Melton-Japan-Mission

"I have been a stranger in a strange land" (Exodus 2:22). So often the Lord asks us to go where we may feel inadequate, or unprepared. That has been the case here in Japan without any language training and living on the local economy. But a strange land can also be other places such as working with a lot of inactive where you're not sure if you're reaching them, or on the Navy base to where we have been called, but still find everyone a lot younger and different from when we were in the Air Force 20 years ago. We remember that Heavenly Father has called us to serve here at this time, so "We move trust in the Lord and do good" (Psalm 37:3).                                        R eading to the little ones at "Story Time" in the library For us, the biggest highlight was a break from the strange land by having a second cousin, Brent Hollenbaugh, visit us. We hadn't seen him s...

As we get older we notice even more the value of the time we have here each day. Not just on the mission but in all things. The Lord gave a commandment to the elders in Jackson County that can also apply to us in all parts of the world. That is: "Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known". Time to prepare is good and the training we receive is valuable. Zone Conference was an opportunity for zone leaders to teach about faith and hope in regards to companionships. They referred to Sariah in the wilderness and how she did not understand the visions of her husband and why their sons had to return to Jerusalem. When she had humility then she understood better. Sister Tueller spoke of preparing members to help and spread the invitation to go forth and invite. President Tueller spoke of the meaning of diligence. It is being valiant and consistent. He also referred to President Oaks talk on Good, Better and Best. He encourages the...