Week 57: September 4, 2017 - Transfers have come again

Hey everyone!

It's crazy to think that it's already been six weeks since I learned

I'd be transferring on a boat. What's even crazier is that tonight,

I'm leaving on another boat, heading to Fukuoka! The difference is,

this time, I'll be coming back, and I'll be brining my new companion

with me. So sadly, Elder Jo is leaving Naze, after only a short, quick

transfer together, heading up to Hiroshima. It's been a blast to work

with him, to learn, and see the hand of the Lord bless this beautiful

island.

And He has been present in this work. While we've had trouble meeting

with the people we are trying to meet, we keep finding new ones. At

church Sunday, after three weeks of no contact, Sakai popped back in

out of no where, and we had another man from Myanmar walk in right

after the first block of meetings, looking for a church to go to while

he is on Amami. And this is a small island, so random things like this

don't happen. There is no way to explain it, besides the blessings and

hand of the Lord. As we work, and believe in his promised blessings,

they will come. Some times immediately, sometimes latter, but they

come as we rely on him.

Another experience that taught me this last week was yesterday, at our

family home evening. Right now, it's Obon, a Japanese holiday for the

deceased ancestors, and it was raining, so our attendance at 7 was a

grand total of one person. And it's tough, tough to justify it, tough

to be effective when you're prepared for many, but only one comes. So

I had the chance to plead on the Lord, to ask for comfort, and help,

and to be able to do whatever He needed done. Of course, it would be

hard to prove that a prayer did anything, but we were blessed with the

largest crowd that I've seen so far, and I know my prayer was

answered. I've said many times, but there is no doubt in my mind that

God is in this work. I know it, and I love Him. No matter what we

have, He cares, and will comfort, counsel, and love us as long as we

let Him.

I love you all! Thanks for all the updates on your lives!

Elder Mitchell Woodhouse