Sanjo

 

So this week was a better. I had a hard time on Wednesday. Just things - but was able to get it going. Pretty good week though. So we met President and Sister Nagano on Saturday. President Budge is gone! I miss him. He helped me so much. But president Nagano is awesome. It's cool having a Japanese President. I wonder if he will do my last interview in September in Japanese haha - I hope he does. They are really nice and during the little conference we had with them they really helped me out without even knowing. They said a lot of things I needed to hear. One was that one part of faith is being optimistic. I have had to be so optimistic in the last couple of weeks. It's been pretty hard honestly, but I realized that it is good that I am. I thought at first I was just being weak and ignoring harder things, but optimism is good I learned. So, towards my area, investigators, and anything else, I am just being as optimistic as possible. It was pretty cool

 

This week we taught a guy named Y****. He is pretty good. We taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and focused on forgiveness and repentance because he has had a hard time at home with people. So, my companion and I testified super strongly of the need to repent and humble ourselves before God, and also forgive quickly. It was really good. He really lliked it and is feeling better.

 

WOOH! Today was cool too. We went to Nagaoka and on the way back I talked to a kid on the train. He was 19 and AWESOME! I told him about missing you guys which i almost never talk about to anyone. I told him though that family and loved ones are the most important thing in life. That they leave an influence on you and eternal families and stuff. He was super nice and said he wanted a family which most kids don't say and we exchanged numbers and the Book of Mormon!! wooh! I think God sent him to me though. He helped me more. I told him about how awesome you guys all were. He asked about me having a girlfriend and I said yes and he thought it was cool that Hannah and I are making it. pretty cool. So that kid really made an influence on me. He made me appreciate you guys and your efforts to help me a lot more.

 

To welcome the Naganos we did the HAKA. you know, the New Zealand one. We practiced and did it for real - haha our zone vision is FEAR NO MAN so that's why we did it. I was nervous at first but then did it and enjoyed it haha  I was screaming my head off. Nice to let off some built up emotion that you can never let out as a missionary - haha God is real. Don't doubt it. I have been praying a lot more towards the end of my mission. Just seeking God's guidance and stuff like that. He really does answer. I have gotten so many answers.. It is amazing. So pray and EXPECT the answer!! I love you all so much. Have a great week!!!!!

Love,

Elder Proctor

 

 

 

I'm going to make this email a little quicker this week. One really cool thing that happened is I gave out a lot of scriptures this week and worked pretty hard. We found a kid named K**** and he is looking like he has a lot of potential.

 

I want to talk about something that I finally realized about my mission last week though. Everyone knows Helaman 5:12 right. Build on the rock of your redeemer and all will be well. I really have learned that throughout my mission. There was a point last week where I had a really strong prayer. Obviously I am nearing the end of my mission. I was looking back and now I realized that I have built that foundation on Christ. With God's help, I can say nothing Satan throws at me will get me. No matter how hard he tries, I am based off of Christ. He cannot get me. It was a pretty cool experience to realize this.

 

In my second to last basketball game at that college in Tyler I played well. Towards the end when it was a tight game, I made an "and 1" on a fast break and I remember landing then yelling, "AND 1!!!!!!!!!" that was one of the coolest things I have ever felt. I felt so in control. I realized that I had the same feeling of in control and nothing can conquer me last week. I was praying and at one point I just literally was almost yelling, "SATAN! YOU LOSE!!! YOU CAN'T CONTROL ME!!!!! GET OUT OF HERE!!! I AM WITH GOD!!!" It was the most free and happy feeling to realize that " I am built on Christ and free from Satan." This all may sound kind of dumb but thats how I feel now. I rely have gone these two years and built my foundation and now Satan has lost control of me as I keep focused on Christ. I am on a sturdy base. I love you all so much. Please read Helaman 5:12 and apply it to your life. If you buld on Christ, you cannot fall. I love you all!!!!!!!!!

Sent from my iPad

 

 

Sanjo:

 

So, it actually only barely rained a tiny bit yesterday. We had no rain but it looks like you guys did!??!? that is crazy!  I can't believe that. That is cool about our waterpark we are getting - haha.  I am really interested to see how that turns out.

 

I am glad you all had a good experience at Nauvoo Youth Conference. I really hope you remember that. Even though I honestly didn't enjoy at all the one I went to at SFA when I was like 15, I remember the Spirit I felt while I was in the testimony meeting. It was one of the first times I felt the spirit strong. Remeber what you learned there. Read the Ensign from the last two months. There are two articles, "The Path to Palmyra," and "The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon." I think it will help you guys a lot. It really lets you know how true the story of the restoration is. Joseph Smith was not perfect. As with every other person other than Jesus Christ, there are black spots on our history, but if you really pray and study the role of the prophet Joseph Smith, and all the prophets, Moses, Abraham, Lehi, you really will learn that although imperfect, they are instruments in God's Hands.

 

Pretty cool story. When I was first in Snajo we housed an old guy and talked for awhile but he said he was good and didn't want to talk again. I have passed his house multiple times while here but one day when we had lots of time in the afternoon, as we passed and were waiting at a red light, I looked back and he was standing out of his house for 2 seconds then walked inside. We took that as a sign, talked to him, and now M**** is a new investigator wanting to listen to us to learn why there is evil and good and the world and how to become a better person. Cool to see God controls that. Also, we found 3 other people that took the Book of Mormon and accepted return vistis and are all becoming new investigators.

 

I was really praying we would find people because in the afternoon time here, there is no one. It's kind of hard compared when you are close to Tokyo and there are a billion people at all times to talk to. But we found these people and we are getting people to teach and I am enjoying my time here. It's weird being the old guy district leader over a bunch of young missionaries - haha.

 

One of the members yesterday was pretty funny. She came up to me and she said before I introduced my self in sacrament meeting, the whole time she was just thinking, "Wow, that Elder really looks like Elder Proctor." Pretty funny huh.

 

I got a present from Fumie. That was really nice. It had some nice American food in it. Tell her thanks for me. I love American food - haha I guess that's kind of how things are going. Just trying to do my best for the rest of my mission. I love being a missionary. I am really excited to see you all again though. I really have been feeling it. I really know the gospel blesses families. Have a great week. I love you!!!!!

Elder Proctor

 

 

Yeah so I am back in Sanjō. We took a 5 hour bus drive up here and this is probably where I will end. IT was a really pretty drive. I'll send pictures. So, Sanjō is doing fine. It's not a branch anymore. It's a group. Even smaller. I am district leader and just trying to do my best. The whole Niigata stake isn't a stake. It's just called a "district" and there are two branches separated into a couple of groups. Really interesting. I got here and at first it was a little weird to be in the same place again. Old memories were coming and it was interesting, but I am doing well now I think. Y**** was a recent convert I talked with a lot while I as here last time but he passed away three weeks ago at age 33 or something(very tragic). There are new people here now though. We have been teaching some of them and it has been pretty fun.

 

It is a bit different being with a American companion. Elder T**** was Japanese, so I got really used to Kamagaya and it was my favorite so now I am trying to do my best to make here enjoyable too. It's smaller, but I am trying to just keep the same faith. It has been funny talking with members because we actually are talking - haha. I don't just ask their hobbies every week - haah. It has been pretty funny to see their reactions. Speaking of Japanese, yesterday at our zone conference I was asked to translate. I had no time to prepare, but I did my best. It was not enough I think - haha but I did good enough. It was fun, but humbling. I am not able to talk about medical stuff - haha the misison doctor did something and I basically just made up stuff and told them to be healthy people because I had no clue what he was saying in English. Pretty funny translating a conference. At times where you feel like you don't know what the speaker is trying to get across, or you dont know a wrod, you end up going on your own rant just to fill the space haha:P that's what happens when unprofessional missionaries translate I guess haha. I was doing it with about three others and we were all laughing when they were talking about an "ancient korean tribal healing remedy." The person doing translation at that time didn't say anything - haha.

 

It was also president and sister Budge's final meeting. They are done in 3 weeks. Back to the mother land. It was sad, last time I'll see them till, hopefully October;) but they just really are good people. They helped me so much. They cried and we did too. I also gave my final testimony like all the old missionaries do in their final zone conference. I can't believe I was doing it?!?! I am almost finished!!?!? I just talked about how missions are perfect for you and how they bless all your loved ones. I really am so thankful for my misison. I guess that was my week. I love you all so much and can't wait to see you!! I love you!!!!

Love,
Elder Proctor

 

 

So, yeah, I am COMPLETELY shocked at my transfer call. I am going BACK to Sanjo!?!?! They called me back and my new companion will be Elder Cowden. He is transfer 5 I think. He actually  was trained by Elder Tsuchida. I am excited though. I honestly since last year have prayed every transfer, committing to follow God's will, but honestly in prayer asking for a specific thing. Up until now I had got it, Japanese companions and training and stuff, not transferring and stuff like that, but this time I really committed to follow God no matter what, and I know why I felt that way now. I really needed to be prepared to do something unexpected. So yeah, at least this time it won't be freezing - haha. I'm kind of bummed because this means I can't go to the Tokyo Temple again because Niigata is too far. Oh well. I'll go in the future. I am excited to go back. It will be weird because at first, I couldn't speak at all, so I was just the missionary who did what he could. Now, I actually can do it, so it will be cool to actually show the members who I am  and for them to see my personality. I am excited.

 

This past week we finally got into contact with S***** again. He is still doing great. Trying to figure out his job, but said he can probably get some days off now. The boss wanted him to stay. I don't blame him. But S******'s goal is to be baptized before I go back to America, so he better go quick haha. I just wish I could see it but I can't if I am in Niigata. Oh well. I will just Skype in  I think.

 

M***** also fasted for the first time yesterday?!?! Can you believe that?!?! Someone who two months ago didn't believe in God AT ALL now went two meals without eating because he believes and wants to feel the Spirit more. Amazing. It really has shown be how important the Book of Mormon is. He is almost done with Second Nephi and it has changed him. The Book of Mormon is from God and testifies of Christ. It brings people to Christ. I have witnessed it. People with ZERO thoughts about Christ, have come to him in a short couple of months because of the Book of Mormon and the Bible together. It is true.

 

I feel good about my time in Kamagaya. I fulfilled what I was sent here to do. I was supposed to start this area and learn what it means to love the ward and love missionary work. I changed more here than anywhere else. I love missionary work. I am excited to take the new me to Sanjo. It'll be awesome to go to Sanjo with only two transfers left, instead of only two transfers behind me. I am ready. I am going to give it my all. The Hirano family invited us to dinner last night. It was good and they really love the word. Also, the members here love the missionaries so much, the closing prayer included the fact that we might transfer. A member prayed for us so specifically. It's amazing.

 

I love you all so much. Have a great week. I will be taking a bus all the way up to Niigata on Wednesday. Missions are crazy. I am transfer 15 of 16. Time flies.

Love,
Elder Proctor

Sent from my iPad

 

 

 

 

So, we had a pretty interesting week last week. We honestly didn't see much success as far as teaching people goes. It was pretty slow. It is very hot outside, and we were outside so...yeah. But, we did see a couple of cool things that I would like to share. I went on a split with Elder Crockett, he was in my MTC room. We handed out 5 copies of the Book of Mormon that day but one of them was super cool. We were planning on going to a place but then at the last second Elder Crocket said he felt like a different train station. So we went and then we handed out 3. One was cool. We were about to leave but felt we should maybe stay longer, so we turned the corner and there was a guy that looked like he was half English and Japanese. He was and we talked in English. We said hey! He said, " I know you guys." I was like, "Oh really?" He said, " Yeah, I dont need you. I am different. I am like the opposite stuff compared to you guys." I was like, "What does that mean?" He said, "I like killing and war." I said, "Really? Well...that is perfect because in this book called the Book of Mormon, there are tons of stories about war and stuff." So we stumped him there and he said, "sit down." So we did and then talked for an hour, stumping him at different points when he tried to be smart to us, and then by the end he took the book :). He had a kid with his girlfriend, things were tough, he had no job, and he said he thought about suicide. We talked to him and by the end he said he'd go check it out and took the book of mormon. He is in the other area so I don't know what is going on now, but it was so cool to be led to him and then we were able to break his hard heart. It was fun and I enjoyed it.

 

S***** is just trying to decide his job, nothing new there. M*** is progressing well, but we have to talk to his mom and baptism. We had a couple of fliers thrown back at us but... oh well. Just a good day of work I guess - haha. T****, the member, gave a talk and testified of the misisonaries and how he wanted to be one now. One of the biggest miracles of my mission. We ran into a guy housing and it was interesting. He said he believed in God because Evolution was a ridiculous theory for humans. He said why would ONLY humans be able to use fire to cook and make planes and progress so far and EVERYTHING else couldn't. He said that is evidence to him of human's higher potential. We are God's children. He was cool.

 

This is my last week in Kamagaya most likely so I am going to ask everyone I know to talk with us so we will probably have a pretty successful week. It is always funny how the last week of transfers are better as far as church attendance and stuff goes - haha.

 

Last thing. I finished reading the Book of Mormon in Japanese and English this past week. Worked out well huh - haha good timing. I prayed about both and got the same confirmation. I really have been helped by the Book of Mormon. It has changed my life. I want to invite ALL of you to read it. If you have not read all of it straight through yet....then read it now!! Before I get back. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Elder Proctor

 

 

 

 

 

We had a really interesting week this past week. So on Monday at night the BYU Symphony performed in Tokyo and all the missionaries got free tickets to go with their investigators. It was super cool. I will send pictures. It was great to see what great influence our church members have. They sang a little bit at the end and sung of course about Jesus Christ. So cool to see them doing their best to share the Gospel too. They were super good. So that was fun.

 

On Tuesday we rode our bikes a ton. We went to a farther area in our area and it was interesting. Probably the funniest thing this week was as  I was walking  I saw a big thing of trash on the ground. A huge candy wrapper. I thought, "I'll be a good missionary and clean up the trash". (In Japan there are no trash cans ANYWHERE so if you pick up trash you have to carry it all the way home.) I did it though and as I picked it up, it was completely full?!?! Tons of chocolate. It was super late  and raining, there was no one walking around, so I couldn't really give it to the owner, so we all shared it. Super cool to see the tender mercies of the Lord. The next day we found 1000 yen(10 dollars) on the ground. We took it to the police station. I am expecting to get a car next. Slowly going up in the things I find :P

 

M*** is doing great. He came to church yesterday for the 2nd time. He really wants the guidance from God in his life. I gave a talk yesterday and it went well. I was super nervous because last time I only had 5 minutes to prepare, so I just went up there and said a bunch of stuff I have said a million times in lessons and it was fine. But this time I prepared more ideas and stuff so I had never practiced. It went really well though and it was the best one I've done yet. I was happy:) I talked about becoming a good example. We need to choose our examples correctly. Too many people trust the thing they read about Mormons on the interenet, even though it was written by people antagonistic towards the church. Or they trust their "friend" at school, even though that friend is only 15 years old. We trust the celebrities even though we have no clue who they are. We really need to trust our parents. Also our church leaders. Trust people who deserve to be trusted.

 

I had sushi again this week. I am starting to feel the pressure of returning home, so I am eating as much sushi as I can before  I return to America. I am going to miss the food here, but I can't lie, I am looking forward to the good food in America - haha. I am really enjoying Kamagaya still. We have transfers in two weeks again so I will probably transfer to my last area for my last 12 weeks. Crazy how fast time has flown by. Thanks for being such a great family. I love you all so much. If you ever have questions about Japan or missionary work or anything, just ask! I love you!

Love,
Elder Proctor