Remembering and Celebrating

These past 10 plus months have been memorable in special ways. We came to serve as Military Relations Missionaries for the Japan, Tokyo South Mission specifically assigned to the NAF Atsugi base. This includes those who are members of a small branch and all those associated with the military facility. Each day here is a celebration of our purpose of bringing others to Christ. 

September 11 was remembered on NAF Atsugi with a flag relay around the base starting at the headquarters. We supported the Red Cross with a hydration station for those walking the flag. There were different groups around the base that participated. We were part of our own team of Red Cross volunteers. The Atsugi director, Sarah, and her area director, Scott, also participated. As we walked, we talked about what we were doing when the attack happened. Many of the people on our walk were very young in 2001. As we walked around many people waved or honked their car horns. Some of the American Red Cross (ARC) members took turns carrying the large flag. Elder Melton was the last person of our group to hold the flag. He then handed it off to the combined group of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The young scouts looked very cute as they carried the flag together.   

(Left) Walking the streets of Atsugi with the ARC group on 9/11

(Right) Elder Melton passing off the flag to the girl/boy scouts

We drove up to Camp Fuji after a soccer practice so we would avoid the morning rush hour traffic the next day. It was much more relaxing stay at Mountain View Inn at the base and going over in just a few minutes for our meeting with Chaplain Schaffer and his assistant RP 2, Savannah Keene. We didn't know if we would get a chance to see Savannah again since she is going to transfer to Virginia in October. We said farewell to her and wished her success. Through the McDermott foundation, Chaplain Schaffer received a framed print of Elijah under a Juniper tree and he said it was one of his favorite stories of the Old Testament. Recently, we had an opportunity to go back and serve the sacrament to a Marine, Mason, that was at Camp Fuji for a two week training. He even had a friend, Ollie, that joined him in our short meeting. We sang hymns, Elder Melton and Mason blessed and passed the sacrament and Sister Melton gave a spiritual message about faith. They are both stationed in Okinawa and were appreciative of our service for them. They also appreciated the homemade cookies we gave them.

Sister Melton and Elder Melton presenting the McDermott foundation print of Elijah to Chaplain Schaffer


                 Camp Fuji Sanctuary with Mason and Ollie 




Elder Melton, RP2 Savannah Keene and Sister Melton 

The last District Meeting was Elder Melton's birthday and we told everyone that we would bring lunch. There was lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic bread and German chocolate cake. We were running late and Sister Melton went to the kitchen trying to figure out the oven. Elder Melton went to get assistance and when he  got to the room with the missionaries, they sang Happy Birthday to him and put a party hat on his head. Then the group went down to find Sister Melton and did the same. (We had told them our birthdays are 3 days apart.) They also gave us each a mylar balloon and a personally signed card from everyone in the district. It was a great surprise and we really enjoyed it.

(Left) A surprised Sister Melton on Elder Melton's birthday.


(Right) Lunch after Atsugi District Meeting in the Yamato building




Last week there was a baptism of the Branch Mission Leader, Kaden Brown's twin boys. We had taught them a couple of times in their Primary class. Both sets of grandparents were the only family there other than the parents and two sisters. The room was full of branch members giving their support. We wrote some thoughts on blank papers that would be preserved for them to look back on. Though the young boys on occasion have been outspoken, they were on their best behavior that day. One of them came to Sister Melton to show her a special coin that he received. It has a picture of biblical period male and female soldier kneeling in prayer with the words above it: PRAYER is the KEY to HEAVEN. The lower inscription says: FAITH to KNEEL builds COURAGE to STAND. It was a beautiful moment of a family coming together in love and support. 

      


The Primary President's youngest two boys Korben & Connor Brown, were baptized.








There was a Relief Society activity that was a potluck and get to know you. I arranged for Sister Platt from Atsugi to give me a ride and pick up a friend that lives not far from the West gate. The GPS address we had got us to the wrong location but eventually we were able to bring her to the activity. It was good food and conversation. We did a couple of games to help us learn each others names. In addition to our personal studies, other things we have done were work at the temple, coached a soccer game and picked up the newest MRM couple from Tokyo and take them to their apartment in Zama. The Singletons are the replacements for the Nelsons. We are helping them get acquainted with life in Japan and they are ready to serve. He has coached football and wants to help the high school team. Also, they are interested in working with suicide prevention. 

The Relief Society activity had about 12 persons in attendance. That is good considering we are a small branch.  






Sister and Elder Singleton after going through the Haneda airport. 


Our country has long recalled historical events that have shaped the nation. These memories, when shared, help us know we can come together during difficult times. Similarly, we share our testimony of Jesus Christ to help others know that He can lift us up during our hardships. We share our testimony of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. Though we may have trials we can look to Jesus Christ for comfort and know that there is a way for us to return to eternal happiness.
Love and blessings to all. 
Elder and Sister Melton



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