Building Friendships

Building Friendships

There are many opportunities to meet new people both in and out of the church. These are blessings of great value to us and in furthering the Lord's work. Here are just some of these special occasions:

The Relief Society held a get together at the home of one of the members at Camp Zama. In a game similar to the old "To Tell the Truth" the 18 sisters in attendance got to know and draw closer to one another in a way we have not seen since being here. The sisters are from a variety of backgrounds and experience in the church from new to life time members. It also included the Sister missionaries who serve in our branch. The experience was not only a lot of fun, but helped to build bonds.

The 10 young proselyting missionaries in our district wanted to do something different, at least for Japan.  They asked us to help bring them into Costco. This was like going home for those who missed it and a unique experience for those who had never been to one, especially those from other countries. 

Last Sunday Sister Melton fasted to know of someone she and Elder Melton could provide service for. She had a strong impression of one young single adult in the ward.  We invited her to lunch and talked about her new evening work schedule which would greatly limit her ability to participate in other church activities. A couple of days later we gave her a loaf of banana bread. She was very appreciative and appeared a little emotional over the gesture.   

One Saturday, we helped clean the church building in the morning and later break down the local Atsugi elementary school "Winterfest" activity. There we saw the Chaplain and his wife and learned that she coaches her son's youth recreational basketball team with her spouse as the assistant. Earlier that week we had lunch with the two Atsugi Chaplains. We discussed how to give our support. At the activity, we were greeted by the senior enlisted member of Atsugi and his wife who oversees the base Relief Society (different from the church Relief Society) which helps enlisted members needing financial help. They asked for another of our cards. These are ways we are building relationships.

We supported the Red Cross coffee cart which included hot drinks and snacks to show appreciation to the clinic doctors, staff and patients. With the Red Cross director, we continued to build our friendship with her and discussed family and other interests. We also, have frequently bumped into a friendly physicians assistant whom we recently had appointments with.

A young couple from the branch, whom we sponsored onto NAF Atsugi, joined us in making rice balls for underprivileged children. After putting the snacks together with Valentine cards we went to the place where the treats were dropped off. We also saw Ms. Tanaka from Atsugi's Office of Public Affairs which also helped strengthen that relationship as we shared in this worthwhile project.  

The mission office informed us that the car they provided needed to be re-registered and inspected. We went to several locations to learn how to get this done. During our adventure, again build relationships along the way, we learned a lot. We eventually ended up at the Japanese equivalent of the DMV. In Japan it is a one stop place for paying registration and other taxes as well as getting the inspection. We found out that we needed to wait till 30 days before the expiration of the registration. So we will return on February 18 and find out if the vehicle needs anything fixed to pass. 

Last night, we met with a few of the branch members at Mikes' Tex Mex. There is a Japanese woman who comes to the American branch because she loves the missionaries and members and likes practicing her English. In honor of her family she has not been officially baptized in the Christian religion, but it is as though she is a member. She asked that we and the other Senior Missionary couple in our branch (the Nelsons) take her to Mike's Tex Mex for dinner. She liked the food and said she would go back on her own sometime.

Today, was the baptism of the newest member of our little branch. She looked very happy to get baptized. There were a lot of people attending. Also, Elder Nelson used his computer to allow other family and friends far away to witness the event. The sister missionaries, Wimmer and Acma, talked on baptism and the Holy Ghost. I conducted the music and gave the closing prayer. Elder Melton was a witness and stood in the confirmation circle. After that, we went to Camp Fuji to administer sacrament to the same young Marine we have been visiting every other week since December. He is always cheerful and we enjoy hearing how he has been an example of living the gospel with his fellow marines.

We are grateful for the friendships we are gaining as well as the old ones that are dear to us.

Zama branch Relief Society Activity


Missionaries at Costco

Breakdown of School Activity









At the clinic with Red Cross beverage and snack cart







 Brian at the Library
 A Yamato clinic that serves children

Ebina replica of a pagoda



Sister Wimmer, Memory and Sister Acma

A side trip  where a kind woman took our picture in Yokohama












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