Thank You Carrollton Texas, 2nd Ward!

From Martin's letter dated 9/8/09:

Dear Everyone,

This has been a bit of an exciting week, with 2 transfers in 1 week. Elder Chase was here for two days, and then we received a phone call saying there needed to be an emergency transfer, and so Elder Chase went to Koiwa with Elder Tangren, while I ended up staying here in Kunitachi with Elder Remington from Ontario,California. We are having lots of fun together, working hard, and often times getting lost.

We've had quite a few interesting experiences already, and have walked quite a bit (Elder Remington doesn't yet have a bike.)

We met some really interesting people... a 70 year old man who was writing a book on the purpose of life; a young college student who was born in Chile, raised in Japan , and went to school in Europe and England; and a raving lunatic who hates our church. All very interesting people. All in all, it was an exhausting and very fun week.

(The Elders met this cool guy. He was cross country biking from one tip of Japan to the other. (Kyushu to Hokkaido) in one week. They happened to meet him as he stopped in Tachikawa.)

Also, a package arrived yesterday in the mail. I was so surprised! It was full of gifts form the Carrollton, TX 2nd Ward! So THANK YOU everyone for your HUGE contribution. It made my day... and probably my whole year. I especially liked the "Chews The Right" gum, for being witty, and the toothpaste (just because American toothpaste is a rare and precious commodity here in Japan.)

Also, thanks family for all the great pictures you sent. It's so good to see everyone (and the cats) I probably mentioned it before, but we also have a cat here. He lives in the tree outside our apartment and makes a lot of noise!

(Preach my gospel unto every creature)

Not too much has really happened since last week, we're simply trying to find someone to teach now. There really must be a better way to talk to people here. We stopped more than 65 people on the street yesterday, and 62 of them walked away as soon as they heard the word "missionary." 3 listened to a brief introduction about who we are and what we believe, but did not want to meet again.

So at this point we are just pressing on as best as we can, and praying for SOMEONE to teach. There are thousands and thousands of people in our area. There absolutely must be at least ONE person who is ready.

(Isn't there anyone who will listen to our message?)

Perhaps for now, just keep us in your prayers, that we will be able to keep going, and find renewed strength and energy. I really want Elder Remington to have a good experience in Kunitachi. No matter what though, we won't give up.

'Love you all. I hope everyone has a great week.

-Elder Mumford

TOKYO, JAPAN