Sunday, July 9, 2017

We're Here!

All went well with our flight--Salt Lake to LA, LA to Tokyo, Tokyo to Sapporo.

Briefly met with outgoing President & Sister Nakatsuka before they left for the airport.

Our two Mission Assistants (Elders Akamatsu and Takamasa) who have chauffeured, translated, and basically carried us for the past 8 days.

We’ve had a great first week.  We arrived on Friday evening, June 30th.  Saturday evening a 5.2 earthquake shook me awake.  What a way to begin!

Our goal for the week was to meet each of our 102 missionaries.  We were in the car a lot driving to 4 different “Meet the President” meetings.  We were so impressed with each Zone as we met with them—such valiant missionaries!

On Thursday, July 6th we celebrated our 38th anniversary!! 
Russ has been sick with bronchitis, but like the Energizer Bunny, he has kept “going and going”.
Our Mission Motto is “To Become”:
Obedience is the Price
Faith is the Power
Love is the Motive
Spirit is the Key
Christ is the Reason
Joy is the Reward

Friday night we had training for new leaders and then Saturday from 9-3 was Missionary Leadership Council.  Today we spoke in church.  Needless to say, it has been a busy week!  We have been warmly welcomed and though I would normally be stressed to the max, I have felt a lot of peace.  Truly, this is God’s work and he is strengthening us.  Russ drove for the first time last night.  (Remember this is Japan—the steering wheel is on the right and they drive on the other side of the road—SCARY!!)  He did a great job getting us safely to church today.
Thank you for your prayers and love.
Here’s a few more pictures of our wonderful missionaries:



Missionary Leadership Council
Family Time - Saturday Night!








6 comments:

  1. So cool. You have always been a favorite of mine Bro. McClure. Thank you for all you do.

    Scott Phillips

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  2. The Temple looks Beautiful!
    Can you see it from the mission office or mission home?
    Dave Fechser

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  3. Do those missionaries know how lucky they are to have you two. They will find our soon enough!!!!!

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  4. I think this is a great quote for the mission as well as life. Our Mission Motto is “To Become”:
    Obedience is the Price
    Faith is the Power
    Love is the Motive
    Spirit is the Key
    Christ is the Reason
    Joy is the Reward

    Thanks for continually lifting us YSA who are now old even from far away.

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  5. What a lovely place with such lucky missionaries. The work is the same all over the world! Mitchell is in Uruguay doing the same thing; crying repentance to all the world and teaching of Christ, our redeemer. What an amazing time in your life. God's speed!!

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Sakura Sayonara!