I
sound like a broken record, I know, but it's really freaking me out how
fast time seems to go. I feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes the
way things are going.
This last Saturday evening we
got an e-mail from a member of the District Presidency who lives in our
branch. He said he was going to need to talk to us the next day during
Dendo Chosei Shukai (Missionary Coordination meeting). "Okay," I
thought, "Probably just something to do with how the missionaries in the
Zone can work better with the members." Then we got another e-mail
which said he'd be interviewing us one by one, I'd be first, and that
he'd gotten some sort of OK from Zinke Kaicho. My thoughts quickly
turned to, "What's going on, eh? This doesn't seem normal." It
certainly didn't stress me out or anything, but it definitely got me to
thinking; yet despite all of the thinking, I could not come up with any
particular reason such an interview would be necessary. Sunday morning
came and we were in DCS discussing our Progress Record and how things
had been going for the week and such. Then in pops the District
Presidency member and motions for me to come. We sat down in the Branch
President's office and had our interview. I don't feel it's all too
necessary to go into the why, but I was extended the calling to be the
second counselor in the Toyooka Branch Presidency. I accepted the
calling, and as such I have various responsibilities pertaining to it.
I was sustained in Sacrament Meeting and in this case I was set apart.
It's not so far fetched for a missionary to serve in
a Branch Presidency, because I know of many cases where they serve as
the Branch President, etc. But never in a million years would I have
thought that I would ever be in such a situation. I'm a missionary, a
Zone Leader, and now the Second Counselor in a Branch Presidency. It's a
really humbling thing, and it's really lead me to realize that the Lord
trusts me. That's a realization that carries with it some weight -
knowing that the Lord trusts me implies that He expects a lot of me.
But I'm also filled with the peace of mind that I have the Lord's help
and that He will prepare a way for me to fulfill the responsibilities He
has given me.
As a side note, Elder Hoshino is now the Elder's
Quorum President. We've both got a bit more on our plates now. But I
have great confidence and a firm belief that it will only be for our
benefit and for the benefit of God's children.
This last Saturday night our branch had the branch
Christmas-kai. It was loads of fun, and there was an excellent turn out
from members' friends and family, and 2 of our investigators in Toyooka
came too. We've been practicing a couple of songs with the Sister
missionaries and a few members over the past few weeks that we sang. It
went well and was a lot of fun. I'll send some pictures if I can.
It's been a full week full of many other happenings
which I wish I had the time to write about. I am so happy and am
finding an incredible and soul filling joy in the service of the Lord.
Thank you so much for all of your love and support. I'm looking for
ward to the call this week.
Love,
Elder Kyle Hutchings
PS. I got the package by the way, thank you so much! Elder Hoshino is way happy about the Snickers.
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Christmas-kai. I'm not going to lie, I think I had more fun here than at most ward Christmas parties.
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| I wore a santa hat at the Christmas party. I also let my buddy Shoya kun (he's a potential investigator) have at things with my camera. He took a lot of really funny pictures. |
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| This is what I see in the train ride to District Meeting Friday mornings. Really pretty sunrises and clouds and stuff. |
