Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of a baby but not just any baby. This was the Son of God being born in a lowly stable. Because He was willing to humble Himself, He lived a perfect life and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Christmas in Japan is a mixture of attention given to the surface and ignoring the truth of the depth beneath. The stores are filled with decorations and Christmas songs which include hymns such as Silent Night and What Child is This. Shopping areas are decorated with Christmas lights and draw hundreds if not thousands to see the “illumination”. In the midst of all this “Christmas” the real reason for celebration is completely missed. The fact that December 25 is a work day as any other is a perfect reflection of what Christmas means to our neighbors and friends.
When Japanese were asked what Christmas meant, the answers ranged from Santa’s birthday to a time for partying with friends. Although few Japanese know the true meaning of Christmas, at this time of year they are very interested in listening or taking tracts or CD’s. It will take a work of God to touch the hearts of the Japanese but God is a miracle worker so we can be encouraged.
Please join us in praying that God’s Kingdom will come for many Japanese this Christmas season. Pray not only for those in Japan but for Japanese living around the world. This is the best time to witness for Christ so please pray for boldness shared in love for each of us and receptive hearts for those with whom we are sharing.
We are leaving soon. We take off from Japan December 16th for a six month “US Tour ’09” of visiting our church partners. This Home Assignment will have us busy with church visits, family and study. Before we run out the door, there are many pressing things to accomplish besides packing and getting the house ready. Please pray that we will get everything done before we leave. Also join us in praying for the churches we will be visiting over the next 6 1/2 months. Pray that God may grant his peace and rest to our home in the midst of all these preparations. Also may God grant us the insights and passion that are needed when we visit US churches.
1. Dec. 1 was Elaine’s Christmas Tea for all of the ladies in her classes. She had 16 ladies, 2 preschoolers, the speaker and herself. Pray that God would use what the speaker shared to draw these ladies to Christ.
2. Dec. 5 we are having the ladies from Elaine’s English Bible class plus a couple over for a turkey dinner. Please pray for opportunities to share the truth of Christmas with these 5 people. Read the rest of this entry »
We are often asked what a typical day is for us. Well, we are still out searching for one. But sometimes we have very untypical days. John was recently on a 4 day trip to 4 locations, 3 cities, 3 prefectures, 1421.7 km (883.4 miles) mainly by bullet train, 2 interviews, a sermon on forgiveness, sermon training for lay people, an ad hoc mission Executive Committee mtg., the Rengo Mission Liaison committee meeting, the Rengo annual meeting, and a presentation to the Rengo Annual Meeting. Everything God blessed but John is still recovering. Then there’s Elaine’s days too.
This year our November brought our yearly ministry planning for the mission and a fun time of celebrating Thanksgiving together. This year it was earlier than the traditional US date (but later than Canadian Thanksgiving Day). We are so thankful to have our new missionary, Lori Harms with us. Also the Asian Director, David Jahnke and his wife Carol were also able to celebrate with us. We are looking for more people to join our Japan Field Team.
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 »
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.
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 undoubtably an express train most likely a commuter express.
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 must be evangelized to use this global and regional influence.
The great Japanese post-war economic experiment has failed, which is leading to untold disintegration in every area of society.Suicide rates in Japan, affecting even school age children, young adults and the elderly, are the highest in the world.The divorce rate has climbed rapidly in the last several years.Many marriages do not last their first year! Abortions continue to run over twice the rate of the US.Reported abuse of many kinds including bullying is on the rise.Japan struggles with alcoholism.Japan is known for the unique psychological disorder, Hikikomori which is known essentially only in Japan affecting over 1.2 million people.This disorder is a tremendous social fear forcing people to truly shut themselves off from society for over 6 months at a time. These social realities coupled with the largest aging society on the planet means these issues will only be compounded in the future.Normally people are not drawn to pity the Japanese but these facts reveal that compassion is what they need for an “ideal society” that has failed.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of a baby but not just any baby. This was the Son of God being born in a lowly stable. Because He was willing to humble Himself, He lived a perfect life and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
