Visit to a Sumo Stable

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 In our nearly 23 years of living in Japan, we have come to enjoy watching sumo. At first it was a substitute for American football, but eventually we learned to appreciate it on its own merits. Recently we had the unusual opportunity…

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Gas Prices Go Up Again

While many of you are worried about rising gas prices in the US at 3.89 per gallon, gasoline is also rising in Japan. This month gas is running over 170 yen per liter or $6.20 per gallon. Needless to say we monitor our driving carefully.

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Crowded Trains

Thoughts Along the Way© Elaine Mehn for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the desert, Psalm 95:7-8 Japan is known for its crowded commuter trains. I experience this occasionally, but every time seems worse than the memory of the time…

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Crowded Rush Hour

A new meaning to rush hour Several observations from our experience: (We did not take this video, nor ride this train) 1. This is no doubt the morning rush hour 2. This is one of the Seibu commuter lines (we used to live out there) 3. Notice people are trying to get into the first cars, the cars farther back are not as crowded. (Makes us think this is the Ikebukuro line). 4. This is…

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Why Japan? The Case for Missions #3

Japan has wide-reaching influence The lifestyle, customs, entertainment, and technology of Japan continue to exert international influence.  Along with these cultural influences comes the influence of the Japanese on global culture in general accompanied with ethics, morals, values, and worldview.  Japan is also a leader in Asia, home to over 60% of the world’s people.  Key historical persons in Japan who have been Christians have had large influence nationwide, regionally, as well as worldwide.  Japan…

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