Melton-Japan-Mission

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 me...

                                                                              At the start of this last two week period we reviewed our schedule and thought it looked overwhelming. Sometimes you just take one day at a time. Other times, you just take it one hour at a time. Yet when we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, we find blessings abound as we step forward in faith. One example is bidding farewell to a couple of sister missionaries where the mission president decided to pull them out due to concerns about their apartment and an ongoing problem of the members accepting sisters in their ward. They were very dedicated and we had helped them earlier to move in and out of their apartment as repairs had to be made. We had hoped they would have been able t...

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) mem...

Once again, flexibility and adaptability allows us to be at the right places and serve those in need!  There were a few big things we worked on over the past two weeks, each one a little bit different than we have done in the past. Elder Michael Teh, an area general authority, had just been assigned to  our area.   In welcoming him and his wife to the area, we held a Mission Tour over a four day period. For us it meant getting to participate in an opening and closing Zoom meeting, and half a day at a special live session with our Zone. It was good to feel the loving spirit from a general authority and to hear his and his wife's testimonies. They and the Mission President and his wife also provided insightful gospel messages. From an overall mission perspective, the following week we also had our last district meeting before transfers. When it was all done three missionaries were heading home. our District Leader Elder Santillan , and Elder and Sister Nelson. Change is som...

We just had a productive Zoom meeting with the Stake Military Relations (MRM) committee. It is comprised of Stake presidency members, the High Council advisor for Missionary Work, the High Council advisor for Military Relations, the High Council advisor for Young Single Adults (YSA) and the six MRM couples serving in the stake. As MRM's we represent the following areas here in Japan: MCAS Iwakuni, Yokosuka, NAF Atsugi, Camp Zama, Misawa AB and Yokata AB. We feel it a pleasure and honor to associate with all of these good people. As MRM's, we are in the field working directly with chaplains, other missionaries and members of all ages. This gives us a hands on perspective. The best part is that we are representing our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Last week we were asked to fill in for a Primary class of eight children ages 4 to 8 years old. That was nearly half the size of the whole Zama Branch Primary. Elder Melton used a picture we have on our apartment wall for an object lesson. We a...