Elder Jacob Matthew Preciado Kobe, Japan 2014-2016: Elder Hall!!!! Week 29

Hello friends and family, what's good!!!!!

This week, I had a pretty good week I am not going to lie. It was very long in many ways, but a memorable week that's for sure. Some pretty cool things happened this week too.

I got to see my mission president this week and just talk to him for a little bit after a meeting we had. We were able to receive our latest tool in the work of the Lord in that meeting. The iPad! The things and blessings it brings to our proselyting efforts have jumped tremendously. We truly are in a digital age. We all need to be true disciples in this digital age, being masters rather than slaves of technology. It was good to see President Welch, I love him like my best friend! He even gave me and my companion a ride home! (That usually doesn't happen, that's why it's cool) J

My companion is still sick believe it or not... We don't know what's wrong with him. They've been trying and trying to figure it out, but they can't seem to pin point the problem. I've been able to learn a lot of patience from it, and my testimony of the Lord and HIS work, has grown ten fold.

Keep praying for him as I know he feels it and it helps!

Adding to that, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my mission on Saturday. I had the opportunity to go out on a companion change with the neighboring area last Friday. And I had the opportunity to become companions again with my MTC companion, Elder Hall! ( THAT’S ALSO REALLY COOL! Because THAT NEVER happens) I switched spots and was able to spend the night over there at his place and then had the opportunity to work in his area, WITH HIM, the next day. We had one of the most memorable nights just up all night talking and catching up with each other, cracking old jokes, and telling about each other’s life again. The next day we woke up as usual, worked out, got ready for study, studied, and then began our day of working. It was about 11 o'clock when we headed out and started walking down the street. I was just in the weirdest mood/feeling, a good feeling, seeing that my very first companion was by my side again! We both told each other how weird it was that we were in JAPAN and not the MTC working together. When in the midst of the conversation I felt that I needed to stop us and pray before we began working. So I did so.

I offered up a very specific, fervent, yet humble prayer asking for Heavenly Father's love, and guidance in taking us EXACTLY where to go, what to say and that our spirits would touch the life of this person that he would guide us to. I prayed also for the ability to speak Japanese comfortably. The both of us have never been the BEST at it. I felt scared that we wouldn't understand anyone as we headed out, but after praying, I was calmed and ready.

We hadn't even walked ten feet when the both of us said," that's a cool apartment building." We had both locked eyes on the same one within a matter of seconds. We looked at each other, smiled, and started heading for the apartment to our right! As we started approaching the entrance, we both locked eyes on the same apartment, the one closest to us, and started heading for it without even saying anything to each other yet. We rang the doorbell and waited for a little bit. We waited for the person to come in through the speaker on the doorbell thingy, but no one answered. Then, a woman came outside! (In Japan they never come outside first, they always talk through the intercom).

She rudely looked at us and scoffed, and said,"なにか!" (Na-ni ka) which is basically the equivalent of saying,"what the freak do you want scum!" Or something along those lines.

So what did I do? I gave her the BIGGEST smile I possibly could ever make and told her I'm a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She changed in that instant. She put a little smile on her face too and began asking questions. Long story short, we taught an hour lesson on her doorstep. Elder Hall and I were able to ask her inspired questions and just let her feel the love of God as we spoke. God loosed our tongues and spoke through us! She went from a "what the freak do you want", to a "I can't wait to see you at church!"

Through all the talking we had with her, I know it was someone I was supposed to meet. Everything she had struggles with, were things I've experienced before. She talked about how she used to live in Hashimoto before, and that was my first area in the mission. Through what Elder Hall and I shared with her, we know that we touched her heart. We both walked away almost in tears of joy, astounded at each other for what we had just done! All through Gods help.

My testimony of his work, and the power of prayer has been strengthened so much.

I've had a pretty good week! I hope that you all did too! Don't forget to use the power of prayer in your daily lives. It will bless you…and help my companion, I know that! Also, work and learn to be masters of technology. If you let it be YOUR master, life will not be as good. I promise you that! That's the best way to put it. Be smart, be true, and be real with yourself always!

Love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu peeeppsssss Happy Easter, and enjoy Conference and hearing from our prophet!

Elder Hall!