Pure Love of Christ

Our missionary scripture is Moroni 7:47, "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found  possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." It is our hope that we are following this on our mission. The examples of the apostles and prophets are encouraging us to endure to the last day with charity. So many conference talks were great and inspiring. Their testimony that Jesus lives is powerful and sustaining. Following Christ brings us joy that is eternal. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of love.

General Conference was special this October. Since the passing of our beloved prophet there were many comments of comfort to his family and appreciation for the work and service he gave to members of the church. We also felt grateful that we were able to live at this time when President Nelson resided at the head of the church. The sermons from conference were soul touching and invigorating. Sister Melton used Patrick Kearon's message, "Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning", as a spiritual thought in District meeting and the holy spirit was definitely felt. She shared a personal moment she had with a hug from her father where she strongly felt he was telling her through his hug that he was sorry for past mistakes and truly loved her. Sadly, the following week he died in an automobile accident. The zone leaders attended, and spoke of how to learn the language. After the meeting we provided a lunch of chicken pot pies (two casserole style) and cherry poke cake.  

                    Russell M. Nelson (September 9,1924-September 27, 2025) -photo Jeff Allred church news

Working at the Post Office can be an adventure. Things have changed since we first volunteered there. Instead of us scanning an ID card, the customer gets an email with a QR code for each item. We then scan the code and have to find a package. Then they sign a hand held digital screen to affirm receipt of their item(s). It feels like we are doing a good service since it frees up the actual workers to do other tasks and they are always happy to see us. Since we share a box number with Singletons, under the organization "Grandparent Volunteers", we sometimes pick up their package and then pass it on to them.

Sister Melton, in her attentive way, made banana bread for a new single adult who arrived from Pensacola, FL We met her at Fleet and Family Headquarters as she stopped by the Chaplain's table of free books and picked up a Book of Mormon. Actually, we were looking for her to come since the MRMs from her previous station sent an email out about her coming to Japan. Later we reached out and she appreciated the gift of banana bread. She said she loves these types of breads and she also makes a good pumpkin bread herself. Later, we took her to dinner and got to know her better. We also were able to introduce her to the Branch President who lives on Atsugi. Hopefully, she will meet more of the branch soon.

There are new Senior Missionaries who were part of the Tueller's periodic pitch-in dinner. The Halversons are now in the office and the Singletons are MRMs at Camp Zama. It was great to associate with these wonderful people. Towards the end of the evening, Elder Melton made a presentation to the Tuellers. It was the culmination of months of work. The senior missionaries that do apartment inspections, the Footes, collected all the signatures on fabric for Sister Melton to put into a "Signature Quilt". She ended up making two quilts and will complete the second one by the end of the year. Sister Tueller really appreciated it since she loves quilts. Some missionaries have gone home this year. Having all the missionaries names made it priceless to her.


                  The Senior Missionaries at the Mission Home                                Part of the first quilt   

Twice in the past two weeks we had pizza at the bowling ally. Once was with the YSA's while bowling and the second time was a party for the soccer team we coached this past season. It was nice to get to know one YSA a little better while having fun bowling. These young adults are so sweet and we appreciate them. The last soccer game was rainy and Coach Brian told the boys to have fun which they did. During the party we took time to talk to a few parents about their sons and let them know we appreciated all their efforts of getting the boys to practices and games. Many faced different challenges and we listened and prayed for these children of God.  It can be very difficult when the father is deployed on a boat and not around to help the mother with raising the children. Before the last soccer game Sister Melton had a long phone conversation with one mother who was experiencing some difficulties. Sometimes, listening is the best we can do.

        

Hanging out for FHE at Parcheezie's Pizza

Coach Brian getting ready for the last game

Last Friday was transfer day for the (other) missionaries and we had a testimony meeting at District Meeting the day before. It is wonderful to connect with these missionaries and see where they are at in their lives. We all have struggles and each of us can lift one another up by a smile or encouraging words. Language can be a struggle especially when there is a third language in the mix for Brazilians and Filipinos. Not only are they learning Japanese but also English. We have become close to several of these missionaries who give their whole heart to the work. We will keep in touch and hope to visit some in their home country some day.

Elder Problete and Elder Melton saying farewell

Sister Melton had an opportunity to use her sewing skills at a project for the Stake Relief Society. Different units in the Stake had separate assignments in making feminine hygiene kits. Our branch was making bags to put the items in with a draw string. We had a dozen women participate and there will be a separate day for putting all the kits together. Meanwhile, Elder Melton was with the Red Cross as the Fire Department on Atsugi had a fun event for families and kids. There was a parade then at the Fire House there were other activities. Sister Melton joined up to help show children how to try CPR on a dummy. 

Zama Military Branch Relief Society service project

Bouncy slide at Fire House

                                                   Children pulling a rope to move a firetruck 

Through these services we are practicing the pure love of Christ. He was the perfect example of love and charity. He suffered all things for us. The love we have for the Savior is a motivation for us in serving others. Mosiah 2:17 ."..when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" and  Mathew 25:40 ..".Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me". Not only are we serving God our "King", we have joy filling our heart and soul. It feels good to do good. 

Sending our love from Japan, Tokyo South Mission,
Elder and Sister Melton

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 20, 2025 at 8:34 AM

    We always enjoy your blogs so much. This time we have some good news to pass along; we have a new great-granddaughter and Missy is a grandma again! Ariana and Francisco now have Alysia who joined their family October 16th. Her big brother Andres just loves her so much and wants to hold her all the time. She has lots of dark hair. Love, Dan and Jeri

    ReplyDelete
  2. Matt PittsOctober 20, 2025 at 9:44 AM

    What an awesome update! We miss you guys a ton here in Butterfield Park!

    ReplyDelete

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