WEEK 68 Japan

WEEK 68 Japan

 April 8, 2019

 Hey everyone! I'm sorry but it's another week where I didn't keep track every day... I'll do the highlight reel of the week. Next week I'll get it all written down. Anyways, as I'm sure most of you have heard, my brother Blaze was called to serve in the Kobe Japan Mission!!!! So crazy to think he'll be heading out, and that we'll have a 4 month stretch as missionaries together! Man I'm so excited for him and I know that he'll kill it out there!! We'll be doing the same work but be having such a different experience! 

Secondly, April 5th was my Dad, Brady's birthday. This is a huge shoutout because this man has shown me how I wanna be when I'm older. I've learned, especially since being away from home, how hard the man works and as a missionary I've done my best to emulate that. There's nothing hard work can't beat. As well, he's taught me to have a kind and open heart, and to see others opinions. There is no point for an argument, both sides think that they're right and if you can be humble and make a suggestion rather than force your will on someone, wonders will work. He imitates Christ and as I've said he's someone I want to be! I love you Dad, and I can really see the things you've done so that our family can live an amazing life here on earth, and be prepared for the life after it. Only less than 8 months and we can chill, watch some more Raptors games hahah. We'll have some well deserved time to spend once I come back!

Our friend Tiago is planned to be getting baptized next week! We just need to do the interview and have his mom sign a paper. 

I did a baptismal interview this week for a man named Lom. It was a crazy spiritual experience. I felt inclined to share the scripture in Mosiah Ch2 V41. It was amazing because he kinda got a bit quieter and couldn't take his eyes off the scripture. He told me that responded to every last one of his doubts and that God had sent me to share that scripture with him. I asked him what his doubts were and he explained how he would never know what to say when people asked him, "why are you even getting baptized?". He would usually say that he just felt it was right. He then told me how now he can share, "so that I can dwell in a state of never ending happiness in front of God." It was a great moment we had and following that he easily passed the baptismal interview! Great man. Because of that interview, I went on a small division with Elder Bermudez. We found a man who knew the missionaries in the past and marked to visit him! That was a good day. 

Conference was great and it's funny how the first two talks shared Mosiah Ch2 V41. I'm sure Lom enjoyed that. As well my bud James Hudson will be getting a temple in his mission Hungary, Budapest. Also my trainer, Elder Hernandez, will be receiving a temple back home in his city! He's from Honduras. 

We were looking for some less actives this week and we knocked a door where this man didn't live anymore.... but in his place we found about 3 less-active part member families who wanted us to come over on the following Tuesday! (This week) we're so excited to go over there and explain the restoration. We already talked a bit about the Book of Mormon. That was great, they said that with time they eventually want to come back to the church! So we found a great house of potential strong members. 

That was our week basically, finding a great new fam, conference, baptism prep, baptismal interviews and yeah!!!

My scripture of the week has to be Mosiah Ch2 V41 even if I've done it once or twice before. Man it's so good it just defines everything you wanna know. 

Mosiah 2:41
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Challenge, as our Prophet announced we need to make repentance daily. Nobody's gonna be living a perfect day anytime soon (unless you're a child) so get on your knees and make repentance a daily habit. 

Honestly that's where I'm at. We also helped Davino, Helena, Jessica, and Tiago with some "mudanças" I can't think of how to say that in English but it was great and they're amazing! They were excited for Conference!

Yup that's it. Love you guys. 

parks.layton@missionary.org























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