We try to keep you updated on timely important issues for prayer. But sometimes it is not obvious what we should pray for missionary ministries. Of course we should pray for their health, growth in love for Christ, wisdom and energy in all their ministries, their marriages and families, and for good relationships with nationals.
Japan is relatively open to religious work by missionaries and the growth of the church. The doors are open for more ministry due to openness. From a recent research into global restrictions on religion, Japan was found to be one of the lowest countries with restriction on religion according to research conducted by the Pew Research Center. (http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1443/global-restrictions-on-religion) . In fact, Japan was lower in government restrictions and social hostilities than even the US and one of the few countries with in the Asia-Pacific region. There remain social pressures in Japan but this information should spur many of us to be more engaged in Japan while these conditions continue.
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.
Thank you so much for praying for last month’s CPI National Conference. A participant said, “The CPI National Conference at Fuji Hakone last week was truly a big blessing. It brought spiritual renewal, vision, fellowship, ministry training, among other things, to the participants” In spite of the economy and other factors about 300 adults and 85 children gathered this year to enlarge their Kingdom Vision for church multiplication and experience Gospel Renewal. Read the rest of this entry »
This appeared in our mailbox this week. It is a flyer promoting the release o the movie “The Rebirth of Buddha.” On this page the girl says, “I want to know the truth.” to which the man responds “I will tell you the truth, and you will repent …”
There is a clear appeal to children by using animation (anime). This film which started its run on 10/17 was produced with the help of the Nepal embassy and a Buddhist association for the education of children. This is Japan a land of pluralism.
But Also coming to a Theater new you
Though this particular film is not yet released in the US (to my belief), Japanese popular culture through anime, video games, graphic novels (manga) has had a steady influence worldwide from the 50s and has really connected with current generations (our son is a great student of Japanese pop culture). Films from ten years ago like the Matrix were strong conveyers of Japanese popular due to the influence on the writer/directors. Most children in the US grew up on the steady diet of Japanese worldview of spirits, powers, and magic. However, few notice the subtleties of this world view opposed to the Christian worldview.
Here in Japan many Christians are trying to capitalize on the interest in Japan art driven culture. The Manga Bible has been very popular and is out in many languages.
Just released a new YouTube video to encourage prayer support for the CPI Conference Nov 3-6. This 1 minute 50 second video is designed to shown in churches. Please help us mobilize God’s people to pray for this important Japan National Conference by passing this along to whoever you can think about.
For public showings if you want a higher resolution file you can download
Please promote prayer for the CPI Conference! Just released a new YouTube video to encourage prayer support for the CPI Conference Nov 3-6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osumz4o9QR8&feature=email This 1 minute 50 second video is designed to shown in churches. Please help us mobilize God’s people to pray for this important Japan National Conference by passing this along to whoever you can think about. For public showings if you want a higher resolution file you can download at http://www.dhdentertainment.com/video/Mehn_Video_Prayer_CPI_2009.mp4
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
I grew up in north-eastern Iowa in a small town where my parents had a large garden which included some grape vines. I was never known for my love of gardening but being a part of the family meant picking Read the rest of this entry »
Develop direct partnerships with Japanese churches to help expand God’s Kingdom in Japan and beyond.
EXAMPLE: Just a few months ago a church sent a team from Kent, WA to cooperate in helping one of our Japanese church plants with outreach. There are talks of them returning. Maybe your church can partner with a Japanese church.
Come with a team or by yourself to carry on short-term ministry among Japanese.
EXAMPLE: In a few weeks, a team from one of our partnering churches in Saint Louis will be sending a team of 4 to help us put on the CPI Conference. We could not put on the conference without them and we need this kind of help on a regular basis.
EXAMPLE: In December a team from northern Chicago will be coming for just a few days but we are having a Christmas Dinner Party outreach to our contacts in Bible studies and their spouses.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
”As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
The other day I was at the grocery store and saw a little girl throwing a temper tantrum. We probably all have seen a young child in the candy aisle crying and screaming as the mother walks away. I even have been that parent. What struck me about this occurrence was that she was not begging Read the rest of this entry »
Earlier this year while we were on Home Assignment in the US, I made a quick trip to Japan on business for a few weeks. Two days after I left Chicago the International Olympic Committee was visiting Chicago so the airport and everything was spruced up. A few days after I returned from Japan they were to visit Tokyo. And in a similar fashion they had the city decked out.
Later this week the IOC will make a decision on which city will host the 2016 summer Olympic games. You know, I love Chicago, which is really my hometown. I think it is one of most beautiful cities in the world. But I have lived in Tokyo for nearly 24 years, so I have grown to love it as well. I am a bit torn which city should have the Olympic Games, I am proud of both of them.
Probably we will still be in Tokyo in 2016 so we could see the games here, in our front yard. But maybe if it is in Chicago they will add another star to the Chicago flag. Frankly I think they will go with Rio de Janerio. At least it would be easier on me (or Madrid too).
