Melton-Japan-Mission

We were surprised when we first arrived here how many foreigners with different languages there are here in Japan. They come from Brazil, the Philippines, and parts of Africa. Many of our younger missionaries are Filipino or Brazilian. so, as we have been going through the Christmas Season, it is interesting to see how these diverse cultures view Christmas. Many coming from areas of the world seem to have a good understanding of the Holiday and what it represents. The Japanese, a very non-Christian country, still have an appreciation of the season and recognize it at least as a world-wide holiday, and capture many of the commercial practices of decorations, Santa, and Christmas Trees; though the 25th is still a normal work day for almost all of them. Yet at the same time, we have given out baked breads as gifts to neighboring apartments, and they have all been gracious and understanding of the significance of the holiday to us. Two Santas Comparing Notes During this period we served fo...

                                     A new friend Sister Melton met at Camp Fuji We took a few extra tags off the Angel Tree this year. It feels good to be able to give to those who may not have much. The toys or items are given to children with special needs or who are in an orphanage. It is truly better to give than to receive. It has been nice to spend time serving in the temple twice a month. We look forward to turning the time we have done this service into time to serve our small branch more.  Since the branch is losing more members through retirement or PCS, our branch president asked a special fast to ask for more active members to join our congregation. Besides fasting the first Sunday we picked an additional time during the week that we would fast again. President Jaggi felt confident that our prayers and offerings will be answered. We had a well produced Branch Christmas dinner...