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| Kitami City |
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| Map of Japan, Kelson is in Kitami |
Hey
everyone. This week went by really fast. Like really really fast. We've had a
lot of adventures, and I've learned alot of diffrent things this week.
First of
all I'll let you know, that we are all OK. Hokkaido almost didn't even get
affected by the Earthquake at all. It occurred down in an area called Kyushu,
which is where the Fukuoka mission is, which is on the other side of Japan. I
don't know about the rest of Hokkaido, but here in Kitami we didn't feel
anything. I've actually been told by people here, that the safest area in all
of Japan is Kitami. Apparently the plates are situated so that, all of the waves
that are caused by earthquakes go around Kitami, and never through. They'll hit
Abashiri, but Kitami hasn't had an earthquake larger than 2.0 in centuries. At
least that's what I've been told. Hokkaido itself is situated in an area that
keeps it pretty safe. Even back when the large Earthquake hit Sendai, Hokkaido
didn't really have any damage. No Tsunami's, No large Earthquakes. It's kind of
interesting. However, it has been pretty bad down in the Kyushu area. I haven't
heard any specific reports, but it sounds like all of the missionaries down
there are safe. We are keeping the kyushu area in our prayers. It sounds a little
scary. Apparently there have been earthquakes in other parts of the world as
well. I guess the important thing to remember is that it is all necessary.
These are the signs the proceed the second coming. There's a scripture that
talks about it actually In D&C 45:33-35
33 And
there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men
will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one
against another, and they will kill one another.
34 And
now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they were
troubled.
35 And I
said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass,
ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.
It is
all supposed to occur. It is what we have to go through before the Second
Coming can occur. It is scary, and we should be dong all that we can to help
the people going through these circumstances, but we should be Rejoicing. If we
are prepared for the second coming, trying to keep ourselves clean, living
worthy lives, these are blessed times. Only those that are unworthy should fear
the coming of Christ. If you are scared, that's OK. It's natural, but it is a
step in the process to the end of this life.
"Peace I leave with you, my
peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
Another
insight on fear, is the continual war we are going through now between God, and
Satan, with us in the middle of it all. I was reading in Deuteronomy, which if
anyone has ever done, knows that it is all the law of Moses. Interesting, but
doesn't really pertain to us as much these days. However, I was reading in
Chapter 20, in which the law for going to war was laid out. In verses 3-4, it
says
3 And
shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against
your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither
be ye terrified because of them;
4 For
the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your
enemies, to save you.
This is
what the Elders were supposed to tell all of those going to fight, before they
go to fight. It is a reminder to them, and to us, that it doesn't matter what
fight we are fighting, who we are facing, how many there are, if we are on
God's side, he "goeth with [us], to fight for [us] against [our]
enemies." How cool is that. It doesn't matter if we are fighting
temptation, and evil spirit, or even the evil influences from others. God is
before us. As long as we do what he directs, and we are on his side, he will
defend us. And when that happens, we have experiences like Ammon, were no one
can stand against us, and we get people like King Lamoni to say things like he
does in Alma 18:20-21.
20 And
the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart? Thou mayest speak
boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also tell me by what power ye
slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my flocks--
21 And
now, if thou wilt tell me concerning these things, whatsoever thou desirest I
will give unto thee; and if it were needed, I would guard thee with my armies;
but I know that thou art more powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever
thou desirest of me I will grant it unto thee.
I
wouldn't mind someone like him saying something like that to me.
Anyway,
sorry for sending out a novel this week. Just some thoughts that I have been
having. Thought I would share some with everyone. Remember to pray for those
affected by the earthquakes. They could use your prayers.
I hope
eveyone is safe and sound. My prayers go out to you always. I love you all, and
we'll see you next week.
愛しているよ
Elder
Eliot
