Filipino Members of the Church in Japan Gather for Worship and Renewal

DOWNLOAD

Filipino members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled with friends and missionaries for a “Special Worship Sunday Gathering” on January 25, 2026. About 230 people attended in person at the Tokyo Temple Annex in Hiroo, and more than 100 joined online from across Japan. Speakers included Elder Shinjiro Hara, Sister Grace Teh, and Elder Michael John U. Teh.

DOWNLOAD

Elder Hara: “You Have My Shoulder”

Elder Shinjiro Hara opened by recalling his own experience of being alone abroad.  As a young man, he wanted to serve as a missionary.  But when he received his assignment to the Tennessee Nashville Mission, he thought it must surely be a mistake. He wrote to the Missionary Department—and even to the President of the Church. The reply that finally came was clear: “No mistake. Just come to the Missionary Training Center.”

He described moments during his mission when he felt lonely, inadequate, and discouraged. A turning point came while watching Jesus of Nazareth. In a scene where the resurrected Christ invites His disciples to rest their heads on His shoulder, Elder Hara silently pleaded, “I need Your shoulder.” In that moment, he heard a voice speaking clearly in Japanese, “Shinji, you have my shoulder.”

He testified, “Wherever you go, whatever language you speak, His shoulder is always for you, as it was for me.”

DOWNLOAD

Sister Teh: Life Lessons from a Jeepney

Sister Grace Teh shared vivid descriptions of Jeepneys—brightly decorated vehicles that have become a symbol of Filipino life. Originally converted from U.S. military jeeps after World War II, they have evolved into large, powerful vehicles equipped with truck tires, expanded seating, and cargo racks: “monster Jeepneys.”

While working and traveling throughout remote parts of the Philippines, she sometimes relied on these vehicles. She described arriving at a terminal only to wait—and wait—because Jeepneys do not operate on a timetable. They leave only when “full,” and full has a very different meaning for Jeepneys. After every seat was taken, additional benches were slid into the aisle. Passengers stood on bumpers or hung from the roof. Goods—produce, boxes, bags, even furniture—were strapped onto the sides and front. Then the roof was loaded with even more items, and more passengers climbed on top of the cargo. Only then was the Jeepney “ready” to depart.

She compared this to our own journeys of discipleship. Like Jeepneys, our lives become filled with responsibilities, burdens, and unexpected “cargo.” To carry those loads, we must strengthen ourselves spiritually and consistently seek God’s help.

She testified that Heavenly Father has given us abundant tools:

• prophets and inspired leaders
• scriptures
• the Gift of the Holy Ghost
• places where we can gather and feel peace
• resources that teach the restored gospel
• and clear guidance on how to become true sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

Above all, she said, Heavenly Father has given us the Savior, Jesus Christ, who enables us to endure, adapt, and press forward.

DOWNLOAD

Elder Teh: When “Good Enough” Is Not Enough

Elder Michael John U. Teh provided an overview of the Church in the Philippines and Asia North Areas.  He then spoke about the “Filipino Diaspora” and noted the significant contributions of Filipinos all over the world in commerce and industry, in communities, and in the Church.

Elder Teh noted that more than 332,000 Filipinos live in Japan. In a foreign country, “It is so easy to hide,” he said. Expressing sincere gratitude and respect for faithful members of the Church in Japan, he encouraged and counseled:

“You persevered, and that to me is a testament of the faith that you have in Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Don’t be shy to let people know who you are and what you believe in…. The Lord allowed you to come here…. You are here not only for work or for whatever reasons you came here for.  You are also here to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have responsibility to bloom where the Lord plants us and, just like full-time missionaries, we are to make or leave the area better than when we found it. There is something that you can do in whatever ward you belong to, even though you don’t speak the language.”

He shared a quote he loves from President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“It is not enough to be good. We must be good for something. We must contribute good in the world. The world must be a better place because we are in it.”

He then spoke about the Filipino phrase “Puede Na” (Good Enough), a quality that often reflects Filipino creativity, resilience, and ability to make things work. He shared humorous examples—a simple boat upgraded from an outrigger canoe and proudly named “Puede Na,” a makeshift basketball court in the middle of nowhere, and an old fan kept alive with string and duct tape.

But he gently cautioned that sometimes, “Hindi Puede ang Puede Na!” (Good Enough is Not Enough!)

“The ‘Puede Na’ mentality is not good when applied to our pursuit of discipleship. We cannot put our discipleship to chance. We have to be very deliberate…. No matter how busy we are, we always need to find time for our personal worship and devotional.”

He closed with his testimony:
“I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and it is through him that salvation and eternal life will come.”