GospelRest

Even though Japan is an advanced and prosperous nation there are the hidden human costs of progress.  The image of Japan, and one that the Japanese would love to project, is that this is a society with everything put together right.  One area that has been growing since the 1980’s is the number of people who are working but are just above the poverty line.  An article with a good example can be found in a Yahoo News article http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081026/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_working_poor_1/print;_ylt=Av.GTib1YUH7w5dh9iDkbzj9xg8F

One good friend of mine is a social worker in one large ward of Tokyo.  He has told me on and off over the last 20 years that the growing numbers of people on the financial ropes has been growing.  This is causing social and political problems.

Amazed by the expected and surprised by the unexpected. That describes our last 2 ½ year adventure. We returned to Japan, packed our belongings and moved to the other side of Tokyo.

In a 6 month period, we sold our condo in the States, bought a house, moved into it, moved back to Japan, and moved to the other side of Tokyo. We said good-bye to our kids who stayed behind in the U.S., said good-bye to our Japanese friends and neighbors of 15 years, moved to a new neighborhood, and had it rain for the first week. No wonder Elaine began to wonder what we had done and why.

This whole adventure started just before our last Home Assignment. We were discussing what we would do when we returned to Japan. It was one of those moments when the words come out of my mouth before the thought is in your head. Elaine said, “Why don’t we move to Machida.” John who hates change said, “Yes, why don’t we?” We looked at each other and thought what has just happened. It was God leading us to pack up and move so we moved! Following God is not always easy or comfortable but it is always the best.

Tokyo is still the largest city in the world and our new neighborhood still speaks Japanese but what an amazing difference. The community welcomed us not just to live among them but to live with them. Elaine started cooking and craft classes as an outreach ministry. Her one Read the rest of this entry »

INTENSIVE PRAYER TEAM - Electronic Updates and Items for Intensive Prayer

1.      Thanks for your prayers for John’s mother who still is recovering in a rehab facility.  They suspect another fracture or disc problem.  Pray for wisdom into her condition and healing.  Continue to pray that she maybe able to go home this month and also really celebrate her birthday.

2.      Thank God that our schedule for Home Assignment next Jan to June 09 is nearly filled in.  Pray that God would prepare our hearts and minds for these visits with our partners in ministry.

3.      Ask God to send his Holy Spirit for a special Thanksgiving meal for some couples we have contacted for evangelism.

4.      PTL! Elaine’s trip to Toyohashi was incredibly productive.  They laid plans to meet while Elaine is gone!

5.      John’s research has just entered the final phase (update below).  Pray for sensitivity and divine insight as he meets to interview many leaders of reproducing churches this month.  Already the interviews have been proving to be extremely valuable.

6.      Ask God for his wisdom as John leads 5 people from the Hamamatsu church in a very short preaching for lay people training, this month and next.

7.      As always John is in some key meetings this month with various leaders.  JEMA 11/5, Japan Mission 11/6, CPI 11/18, Rengo 11/24-25.  Ask God for energy, insight, teachable spirit, faith and boldness.

8.      As John picked up ice skating again last month, pray for contacts for evangelism among other skaters.

Thoughts Along the Way©

Elaine Mehn

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

Over our 22 years in Japan we have had a number of visitors. Some have come for just a meal and some have stayed overnight(s). Of this latter group some have slept in comfortable beds, some on the floor Japanese style and a few on couches or other less Read the rest of this entry »

The BGC Japan Mission needs one or two children’s workers to provide a children’s’ ministry program for 6 missionary children ages 8-18 during our annual Field Council April 6-9, 2009.  Those coming allow the field staff to conduct their annual Field Council without having to worry about also caring for their children.  Come and enjoy Mount Fuji and the rest of Japan.  For more information contact Mary Lou Ellison at MLTellison@aol.com.

We are looking for two young men (married couple ok too) to make contacts and do evangelism among Japanese college students (and high school) in Tokyo for one month from late May 2009 (date flexible).  A consortium of churches will pay living expenses and providing housing.  Applicants will have to arrange airfare to Tokyo (Narita) and health insurance.  This is a great opportunity for students on summer break or for those taking a “ministry vacation.” Interested send a comment or click contact and let us know who you are.

Sorry that the Intensive Prayer Memo will be abbreviated this month.  We are working to get our mailing system up maybe last week.  There are still issues from moving our website to a new server.  Thanks for your prayers!

1.      Continue to ask God for healing, wisdom, strength and courage for John’s mom as she is recovering in a rehab facility.

2.      Pray that God would give Elaine creativity, strength, and love as she leads her various classes with women.

3.      Thank God that Mr. H and his wife have seen a Christian video.  Pray they would be more open to Christ’s gospel.

4.      Ask God for sensitivity and boldness in our various mentoring and coaching situations.

5.      Pray for preparations for Home Assignment in a few months.  We have 4-5 Sundays left on our schedule to book.

6.      Ask God to grant the Mission Women’s Retreat (10/17-18) true heart refreshment and encouragement.

7.      John preaches at Hamamatsu 10/19.

8.      Ask God for wisdom as we wind down for Home Assignment regarding evangelism with contacts developed in Machida over the last two years.

9.      Elaine heads to Toyohashi for the next LeadNet meeting 10/30.

10.  Pray for wisdom, strength, and clarity of thought for John’s research and writing on reproducing churches in Japan.

Thanks to so many for their prayers, encouragements, and cooperation by sending information on leaders of reproducing churches.  To date we have gathered information on over 50 churches in Japan reproducing several times.  These churches are from all over the country, urban and rural, a mix of house, cell and standard church models, they are from a variety of denominations and independent churches.  More information on the research can be found at http://www.gospelrest.com/research/.

It has been an extremely interesting year in that Major League Baseball officially started the season HERE in Tokyo in March.  Now my two Chicago teams THERE have won their division, the White Sox and the Cubs.  (Also my favorite Japanese team, the Seibu Lions, won their division too).  The White Sox and Cubs have not both won their divisions since 1906.

Jay Leno said the world may end if the Cubs win.  He has a different theology than me.

NOTE: John watched some baseball on TV this summer but has not been able to watch a game since. Zannen (too bad!)

Thoughts Along the Way©

Elaine Mehn

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

Almost two years ago, we had the large tree in our front yard cut down because it was causing problems with the electric wires and was keeping any sun from getting to the front of the house. The stump that was left is about 2 feet tall and hidden behind a bush so you can’t even see it.

Read the rest of this entry »