Come Unto Christ

Come Unto Christ

We are feeling the spirit of Christ from the missionaries and others we are associated with. As we plan our schedule after Sunday lessons and our daily routine of scripture study, we feel the peace the gospel gives to all. Christmas is a special time of year with celebrations and gift giving.  We were in Tokyo to attend a special Senior Missionary Family Home Evening  (FHE) evening with other Senior Missionaries who serve in a wide variety of missionary assignments such as Mission Leader Support, Area and Mission Office Support, and Military Relations. We all work together to support and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Not only was the food and games great, but we were also taught about famous artwork of Christ and the messages they held.  There was a group picture taken of us. We saw three other Military Relation Missionary (MRM) pairs there. 

At Naval Air Facility Atsugi (NAFA) we have had more opportunities to serve others.  There was an "Angel Tree" where we took some tags assigned with gift requests for children at a local orphanage. After wrapping the gifts we dropped them off at the Chaplains office. We also had an opportunity to sit and talk with Chaplain Grady who is excited to have us help in different ways. 

It is official, we are now volunteers for the American Red Cross in Japan. With the organization being supported 90% by volunteers, there is always a need. Donna just started the process of getting vetted to work in the health clinic as a volunteer optometrist.  As a health care professional, it can be a long process especially to work at a military facility. We also need to take a CPR course for other volunteer areas such as the teen and youth center. Brian wants to coach some of the sports they offer. After an initial orientation we will put in volunteer hours at the post office which can be especially busy this time of year.

There was a combined Japanese Ward and English Branch Christmas party last week. The program was in both languages which made it a little long but very enjoyable. There was music from all ages. Also, the Japanese youth played a few Christmas songs on hand bells. Our friend Sister Nelson read a Christmas Smells book to the primary children. Donna and four of the missionaries acted as servers as they took different samples of scents around for the children to smell. Some of the favorite scents were apple pie, pine tree and orange. There was a variety of food, and it was nearly all consumed. Brian and another brother carved four turkeys.  He overheard one Japanese youth say how much he loved turkey and the last time he had it was four years ago. Our friends the Nelsons also helped Santa make an appearance. It was nice that Santa could speak both languages.

We couldn't help ourselves. There is a cute bakery called "Chateraise" close to our apartment. We have been there a couple of times. Recently we picked up some little Japanese Christmas gift items with cookies and candies. At the last District Meeting we gave them out to all the young full-time missionaries. They come from all over to bring the light and word of Christ to the people here. It is a pleasure and blessing to be in their company.

One day we were able to help at a Santa pictures and cookies event at Camp Zama and met the Red Cross director there. Later that week, we had an opportunity to serve a family at NAFA by dropping off a dinner for them. Also, we have been the recipient of a service which was a tender mercy. We had met a Japanese American at the Christmas party and he and his family happened to live close to our place, so we got a phone number. A number of days later we were having problems with our car not starting in a parking lot. We contacted our new friend who came to the rescue and had another friend who charged our battery. (We got a new battery the next day.) Serving others can bring blessings in many ways. 

May God bless you all this Christmas time. He is our Savior and Redeemer and came to bless us while we are here on earth and after we leave this mortal existence. He invites you to come and learn of his gift to all. Merry Christmas.

 













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