Rikuto I.,

16, Japan

Image

young man

Photograph by Sayaka Okubo

My name is Rikuto, and I’m from Matsudo City, Japan.

During a family home evening activity, I used the Family Tree app to learn who my ancestors were and what their lives were like. I was surprised to learn that one of my ancestors had been a cavalryman who had guarded a Japanese emperor who lived long ago.

I love to play soccer, but because I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I didn’t want to play on Sundays. It was hard for me to tell my coach that I wouldn’t be able to practice on Sunday, but when I explained that I attend church, he still let me join the team.

Since I missed Sunday practices, my teammates wouldn’t always trust my skill level. I prayed that I would be focused and play well during practice, since I didn’t have as much practice time as the rest of the team. When the final tournament came around, I was invited to participate in the game. I know God helped me to achieve that goal.