"Respect For The Elderly" Day

From Elder Mumford's latest letter dated 9/22/09:

Dear Everyone,

The past 2 days have been "Respect For The Elderly" day here in Japan. Thus we have been going around respecting the elderly. We talked to quite a few grandma's and grandpa's on the street.

(The Missionaries show respect for this elderly man, as he walks by.)

Things are as usual in Kunitachi. We're finding ourselves out on the streets quite a bit, looking for someone who wants to hear our message. So far, no luck, but we'll keep on trying. It's a bit disappointing not to have many teaching opportunities, but it does give us a chance to be out among the people finding. We do meet a lot of really nice people, but at the moment, none of the people we meet have a desire to ever meet us again.

I'm not sure what more we can be doing to find people to teach, so we're just continuing to try.

(Tracting the Streets of Kunitachi and Tachikawa.)

All day, every day, we are spending quite literally every moment outside of our apartment finding people. Then we come back each night, and call everyone who has ever met the missionaries before, and ask if they want to meet them again.

VIDEO:

Click "PLAY" to view

(The Elders climb every hurdle placed in their way, to try to find someone to teach.)

We're having some trouble getting past the wall of disinterest. The good news is that people recognize us as representatives of Jesus Christ. The bad news is that they do not want to have anything to do with Jesus Christ (and thus nothing to do with his representatives.) We have been told several times in the past week something along the lines of: "You two are really nice people, but I'm not going to listen to you, because there are so many cults and scary religions in Japan. I simply don't want to have anything to do with religion. Goodbye! We're still trying to figure out what to do.

(Elder Mumford is tracting the most "IUAKA" (middle of nowhere) street in his area.)

There was also a large festival in Kunitachi (Similar to the Tachikawa Festival, but thankfully, this time everyone still had pants on.)

VIDEO: Kunitachi Festival Parade

Click "PLAY" to view

We met a nice man from Turkey selling these meat-pita things. We also met a family from Uzbekistan (wherever that is) They didn;t have any interest, but maybe they will call us sometime in the future.

(The Elders have met many interesting people, including this authentic Japanese paper maker.)

We did have one cool experience though: We were walking along, and said "hi" to a crossing guard. He said he knew us, he had received a Book of Mormon and read it all 3 years ago. We asked him what he thought about it and what his name was, but then he got really uncomfortable, and wouldn't talk to us anymore. He said the missionaries made him read it. People are weird sometimes.

Sorry, this turned out to be a depressing letter. I know this church is true. I know there is someone in Kunitachi who is ready to hear it, and any-day now the timing will be right and we will be led to them. We are doing everything we can, and essentially waiting for God to do the rest now.

With hope,

Elder Martin D Mumford

T N

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How I Know What I Know.

From A Letter Dated 9/15/09

Dear Everyone,

Another wonderful week in Kunitachi! It's finally starting to cool down over here. There are still really hot days, but for the most part, it is turning into Fall. In Japan, Fall and Spring are fairly short, it seems like Summer and Winter are pretty long. But maybe that's because I am a missionary and out in the weather all day.

Also, I got your letter about your trip to Hawaii. When we went to the Honbu to pick up Elder Remington, I had a chance to meet Elder Ochiai (Who's sister you met in Hawaii) and even got some picutes of him. I'm sure he will be happy to hear about you meeting Sister Ochiai.

(The Mumford family met Sister Ochiai from Japan, while visiting Hawaii. She was in the Provo MTC the same time that Martin was, only she was learning English. Her little brother is serving as a missionary in the Japan Tokyo Mission.)

As far as your home stay exchange students from Tokyo, you can give them whatever you feel is best. If they don't know you very well, it might be a bit strange to receive a big thick religious book. But if you get to know them, I'm sure it would be fine to explain about our church, simply take them to church activities (especially since they are there to experience American culture, which usually includes religion.) Give them the info where they can find church (and English class) in their own area in Japan. The city where they are from is in our mission.

Just be nice, but not creepy. There are many weird religions in Japan that put a LOT of pressure on people to join, and are kind of scary. Sometimes they use scary methods of keeping people once they join, so many Japanese people have a very negative image of churches.

I'm sure they would be happy to participate in any church acitivies, or Family Home Evening though. And any other materials you want to give them, just pray about it. They'll gladly accept whatever presents you want to give them.

I think that in Japan, many people who would gladly listen to our message don't, simply out of a general distrust of religions. But every so often you meet someone who can get beyond that huge barrier, and actually listen.

Many people have the opinion that it is wrong to claim that you are the only true church. I am told frequently that the way to prevent wars is to admit that every religion in the world is correct, and stop worrying about it. But, unfortunately it really isn't that easy. This is simply a difference gap in our ways of thinking that no testimony has been able to bridge so far.

I know this church is true, not because someone else told me it was true, not because I was raised in it, or was brainwashed or tricked into it. I know that it is 100% true because I received an undeniably clear answer from God himself telling me so. That will sound like a ridiculous thing to say by anyone who has not received the same answer themselves, but it is true. I got an answer. It wasn't my own thoughts, opinions, or feelings, but a separate, much greater influence that I felt. I got a real answer to my question, "Is this true?" and since then I have had MANY answers to many other questions.

Nothing short of God appearing to me and personally apologizing for giving me a wrong answer would change my mind. Yes, that's a rather strange way of putting it, but that's how I feel.

Other people may rationalize and say that it was all in my head, or "wishful thinking" but I will always know that the experiences I had were so much stronger than what I could possibly invent in my head. I know without a doubt that God exists. I know that he has a church: This one, and that following it's teachings will bring more happiness in this life and in the next than can any other activity, religious or otherwise.

I am not operating on blind faith. I can be as open as any other person, listening to people explain their own beliefs and opinions, and trying to understand. I can listen to others criticize this church, tell me it is wrong, and I will listen carefully to find out if they have a legitimate point. I don't believe there is anything that could prove my personal experience wrong, so I have no qualms with listening to people try to do so. So far, I have heard nothing that would give me reason to question why I believe what I believe. Because of this, and because of the many other witnesses I have had in my life, I can say without the slightest doubt or hesitation, that I do know that this church is true. That is simply how I feel about it.

Well, that turned into a rather long-winded speech on why I believe what I believe, so I'll have to tell you some of the more "fun" stories of what is happening in Kunitachi next week.

Have fun everyone!

Love,

Elder Martin D Mumford

Tokyo, Japan

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

Costco In Japan

No letter yet from Martin, So I though I would use this space to share a few pictures of his recent trip to Costco in Japan.

There's nothing like finding a Costco in Japan, to satisfy a missionary's craving for American food.

VIDEO:

Click PLAY to view:

Peanut butter, which is often hard to find in Japan, is found in abundance at Costco.

Elder Bradley wonders how they are going to get all that food home on the crowded trains.

Goodbye My Brazilian Friend.

(Elder Mumford and Elder Stavi meet together one last time at the Tokyo, Japan LDS Temple)

Below is an excerpt from a letter dated September 1st, 2009

Dear Everyone:

Elder Stavi has been transferred.  He will be leaving and going to Ushiku.

VIDEO:

 Click "PLAY" above, to see Elder Stavi (The Japanese missionary from Brazil) proudly singing the Brazilian National anthem while taking down Brazil's flag, in Preparation for the upcoming transfer.  

I will be staying here in Kunitachi with Elder Chase.  He actually came to Japan about the same time as me.  He's from California.

(Elder Stavi was very sad to have to go!)

Well, a lot has happened since last week.  The ward had a huge Summer Festival Party, and many of our former investigators came.  It was lots of fun.  They had traditional Japanese Summer foods: Yakisoba, cotton candy, curry and crepes.  And all of our investigators had a good time.

(This is the Japanese version of a pinata:  Instead of everyone grabbing candy, everyone ends up with a watermelon slice.  This was one of the activities at the ward Summer Party)

I was especially happy that Ooishi-san could come, because she's been extremely busy lately, and hasn't been able to meet with us.  

Recently we've been having a bit of a downturn in visible success.  It's been a few weeks since we've had a lesson, so we are really focusing on trying to find someone, ANYONE who will listen.  Often times people are willing to listen to a brief 1-3 minute testimony/message, but don't want to hear more, or meet after that.

(Elder Stavi and Mumford with 2 of their investigators at the Ward Summer Party.  One of the members had given the Elders Japanese "Jimbei" jackets, so they wore them to the party.)

One person though, we met a few weeks back:  He's Ishiitsuka-san, and it turns out he is WAY interested in history, including religion history.  So we met, he already knew the whole history of the church, and was very skeptical.  He said the Book of Mormon isn't original because all the ideas in it were probably taken from all these other sources.  We talked a lot about world history, and he enjoyed talking to us.  So we gave him a Book of Mormon and tried to explain how you can come to know something is true, without physical proof.  He might try it.  I think we'll be able to meet with him again someday.  He has an extremely proof-evidence-based mind, so if he can learn to get over that, I think we can do it.

We also had a little typhoon yesterday.  Apparently it was going to be really big, and President Albrecht even recommended that everyone stay close to the apartment that day.  But it turned out to be a little bit smaller, and we were far enough inland not to feel the wind.  It just rained a lot.  So we are still just fine, just a little wet.

VIDEO: 

Click "PLAY" to view.

Also,there's this cat that lives in a tree, just outside our apartment window.  Recently he's been missing (which was good for us because it's a very loud cat at night.  (Always howling.)  But now he's back, just in time for transfers.  In Japan, there are a lot of stray cats everywhere! (in Japan they call them "NORA NEKOS")

If possible, can you send Elder Stavi a copy of the "Hymns That Sound Like Movie Themes" CD that you sent to Elder Morris?  He really wants one.

Speaking of CDs, we were cleaning the apartment, and we discovered this CD form the 80's or so.  It's in Japanese and it's a mini-disk (or whatever those tiny CDs were called in the 80's/90's.)  I'll send it home in the next package, and you can see how to listen to it.

Anyways, I love you all!  Things are looking up here in Kunitachi!  

Good luck and have fun!

Elder Martin Mumford,

JJJJJ  AAAAA   PP   P   AA   AA   NNNNN

  JJ     AA  AA   PPPP       A AA     NN  NN

  JJ     AA  AA   PPPP        AA       NN  NN

  JJ     AAAAA   PP   P      AA        NNNNN

The Letter Has Arrived At Last!

Missionaries Just Want To Have Fun Too!

Some playgrounds are just too hard to resist...Even for a missionary.

Here, Elder Mumford enjoys a quick trip down the slide. 

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Now here is Martin's letter that just arrived in the mail, dated August 27th, 2009:

Dear Everyone, 

Sorry I couldn't e-mail much last week.  Just as I was getting started, the librarian came up and told us to stop e-mailing.  This is the third library we've been kicked out of, and I am getting a little tired of it.  Japanese libraries are a little weird too; the reason you can't e-mail is because the sound of typing bothers other people in the library.  Oh well.  I'm just going to give up and snail mail my letters for the rest of my time in Kunitachi.

("Shhhhh..... You are typing too loud.")

Well, recently, it's been very busy here, because every year at this time, there is a HUGE festival in Tachikawa, and tons of little festivals all around.  Part of it is for Obon, and part of it is for Natsu Matsuri.  For example, there was a parade in our neighborhood the other day, with very elaborate, illuminated floats.  it's called Nebuta Festival.  There were lots of other parades in nearby neighborhoods too.

VIDEO: Festival in Yoyogi Park.

Click "PLAY" to view.

But the bigest parade was in Tachikawa.  Everyone was dressed up in (Traditional?) Japanese clothing- the girls in kimonos, and the guys in top-kimonos, but with a speedo on the bottom.  The fun thing is, there are a few dozen of these teams of people who carry a big...shrine-thingy, around the city.  They all have different team uniforms, (but the speedos are the same) and they carry the big decorated shrine on their shoulders, chanting.

Natsu Matsuri parade in Tachikawa.  

(This was the only picture that I could find that was vague enough to appear on this family friendly blog.)

It's very fun to watch, especially since the are all very drunk and sometimes have a hard time steering the shrine.

As with many Japanese festivals, there were of course, rows and rows of little stands selling takoyaki, okonomiyaki, chocolate bananas, yakisoba, and for some reason, fake guns!  They have lots of stands where you can "save a goldfish" out of a little pool.  Later we went to Kokubunji, and they were having similar parades and events there.  Apparently, the summer festivals are everywhere this season.

Also, I wrote a nice letter to all my MTC district, and today I'll send it out to everyone!  It's celebrating our "one year" mark .

(The missionaries place their wagers on who will be staying and who will leaving, once the transfer calls come in.)

Anyways, Elder Stavi is expecting he will be transferred, so this p-day was especially busy.  Right now it's almost time for us to finish p-day and go back out.  So I'll send another letter next week (If I stay) or an e-mail (If I transfer to a new area)  So just keep your fingers crossed until I can get all the new info to you!  Thanks!

(This is what a transfer looks like: All the transferring missionaries carry their bags, including their bike in a bag, and then meet in a central location.  They meet their new companion and then go on their way to their new area.)

Love, Elder Mumford

Tokyo, Japan

p.s. Yes, I have felt a few earthquakes but only a tiny bit.

While We Are Waiting....

Once again, we received a short note from Martin, informing us that e-mail is not possible in his current area, and that he will be sending letters through the mail for now.  

So while we are waiting for the next letter to arrive, here are some fun videos for your viewing pleasure. These were on the last SD camera card, sent home by Elder Mumford.

VIDEO !: Click "PLAY"  below to view:

NATTO:

VIDEO 2: Click "PLAY"  below to view:

Street performer in Tokyo:

VIDEO 3: Click "PLAY"  below to view:

Jazz In Tokyo:

More Funny Engrish Signs!

Many Japanese signs also include an English translation.  However, sometimes the translation is off just enough, that it makes for some humorous imagery.   Here are a few examples of signs, from the camera of Elder Mumford, along with excerpts from a letter from him,  found in our mailbox today:

(Do not let your dog pee and poo...children have lunch and play!)

Dear Everyone...

Sorry for the missing letter!  We went to our normal e-mail place, and to our astonishment, it was closed!  Upon closer inspection, we found out it is going to be closed every Tuesday from now until forever.  We are certain that they somehow found out when our p-day was, and closed the building just to thwart us each week!

Any ways, so now I am writing a good 'ol paper letter, and nothing says to the family "I LOVE YOU" more than a good 'ol fashioned handwritten letter delivered somewhat later than usual.

(Please do it outside!)

Some important news:  Dad will be pleased to know that I am now flossing religiously.  I've never been consistent. but now I'm doing it.  It's part of my FINAL YEAR RESOLUTIONS.  These are as follows:

1. Floss Daily

2. Exercise Daily

3. Finish the Bible (Old and New T.) in English so I can say I've read it.  (I'm in Jeremiah!)

4. Always be happy.  Even if I'm sick or tired.

5. Work hard, try my best, endure to the end.  This year has been fast, and from what I hear, the second year goes much faster.  So I want to use it really well.

6. Start reading the Book of Mormon (English) with foot notes.  I always ignored them before, but I'll give it a try.

(These must be some pretty special sheet protectors!)

I'm half way through my first Summer in Japan.  It's burning hot and humid, but recently, it's been raining so much that it's not so hot.  In Japan, they have these huge flying bugs called "SEMI'S".  One Semi can make an extremely loud noise, so when there's a group of them, you can hear it from quite far away.  The funny thing is that in the Summer, the semi's get so hot, that they fall out of the trees and lie on their backs until they cool down enough to fly away.  It's something that's definitely unique to Japan, and something that I find annoying now, but will probably miss once I get home.

OK, and now for some relevant news: Our investigator, Ooishi-san, who was very close to being baptized, no longer wants to get baptized.  Unfortunately, tithing is very difficult for her, so she feels that she cannot make that commitment right now.  But she still is willing to learn and meet occasionally.  Just keep her in your prayers.  She KNOWS that she needs to be baptized.  You can tell that she feels like it's the right thing to do.  I think it will work out.

(A cafe for snobbish babies?)

I got the pictures in the mail.  I was so happy to see all those incredible pictures of everyone from the reunion and the family party.  I also just barely got the CHEESE you sent.  It's actually not that melted, but we still threw it in the fridge.  We'll have a FEAST!  Elder Stavi made some authentic Brazillian food and served it with bottles of Guarana (popular Brazilian drink)  It was great!

('Not sure what kind of machine this is, but I think the sign is pretty descriptive as to what might happen to you if you touch it!)

Also Mom, Happy "29th" birthday, again! :)    I hope that things at home are as wonderful as they are here.  I miss you all!  

Thanks for Everything!

Love, 

Elder Martin Mumford

T O K Y O

 J A P A N!

Tour Of Shibuya Apartment

Elder Mumford sits at one of the study desks in the Shibuya Apartment. (His previous area)

It is one of the smallest apartments in the mission, and is shared by 4 missionaries.

This is the sleeping area for the 4 missionaries.   (But it also doubles as a closet!)

Study desk and closet all in one!

We received a brief e-mail from Martin, explaining that he will not be able to e-mail for a while, because their e-mail place is closed on their new p-day.  He will be sending news via snail mail until they are able to find a new place to e-mail.

So I thought I would use this space to share some fun videos that Martin took when he was in Shibuya!

Robot:

Video: Click "Play" to view:

Waiting:

Video: Click "Play" to view:

Every Sunday afternoon in Yoyogi park.

Video: Click "Play" to view:

HOT HOT HOT!

(Elder Gerber, Elder Haight, and Elder Mumford try to stay cool by enjoying a fresh watermelon.)

(From an e-mail dated August 3, 2009:)

Dear Everyone,

This is going to be short, sorry.  We are at a different library with more restrictions so I got to hurry.

A few important things;

P-day was changed again, from Monday to Tuesday.  It was kind of suprise because we found out the night before!  So from now on P-day will be on Tuesday...  probably...  maybe.  Just dont be surprised If Im emailing from all kinds of wierd days.

Ooishi-san is getting ready to be baptized.  She is the most prepared person I've ever met.  Its going to be great!

Elder Stavi is way funny, and we are working super hard.  Its extremely hot recently, so the days have been extra tiring, and Im getting rather burnt to a crisp.  (Its ok, I have sunscreen, no need to send me extra :)

One of these days, I'll have to show you a picture of my White-Shirt-tan line.  Its pretty bad.

(Martin's "Killer" Japanese sunscreen)

Well, this transfer marks my 1 year mark on a mission.  Its been a pretty short year in retrospect.  Probably the fastest year of my life so far.  My life seems kinda short in comparison now, because I've only had 20 of those suckers now, and Ive got a good 80 left to go  (Because Im going to be one of those way energetic genki grampas-- in Japan we call them Genki Ojiichan's).

(Elder Mumford and Elder Kowalk with Urshizako-san, their favorite Genki Ojiichan (healthy, energetic, adorable little grandpa)

Anyways, got to go real quick!  As always Ill promise a longer email next time, but ... we'll see!  Sorry!

Thanks everyone, I love all the letters and support and prayers,

Love,

Elder Mumford,

-tokyo, japan.