Japan Kobe Mission Blog 2008-2011 McIntyre Family

Last Mission Tour and Specialized Training

2011-07-01T22:48:00.000+09:00

Drawings from our last training. The importance of Going to the Mountain oft and Holding to the Iron Rod. (Prayer/Temple Attendance and Feasting on the Words of Christ/Scriptures)
and the importance of laying up Treasures in Heaven (the Christ like attributes), particularly Faith, Hope, Charity and Humility.
Farewell Car Decoration in Okamachi

Osaka North - Okamachi
Osaka - Hirakata
Osaka Sekime
Osaka Sakai
Kobe Akashi
Wakayama - Osaka Sakai
Matsuyama
Yonago - Matsue
Okayama
Kobe
Takamatsu
Fukuchiyama
Kyoto

Last Zone Leader Council and BBQ - June 2011

2011-06-22T22:34:00.000+09:00

Zone Leader Council 2011 in Kobe
The night before we had a devotional and pizza and a marshmallow roast up on the mountain
Elder Imai enjoyed his!
James with a sticky marshmallow.

James and Ricky joined us for the activity.

It was a great way to finish a great month and the last ZLC of our mission.

Our Last Leadership Training Session - June 2011

2011-06-21T22:18:00.000+09:00

Focus on teaching the importance of CPR - Inviting to Church, Prayer and Reading the Book of Mormon.

Practicing how to teach doctrine, extend commitments and follow up.

This was an intensive two day session.
These are just great missionaries!

The Awaji Miracle 2011 - The Japan Kobe Mission - Sumoto Branch, Japan Kobe Stake

2011-06-20T16:28:00.021+09:00

by President William McIntyre

In mid January 2010, I received a call from the Area President, who told me of the planned consolidation of the Hiroshima Mission. The consolidation was to take place on or about July 1st and would result in the closure of the Hiroshima Mission with about two thirds of that mission being absorbed by the Kobe Mission.
Shortly after hearing this news, I found a map and began to ponder the implications of this change. As I looked at the map, the island of Awaji continued to come to mind. Awaji lies between Honshu and Shikoku, two of the four main islands of Japan. Awaji sits in the Inland Sea and connects Shikoku and Honshu with two wonderful bridges located on opposite sides of the island. Near the center of Awaji, lies the town of Sumoto which is home to the Sumoto Branch of the Kobe Stake.

Sumoto was a small branch with less than 10 people average attendance at sacrament meeting each week. There had not been missionaries assigned to the branch in over 5 years. When I first arrived in the mission in 2008, President Oshima of the Kobe Stake talked to me about Sumoto and requested that if we ever have enough missionaries, he would like to see the branch reopened. He said it had been many years since there were missionaries there and the members were a little discouraged. For the first half of our mission here, we never had enough missionaries to send to Sumoto as missionary numbers never increased. And because the branch was so small and no missionaries were assigned, we never even had the chance to visit the branch during those first 18 months.

As I pondered the consolidation and studied the new mission map, I kept feeling we need to put missionaries in Sumoto. It made sense as we would need to drive across the island several times a month as we visited the districts and branches on Shikoku. I just could not imagine driving by Sumoto Branch several times a month without any missionaries serving there. I had been trying to focus our missionaries on areas of strength. This is usually interpreted as more populous cities with larger wards and branches. But I also realized that sometimes we find a small branch in a rural area that is on fire. For some reason in these areas, we find many people prepared to accept the gospel. Awaji would be the bridge to Shikoku and located almost in the center of the newly re-organized Kobe Mission. I could not help but think that something special was waiting to happen on Awaji Island. I felt the time was right to send missionaries there again.

Awaji Island is actually quite famous and plays a significant role in Japanese mythology. As I thought about sending missionaries to Awaji, I remember thinking about the old Japanese creation myth which teaches that Awaji Island was the first island created in the Japan archipelago by Izunaga and Izanami, the Father and Mother deities of Japan. And from Awaji all the other islands of Japan were formed. I felt Awaji could become a center of strength in the new mission as it became a crossroads connecting the old Hiroshima and Kobe missions. I decided it warranted a visit and sincere pondering and prayer. Little did I know then how prepared this island was for the gospel and the great miracle that awaited the members of the Sumoto Branch.

Early February 2010, Sister McIntyre and I took trip to Sumoto to see the town and confirm my feelings regarding re-opening the area. We immediately fell in love with the island. The people were kind and the scenery beautiful. We hiked up to the castle ruins and took some pictures. From the mountain we could see much of the island and across the ocean to the Kii peninsula of Wakayama. We visited a little shop on the mountain and talked with an elderly lady there. We gave her a tract. As we hiked down the mountain to the car I told Sister McIntyre we have just opened this island up again for proselyting and she was our first contact.

Later that month we had the opportunity to attend the Kobe Stake Conference. I had the opportunity to speak at one of the sessions. In my remarks, I told a story about President Monson when he served as a mission president in Canada. When President Monson first arrived in his mission, he visiting a small branch and had a meeting with the branch president. The branch president showed him a picture of a beautiful large chapel and told President Monson he wanted to build one like that for his branch. President Monson told him he would need about 400 members attending to justify such a large chapel. At the time there were only about 10 members attending that branch, largely consisting of the branch president’s family. Not at all discouraged by President Monson’s remark, this wonderful branch president told president Monson that if he would send him 6 missionaries, he would find 400 members. As the story goes, President Monson sent him those missionaries. Upon arrival, the missionaries and the branch president knelt down together and offered a prayer. In the prayer the branch president said that today was the day they would begin to build their new chapel. After the prayer, he reached up and pulled the phone book off the shelf. He said if we are going to build a chapel we need a carpenter. So he began to call every carpenter in the phone book and invited them to his house. He did the same with electricians, painters and so on. Everyone who came to his home he would introduce to the missionaries. President Monson said that by the end of his mission, that branch built a beautiful new chapel and there were several hundred members attending the branch. I shared this story with the members of the Kobe Stake and testified to them of the great power that comes from members and missionaries working together and of the great blessings that come when members open their mouths and share the gospel.

I then told them that I wanted to send missionaries to Sumoto. I had heard that Sumoto had a goal of one convert baptism for that year. That seemed like a good goal to them as there were only a few members attending and no missionaries assigned. I told them that if the branch would raise their vision to 5 baptisms for the year we would send missionaries and work with them to build up the church on Awaji.

Immediately following the meeting, President Kasai of the Sumoto Branch approached me on the stand. He had tears in his eyes and he embraced me. He said please send us missionaries. He then pulled from his suit pocket a piece of paper with a long list of names on it. He told me, "we have friends and we want to share the gospel." I promised him we would send him missionaries.

A few weeks later, Sister McIntyre and I went back to Awaji to find an apartment for the missionaries. We finally found a nice place only a few minutes from the church. The church was located on the first floor of a small and very old building. It was not attractive and would only hold around 15 people comfortably for sacrament meeting. I remember telling Sister McIntyre, we got to have a nicer and bigger church here.We officially opened the area in April and sent two of our finest missionaries, Elder Ito and Elder Budge. President Kasai and his family helped us move the missionaries in and purchase necessary appliances. That very same day, President Kasai had set up appointments for the missionaries to meet people. I had very high hopes for the area.The missionaries were excited. They received many referrals and worked hard contacting as many people as they could. While I expected and hoped to see a baptism there within a month or two, we saw nothing. The elders focused their efforts on less actives and part member families. Several times they had baptisms scheduled, but they always fell through. Then finally after a thorough trial of our faith and after we had been sufficiently humbled, something began to happen on the Island of Awaji.

Baptisms!

In September (2010) the missionaries baptized Sister Akita. She was found by the missionaries as they went house to house contacting. In November, Brother Uchitani, who was referred by the members was baptized. In December, Mikey Simmons was baptized, a referral from a part member family (his parents are members). In February 2011, Sister Hosoda was baptized. She was referred by her daughter who is a member in the branch. Then things started to really accelerate.

By this time, church attendance was already over 20 members every week, more than doubled from a year earlier. Efforts to find a new church location were accelerated. Missionaries had not only been baptizing, but helping with re-activation efforts as well and it was clear that the branch had outgrown the current accommodations.

In April (2011), the branch saw two more families join the church. First, the Tachibana family was found housing by the missionaries. They introduced the Ebisu family and both families were all baptized on the same day. Ten new members (7 over the age of 8 were baptized). Then in May, another member referral, Torii Shimai was baptized. The church could not accommodate any more members! A new building was finally located as attendance at the Sumoto Branch exceeded 30 people each week. But it has not ended there. This last week in Sumoto the Kawakami Family was also baptized, adding four more new members to the branch. Just about one year after re-opening the branch, average attendance is now over 40 people.

The new chapel will hold 40 members comfortably, but it has room for expansion. When the missionaries heard they had found a new building, they called me and expressed their excitement and joy. But they also told me they had a big concern. They said, "President, the new building is great, but it only holds 40 people. It is not big enough! What should we do?" I told them to keep doing exactly what they have been doing and we would work it out.

Perhaps in the near future Sumoto will have its very own building and not rented space. I am sure it can happen. When missionaries and members work together, great miracles can and do happen. The miracle of Awaji is not over. They are several more people scheduled for baptism in the coming weeks.

The memory of that little branch will always be a special part of my mission. It is a testimony of what is possible with a big vision, unity with the members and a lot of faith and hard work.

When we have faith and works and are obedient to the Lord, we can see miracles. We will never forget the miracle we witnessed on Awaji and the wonderful members of the Sumoto Branch.

May 2011 - An Amazing Month!

2011-06-07T19:33:00.006+09:00

May was one of our best months for convert baptisms in recent years. There are still several pictures not included. It was wonderful to see so many fruits of the missionaries' and members' labors.

April 2011 - The Field is White and We Are Gathering the Elect!

2011-06-07T19:19:00.008+09:00

Stake Conferences in Osaka and Osaka North - May 2011

2011-05-31T00:41:00.001+09:00

We attended 4 stake conferences in May. We got pictures with the stake presidencies and presiding general authority at two. Osaka Stake Presidency with Elder Choi who presided at the conference.
The Osaka North Stake Conference was also presided over by Elder Choi. Here we are with the stake presidency, Elder Choi and Elder Nakatsuka our Area Seventy. President Morii, third from the right, who is now counselor in the stake presidency, was my companion when we served as zone leaders in the Japan Tokyo South Mission 30 years ago.

Returning Group - May 2011

2011-05-30T09:20:00.002+09:00

Last week we saw off our last group of missionaries before completing our three years of service here. It was a large group of 15 great missionaries.
Sister Smith, Elders Spohr, Probasco, Starks, Nielson, Kodama, Imi, Shinozaki, Kimura, McConnell, Wiser, Thayer, Bowman and Maeda.
Some the returning elders fill out forms and write final messages in the office before their farewell dinner.

We had the chance to meet Elder Spohr's family (who we have know for years from Tokyo) and Elder Slater's family.
Elder Wiser was also picked up by his family. His father served as our bishop in Tokyo several years ago.

Some of the elders enjoyed helping prepare the table for dinner at their farewell dinner.

Front row below- Sister Smith, Elders Nielson, Starks, Wiser, McConnell and Bowman.
Back row - Elders Slater, Shinozaki, Kimura, Imi, Kodama, Spohr, Probasco, Thayer and Maeda.

Congratulations everyone on a job well done!

Random Shots - May 2011

2011-05-29T21:26:00.002+09:00

The new sisters all got aprons from Sister McIntyre. These are the last sisters we will welcome to the mission.

After 5 days in a row of zone conferences, we took the boys and the assistants out to dinner at our favorite Brazilian restaurant.

Delicious as usual.

Four missionaries got aprons from Sister McIntyre. Three traveling training assistants, Elders Kimura, Spohr and Slater and Elder Osaka who worked for several transfers in the office.

We celebrated Elder Camacho's birthday while he was passing through Kobe this past week. We had a big group there as it was transfer week and new missionaries were all with us.

Elder Camacho got a face cookie.

Service Project in Sendai Tsunami Zone - Ricky and James

2011-05-29T18:06:00.009+09:00

This weekend James and Ricky travelled to the earthquake and tsunami devastated areas to help in the clean up efforts. They joined youth from the church in the Tokyo area in this service project. In this town, the residents still do not have running water and the sewers and gutters are clogged with mud and sewage and other debris. The boys spent hours shoveling the muck out of the gutters and into bags for disposal. A very dirty job.The following pictures show what is left of several communities and underscores the severity of the disaster. In these areas, all they could do is continue to sort and pile up all the trash and debris into big piles for future removal. There used to be homes here.

Piles of debris from destroyed homes.
Some homes were still standing and even had people living on the upper floors. But the bottom floors were gutted.

Homes were completely washed away from this area.

A photo album washed away by the waves.
Inside what is left of a house.
It looks like a war zone.
This car was washed into this cemetery and rests upon several graves.

The soil is covered with mud which has dried and cracked. It will need to be cleared before anything can be planted again.
Overturned ship in the middle of the road.
This used to be a ramen noodle shop.

James, Ricky, Curtis and Morgan wishing the ramen shop was still open.
Ricky and James stand in front of the closed train station in this village.
There is so much more work to be done in the affected areas. It is hard and dirty work, but must be done. There are still towns and villages that have not been cleaned up yet. The coastal regions will take some time to return to normal if they ever can.

New Missionaries Arrive - May 2011

2011-05-27T09:12:00.003+09:00

We welcomed 12 new missionaries to the mission this week. They are a wonderful group!

This is last group we will receive before we complete our service here in Kobe.

Final Group of Tokyo Missionaries Return to Tokyo Mission

2011-05-27T00:41:00.007+09:00

Today in Kobe we said goodbye to the remaining 17 Tokyo missionaries. It was regular transfer day and many missionaries were in Kobe to see them off and meet up with their new companions.
It was a happy reunion for many...
And sad good-bye's as well.
Through this experience many new friends were made.
Knowledge was shared and all were uplifted and benefited by the interaction of the past couple months.Lots of handshakes and hugs were exchanged.
Hearts were touched and lives were changed.
These are experiences that will not be forgotten. Both the Kobe and Tokyo Missions have certainly been strengthened by these unfortunate events in Japan.The Lord works in mysterious ways. And the work continues to move forward with more power and faith than before!

Birthdays in Japan - Sister Priddis and Morgan Hunsaker

2011-05-24T17:04:00.001+09:00

Sister Priddis has a birthday recently and got an Apron and Face Cookie from Sister McIntyre

One of Ricky's friends from Tokyo, Morgan, visit and had his birthday here. He got a cookie too!

We also all went to eat at the burger pit, a great place for Kobe Beef burgers!

May Zone Leader Council in Kobe

2011-05-23T16:53:00.002+09:00

We held Zone Leader Council on May 4th in Kobe.

We prepared for zone conferences, which are this month, and were instructed in doctrines and principles of the gospel and leadership.

All Tokyo Missionaries to Return to Tokyo Mission on Thursday

2011-05-23T16:48:00.002+09:00

As most of you have probably already heard, the 17 Tokyo Mission missionaries still serving here in Kobe will be returning to Tokyo this week. This morning we called each of them and informed them of their new areas and companions. We will see them off on a bus on Thursday and hope to get a picture with everyone in the group at that time.
Some areas of the Tokyo Mission remain closed, but there are ample areas open to accommodate the missionaries. We will miss them all!

President McIntyre

Returning with Honor - To Tokyo!!!

2011-05-02T19:14:00.004+09:00

This morning we returned 24 missionaries to the Tokyo Mission via chartered bus. The bus started at 6am in Okayama and moved through the mission making stops in Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto before heading to Tokyo at around 11am. The missionaries were very excited to get back to Tokyo and their work there. They are all outstanding missionaries and we will miss them here in Kobe. Although making the adjustment to Kobe after the disaster was a little difficult for some, everyone did a wonderful work here and learned to love this mission like Tokyo. It turned out to be a bitter sweet day for most.
Boarding the bus in Kobe.
Elder Tsukiyama had a bike accident last week and spent the past few days with us in Kobe. We felt bad about sending him back wounded! He is a great missionary and never complained. His wrist is broken and he has stitches in his head and hands.
The group boarding in Kobe.
The group in Kyoto.
The Osaka Group
And the first two to ride from Okayama.
We are proud of each of these missionaries and honored to have had them serve with us in Kobe! We still have 17 missionaries from Tokyo serving with us. Their return to Tokyo is still pending.
Just received word that the missionaries have arrived in Tokyo safely (about 7pm today).

Awaji Island BBQ April 29, 2011

2011-05-02T14:47:00.001+09:00

The 29th was a national holiday in Japan and the Sumoto Branch invited us to an lunch BBQ activity at the beach near the church. Not all that attended are pictured but most are in this shot.
One of the member's beautiful dog.
Ricky took Sammy for a run along the beach.
The kids had a great time.
Sammy had a great time. James was in school, no holiday for the international school.
Some of the missionaries.
Sister Kasai.
Hosoda Shimai and President Naganuma (Kobe Stake 1st C.) work on the hamburgers with Sister McIntyre.
This past week the Sumoto Branch had 34 in attendance. There was only an average of 9 a year ago.

April Wrap Up - Various Pictures from April 2011

2011-05-01T17:42:00.008+09:00

Inori Tada with us in Kobe during General Conference. She is a college student and like one of our own daughters. She is from Toyooka.
Sunday Session General conference pot luck at the church and mission home.
More pot luck.
The Ebisu family at general conference in Kobe. The whole family was baptized the next week in Sumoto, Awaji Island.
The Gokokuji Temple next to the Mission Home with Sakura in full bloom.
Elder Moffatt with a birthday face cookie.
Kyoto - crouching tiger or sleeping dragon? Or maybe just a crazy mission president!
Byodoin Temple in Kyoto, Joyo area during Sakura.
River near Byodoin TempleThe Byodoin Temple is the image on the Japanese 10 yen coin.
President's transfer board April 2011 transfers. A lot of missionaries. 21 new missionaries arrived.
2 Assistants and 2 Travelling Assistants/Trainers this transfer, including Elder Guy from Tokyo. Sister McIntyre made them Fantastic 4 aprons.
This is what it looks like when you have 21 missionaries over for dinner.
With Elder Starks in Kyoto at the Hachimangu Shrine
Some of the Kobe Elders enjoying a trip to a Kyoto flea market on preparation day.
Found a great deal on used kimono!

April 2011 Interviews and Easter Treats - Part Two

2011-05-01T17:21:00.004+09:00

Interviews in Imabari, Matsuyama Zone.
Takamatsu Interviews.
Higashi Osaka District
Nara!
Hirakata, Osaka
Kyoto, Shimogamo District
The rest of the Kyoto Zone.
Mikunigaoka District
Iwade Interviews, Sakai Stake.

Mother's Day Calls!

2011-04-28T15:36:00.003+09:00

Sunday May 8th is Mother's Day and we know all you missionary mothers could not be more excited to hear from your missionary on that special day. We are instructing all the missionaries from outside Japan to email their telephone number to their family this next preparation day (which is May 2nd here in Japan). We would ask that you call your missionary on Sunday evening May 8th your time which is Monday morning here in Japan. According to the handbook, calls should be between 30 -40 minutes. We realize families are large and that more time may be needed to speak with everyone, but please keep the call to under 1 hour. Call time details will be conveyed in the email from your missionary.
Japanese missionaries and others in similar time zones, may arrange for calls on Sunday evening (Mother's Day) May 8th.
The Special transfer for Tokyo missionaries returning to Tokyo will occur on Monday, May 2nd. The Mother's Day call should not be affected. Transferring missionaries will probably not be able contact families until Tuesday (preparation day in Tokyo) which is Monday in the US to set up the call.
Missionaries remaining in Kobe will not be affected by the transfer and should be able to contact family and set up the call for Mother's Day on their normal preparation day. In any event, we will make sure you can speak with your missionary on that day. Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. - Please note that the country code for dialing Japan from outside Japan is 81. To call a missionary in Japan you should dial 81 after you dial your international carrier access number (whatever that might be). So the number you call will look something like this:
your direct dialing access number +81-80-2149-xxxx. Your missionary's number will begin with 080, but you must not include the first 0 when dialing it from outside Japan.

Some Tokyo Missionaries Returning to Mission

2011-04-28T08:54:00.003+09:00

Next week we will be transferring about half of the Tokyo missionaries relocated here in the Kobe Mission back to safe areas in the Tokyo Mission. The remaining Tokyo missionaries will continue to serve here in the Kobe Mission until they are approved to return to Tokyo.

Departing Group April 2011

2011-04-23T21:46:00.004+09:00

Departing group dinner April 2011. We returned 6 great missionaries this transfer. Elders Rahn, Sjavik, McGuire, Pribyl, Hashimoto and Matsuki.

Farewell cake and group picture.

Elder Pribyl got an apron for helping in the office and serving in Kobe.

21 New Missionaries Arrive - April 19, 2011 - Largest Group to Date

2011-04-23T21:12:00.010+09:00

April 19th we picked up 21 new missionaries from the airport. They spent an extra week in the MTC due to the tsumami. They were very excited to finally make it here to the mission.This was the largest group of new missionaries we have ever received. Part of the group at dinner the night before leaving to their first area of service. The rest of the group at dinner.
Our three new sisters with their new aprons from Sister McIntyre. Sisters Yuki, Baird and Smith. Morning exercise with the new group was a lot of fun. A 6:30 am run up to the park and a trip through the obstacle course.

25th Wedding Anniversary!

April 19th was also our 25th wedding anniversary. We spent it with these 21 new missionaries.We hope to have a private date sometime next week!

Awaji Island, Sumoto Branch Baptisms - We Love Sumoto!

2011-04-19T16:18:00.012+09:00

While the work in Japan might have been interrupted a little by the recent earthquakes in some parts of Japan, the work continues to move forward in the Kobe Mission. This past Sunday, the mission saw more convert baptisms in one day than any other day in the past several years (probably decade). This month will also be a record for us.On the little island of Awaji, which lies between Honshu and Shikoku and home to the Sumoto Branch of the Kobe Stake, two wonderful families were baptized. The Tachibana family and the Ebisu Family. The Tachibana's were baptized in the morning and the Ebisu family was baptized in the afternoon after church. Both families are pictured with us above at the beach where the baptisms were performed.Elder Knight preparing with Brother Ebisu while Elder Moffat looks on.
It was a great day in Sumoto.
President Kasai and family with us after the baptisms. He is a very happy branch president. He can no longer fit all his members in the current rented church building. There have been 12 new baptized members added to his branch since we re-opened it about one year ago. More if you count children under eight. They are all active and attendance at the branch has increased dramatically. This has been a wonderful thing to watch. The members have been great at working together with the missionaries and this has made all the difference.

See blog entries February 5th (Re-opening Awaji) and 14th (President's Journal) 2010 for related content about Awaji and Sumoto missionary work.

And the Work Moves On....

2011-04-19T11:21:00.006+09:00

More Pictures from the Field...

2011-04-19T11:00:00.001+09:00

Trials, Change and Choice - President's Message April 2011

2011-04-12T21:39:00.009+09:00

Elders and Sisters,

As April begins, we are truly saddened by the disasters that have occurred in the Sendai and Tokyo mission areas. Our love and prayers go out to all those affected by the earthquakes and tsunami. These events have caused us to reflect deeply upon the meaning of life and the power of the gospel and the atonement of Jesus Christ in the lives of all of Heavenly Father’s children.

These events have also caused us to experience some unexpected changes in our lives as missionaries and in our missions. Shortly after the earthquakes and tsunami, we added 42 missionaries to our mission from the Tokyo Mission. This move was sudden and has required a lot of emotional adjusting for the missionaries coming here from Tokyo, and for the missionaries in Kobe who have welcomed them. Emergency transfers caused new and old companionships to be broken up in both missions. Beloved investigators and members were left behind in Tokyo. Subtle differences in mission rules and styles of missionary work have required humility and understanding from all the missionaries. Even with all these challenges, Sister McIntyre and I have been extremely pleased how everyone has handled this great change! Notwithstanding the unfortunate circumstances that brought all of us together, we are so excited and consider it a great blessing and privilege to join forces with these new missionaries. Ultimately, this will be a great blessing to all those who choose to learn and grow from the change that has been thrust upon them. We have a unique opportunity now as missionaries and as missions to learn from each other by sharing our best practices as we work together. When missionaries are finally transferred back and Tokyo is repopulated with missionaries, I am confident both missions will be better for the experience we will have had together. Change can be hard. It can bring trials and suffering. But change can also be a wonderful blessing and a chance to grow and prosper. It is about change and trials that I wish to speak with you about today.

As a young missionary serving in the Japan Tokyo South Mission I had an unexpected change thrust upon me right near the end of my mission. I remember it was difficult for me to accept at first, but the experience has had a positive lasting impact on my life. I was serving as an assistant to President Ryuichi Inoue in Kichijoji where the mission offices were located. I had been serving in that capacity for about 5 months. We had seen some wonderful success as we worked with investigators and members. I was just about to begin my last transfer as a missionary. We had 3 or 4 investigators ready to be baptized. I remember thinking that things could not be better as a missionary going into my last transfer. Then it happened. President Inoue called me into his office and told me of a problem out in the Machida Ward that he needed me to help with. A missionary was going home under unfortunate circumstances. His companion, who would stay in Machida, needed a companion. He then asked me to transfer to Machida for my last transfer and to work to build back the trust between the members and missionaries there. He told me he trusted me and knew I was the missionary the Lord needed to do this. I was shocked. I could not believe this was happening to me. I did not want to transfer. I knew I was supposed to stay in Kichijoji and finish my mission seeing those wonderful baptisms with my beloved companion. I was nearly brought to tears. I asked President Inoue if he was sure this is what I needed to do. He assured me it was as he offered some kind words of encouragement. Then he asked me if I would accept the call. It was difficult for me to accept, but I told him I would do it if it was what the Lord wanted me to do. He told me he would drive me out the next morning.

I will never forget my last transfer in Machida with Elder Aramaki. We had no investigators. Nothing to build upon but our faith and hard work. We could have been discouraged. But instead we chose to set some high goals. We wanted to lead the mission that transfer in finding new investigators. We felt that was where we needed to start since we had none. We also put a plan together to build better relationships with the members. I must have worked harder that last transfer than any other of my mission. The baptisms happened back in Kichijoji, but we did not see any in Machida. But that did not matter to me. Elder Aramaki and I had a great time, loved each other and fulfilled our purpose as missionaries. We opened our mouths and invited others to come unto Christ. We were able to achieve most of our goals that transfer. We even set a new record in the mission for finding people to teach. When I went home after that transfer, I felt good about myself. And I thanked the Lord for the opportunity to serve in Machida with Elder Aramaki. I grew a lot that transfer and I know I learned many things I probably would not have learned had I stayed and finished my mission in Kichijoji. I realized that it is not what happens to us that makes us happy, but how we react to what happens to us that determines our happiness. Happiness is a choice. When faced with change or trials we have the ability to choose to prosper or suffer from that change or trial. Pain is inevitable, but suffering and misery are a choice.

We see this in the scriptures. In the Book of Mormon, Lamen and Lemuel faced the same challenges as Nephi. In 1 Nephi we read about the broken bow. Lamen and Lemuel murmured and complained. Even father Lehi was brought down to murmuring for the desire of food. However, Nephi’s response was different. He was proactive and sought for a solution. Same trail, same circumstances, but he chose a positive reaction to a potentially negative situation. I imagine Nephi was just as hungry as the rest of his family. He felt some pain and discomfort from the circumstances of their trial. But he did not choose to be miserable or complain. He chose the opposite. Because of his faith, diligence and obedience, they did obtain food and the whole family was saved. (See 1 Nephi 16)

The power to choose is a great gift from God given to all men. Remember the adversary’s plan would not have allowed us the ability choose in this life. And today he strives to take away our freedom still. When we complain or become discouraged when faced with change and trials, we allow him to have power over us and forfeit our free agency to negative emotions feelings. This decreases our motivation to do what the Lord wants us to do, and in turn, slows the work and prevents us from achieving our potential and receiving promised blessings from the Lord.

The fact is sometimes bad things happen to good people. Trials come to the righteous. Obedient missionaries are sometimes rejected. Sometimes we are all put in tough or difficult circumstances.

The real test in life is how we deal with what we are given. I have seen how the Lord tests, tries and develops young missionaries. It seems that the Lord knows just what every missionary needs to learn while he serves. And during the course of a mission, He attempts to teach us what we need to know to become the son or daughter He wants us to become by putting us in different circumstances, in certain areas and with certain companions. Where and with whom we serve is not by chance. The Lord guides this work. All these situations are for our experience and good. But the result, whether or not we learn and grow as the Lord desires us to through these experiences and circumstances, is entirely up to us. It is our chosen response that makes the difference. I hope we can always be like Nephi. Father Lehi taught this principle to his sons. We read in 2 Nephi 2:27-28 Lehi to his son Jacob:

27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;

I pray we all choose eternal life. And along the way we choose to be happy and successful as we serve where we are called. In the end, it does not matter what mission you start, serve, or finish your mission in. What matters is how you serve. Serve well and faithful my fellow missionaries!

Love,

President and Sister McIntyre

Indian Curry in Akashi

2011-04-10T10:36:00.000+09:00

During our recent visit to Akashi for interviews, we enjoyed some delicious Indian food with some of the missionaries.
Missionaries seem to always know the best 'all you can eat' places in their areas.

Interviews and Easter Cookies - 1st week

2011-04-09T11:19:00.000+09:00

This month is interviews and as we travel the mission and meet the missionaries, Sister McIntyre always brings them a homemade treat. This month is Easter, so everyone is getting a delicious Easter Egg cookie. Fukuchiyama Zone Part of the Osaka North Zone The rest of the Osaka North Zone at Okamachi The Akashi Zone first group The Akashi Zone second group Kobe Zone first group Matsue Zone in Yonago Okayama Zone in Okayama The cookies are President's favorite too! Thank you Sister McIntyre....more to come. We still have a hundred missionaries to interview!

Matsuyama Branch Conference - April 2011

2011-04-09T10:16:00.003+09:00

This past week we attended the branch conference in Matsuyama on Shikoku. After conference we had a meal together. Branch members and missionaries preparing to eat lunch after conference. On the way to Matsuyama, which is about 3.5 hours by car, we hit 100,000 kilometers on the van. Lot's of driving lately!

President's Message From March 2011

2011-04-04T23:47:00.003+09:00

Elders and Sisters,

This year has gotten off to a wonderful start. January and February saw record numbers of convert baptisms and increases in most of our key indicators. This past month, we were also especially blessed to have Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve and Sister Cook visit our mission. What a blessing it was to have an apostle personally visit, speak and shake hands with every missionary in the mission.

We were taught many things by Elder and Sister Cook while they were here. At the conclusion of our mission conference, Elder Cook said to me, “I was planning to teach about the Doctrine of Christ and then transitioning into commitments. But I felt impressed to change my plan and talk about these other things.” The following is a summary of a few or the things he taught us.

Love

He taught us that one important key to being a successful missionary is to love. Our mission theme teaches us this. Love is the motive! Elder Cook shared that we particularly need to love in four areas.

1) Love the People – We need to know and understand that we are all brothers and sisters. We should not be afraid to share the gospel with those we love. Loving the people is at the heart of missionary work. We show our love by serving them and helping them come unto Christ. We want to share the gospel with the people of Japan because we love them and desire their happiness.

2) Love Your Companion – We are to go forth two by two and be unified in this work. When we love our companions the Spirit will work through us. The work is not about you. As we developing the Christ-like attributes we will learn to love our companions more.

3) Love Your Mission President (and wife) – Elder Cook counseled you to love your mission president and what he teaches you. Obedience to your mission president’s counsel will bring you blessings. You were called to this mission, but you were also called to serve specifically with your mission president. You were called to a mission and to a president.

4) Love the Lord – The Savior taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” This is His work. He has commanded us to “Feed His sheep.” We show the Lord our love be being righteous and by feeding His sheep.

Trust the Lord

Elder Cook read with us D&C 31. What he taught us about verse 5 stands out in my mind. He said we will be blessed for doing this work. Then he made several specific comments and promises to the missionaries based on this verse. Verse 5 says, “Thrust in your sickle…” and “Wherefore your families shall live.” He promised each of you as an Apostle of the Lord, that this scripture would be fulfilled.

Specifically he said:

- You are doing now what you should be doing and you are where you should be.

- Your service will bless your loved ones.

- Everyone you love and care about will be blessed now and in the future because of what you are doing now.

- Nothing is more important than what you are doing now.

As I have spoken with many of you, I know these words and promises were comforting and an answer to your prayers.

Establish the Church

He shared with us the importance of having a big vision regarding the work. He said among all the things we are doing we must establish the church here in Japan. He told each of you to do all you can to help make each ward or branch you serve in stronger. This includes finding, teaching and baptizing, but also less active work and retention as well as strengthening the youth and single adults. When your mission is over you should ask yourself, “Did I help establish the church?” Do those things now so you can answer ‘yes’ to that question.

Purify Yourselves

Referring to Section 112 of the D&C we were taught and reminded of the importance of humility and the need to purify our hearts and cleanse ourselves before the Lord. The Spirit is the key to the work and we receive the Spirit when we are worthy of it.

The Doctrine of Christ

In closing he shared some tender feelings about being called to serve as an apostle. He said he has had many special and private experiences related to his calling. Some can be shared and some cannot. He taught us that the atonement is much more than something that can bring us forgiveness of our sins. The atonement will make fair the unfairness in the world. The atonement can heal all pain and suffering. It can compensate for all the injustice in our lives. He boldly testified that Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father. And he said he feels very strongly that the Lord feels much compassion and love for those that serve missions. He will be your advocate. As we do the best we can, His grace is sufficient to heal, save and repair whatever wrongs we experience in this life.

To his testimony I add mine. I love the Savior and know He lives and leads us today. We were truly blessed to have had one of his special witnesses with us in the Japan Kobe Mission.

May the Lord bless each of you!

President and Sister McIntyre

Zone Leader Council April 1, 2011

2011-04-02T16:15:00.001+09:00

We held Zone Leader Council on the 1st in Kobe. The council this month consisted of many new zone leaders and several former Tokyo missionaries.The day started early in the morning with a hike up the mountain for a devotional. The Kobe and office elders also joined us for the morning. We all gathered in front of the mission home to start our hike.Before heading up the mountain we stopped at the Maya Cable Car station for a picture on the steps.Everyone enjoyed the view of Osaka and Kobe Bay and city from the mountain. While at our view spot we heard a few testimonies and sang High On a Mountain Top and our Kobe Mission Theme song. Elder Crapo also treated us to a rendition of A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief on his harmonica while we overlooked the bay.We attempted a group picture and almost got everyone looking in the right direction. It was beautiful weather and a great day for a hike. The cherry blossoms were just barely starting to bloom. After the hike, we met in the Kobe church for our meetings.

Leadership Training in Kobe March 29-31, 2011

2011-03-31T00:13:00.007+09:00

We had our biggest Leadership Training ever in Kobe this past week with 62 missionaries attending. Our numbers increased as we have added many missionaries from the Tokyo Mission to our ranks.
We studied the doctrines in the lessons and practiced teaching skills during the intensive three day training.
We had a wonderful time together.
We ate together.
We played together.
We smiled and laughed together.

We taught together.

We coached each other.

We listened to each other.

We learned together.

We evaluated each other.

We now have over 160 missionaries in the mission. This was a great chance for missionaries from different missions to work together and learn from each other.

Birthdays in Kobe End of March 2011

2011-03-30T23:32:00.010+09:00

Elder Crapo, recently transferred from Tokyo, was in Kobe for training on his birthday and was treated to a face cookie from Sister McIntyre.Elder Maeda visited Kobe on his birthday to celebrate it with President McIntyre whose birthday was the same day.President got a face cookie too!The missionaries in the Kobe District decorated the office and had a small party for President McIntyre and Elder Maeda. Sister Julie McIntyre serving in Okinawa sent dad a cool T-shirt. The missionaries got president a pair of cool basketball shoes signed by each missionary in the district. President tried them on and wore them during preparation day in the office. Before the party, everyone had lunch together at the Burger Pit where they enjoyed delicious Kobe beef hamburgers and fries. It was a great preparation day in Kobe.

Family Day with James - Visit to Kinosaki, Miyazu and the Tango Peninsula for Onsen and Crab

2011-03-29T18:36:00.000+09:00

Spring break for James and we took a short trip to the Sea of Japan to enjoy the hot springs and delicious crab which is nearing the end of the season. The area is located between the Maizuru and Toyooka Branches in the Fukuchiyama District. We left Monday evening and stayed at a little inn on the Tango Peninsula.

The coastline is beautiful. These small towns are mainly supported by fishing. The area is very famous for crab which is in season from about December through March.

It is very rural. This is the little one car train that runs along the coast in these parts.

The crabs are quite large! James was not watching and I had to jump in to try and save mom.

I was too late and Sister McIntyre was eaten by this mean crab near Mihama Beach.

Dad and James mourning the loss of mom.

Fresh crabs just off the boats. And we found mom. She escaped the giant crab!Rika got revenge on the giant crab as she devoured several of his smaller cousins that night.

It was all you can eat!

James tried this little one but did not seem to enjoy the insides. I decided to stick with the larger size legs and claws.

The hotel had a great bath, nice futons and cool Japanese yukata.It also had a veiw of the ocean from the top floor.

It was a short trip but a lot of fun. Japan has so many beautiful and fun places. There is also a lot of great food! We were back in Kobe by Tuesday late afternoon and it was back to work.

Maizuru "Hikiage" Port

2011-03-29T18:24:00.001+09:00

On our recent trip to the Maizuru area we visited an historical site with significance to our family. Maizuru is a large port on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. Today it is an active fishing port as well as a base for the Japanese Naval Self Defense Forces.

At the end of WWII the port was used as a repatriation point for Japanese families who had been living in China, Manchuria and Russia during the war. One of the closest ports to Korea and China, rescue ships traveled to the port loaded with thousands of Japanese who were left destitute on foreign soil when the Japanese empire fell and surrendered to the US. This is the dock where the refugees landed and began their repatriation to Japan. Sister McIntyre's maternal grandfather was sent to Manchuria with his family during WWII. He, like most young men at the time, was drafted into the Japanese military. He was sent overseas to work with his wife. It was while living there that Sister McIntyre's mother was born. At the end of the war, many of the families living in parts of China, Manchuria and Siberia were left to survive on their own as the Japanese army had been defeated and was powerless and destitute. There was no food and no way to get back to their homeland. While many of the Japanese families living there had befriended locals, it goes without saying that in general there were not kind feelings towards the Japanese who had invaded these lands and occupied them for several years. To make things worse, the Russian soldiers were not kind to the Japanese families as they came in and took over where the Japanese had once ruled. Many of the Japanese women dressed like men and boys and cut their hair short so the Russian soldiers would leave them alone.Many Japanese woman and children perished in China waiting to be rescued. This is a monument commemorating the arrival and repatriation of these Japanese back to their country. Sister McIntyre's grandfather helped his wife and two daughters (Sister McIntyre's mother and aunt) find a rescue ship and eventually make their way back to Japan. He, unfortunately could not make the trip and died of starvation in Dalian, China. War is a terrible thing and innocent people on both sides of a conflict are hurt and affected. Certainly many Japanese soldiers did unthinkable things to the people throughout Asia as the war expanded and Japan occupied these countries. But there were also many innocent Japanese caught in the conflict. Observation deck overlooking Maizuru port.

Displays at the repatriation museum in Maizuru. A photo of a rescue ship like the one Sister McIntyre's mother sailed on from Dalian, China to Maizuru, Japan.

Models of the various ships used for repatriation.

View of the arrival dock where Sister McIntyre's mother arrived as seen from the observation deck.

This map shows the various locations in China and Russia of Japanese cemeteries and grave sites where Japanese left behind are buried.

Mom boards an abandoned fishing boat in Maizuru.

In 1986, about 5 years after Sister McIntyre's baptism, her mother joined the church in Fukushima, Japan. President McIntyre, who was a teacher at the MTC in Provo at the time, was the teacher that taught the missionaries who went to the Sendai mission and taught her the gospel and baptized her. She currently is a member of the Fukushima Ward, Sendai Stake.

Kouchi Branch Conference March 27, 2011

2011-03-28T18:11:00.001+09:00

Sunday we attended the Kouchi Branch Conference on Shikoku. Kouchi is a wonderful branch in the Matsuyama Member District.

Here is a picture of the church. It has been remodeled inside (converted into a church) and is very clean and functional. Seating capacity in the chapel is 80 people. We had 57 in attendance branch conference.Kouchi is on the Pacific Coast of Shikoku Island. It takes about 3.5 hours by car to get there by car from Kobe. At one point you drive straight across from the Inland Sea to the Pacific Coast. This takes you across some rugged mountainous country and the expressway literally takes you more through the mountains than over them. There are 22 tunnels on the way and most are several kilometers long. Kouchi is the 4th largest city on Shikoku. It is a castle town and boasts a proud history. This is a view of part of the city from the castle park. After conference on our way home we took a walk through the castle park which is only a few minutes by car from the church.

The cherry blossoms were just barely starting to bloom, but this one tree was already looking like spring had sprung.

Near the entrance to the park below the castle.

Elders Escalante and Tsushima serving in Kouchi. Kouchi Sisters preparing for lunch after conference.

Some of the food. There was a lot more.

The Takemura Family minus Brother Takemura who is in Tokyo. The Takemura's live in Tokyo and Brother Takemura worked with me for many years at Franklin Covey. Sister Takemura is originally from Kouchi and she is in town with the kids visiting her family.

We also met the Yamamoto family. Brother Yamamoto served with me in Tokyo as a young missionary. He now has this wonderful family. Unfortunately he was away in Tokyo on business and not in this picture with us.

It was a wonderful day in Kouchi. After arriving home we enjoyed dinner with James who stayed back in Kobe with the missionaries.

Hirakata Area Missionaries March 25th 2011

2011-03-27T22:08:00.003+09:00

This past week we visited the missionaries in the Hirakata Ward, Osaka Stake. We had a short training with them and inspected the apartments. We recently increased the number of missionaries here to accommodate the additional missionaries from the Tokyo Mission. A great group of missionaries.

Elder Andrus Celebrates Birthday in Kobe

2011-03-27T22:05:00.003+09:00

Elder Andrus, who is from Hokkaido and just newly transferred here from Tokyo, celebrated a birthday with us in Kobe.He is currently assigned to the Kobe Ward and working in the office. Here are some of the other missionaries serving in the Kobe Ward.Three of these missionaries transferred from Tokyo to Kobe. This past week all the Tokyo missionaries seemed to get settled in with their new companions in their new areas and everyone is working hard. We had the chance this week to visit a few districts and zones to see how everyone is doing. Next week we have a three day training planned for mission leaders.

Family Interviewed and Featured in Newspaper Articles in US

2011-03-24T21:15:00.005+09:00

Article about emergency preparedness in Japan and the recent disasters at these two links. Our family was interviewed for the story.

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/20183/Church-members-resilient-after-disasters

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705369201/Church-members-resilient-after-disasters.html

More Pictures of Tokyo and Kobe Missionaries in Kobe

2011-03-21T10:38:00.005+09:00

It was a very busy few days as we welcomed 42 missionaries from the evacuated Tokyo Mission into Kobe. Meals, sleeping arrangements, transfers and new assignments needed to be worked through, announced and implemented with little or no preparation time. Nevertheless, it has been a wonderful experience. For many of the missionaries it was a sweet reunion as they were reconnected with their friends from the MTC and even home. To witness the love and support these missionaries have shown for each other has been a wonderful blessing.

Elder Priddis, one of our senior missionaries, goes through the apartment keys for a group of missionaries heading out to their new area with new companions. Tokyo missionaries arriving and greeted by Kobe missionaries.

Happy to be in Kobe!

Missionaries reunited who were together in the MTC.

Meal time.

All 42 missionaries are now settled and working in new areas in the Kobe Mission. Most of the Tokyo missionaries are now paired with a Kobe missionary. Amid all the confusion and inconvenience, there are some real benefits and blessings that will ultimately come from this mixing of missionaries. I see this as a unique and great opportunity for the Tokyo and Kobe missions to share best practices and ultimately strengthen both missions. As these missions are eventually put back to their original structures, they will both be filled with missionaries with new insights, ideas and experiences to draw upon. The benefits of this synergy will be exciting to see in the coming months and years.

Training in Okayama

2011-03-21T10:26:00.003+09:00

Last week the scheduled three day Leadership Training in Okayama was cut to one day so we could return to Kobe to prepare for the arrival of the relocated missionaries from Tokyo. The day we held the training we focused on studying about our purpose as missionaries and understanding better the Doctrine of Christ.

Missionaries practice teaching each other and provide feedback to improve their teaching skills.

In the coming week or two we will return to Okayama and complete the remaining training.

Sister Nakajima - New Missionary to Serve at Temple Square

2011-03-21T10:21:00.002+09:00

This past week Sister Nakajima was set apart as a missionary and departed to the Utah MTC. She has been assigned to serve in the Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple Square Mission. Her father currently serves as the District President of the Matsuyama District in Shikoku.

Returning Group April 2011

2011-03-21T10:09:00.003+09:00

12 missionaries returned home from the Japan Kobe Mission this week. They were scheduled to return in April, but were released a few weeks early to make room for the relocation of missionaries from Sendai and Tokyo into the other missions in Japan. This was a great group of missionaries and were were sad to see them go. They have served great missions here.

Before all the evacuated missionaries arrived from Tokyo we had chance to treat them to a farewell meal and devotional meeting.

In the picture below front row: Elders Iwasa, Uehara and Sisters Patrick and Tohara. Back row: Elders Novak, Hrper, Nunes, Honma, Beurger, McBurney, Homer and Maxfield.

Marugame Branch Conference - Takamatsu District Shikoku

2011-03-21T09:58:00.003+09:00

Sunday March 20th we attended the Marugame Branch conference. After the conference the branch had a pot luck lunch. Sister McIntyre with President Iwaki's daughter (Emi) and grandchildren who also attended the conference.

After the conference I set apart Elder Fukuta of the Tokushima Branch as a missionary. He enters the MTC in Utah this week.

Tokyo Mission Evacuated - 42 New Missionaries Arrive in Kobe from Tokyo Mission

2011-03-17T23:56:00.008+09:00

This afternoon, March 17th, 42 wonderful missionaries arrived by chartered bus at the Kobe Mission Home after a 7 hour bus ride from the Tokyo Mission. They have all been reassigned to Kobe for an undetermined period of time.

Most only had a few hours to pack before making their way to catch the bus. Nevertheless, they were happy, excited and full of energy as we greeted them and welcomed them to the Kobe Mission.

The Kobe office staff, assistants and the 12 returning missionaries joined us in hugging and shaking hands with our new missionaries.

Many of them were together in the MTC or knew each other prior to their missions.

Sisters all got hugs from Sister McIntyre. We have 8 new sisters and 34 elders.

Except for most of their bikes, they brought all their bags and belongings.
Bags were all stored in the church and the missionaries gathered in the chapel of the Kobe Stake Center for some orientation.

All new missionaries received a Kobe Mission Binder with important information about the mission. After some introductions and orientation, we had Q & A time and then ate dinner.

Currey rice, salad and cookies were prepared by Sister McIntyre and Sister Ise. We fed a small army of about 65 missionaries total.

Some new Kobe missionaries

A group of new Kobe sisters

4 new sisters stayed at the Kobe sister's apartment and 4 in the mission home. All the elders slept on futons in the church. We had 45 elders in the church and 16 in the apartment. The biggest challenge, showering in the morning!

The night before, having just gotten the final information about the incoming Tokyo missionaries that afternoon, we were working on the transfer board until about 2am to figure out how to accommodate 42 additional missionaries. In the end, it worked out beautifully.

In the morning each reassigned missionary will get their companion and area assignments and transfer to their new area. We are so excited to work with these great missionaries. We could feel such a powerful spirit from them.

Japan Disaster Update # 6

2011-03-16T21:07:00.003+09:00

March 17th (Japan Time) the Japan Kobe Mission will receive 42 missionaries from the Tokyo Mission as part of the evacuation of the Tokyo and Sendai Missions. These missionaries will serve in Kobe for an undetermined period of time. Since we are uncertain as to how long the current situation will continue, these missionaries will be assigned to labor in new and existing areas in the Kobe Mission. It is anticipated that many of them will complete their mission here while others may, at a later, date return to Tokyo. The Sendai missionaries are all being reassigned to the Sapporo Mission and the balance of the Tokyo missionaries will be reassigned to the Nagoya and Fukuoka Missions.
Missionaries currently in the MTC scheduled to arrive in Japan in April, will be delayed until further notice. Depending on the situation, they could temporarily or permanently be assigned to other missions in Japan or other locations. This is still not decided. As part of this emergency transfer, missionaries scheduled to return home from the Japan Kobe Mission in April (as well as in all other Japan Missions), will be released later this week. Although the new release date is a few weeks earlier than anticipated and a surprise to all, they have fulfilled their full mission terms and we are grateful for their selfless service and sacrifice. There are 12 missionaries from Kobe being released this week due to the current situation.
The areas of the Sendai Mission are in a serious disaster condition. The disaster and pending worries about radiation leaks from the Fukushima power plant are also causing problems in Tokyo. There are food and water shortages. Gasoline is hard to come by even in Tokyo and nearly non-existent in Sendai.
Please visit the church web site for further information and updates. I will try to keep posting what information I can here as things change. Please continue to pray for all those affected by these events.

President McIntyre

Earthquake Update #5

2011-03-16T10:00:00.003+09:00

If you are not aware, the church has held an official press conference regarding the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear/radiation situation in Japan. You can watch the video at KSL.com.
As Elder Holland says in the press conference, missionaries in Sendai and Tokyo will be relocated to other missions throughout Japan. At this point we do not know how many missionaries will go to each mission and how long they will remain. We will update you when we know more. We do know the Kobe Mission has the capacity to accommodate many more missionaries if needed. We will keep you posted. Please know we are safe and well in Kobe and ready to help as we can. We are a very safe distance from the affected areas.
We expect this to begin immediately.

President McIntyre

Earthquake Update #4

2011-03-15T07:22:00.003+09:00

To the Families of all our Missionaries,

First of all thank you for all your prayers and concerns. Here in the Japan Kobe Mission all is well. All missionaries are safe and missionaries with family in the affected areas have all been able to contact their relatives and confirm their safety.
We understand many of you are now concerned with the possible radiation fallout from the nuclear power plants in Fukushima. Please be assured the areas in the Kobe Mission are several hundred miles away from Fukushima and do not fall in any normal path of wind currents that would be cause for alarm should there be any radioactive leakage or possible problems from the power plants. Also note that as of now there has not been any significant leakage to cause alarm. Fukushima City, which is some distance inland from the power plant, is Sister McIntyre's hometown and most all her family and relatives still reside there. So know that we are watching this situation with much interest and concern. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan and our prayers are with them.

President McIntyre

Fukuchiyama District Conference - March 2011

2011-03-14T16:30:00.004+09:00

This past Sunday we held District Conference for the Fukuchiyama Member District. It was attended by about 100 members from the Toyooka, Maizuru, Fukuchiyama and Nishiwaki Branches. Elder Aoyagi of the Seventy presided. Here are some of the children from these branches.

Group picture on Sunday afternoon. Not all in attendance are pictured as this taken after the main session and lunch. The Sunday meetings were held in the Nishiwaki District Center.

Earthquake Update #3

2011-03-12T23:11:00.002+09:00

I just received an email saying ALL missionaries in Japan, including all in Sendai, have been located and they are safe. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for this wonderful miracle. The last two in Sendai were located this (Saturday in Japan) evening.

President McIntyre

Earthquake Update #2

2011-03-12T07:53:00.003+09:00

As you have probably heard by now, the quakes (after shocks) continue and the damage and death toll is large in the Tohoku region. All missionaries in all missions except Sendai are accounted for. The mission president in Sendai has made contact with the church offices in Tokyo and he says most his missionaries are accounted for and safe. There are still a few they cannot get in contact with. The communication systems are still down. Some Tsunami did reach our mission here, but no damage has been reported. Most of Japan is still on Tsunami alert as aftershocks continue. Our hearts go out to the people up north who are suffering from one the biggest natural disasters of all time here. Our immediate family is safe, including those living in the affected region.

President McIntyre

Earthquake and Tsunami UPDATE

2011-03-11T18:26:00.003+09:00

A few hours ago the Tohoku region of Japan was hit by a series of very large earthquakes followed by giant Tsunami waves. All missionaries in the Japan Kobe Mission are safe and accounted for. The impact of the quakes was not felt this far away, but several areas in our mission are still under Tsunami warning. Missionaries have been notified to evacuate to safe ground. The effects of the quakes (which seems to still be occurring) and tsunami's are widespread through several areas of Japan, but the Sendai Mission area seems the hardest hit. We are trying to make contact with church leaders there but communication lines are still down.
Sister McIntyre's family is from this region and we have been able to make contact via text message and have found out they are safe. We pray for all the people in that region and others affected by this disaster.

President McIntyre

Zone Leader Council March 2011

2011-03-10T18:07:00.004+09:00

February 2011 - New Members!

2011-03-06T22:43:00.007+09:00

Still missing a few pictures for this month. What wonderful new members we have!

January 2011 - Joy is the Reward!!!

2011-03-06T22:28:00.008+09:00

Ricky Called to Serve in the Brazil, Sao Paulo South Mission!

2011-03-06T20:18:00.004+09:00

Congratulations to Ricky on his call to serve in Brazil! Our third missionary to be called while we are serving. May have to shave though!

We love you and are excited for you to return home from Hawaii! From Kobe withLove.

February 2011 Pictures Update

2011-03-06T19:59:00.003+09:00

Zone Conference Lunch in Takamatsu Takamatsu

Recent converts in the Matsuyama District at our recent District Conference

Sister Hosoda of the Sumoto Branch on Awaji Island was baptized at the Akashi Church this past month. She was referred by her daughter of the same branch pictured with her below.

One preparation day we went to Osaka and enjoyed a crab feast with some of the missionaries.

It was very good and everyone ate a lot of crab and everything else.

James Turns 15 in the Mission Field!

2011-03-06T19:49:00.004+09:00

James turned 15 on February 22nd. Here he is being his silly self!The Kobe missionaries all came over to celebrate with us. Sister Priddis made delicious cinnamon rolls and mom made a cake. For dinner we went to his favorite yakiniku place, JuJu Karubi.

Happy Birthday James!

Office Birthdays

2011-03-06T19:42:00.002+09:00

Elder McLaws had a birthday this past month while serving in Kobe. Elder Tsushima was in Kobe on his birthday while his companion visited the doctor. He was lucky enough to get a cookie and cake with the Kobe District.

Transfers! March 2011 - New and Departing Missionaries

2011-03-05T09:43:00.007+09:00

9 missionaries returned this past week after completing wonderful missions.Elders Hogewoning, Hoffman, Kudo, Kurose, Emery, Akina, Magleby and Sisters Matsuda and Ieremia. Don't ask!

Elder Magleby's mother met him at the mission home. She is from Japan and happy to see her son after two years!

Elder Hogewoning got an apron for serving in the office.

Departing group
7 New Kobe missionaries! Elders Mitsukawa, Kahaialii, Gau, Geslison, Hugo and Sisters Ishiyama and Hirabayashi.

Sisters Hirabayashi and Ishiyama got their sister's aprons.

Dinner in the mission home with the new missionaries.

Zone Conference Okayama - February 2011

2011-02-17T08:11:00.004+09:00

We have held 4 zone conferences so far this month. We will hold one more next week in Takamatsu, Shikoku. In the morning missionaries receive instruction and training from President and Sister McIntyre and in the afternoon the zone leaders and assistants train and teach in several hour long workshops. Each conference is attended by about 30 missionaries. Learning the Doctrine

Teaching Practice

Demonstrating Teaching Principles

Teaching from the scriptures

Inviting to read and pray about the Book of Mormon (practice)

January and February 2011 Updates (2)

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Zone Conferences in Akashi for Kobe and Akashi ZonesZone Conferences - Teaching Practice Akashi
Akashi
Akashi

Valentine's Day Snow in Kobe

For the missionaries in the office...

For President...

Patio View of Church from Mission Home

Some Elders heading home after a Leadership Training in Okayama

Returning Group- January 2011

Sisters Matsuoka and Shitami and Elders Everts, Uemura and Mizuguchi

New Missionaries January 2011 - Elder Sobrinho and Sister Tsuji

January and February 2011 Updates

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Fukuyama Church, Okayama Stake located in Hiroshima Prefecture. We visited Sacrament Meeting in January. After Church we drove to Tokushima for a baptism via the Seto Ohashi (Bridge) which connects Honshu to Shikoku Island.

Zone Leader Council February 2011!

Baptismal Pictures from 2010 in the Mission Office

Transfer Board in President's Office - January 2011

Zone Conferences February 2011

Okamachi Church

Okamachi

MikunigaokaMikunigaoka

Elder Osaka's Birthday in Kobe

December 2010 Brought a White Christmas to Kobe!

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January 2011- A New Year Begins!

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This past week we held special training for all the sisters in the mission. We now have 21 serving in the Kobe Mission. Each sister received an "I Love Kobe" apron. Right before lunch everyone signed each others aprons. The morning consisted of talks and training by the President and Sister McIntyre and in the afternoon each sister companionship trained the others sister on a missionary principle from Preach My Gospel.

Apron signing

Happy sisters!

Preparing lunch at the mission home.

Eating lunch at the mission home.

It was a wonderful day with the sisters.

We also celebrated a few birthdays this month. Elder Bowman serves in Kobe and got a cookie.
January is mochi pounding month. The Kobe Ward makes mochi each year to welcome the new year. This year President took a turn at pounding while Sister McIntyre sets it.

Well if you've ever wondered if we have snow in the mission, the following pictures should answer that question. This year we have had a lot up on the Japan Sea side of the mission.

These pictures were taken as we entered Tottori prefecture on the way to Yonago.

At interviews in Takamatsu we celebrated a birthday with Elder Emery.

And back in Kobe Sister Wajima had a birthday too.

The first week of January we held our monthly Zone Leader Council in Kobe.

The first Sunday of January we started out the year by visiting a baptism in Tokushima for 87 year old Sister Ono.

On New Year's Day we had a sports activity in Ibaraki and a few of our former missionaries came to see us.

The year ended on a great note with December being our highest month for baptisms since the mission reopened over three years ago. We are confident 2011 will be a great year in the Kobe Mission.

December in the Mission 2010

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We held three special training sessions in the mission during December. We took those opportunities to also have special Christmas programs with the missionaries. During lunch we played some holiday games. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and feel the true spirit of Christmas at each session. The training focused on discovering and magnifying our gifts and talents and using them to serve the Lord as missionaries. We also enjoyed several missionary Christmas stories and learned more about the Savior, his life and mission, and the true meaning of Christmas. Elder and Sister Shimada trying to open a gift during our lunch games.

Lunch games during one of the trainings.

Elders playing the oven mitten game.

More fun!

Some parting treats from President and Sister McIntyre and pictures with the missionaries.President and Sister Iwaki joined us at the Osaka training. This is the group at the training held in Okayama.

Sister Shields had a birthday here in Kobe right after Christmas.

The Kobe district and our family celebrate with Sister Shields. Ricky and Erika were back with us from school.

Christmas dinner in the Kobe Mission home.Some singing after dinner.

Sister Kadekaru also had a birthday in Kobe.

She got a face cookie too!

President preparing Christmas treats for the training sessions.

Elder Hinton and his family visited us before departing Japan.

We stopped by to see Elder Escalante in Osaka before Christmas. He was bit by a dog and had stitches in his nose. Sister Escalante, his "real" sister, is also serving here and they are in the same zone. We took this shot of them and sent it to their mother.

Kobe City's Luminaria which is held every December in commemoration of the Kobe Earthquake.Sister McIntyre and Erika hanging on a tree in Nara park.

A White Christmas in the Works

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Brother Yamaga in Higashi Osaka Ward.

Mission President's Seminar in Osaka 2010

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In November we had the chance to participate in our annual mission president's seminar. This year it was held in Osaka right here in our mission. We were privileged to have 4 members of the seventy attend and teach us. This is the whole group in front of the Todaiji Temple in Nara.

This is the group of presidents and wives that came out with us 2.5 years ago. The Daniel's in Sapporo, the Tateoka's in Sendai, the Jennings' in Busan, Korea and the Dowdles in Guam/Micronesia.

Feeding the deer in Nara Park.

Osaka City night view with Osaka CastleVisit to Nara Park

Osaka Castle night shot

Returning Group December 2010

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Seven wonderful missionaries completed their missions and returned home this week. Elders Stennett, Childs, Hinton, Sheffield and Masui and Sisters Gyobu and Hayase.
A final meal together in the mission home. Sukiyaki.
James says goodbye to Elder Childs as they pose with Elder Starks. The three spent many nights together while the President and Sister McIntyre were out in the field traveling. And of course Sammy too.

A Couple More Departing Photos - December 2010

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Elder Masui and Sister Gyobu with their aprons. Elder Masui got one for his service in the office as assistant and all the sisters receive one.
Elders Masui and Sheffield
Sisters Gyobu and Hayase with their mothers who came from Tokyo to pick them up.
Finally, Elder Sheffield takes a knock out punch from President and Sister McIntyre before heading out to the train station and airport.

New Missionaries December 2010

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5 New Sisters and 3 New Elders arrived in the Japan Kobe Mission this past week. Elders Shumway, Ewer and Low and Sisters Ferris, Wajima, Ilch, Megmarjav and Holker.
Dinner at the mission home.
First Sushi...
Sushi...
Two of the Sisters are from Mongolia, one is from Japan and two are from the US. Our three Elders are all from the US.

Zone Leader Council December 2010

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We had some of the sisters attend our council this month. They helped train the elders and gave them some important instruction on how to work with sister missionaries in the mission.

Baptism in Matsue - December 2010

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Sister Kadowaki, who is a retired school teacher and 80 years old, was baptized in the Matsue Ward, Okayama Stake the first week of December. She was found (and taught) by Elders Wiser and Tsushima through house to house contacting. The bishop performed the baptism.We traveled to Matsue on Saturday evening and attended the baptism and church in Matsue on Sunday morning. On the way out of town we stopped to get a picture in front of the Matsue Castle.Many of the members of the Matsue Ward after Sister Kadowaki's baptism.
This the Notsu family in Matsue. Sister Notsu, who is now married to the former Elder Christie, served with us in Kobe.
Not all the hotels we stay in are that modern! Here is the toilet in the one in Matsue. These are affectionately called squatter toilets. We also often sleep in futons and tatami mats as can be seen above. The hotel did have a nice hot spring bath (onsen) though.

Nabari Akame Water Falls

2010-11-25T13:18:00.004+09:00

In the Nabari area of the mission, which is in Mie Prefecture bordering the Nagoya Mission, there is a famous place called the 47 Waterfalls of Akame. The pictures here do not really do it justice. It was one the most beautiful hikes I have been on here in Japan. The trail, which is a couple miles long, climbs through a canyon along this river. There are numerous waterfalls along the way. I am just posting pitures of a couple here.

The water is clear and clean and the trail well maintained and easy to follow. In many spots you can see schools of fish swimming in the clear blue-green pools of the river.

It was late afternoon and in the canyon among the trees the lighting was not the best for photos. But I think you can get an idea of how beautiful the scenery is here.

The leaves were just beginning to change color. This is very famous Fall foliage site in Japan.

Near the entrance to the trail head.

Nabari is known as the birthplace of Ninja. Rika decided to become one.

Just another reason why Kobe is the greatest mission!

Thank You Elder and Sister Pyper!

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The Pypers completed their 18 month mission the beginning of this month and returned to their home and family in Utah. We are very grateful for the wonderful service they provided here in Kobe. They are wonderful example to us all.
I can only say I hope am as "genki" as Elder Pyper at age 79!Our little office get together to see the Pypers off. The former Elder Hobson and his family visited Japan to pick up his sister who just completed her mission in Fukuoka. We were delighted to see them all here in Kobe as well.

Not sure what to think about that curly hair Sam! Kawaii desu yo!