Everyone,

I want to share a really cool experience that I had this past week. So we have an investigator who has been investigating for a couple years now. Right now, he is the one who is progressing the most out of all of our investigators. Last week, we had a lesson with him and we planned on inviting him to be baptized next month. We had the Branch President and his wife there sitting in on the lesson. We talked about baptism and asked him questions, but he would always give vague answers to the questions, for example, we ask him, "why is it important to pray?" And he says, "so we can return to God", really superficial answers and when we try to have him expound, he doesn't do anything. So, we get him to kind of commit to a baptismal date and the lesson was over. We talked with our BP and his wife about the investigator. He clearly has some kind of problem that is out of his control which he can't retain information or recall it. We all were wondering if he is even mentally capable to even need baptism. So after talking about it, we came to the conclusion that we would pray about it, ask our mission president for advice and see what happens.

The next day, I emailed President Welch and told him the whole situation and he replied with words of advice such as "can he reach the qualifications for baptism as stated in D&C 20:37 or is that a challenge for him?" So, I was thinking of that for a while, not completely sure what to do. Can he be baptized, or does he even need baptism? Is he saved already? Questions I was pondering that day trying to figure out what to do.

The next morning, I was having a hard time sleeping. I remember that it was around 5:30 in the morning and I was about 75% asleep when a number started wandering around in my head. The number 8 was just lingering there for some reason. And then I remember 22 as well. 8:22.. Then after a bit of trying to sleep some more, for some reason I randomly thought of the book of Moroni. So in my mostly asleep state, a scripture reference popped in my head, Moroni 8:22. At the time, I had no idea what that scripture was or even if it existed at all. I turned over in my futon (we don't have beds in Japan) and wrote the reference down in my little notebook that I have next to me and went back to sleep. I woke up half an hour later, went to the bathroom and then remembered that scripture, so I opened to it. I almost had a heart attack when I read it. The scripture exists and it blew my mind.

It says "For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing" Well, if that wasn't an answer, I don't know what is! That was by far the most direct answer to anything that I have ever received in my life. I learned that our investigator is one who is "without the law" and because of that, he is redeemed by the atonement, and thus does not need baptism. The answer was clear as day. I was amazed by that and I know now that Heavenly Father is truly right here beside me looking out for me. This is his work and I know that he is mindful of each of his children. One of the coolest experiences of my mission.

I've said this before, but our mission is striving to teach at least 20 lessons a week per companionship. So, our district has been working hard the past few weeks to reach that. I am proud to announce that after much work and a few miracles, each companionship in my district reached the 20 lesson mark this week! All 3 companionships did it and I am so proud for all of this district! It was so great to hear that it happened. God truly answers our efforts. Not only answers, but He always goes beyond that. Our district experienced that reality this week.

It was a great week! Lots of miracles, lots of cool experiences. It's hard to believe that this week is my 1 year in Japan mark. I've come a long way and hopefully I have changed a little since then. Cheers to 10 more months as a full-time missionary.

Love you all! My ponderizing scripture of the week is 1 Nephi 10:19. Have a great week! Thank you for all the support and prayers in my behalf. Love you!

Love,
Elder Lamoreaux ラムロー長老
Japan Kobe Mission 日本神戸伝道部

"Chastity" yesssss!

Erwin - Still a missionary

October 2015

Elder Erwin Lamoreaux has signed up for another year.  He was debating if he should and he decided to go one more year.

Grandpa and Grandma with the newest grandchild missionary - Sister Meagan Torman will be serving in the Yakima Washington mission.  Follow her blog:  sistertormaninwashington.blogspot.com

This is what Elder Erwin Lamoreaux (Grandpa) does when he is not working at the church - spending time with family.  Tanner is the newest member of the Church in our family - he was baptized last Saturday October 10, 2015

JT - General Conference

Dear Everyone,

We were finally able to watch conference this week! It was such a great conference and I learned a lot. But first, I'll share a bit of a cool experience this week.

We were looking around for a potential investigator's house, but we could not find the address at all. We were in the middle of nowhere, houses all around us, but we couldn't find the one place we needed to find. But, as we were searching, we decided to stop at a house and knock on it. The person who answered was really nice; young mother of 2 really cute kids. One was 3 and the other was 1. We were able to talk to her and it turns out she used to go to a Christian Church and since she got married and moved, she hasn't gone to it. She remembers some things about Christ and about singing gospel songs. So, we were able to relate to her a lot. She seemed super interested and we set up a return appointment. She also said she would talk to her husband about us and what we do. So, later in the week, we called them to follow up and she said that she talked to her husband and said that the husband wasn't interested, so she canceled the return appointment. We tried to see if we can talk to the husband, but it didn't work out. It was pretty frustrating that that had to happen, but, like Sister Marriot said in conference, "It will all work out." She seemed like she was ready, but one day, it will be all good.
 

So many fish!

So, I really liked this conference. It's funny how each conference, there is like an overwhelming theme. Last conference, it was Families and Marriage. This conference, I felt like the theme was just living the Doctrine of Christ more fully in your life. It is really interesting because right now as a mission, we are challenged to read the Book of Mormon and look for the Doctrine of Christ as we read. I thought it was awesome how things just always seem to relate. The conference started with President Uchtdorf talking about how living the gospel should be simple. There was a lot about defending your faith and developing stronger faith. There was also a lot about repentance and changing into someone better through the Atonement. Much about the Sacrament and keeping all of the Commandments. Also, a great talk given by President Eyring about Receiving the Holy Ghost. And, of course, a lot about enduring to the end by living the gospel every day. A couple of my favorite talks were of course Elder Holland's "Behold Thy Mother", Elder Lawrence's " What Lack I Yet?", a question that we all need to ask, and Elder Hales' talk. I also really liked Elder Renlund's talk! Those were my favorite, but really, all of them had a great message and can help me in my life and my mission. I'll be studying these talks more thoroughly.

A couple awesome quotes from conference:
"Exaltation is our goal; discipleship is our journey" -President Uchtdorf
"Focusing on how the Lord inspires His chosen leaders and how He moves the Saints to do remarkable and extraordinary things despite their humanity is one way that we hold on to the gospel of Jesus Christ and stay safely aboard the Old Ship Zion." -Elder Ballard
"If you want more than you now have, reach up, not across!" -Elder Hales
"No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child" -Elder Holland
"having descended beneath it all, He is perfectly positioned to lift us and give us the strength we need to endure our afflictions. We have only to ask." -Elder Oaks

It was a great conference! But, it was really hard to see President Monson struggling like that in his talk on Sunday... I learned a lot. There was a lot of love for Japan there as well! Elder Yamashita saying a prayer, Elder Aoyagi giving a talk (he shouted out the Japan Kobe Mission!) and also Elder Aoba being mentioned by Elder Maynes. I met Elder Aoba when I was in Nishiwaki! It was so cool to see his picture in conference and hear that story. Go Japan!

So, the scripture I am "ponderizing" this week is Alma 38:5 which says "And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day." I like that because God will always deliver us if we put our trust in Him.

I love you all! I hope you have a great week! Remember what you learned in conference and look over the talks again! They will help you!

Love,
Elder Lamoreaux ラムロー長老
Japan Kobe Mission 日本神戸伝道部

 

So yesterday, we watched General Conference!  But, as I walked into the room where we were watching, I saw somebody who looked really familiar, and I was like, "there's no way!"  It was a recent convert in my first area, Nishiwaki, who I worked with all the time in Nishiwaki!  Apparently, she heard from a member that I was in Maizuru, and she wanted to come see me.  They drove all the way up to Maizuru just to see me!  I was so surprised and speechless.  They left Nishiwaki at 7:00 in the morning.  It was such a pleasant surpise.

 

Such a cool sunset!

JT- "I like to look for rainbows!" 🎵🌈

Sweater weather!

Dear Everyone,

What a week. Definitely the busiest (and best) week of my mission so far. Our wonderful Filipina Investigator was baptized by her husband yesterday!!! It was honestly the happiest moment of my mission! Let me explain the details.

So, on Wednesday, she had her baptismal interview. I was pretty nervous the whole time she was in the interview, but she came out and I saw the thumbs up saying she passed. That was a really relieving moment, but I knew she would pass, so I don't know why I was so nervous haha! So, after that, came the craziness of the week. Thursday we put together the baptismal service with our Ward mission leader. Then on Saturday, we met with the Branch President and blew up the baptismal font. Yup, blew up the font with a foot pump! Gotta love the small branches! The font is actually approved by the navy and is used as a bath tub (except we use it as a baptismal font.) Pictures are included. :) Then Sunday morning before church was the service. In between all this, I had to prepare for District Meeting on Friday, Follow-Up with my district members, call a bunch of people to invite them to the baptism and, figure out a talk that I was to give at the service. Busy, busy, busy! I would basically be on the phone at night from 9:30 all the way until 10:15 and then bed time at 10:30. So, you could say I am exhausted. 

Pump, pump, pump.

It's up!

Filling it up

The finished product! :)

But all of that was so worth it because the baptism was perfect. It was just so special to see this family dressed in white with a font filled with water. I can't really describe the feelings I felt. Our investigator was smiling and crying throughout the whole service. I probably said this before, but her husband is Japanese and he was baptized in January. Their only daughter got baptized in March, as soon as she turned 8, and now her mom is finally getting baptized in October, so the whole family, especially the daughter, was just so happy. I gave a talk about baptism and the Holy Ghost and I felt like it went really well. It felt good because I just went up there with maybe a note or two and scriptures. When i had a scripture to read, I read it in Tagalog for our investigator. Everyone was pretty impressed by it, but I know my pronunciation was horrible... But, she understood so that's all that matters. I was actually tearing up during that talk, which I never do, (except for my farewell, when I cried like a baby... Still sorry about that..) After my talk, their 8 year old daughter gave a nice little talk about baptism, how happy she was that her mom was finally going to make that step. After that, Elder McArthur and I sang "I like to look for rainbows" in Japanese and English. Then the baptism happened, and it went perfectly, even though the water was freezing cold. The whole program flowed perfectly and there was a beautiful spirit that was felt by everyone present.

Also, another busy and nerve wracking thing was on Saturday, our Branch President called and asked if I would confirm her during Sacrament. I was taken aback, but I said I would do it. Then he said this, "could you do it in Tagalog? It would be great for her to hear it in her native language." I kinda laughed at that, thinking he was joking, but he was completely serious. I thought about it and came up with a conclusion that I would try to do the "important words" in Tagalog and the rest of the blessing in English, and he said that will work. So, the whole day, I was trying to memorize how to confirm her in Tagalog. I could not mess up, because if I did, then the ordinance wouldn't work. So, I tried my hardest to do it and say it correctly. I give this one up to the Spirit and the gift of tongues because somehow during the confirmation, I was able to remember the words and confirm her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Tagalog. Man, do I wish I actually tried to speak Tagalog when I was younger. But, nonetheless, it worked out and the Spirit was there to guide my words during that blessing. It was insane, to say the least.

The feelings that I felt yesterday were so special and I hope I don't forget that. I was smiling the whole day and it just felt good. I am so happy that this family can now be unified and next year, become sealed in the temple for time and for all eternity. I am so excited for them. This family is so special and they just looked so happy. Happy is he only word that can describe this experience. That night, they invited us over to their house and they fed us more Filipino food (Lumpia and fried chicken) and we were able to fill out the baptismal record to make her an official member of "Ang Simbahan ni Jesucristo ng mga Banal sa mga Huling Araw". Such a beautiful day. 

Trying to get a good picture... I love this family so, so much!

Another reason that this was a really busy week was that even with all of this baptism prep going on, we were still able to teach 21 lessons this week!! We finally made the goal! The members helped a lot. We were able to teach most of the active members a lesson as well as a few less active members. It was a stretch and in the coming weeks, I feel like it will be even harder to hit the 20 lesson mark. I learned that in order to do that, we need to work hard every hour of the day and plan what we are going to do.

So, it was a great week. I am so exhausted, but I think it was worth it. To see this person come closer to Christ by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost was something that I will never forget. I am so blessed to be able to work with them and to see the changes come across this incredible family. Whenever I come into their house, I can just feel their love. I was so blessed to be able to witness this. This was my week in a nutshell. I hope you take a look at the pictures that I will send. I love you all and I hope you have a great week. Remember to keep smiling and give 'em Heaven folks!

Love,
Elder Lamoreaux ラムロー長老
Japan Kobe Mission 日本神戸伝道部

JT - お久しぶり "Long time no see"

 

A giant Anpanman blow-up bouncy house!

Dear Everyone,

First off, I want to talk about how happy I am to be in Maizuru, in the same District (equivalent of a stake) as my first area, Nishiwaki. Yesterday, all of the District's Priesthood holders and Elders went to Fukuchiyama for District Priesthood Meeting. I have been looking forward to this day for the past month because I knew I would be seeing a lot of the members from my bean area. Boy did it live up to my expectations.

As soon as I got inside the building, I saw familiar face after familiar face. Nishiwaki is the biggest branch in the district, so about half of the people that were there were from Nishiwaki. The best part about this was that they all remembered me and they remembered my name! That made me so, so happy. They all also commented on how good my Japanese has become. (Even though it still sucks). It was so nice to be able to talk to all of them. Actually talk to them! When I was in Nishiwaki, I couldn't understand what they were saying and I couldn't speak back to them very well, but now I can basically say anything that I want to say, and it was really refreshing to see the difference that has been made in my Japanese in the past 6 months or so. Man, I love those members so much. I am so grateful that I have spent 9 of my 11 months in Japan in this same zone. I love the members here so much. I can't even describe it. Nishiwaki and Maizuru have been so good to me and it is all because of the members here. Genuine children of our Heavenly Father. Anyway, I went on for a while about this experience, but it was one of the best times I've had in my mission. お久しぶ 西脇！ Long time no see Nishiwaki. It was great.

Also, in this meeting, our mission president, President Welch was there and gave an incredible, powerful talk about member missionary work. Now, as a District, we are focussing on teaching the members and less active members so that the missionaries can gain a lot of teaching experience and also to encourage members to introduce their friends to the missionaries. His talk really pumped me up and now I really want to teach a lot of lessons! Also, for the whole meeting, I translated the talks for my companion Elder McArthur and I was able to translate pretty well. I felt way good after that. Recently I have realized how my Japanese has improved as of late, and it is now to the point that speaking in Japanese is fun for me now! I never would have thought it would be like this a couple transfers ago. Crazy how God works sometimes.

That brings me to my new companion. His name is Elder McArthur. He is from New York City! (Just like Elder Scowcroft, my second companion in the field. I am pretty sure they are the only ones that are from New York City and I somehow become companions with both of them...) we have a lot in common and it will be a great transfer together. He is 2nd transfer, but he is already an incredible missionary. I mean, I could totally see him as AP sometime down the road. Honestly, I should not be training him. He should be the one training me! Like, this guy is incredible. I can learn a lot from him and I can tell we are going to do a lot of work here in Maizuru this transfer.

The first thing that we will accomplish is helping our investigator to be baptized on Sunday!! She has her baptismal interview on Wednesday, and if she passes that, we will have the Baptismal Service on Sunday, October 4th! Super excited for her! Her husband and daughter are even more excited! We taught them on Saturday and when we said that the baptism is next week, their 8 year old daughter got her scriptures, and right away found the baptismal prayer and started reading it in the voice of her father. 1) how did she know where to find that scripture??? I don't even know where that is... (Well maybe I do, but that's not the point, she is 8 years old!) it was so funny and I am so excited for them. 

Elder Van Cleave's last time with these people!

Well, things are really looking up for this area. This week, with saying bye to Elder Van Cleave and saying hi to Elder McArthur, we had 14 lessons for the week, which is a big step up from the past couple of weeks. We are confident that we can surpass 20 lessons a week soon. As we strive for that, we will see miracles. I have faith in that. The Lord will bring to pass his will in his own timing, and I believe that the timing is now for this area. Buckle your seatbelt folks, it's gonna get wild!

Love you all so much! Thanks for the continued support, prayers and encouragement. It is much appreciated! Have a good time watching General Conference this week. Learn a lot! Japan gets to watch it a week later than all, so please, no big spoiler alerts haha! That reminds me that this week, we lost another one of our beloved apostles, Elder Richard G. Scott. I was a little shocked at the news, but after the initial reaction, I felt peace because now, he is with his wife again. One of the reasons I loved Elder Scott was because of how much he truly loved his wife and he wasn't afraid to let others know about it. Because of him and his example, I know that my wife deserves to be treated like that. I want to use that as a model for how I treat my wife. I know that if I can do that, we will be able to have an eternal relationship. Thank you Elder Scott. We will have 3 new apostles that are going to be called. It is pretty exciting stuff. Well, The church is true, the book is blue and all that jazz. Love you 

all!

Love,
Elder Lamoreaux ラムロー長老
Japan Kobe Mission 日本神戸伝道部


 

Us and the Branch President and his wife for Elder Van Cleave's last day in Maizuru.

Hip

This is a view of the city of Maizuru.  We were on top of a tower which overlooks everything.  We went with the Branch President and his wife today.