Aren't birthdays incredible! I'm grateful for the chance that we
recognize each person for the great impact that they make in our
lives. What would life be like if they weren't there? One of my
favorite movies, "It's a Wonderful Life" explores that possibility and
teaches with simplicity the beautiful truth that "the worth of souls
is great in the sight of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10) You never
know how much good you do. Grandpa has lived 88 years of blessing
other people, and we love him!
One of the fun activities that we get to do as missionaries is called
a "kubarikai", "配り会", or more appropriately, "see how many people you
can stop by just talking to them in English!".
In Japan, many people have a negative opinion of people passing out
fliers or just stopping people on the street in general. Oftentimes,
there are people trying to coerce customers to come into their bar or
check out their club. So In order to avoid that negative stereotype, a
lot of advertisers stand out of the way and quietly hold out fliers,
usually placed in a convenient package including free tissues (in case
you ever need them!).
In the midst of this craziness and with the pressure of become an
"お邪魔" weighing on your mind, I have found truth and success in the
scriptures. "Ye are a light unto the world. A city which is set on a
hill can not be hid...Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven"
(Matthew 5:14-16)
When you work with all your heart to love and serve others, you WILL
stand out. Some people will ignore you. Some people will call you not
very kind words. Some people will resent you and say you are just
seeking for attention. However, never, ever let yourself become
discouraged. When you are serving others in the name of Christ, you
are bearing witness of His love for them. When you sincerely serve
others, teach others true doctrine, and invite others to come unto
Christ in His name, you are "only in the service of your God" (Mosiah
2:17)
What a wonderful time to be alive!
Love,
Elder Christensen
recognize each person for the great impact that they make in our
lives. What would life be like if they weren't there? One of my
favorite movies, "It's a Wonderful Life" explores that possibility and
teaches with simplicity the beautiful truth that "the worth of souls
is great in the sight of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10) You never
know how much good you do. Grandpa has lived 88 years of blessing
other people, and we love him!
One of the fun activities that we get to do as missionaries is called
a "kubarikai", "配り会", or more appropriately, "see how many people you
can stop by just talking to them in English!".
In Japan, many people have a negative opinion of people passing out
fliers or just stopping people on the street in general. Oftentimes,
there are people trying to coerce customers to come into their bar or
check out their club. So In order to avoid that negative stereotype, a
lot of advertisers stand out of the way and quietly hold out fliers,
usually placed in a convenient package including free tissues (in case
you ever need them!).
In the midst of this craziness and with the pressure of become an
"お邪魔" weighing on your mind, I have found truth and success in the
scriptures. "Ye are a light unto the world. A city which is set on a
hill can not be hid...Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven"
(Matthew 5:14-16)
When you work with all your heart to love and serve others, you WILL
stand out. Some people will ignore you. Some people will call you not
very kind words. Some people will resent you and say you are just
seeking for attention. However, never, ever let yourself become
discouraged. When you are serving others in the name of Christ, you
are bearing witness of His love for them. When you sincerely serve
others, teach others true doctrine, and invite others to come unto
Christ in His name, you are "only in the service of your God" (Mosiah
2:17)
What a wonderful time to be alive!
Love,
Elder Christensen
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