[Subject matter taken from a family letter]
So as I said in my letter last week, my new companion (greenie from the MTC) is Sister Madsen. She is really motivated and we have great plans for this area.
I'm doing pretty good by the way. I fell off of my bike, but I am good. It's nothing too serious. I told Sister Nagano (President's wife). We found two new investigators in one week! They are both about 20 years old! We are really trying to strengthen the ward and the youth!
I feel stressed sometimes, but I'm able to overcome it quickly. Since coming to Japan, I've become much more patient. My Japanese language skills are also progressing nicely.
As for the question in the letter about teaching others without a language in common, I have similar experiences with teaching people who don't know English or Japanese very well. Usually they speak Chinese, but sometimes, it's Spanish.
[Sister Kirsten Parker's words about dealing with trials]: Don't let temptations overcome the spirit that you've been feeling.. Keep feeding yourselves with the joy of the gospel. Satan tried and continues to try hard to make sure everyone doesn't have joy. This may be a trial right now, but trials can be overcome and completely conquered when you continually ask the Lord for help. Please continue to have the faith that everything will be okay. No matter how dark the road may seem, if you hold fast to the iron rod and not let go, you will see the light and you will always have that inner peace from the Spirit. When afflictions come, if we don't let ourselves get down, we will still feel that peace and comfort of the Spirit. Constantly uplift each other. Have a family conference and make goals of how to constantly lift each other up even during trials.
October 2011 General Conference address: [images not part of talk]
"You are not forgotten."
Sisters [and Brothers], wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name--you are the [sons and] daughters of His kingdom. The Psalmist wrote: [Psalms 8]
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
(images from internet search)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? …
“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.
The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow."
[For full text of the talk, go to: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/forget-me-not?lang=eng
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It may be hard, but Jesus Christ makes it easier!!
Remember, how powerful God is. He created everything and His hands continually guide us when we follow Jesus Christ. He can help you overcome the boulders placed in your path.
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| Art by Greg Olsen |
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| Image from giftsandbooksforchristians.com; Greg Olsen art www.bradfordexchange.com |
Never cease to pray and glorify a Heavenly Father who is rooting for you right now!!
Thank you for continuing the Lord's work and preaching the gospel. :)
Your loving missionary daughter,
Sister Kirsten Parker
Sent from the white fields of Japan 🍲🌅
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