Aloha Kahalu’u Ward!
Our nephew is a football player for The Fighting Irish Notre Dame College. When he decided to take a 2 year break from football to go and serve a mission, the coaches and teammates tried to put pressure on him to stay and play. He said that if he only decided today to go on a mission, the pressure would be hard. But because he set this goal all his life, the decision to go was made a long time ago.
Last week, we took our son into the MTC for his mission. After our family bid him farewell, he told us “I’ll see you guys in 2!” and turned and walked away. He never looked back at us. Behind him was a very long hallway that led to where all new incoming missionaries go. He never looked back. We knew he was ready. His decision to go on his mission was decided a long time ago.
Youth, decide today to stay on this covenant path. Don’t let anything distract you. Live it everyday!!
“O youth of the noble birthright,
Carry on, carry on, carry on!”
Much love for our ward,
Brother Joseph Fano
1st Counselor, Kahalu'u Ward
Kaneohe Stake Conference
Oct 26, Sunday 10:00-Noon - Stake Conference Link:
Announcements
Missionary Meals: October Calendar needs attention please. Elder Bowman & Elder Mitami need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.
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Oct 26, Saturday 7-8:30 pm - Stake Conference (Evening Session) @ Keolu Hills Chapel
Oct 27, Sunday 10 am - Stake Conference @ Keolu Hills Chapel
Oct 31, Thursday 6:30 pm - No Youth Night @ Waikalua Chapel
Nov 3, Sunday 2 pm - Sacrament Meeting @ Waikalua Chapel
Nov 7, Thursday 6:30 pm Youth Night @ Waikalua Chapel
Nov, 7, Thursday 6:30 pm - Primary Activities @ Waikalua Chapel
Missionary Corner
Here's a story of my spiritual experience this week:
We went to visit an inactive member. When we got there, an old lady opened the door very slowly. Even though it looked like she knew missionaries, she seemed very nervous and looked like she was going to close the door on us. Since I had to look cool on the exchange with my young missionary, I grabbed the door to stop it from closing and asked her "wait, we just want to know if you're ok" she stopped to think for a bit and answered us honestly "To be honest, I haven't been ok" So we continued to talk to her at her doorstep, she agreeded to help Elder Schellenberg practice Japanese a bit, and then we left with a prayer and an invite to come to church.
On our way out while we were getting on our bikes, she came out to tell us "I was feeling really lonely earlier today, but your visit really raised my spirit" and she waved us goodbye until she couldn't see us anymore (classic Japanese thing to do). She actually came to church this past Sunday for the first time in years!!! It was district conference, so she met with all of her old friends from our and other branches. The room was loud and her voice is kind of small, so when she saw someone she knew and wanted to get their attention, it was hard to hear her. I was there to help her get peoples attention so she could talk to them. She seemed super happy at church.
When I reflected on that day, I realized how many thoughts that just seemed random to me, or just my own thoughts, happened to be from the spirit and inspiring me to do good. I felt so much joy knowing that we were instruments in the hands of the lord. I used to be a pretty big overthinker, but now I've been slowly adopting the mindset of "If it's good or inspires you to do good, do it because it's from God." I understand that there's many more spiritual promptings that I may never recognize, but the ones I do recognize, I try my best to express gratitude in prayer. As I'm nearing the end of my mission, I try to find more things to be grateful for. I'm seeing that the more gratitude I express in prayer, the more miracles I recognize, and the more joy I feel. That's the end of my long spiritual thought.
Love, Elder Tano
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