Hey all! Week 40

So I don't have much time today to write a super awesome email, but will share my highlight of the week! I've written some the night before to make sure it's all here!

So as I've shared before, I've been called to be second counselor in the presidency here in Shingu. For some reason, I guess because I'm a missionary, I thought that the situation would be different. Meaning I I thought I would just automatically be given the title because one is needed, and would just continue on with the work. But it is treated just like any other call to the presidency. One of the Sakai Stake counselors came (with one of his high council men), interviewed me, sustained me during sacrament meeting, and set me apart and gave me a blessing along with the authority and keys to be the second counselor of the Shingu Branch.

Our interview was good, but hard due to the Japanese. I passed so it's all that matters haha. It was a wonderful sacrament meeting! In fact, it was just good to see the both of them again. I had met President "Tail Cape" and Brother "West Swamp" before. Brother West Swamp is from the Hashimoto Branch, which was my first area in the mission. It was so awesome to see him again and to actually be able to TALK to him unlike last time as my Japanese level was in the dumps then. It brought back some memories that are well cherished. 

The best part was the actual setting apart of the calling. President Tail Cape is an awesome man whom is very wise. He spoke a little bit about the calling, and the priesthood before hand. Not a whole lot due to time, but enough to overflow the room with the spirit. It was strong. We then proceeded with the setting apart. I listened attentively so I could understand and really think about what was being said. It obviously was in Japanese haha. It was my companion, the first counselor, Brother West Swamp and President Tail Cape performing the ordinance. An awesome blessing was given to me. It was very concise, powerful, and clear blessing me to have the ability to help lead and guide the branch and to meet the needs of the members, etc. After the blessing ended, I stood up and gave everyone a big hug and thanked them, but looked at a President Tail Cape and saw his eyes filled with tears. I asked him why he was crying! He put his arm around me and looked at me with a look of awe for some reason and turned to the others and said, "this man is powerful brethren." He cried some more. "Out every person I've ever layed my hands upon to set apart, I've never felt so much power coming from anyone. This is the strongest experience I've had. You truly have the power of God within you. You are an amazing person. What a great blessing Shingu has to have you here!"

I looked at him and I too began crying. For the kindness and love shown to me. With all this being said, I'm happy to be here in the calling and place I'm in. I don't share this to show off how great I am or any of that. I am nothing! I am far from being perfect in anything I do. But I try every day. That's what makes the difference. We all make mistakes. But the Lord is never upset with anyone who is really trying. He accepts it and helps them keep going. I've really learned to know who Jesus Christ is, and why we must follow him here in this life. My mission has taught me many things, but so far I believe the most important thing is that simply of Jesus Christ, the son of God. He is the only way! We can't do anything without him. Following Him sets the light, and the example and gives us the ability to have that power and spirit so that others can feel and can grow from it.  I know that He is the Christ, the son of the living God. I've written a poem during some of the time on my mission. Not all at once, but here and there every now and then. I challenge all to follow what is written in it. Or in other words to follow and become like Jesus Christ! Our lives will become filled with more blessings beyond compare when we do so. I call it, "The Way of the Master." 

Love you all! Until next week. Enjoy!

Elder Preciado 

The Way of the Master

"What's this life worth? What do I get?"

A young man once thought.

His wise father had said,

"Why, It's something that can't be bought."

"Then where do I go! What do I do!

I've worked so hard to find it!"

The young man had not a clue.

Feeling impatient, He threw a fit.

"I work night and day,

and I make the right choices."

"But this piercing uncertainty,

is but an eternal rush hour,

full of commotion, chaos, and noises."

The young man was sorrowful.

For he was trapped in confusion.

His kind and loving father answered,

to put it to conclusion.

"My son, my son!

Be of good cheer!"

"I have the answer,

if you're willing to hear."

"What I will say,

may dampen your day."

"So put your pride away,

and be not dismayed."

"It's the life of a Man, 

whom I think you know well."

"Listen with your heart,

and see if it doesn't ring a bell."

"He was pure and holy.

He does what is right.

Why, He is the Master!

Full of love, truth, and light."

"For God so loved the world,

He gave His only Begotten Son,

Promising that if we would follow Him

The battle would be won."

"So long as we do,

and if we strive to be,

we can find rest in His kingdom,

with glory of the highest degree."

"To have faith and believe

on His holy name,

will give hope and power.

Nothing close to shame."

"Having hope in the Lord,

and trusting in Him,

will surely make life brighter,

rather than dim."

"To love freely and purely,

and be filled with charity,

will sing a sweet song,

with words of serenity." 

To be virtuous in thought,

in deed, and in action,

will leave no room

for any distraction."

"To know Gods word,

as clear as an image,

will make you stronger than ever.

For knowledge is the advantage."

"Being humble and grateful,

knowing you're not the best,

and following with your heart,

will give you an 'A' to the test."

"To be patient and long suffering,

in times of distress and woe,

will surely make those times,

quickly come and go."

"When diligent and hard working,

and enduring to the end,

with pierced hands outstretched,

He Is happy to lend."

"To follow and obey,

what thou has been told.

By the One up above,

thou wilt be cherished as gold."

"When we follow this path,

our life won't be a disaster.

My son, It is the only way,

for it is the way of the Master."

- Jacob Preciado

Selfie with a deer!

(He didn't say what this was )