Ellie's Mission in Japan: Week 55

This week flew by and I have no idea what happened. But let me just say Japan summers are not exactly luxurious. It sometimes hard to look like a representative of Jesus Christ when you're riding your bike out the humidity, mosquito bites all over you, and your dress getting caught in your brakes, fun stuff.

Nevertheless, the Lord has really helped us out. Many times when I'm so exhausted and just need to rest or get some cool air, and a person we visit let's us come inside and treats us like we just ran 4 marathons haha.

Some fun things from this week, we had some 夏まつり (summer festival) in our area, so we were able to go there and talk to some people! I've never had so many people stare at me so obviously, but it's better than ignoring us! Haha but with the people, fun food, fireworks, it was pretty fun. :)

Sorry, that's all I got for right now, we are heading to some castles at the moment.

But here's some little spiritual goodness for you all. This week I was reading 3 Nephi, when Christ teaches the Nephites, and he teaches of how we should accept people who come to Christ's Church. There have been many times in my mission when people stop coming to church or believing the things they have experienced because they felt unaccepted or unwanted or unworthy. It breaks my heart because that's the exact opposite of the purpose of why we gather together and worship. We are to lift each other, to strengthen each other, and to come unto Christ together.

Jesus taught, (3 Nephi 18)

22 And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together...

23 But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if it so be that they come unto you oft ye shall pray for them....

30 .... ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name;

32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.

When we see people return to church, or continue to serve to be better, do we embrace them and love them like the savior would?

Uctdorf once said,

“The Church is not an automobile showroom—a place to put ourselves on display so that others can admire our spirituality, capacity, or prosperity. It is more like a service center, where vehicles in need of repair come for maintenance and rehabilitation.

“And are we not, all of us, in need of repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation? We come to church not to hide our problems but to heal them.”

Nobody is perfect, we all need healing from our Savior, Jesus Christ and He is always ready to lovingly accept us and heal us.

My challenge is for all of us to think how we can better accept others and help them come unto Christ. And if we are hesitant to go to church or have something holding us back, please know that people are praying for you, care about you, and most importantly your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you!

Sorry that was LONG

But love you guys!