In my newsletter from this last month, I requested prayer God to bless the opportunities that Christmas brings to share its true meaning and joy with people. Goodness- has God been answering these prayers! In my classes yesterday and today I witnessed wonderful things!
In my 5th grade class, we opened the doors on an advent calendar, revelaing a picture and a corresponding verse from the Bible. I taught the students how to find the verse, and we read it in both English and Japanese. One student, Daiki, who often comes early and reads the Japanese Manga Bible, could not put the Christmas story down- he was just devouring it! He came to the church's kids event last weekend too- and was captivated throughout the pastor's message.
In a private lesson this morning with a middle-aged woman, we got to talking about Christmas and what she liked about it. She said it was a time of joy and happiness, but that the "heart" of Christmas in Japan and America are different. This lead into a conversation about hope- and the gift of love and forgiveness through the Christ child. She said for Japanese people, New Years is a time of hope too- they even have parties, called Bonenkais, in which they seek to forget the bad from the past year, and hope for or look forward to the good. They do this by consuming large amounts of alcohol! (One university student told me he has five bonenkais this year to attend!) My student then spoke about hope for the future- how she, every year, has many hopes that she, by her own power and strength, sets out to accomplish. At the end of the year, every year, though, she always feels disappointed in her inability to accomplish or change things. This lead into a conversation about the source of hope- in Japan at New Years, people put their hope in themselves and their own abilities. In the church at Christmas, we put our hope outside of ourselves because we know we fail- but there is one, God, who doesn't. Instead he comes to our aid, serving us and saving us from sin and our hopelessness.
And then, walking home from worship last night with my friend Yuko, we had a wonderful conversation about Christmas, and the difference between its meaning to Japanese people and to westerners/christians. I sent her, earlier this week, the page number of the Christmas story so she could read it in her new Bible. She was so excited to read it for the first time! She expressed how much she was looking forward to her first christmas attending church. Somehow this led to the the topic of other important celebrations in the church- and I got to tell her about Easter for the first time too! And, she said again, "I can't wait to celebrate Easter in Church this next year for the first time too!"
OK- one more story. Last week I had a long conversation with a grandmother whose daughter wanted to study English but couldn't because of her young son. (In Japan, babysitters are almost unheard of.) As a high school and college student both, I worked part time at early childhood centers, and loved it! So, in talking with this woman, an idea sprouted- creating a class for mothers and their young children- an English play group of sorts. Research has shown the value of early exposure in langauge ability and development, and so many of these moms are itching to get out of the house and interact with other people. It's all just been in the idea stage this last week- but God seems to be taking the lead and the phones have suddenly been ringing off the hook with people who are interested in just such a class. Though its the last week of class for the semester- observers just keep walking in the doors, wanting to join the English school! Today a woman called wanting to join the English Bible study. What a reminder- we may be gearing up for vacation, but God's sure not!
Especially at this time of year, it can feel difficult being away from family. But I am so thankful that though I can't be with my own family, God is blessing the ministry here and has given me many brothers and sisters in Christ with whom I can celebrate His gift in Christ and the ways He is working here and now among us in the hearts of people.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Motions
I had such an interesting experience today. One of the two kindergartens where I teach has no Christian teachers there, though it is a "Lutheran Kindergarten". The kindergartens were started by the churches in the area a number of years ago, but in recent years at this kindergarten, the need for staffing has led to hiring people who aren't Christian, and after a while, because there are so few Christians, the staff is now completely non-christian. The kindergarten is still connected to a church in the area, maybe a 20 minute drive away, by a man who serves as a sort of lay minister/Chaplin of the kindergarten. Every week when I teach there I attend the morning chapel with the kids, led by this older Japanese Christian gentleman. He leads the children in prayers, gives a message, and singing with the help of the teachers.
Today this man was absent, and tomorrow is the kindergarten's big Christmas family event. I watched today as these teachers led a rehearsal of the next day's worship with the children. None of them are Christian, not the teachers, not the students, and not the parents or families coming. So why are they having worship? Externally everything looked right- the acolyte bowed in all the right places, the standing and sitting, the sermonizing; they even practiced taking the offering. And, true to tradition and in fulfillment of western-Christianity stereotypes, they ended in candlelight, singing "Silent Night". But my heart was just heavy as I watched people go through the outward actions of something that has so much meaning for me. But what I witnessed instead was worship coming not from a thankful, believing heart, but rather following a prescribed pattern carried out for the sake of duty and tradition. Duty and tradition are not bad in and of themselves, but when it comes to worship, I believe without faith they are meaningless to those involved. The absence of God's presence was acute in that place.
The religion of Japan, being a blend of Shinto and Buddhism, is something that is followed by many in as far as prescriptions, rituals, and requirements, but if you ask a Japanese person whether or not they actually believe it, many will say "no" while others will stare at you blankly wondering what that has to do with anything. Religion often then is something that is culturally ingrained, rather than something that contains a genuine faith to which a person subscribes. So it's not so much of a stretch to see how, from their perspective, it is entirely possible to go through the motions of Christian worship without entering into worship.
I know I've asked before, but please pray for this site and these teachers- and also for the Christian leadership of these kindergartens, that they would discern God's leading in their ministry and bear fruit.
Today this man was absent, and tomorrow is the kindergarten's big Christmas family event. I watched today as these teachers led a rehearsal of the next day's worship with the children. None of them are Christian, not the teachers, not the students, and not the parents or families coming. So why are they having worship? Externally everything looked right- the acolyte bowed in all the right places, the standing and sitting, the sermonizing; they even practiced taking the offering. And, true to tradition and in fulfillment of western-Christianity stereotypes, they ended in candlelight, singing "Silent Night". But my heart was just heavy as I watched people go through the outward actions of something that has so much meaning for me. But what I witnessed instead was worship coming not from a thankful, believing heart, but rather following a prescribed pattern carried out for the sake of duty and tradition. Duty and tradition are not bad in and of themselves, but when it comes to worship, I believe without faith they are meaningless to those involved. The absence of God's presence was acute in that place.
The religion of Japan, being a blend of Shinto and Buddhism, is something that is followed by many in as far as prescriptions, rituals, and requirements, but if you ask a Japanese person whether or not they actually believe it, many will say "no" while others will stare at you blankly wondering what that has to do with anything. Religion often then is something that is culturally ingrained, rather than something that contains a genuine faith to which a person subscribes. So it's not so much of a stretch to see how, from their perspective, it is entirely possible to go through the motions of Christian worship without entering into worship.
I know I've asked before, but please pray for this site and these teachers- and also for the Christian leadership of these kindergartens, that they would discern God's leading in their ministry and bear fruit.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
In the Last 5 Days
Friday I met a friend whose really seeking for dinner, and she came for the first time to worship with us in the evening. I continue to be amazed as I watch the way the pastor I serve with can take a Biblical text and find meaning in it that speaks specifically to the needs of an individual. Wow- I hope to learn a lot from this man- in whatever time it is that I have to learn from him. I gave this friend a Bible too- though not the translation she'd been talking about getting (she wants a Bilingual one), we have copies of the NT in Japanese that she was thrilled to receive, and, eyes wide upon receiving it, she told me she would treasure it! She stayed long after worship ended, enjoying community too.
Saturday we met with a group of students and Nomura Sensei and went caroling to church members and students homes. I can't even explain what a joy it was to bring the joy of Christmas to people through music- right into their homes. It's such a personal and intentional way of sharing the joy of Christ's birth with people. Going to the church members homes, though it seems small, was a wonderful opportunity to bring those two groups together, in a spirit of joy and hospitality.
On Sunday I was reminded of the importance of doing ministry with others, and the places and things we can do together with others that we couldn't do alone. This is true not only in terms of quantity and quality, but also in the kinds of relationships we are able to have with people and in enabling one another to live above reproach. We helped a friend in performing a new piece of music, then proceeded to dinner and karaoke. At dinner, my friend who I gave the Bible to was there, and when asked if she was Christian, she proceeded to tell the other woman at the table, "Not yet," and then went into the whole story of how she became interested in Christianity and found the church, etc. I of course, saw it as her sharing the story of how God was drawing her to himself, but she's just not quite there to see it as that yet. Praying she will soon...
Monday there was a one-day seminar at the church. Many people came from surrounding churches, and even a few students who aren't christian came. I was quite surprised to see many of the teachers from both mine and Haidees' kindergartens who aren't christian in attendance. The topic was, from what I gathered from others, about different aspects of your life (faith, physical, mental, emotional) and the source of our value- that is, from God. We are valuable not because of what we can do or even what we are, but rather because of whose we are! We are Gods'; we belong to Him, He made us, and paid a steep price in redeeming us! As God and His love are unchangeable and unshakable, so our value, derived from His disposition toward us, is also unchangeable and unshakable! What a thing to find comfort and hope in!
And today, Tuesday, I got to talking to another foreigner who also teaches English at the University. Somehow in our conversation we got onto the subject of church. He said that in England he'd attended the Church of England, but here, he thought all there were were Catholic churches, which he tried attending, but it didn't quite feel right- he didn't feel people were really meaning what they were saying and doing. (I'm not writing here to support or discredit his perspective, merely regurgitating what he said.) He seemed really excited to learn that there was a Lutheran church in the area, and said he wanted to come and see what it was like. What was perhaps the most interesting thing in this whole conversation, was that he said that when he hadn't felt anything in the Catholic churches, he decided to instead go to the local famous shrine. He said that there he felt something, "spiritual" (my word based on his impression), which is a really interesting observation! There is something spiritual there- a presence- but it is not of God! It's amazing that he recognizes it there. and so along with praying for him and that he comes to church, I'm also praying that God will help him to discern between the different kinds of spiritual presences he's sensing- and that he'll choose to dwell in the presence of God's light rather than the darkness on places like Hakusan shrine.
Jaa... it's so helpful to record these things and to remember them. In the midst of all this, yesterday for a time, I was struggling again serious self-doubt as to the value and effectiveness of my ministry here. Those thoughts are obviously not coming from God! And while God continues to assure me of His calling me here and the value He sees (in contrast to the world), I am still so thankful that God gives us tangible things to see and point back to- and, if I can exercise my "Lutheran" lingo here- tangible, our baptism points us to who we are and whose we are, the Lord's Supper points us to what He's done for us and assures us of our forgiveness, and having the privilege now and again to see how God is working and using us assures us that He hears and is answering our prayers- to be used by Him and bring glory to Him in proclaiming the one true hope and love to those He seeks to draw to Himself!
Saturday we met with a group of students and Nomura Sensei and went caroling to church members and students homes. I can't even explain what a joy it was to bring the joy of Christmas to people through music- right into their homes. It's such a personal and intentional way of sharing the joy of Christ's birth with people. Going to the church members homes, though it seems small, was a wonderful opportunity to bring those two groups together, in a spirit of joy and hospitality.
On Sunday I was reminded of the importance of doing ministry with others, and the places and things we can do together with others that we couldn't do alone. This is true not only in terms of quantity and quality, but also in the kinds of relationships we are able to have with people and in enabling one another to live above reproach. We helped a friend in performing a new piece of music, then proceeded to dinner and karaoke. At dinner, my friend who I gave the Bible to was there, and when asked if she was Christian, she proceeded to tell the other woman at the table, "Not yet," and then went into the whole story of how she became interested in Christianity and found the church, etc. I of course, saw it as her sharing the story of how God was drawing her to himself, but she's just not quite there to see it as that yet. Praying she will soon...
Monday there was a one-day seminar at the church. Many people came from surrounding churches, and even a few students who aren't christian came. I was quite surprised to see many of the teachers from both mine and Haidees' kindergartens who aren't christian in attendance. The topic was, from what I gathered from others, about different aspects of your life (faith, physical, mental, emotional) and the source of our value- that is, from God. We are valuable not because of what we can do or even what we are, but rather because of whose we are! We are Gods'; we belong to Him, He made us, and paid a steep price in redeeming us! As God and His love are unchangeable and unshakable, so our value, derived from His disposition toward us, is also unchangeable and unshakable! What a thing to find comfort and hope in!
And today, Tuesday, I got to talking to another foreigner who also teaches English at the University. Somehow in our conversation we got onto the subject of church. He said that in England he'd attended the Church of England, but here, he thought all there were were Catholic churches, which he tried attending, but it didn't quite feel right- he didn't feel people were really meaning what they were saying and doing. (I'm not writing here to support or discredit his perspective, merely regurgitating what he said.) He seemed really excited to learn that there was a Lutheran church in the area, and said he wanted to come and see what it was like. What was perhaps the most interesting thing in this whole conversation, was that he said that when he hadn't felt anything in the Catholic churches, he decided to instead go to the local famous shrine. He said that there he felt something, "spiritual" (my word based on his impression), which is a really interesting observation! There is something spiritual there- a presence- but it is not of God! It's amazing that he recognizes it there. and so along with praying for him and that he comes to church, I'm also praying that God will help him to discern between the different kinds of spiritual presences he's sensing- and that he'll choose to dwell in the presence of God's light rather than the darkness on places like Hakusan shrine.
Jaa... it's so helpful to record these things and to remember them. In the midst of all this, yesterday for a time, I was struggling again serious self-doubt as to the value and effectiveness of my ministry here. Those thoughts are obviously not coming from God! And while God continues to assure me of His calling me here and the value He sees (in contrast to the world), I am still so thankful that God gives us tangible things to see and point back to- and, if I can exercise my "Lutheran" lingo here- tangible, our baptism points us to who we are and whose we are, the Lord's Supper points us to what He's done for us and assures us of our forgiveness, and having the privilege now and again to see how God is working and using us assures us that He hears and is answering our prayers- to be used by Him and bring glory to Him in proclaiming the one true hope and love to those He seeks to draw to Himself!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A little back blogged
So I'm a little back blogged as of late- but that is not to say things have not been happening, it seems to be quite the opposite. So I'll do my best to give a brief summary.
The last week of October was fall retreat for the VYM program in Tokyo. I along with another missionary and friend, Jenae, had the opportunity to plan and coordinate the retreat in conjunction with the director and assistant director who worked on the business side of things. The theme was "In His Hands" and we spent a lot of time worshiping, praying, and learning together in community over the course of the week. We even got away to a retreat center for the weekend near Mt. Fuji which we had great weather for and spectacular fall colors!
Then we jumped right back into classes and ministry in Niigata. I had the opportunity to attend the once a year, customary children's blessing that the churches have in coincidence with the custom of the native religion here. The churches offer it to families in lu of the pagan blessing, but for many non-christian families, I think it becomes in addition to. The blessing was held at the supporting church of the kindergarten I work at on Wednesdays in Sanjo (around 50 miles south of Niigata City). It was another good chance to connect with the families of the school and to meet the church members for the first time. In the past, the church in Sanjo has had a VYM missionary and English school as well, but it closed about two years ago to the sudden surprise and angst of the church members and there are still a lot of hurt feelings. Rather than go into all the nitty-gritty details of conflict that we know every church experiences in some way, I'll just ask for prayer for this church and the members there and the outreach of the kindergarten to the children and their families. 
The last week of October was fall retreat for the VYM program in Tokyo. I along with another missionary and friend, Jenae, had the opportunity to plan and coordinate the retreat in conjunction with the director and assistant director who worked on the business side of things. The theme was "In His Hands" and we spent a lot of time worshiping, praying, and learning together in community over the course of the week. We even got away to a retreat center for the weekend near Mt. Fuji which we had great weather for and spectacular fall colors! Then we jumped right back into classes and ministry in Niigata. I had the opportunity to attend the once a year, customary children's blessing that the churches have in coincidence with the custom of the native religion here. The churches offer it to families in lu of the pagan blessing, but for many non-christian families, I think it becomes in addition to. The blessing was held at the supporting church of the kindergarten I work at on Wednesdays in Sanjo (around 50 miles south of Niigata City). It was another good chance to connect with the families of the school and to meet the church members for the first time. In the past, the church in Sanjo has had a VYM missionary and English school as well, but it closed about two years ago to the sudden surprise and angst of the church members and there are still a lot of hurt feelings. Rather than go into all the nitty-gritty details of conflict that we know every church experiences in some way, I'll just ask for prayer for this church and the members there and the outreach of the kindergarten to the children and their families. The next weekend was coffee house, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving we had a pie tasting event to which 30 people attended and polished off most of the 10 pies that had been prepared! I even made a chocolate pudding pie with a graham cracker crust- the graham crackers I made from scratch because, well, this is Japan and they're not so readily available. It was delicious! I had no idea you could actually make graham crackers- and they were so much better than what comes from the box!!! The second part of the coffee house was in preparation for advent- we decorated! It was wonderful to see such an intergenerational event (kids as young as 5, Jr. High-college students, young adults, middle agers, and retirees) where everyone worked together and people that normally wouldn't interact with certain people or age-groups thrown into it and loving it all! By far the best part of the coffee house was the after time- when the stragglers were just hanging out, talking, listening to a student play his guitar, eating pie straight from the pan armed with forks! The people who stuck around are the ones who have needs for relationships and interests at varying levels in Christianity. Yuko was there, the woman with whom I've been emailing back and forth youtube links to worship music, and Bible verses that she reads along with her prayers every night that she started doing after last month's coffee house. A student of Haidees, the guitar player, has a growing interest in the Gospel and has been attending regularly the Friday evening worship times, Saturday English Bible class, Thursdays Christmas choir, and volunteering with Haidee and Nomura Sensei (our pastor) playing music at nursing homes. He's really gotten into playing worship music for Friday's worship and at the nursing homes, and at coffee house, when we were all sitting around, it was him who insisted that people couldn't go until they'd sung "Who and I" and seen the following youtube link, which you, the reader, should definitely watch! http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=FVJqRLU3J0I At the end of the night, Yuko and another young woman who, because of life circumstances is really seeking God, both are planning to attend for the first time the Friday evening worship- tonight! I'm so thankful for these girls and the place to which God has brought them and the openness with which I can share with them about the gospel and their eagerness to hear!
The next day was Sunday, and the church hosted an organ concert that was just packed! There were around 100 people there! Pretty amazing for a church that usually has about 25-30 for weekly worship. The church targeted families with small children especially by offering part of the concert with familiar music to the kids, and then providing child care for the second half. It maybe doesn't sound or seem so extraordinary in our culture, but here, most concert fliers will say things like, "no children under 6" or "no children!". The church, in doing this, was able to send a different message to their community about the value and place of children! Many of our students came to, which was really good as well!
That speeds us up to this week! I'm working on getting a newsletter out soon- and will be posting another entry here again soon to! I hope and pray that you are well, wherever you find yourself, and if not well, then that you are finding comfort and joy in the knowledge that you are "In His Hands"!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Last Saturday's Coffee House
This week has flown by way too fast, but I can't let another day slip away without sharing about the amazing ways God is moving here- most recently seen at our once-monthly free English coffee house.
A woman came who is a huge switchfoot fan and has traveled to the US three times to see them play. It was because of her interest in their music that she became interested in Christianity and looked Nozomi Lutheran Church up on the internet and came to the Bible class a few weeks back. The theme was 'patience' and afterward, we got to talking about life, and I asked her if she was married and she said no, but that she wanted to be and really wanted to be a mother- but that she hadn't met the right person. So- being the nosy person you know me to be- I asked her if she'd dated much in the past, and she said yes, and her eyes began to well with tears as she told me it still hurts- that she can still remember one man in particular really well. So I started to tell her about God's love, and how we can take to him our hurts, our brokenness, and I referred to the song we'd used that night- everlasting God- and told her she could pray- that God could bring her hope- that he made her, that he knows her, and that he sees her hurt and wants to bring her healing- that he loved her and sent his son who gave his life for her- she was crying even more- and told me that from that night- she'd pray every night before bed. At first I thought she said she prays every night before bed- but she clarified that "from tonight" she will begin to pray every night before bed!!!!!!!
And there was a woman her age who is a church member, also not married, who was telling her all about where in Niigata she could get a good Bible that she'd be able to read and understand. This church member's faith has just been coming alive too- and God keeps putting her in places where he uses her in amazing ways!
There also was a man who came, Canadian, who teaches English in the area. He told Nomura Sensei at the beginning that he grew up in the catholic church, but that he's not christian. For the coffee house Haidee taught a song- "Everlasting God"- and we broke up into groups to talk about it. He was in my group and sat back with his arms crossed and asked me sceptically if these
Japanese people would even be able to grasp the concepts in the song. I said we'd try!
We talked a bit about it, then sang it- at the end, he said to me- "Wow- that's a great song! I love the guitar. The catholic church uses the organ and I hate the organ." He stayed around for worship after coffee house, and although he didn't want to sing, I gave him the words so he could read along if he wanted. After worship, he said that he feels like he should find a church, and he'd like to come here! Would you just look at the way God melted the ice around his heart!!!!
God's opening doors, bringing people, and touching them with His love through His word and the christian community here. It is such a blessing to watch and be a part of. I thank you for your prayers and ask you to continue to pray for Japan, especially for the people God is bringing as they are, having expressed interest in Christianity, in a vulnerable place in their new interest/faith. It is my hope and prayer that God would use you where you are to proclaim the gospel to those living in darkness, and I pray God would give you eyes to see and celebrate the ways He's moving and working! Blessings friends!
A woman came who is a huge switchfoot fan and has traveled to the US three times to see them play. It was because of her interest in their music that she became interested in Christianity and looked Nozomi Lutheran Church up on the internet and came to the Bible class a few weeks back. The theme was 'patience' and afterward, we got to talking about life, and I asked her if she was married and she said no, but that she wanted to be and really wanted to be a mother- but that she hadn't met the right person. So- being the nosy person you know me to be- I asked her if she'd dated much in the past, and she said yes, and her eyes began to well with tears as she told me it still hurts- that she can still remember one man in particular really well. So I started to tell her about God's love, and how we can take to him our hurts, our brokenness, and I referred to the song we'd used that night- everlasting God- and told her she could pray- that God could bring her hope- that he made her, that he knows her, and that he sees her hurt and wants to bring her healing- that he loved her and sent his son who gave his life for her- she was crying even more- and told me that from that night- she'd pray every night before bed. At first I thought she said she prays every night before bed- but she clarified that "from tonight" she will begin to pray every night before bed!!!!!!!
And there was a woman her age who is a church member, also not married, who was telling her all about where in Niigata she could get a good Bible that she'd be able to read and understand. This church member's faith has just been coming alive too- and God keeps putting her in places where he uses her in amazing ways!
There also was a man who came, Canadian, who teaches English in the area. He told Nomura Sensei at the beginning that he grew up in the catholic church, but that he's not christian. For the coffee house Haidee taught a song- "Everlasting God"- and we broke up into groups to talk about it. He was in my group and sat back with his arms crossed and asked me sceptically if these
Japanese people would even be able to grasp the concepts in the song. I said we'd try!
We talked a bit about it, then sang it- at the end, he said to me- "Wow- that's a great song! I love the guitar. The catholic church uses the organ and I hate the organ." He stayed around for worship after coffee house, and although he didn't want to sing, I gave him the words so he could read along if he wanted. After worship, he said that he feels like he should find a church, and he'd like to come here! Would you just look at the way God melted the ice around his heart!!!!
God's opening doors, bringing people, and touching them with His love through His word and the christian community here. It is such a blessing to watch and be a part of. I thank you for your prayers and ask you to continue to pray for Japan, especially for the people God is bringing as they are, having expressed interest in Christianity, in a vulnerable place in their new interest/faith. It is my hope and prayer that God would use you where you are to proclaim the gospel to those living in darkness, and I pray God would give you eyes to see and celebrate the ways He's moving and working! Blessings friends!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I can't stop praising God for this day!
I just had the most incredible day! Incredible! Amazing! Did I mention incredible?!?!?! After staying up waaaaaaaay later than I should have, I prayed before bed that as God multiplied loaves and fish, that He'd multiply my hours of sleep! I also prayed that I'd wake up before my alarm and that it wouldn't be difficult to get up. So this morning I woke up 7 minutes before my alarm was set to go off, and was able just to lay in bed and peacefully enjoy a cool breeze and take a moment to collect myself. Then I got ready and when I normally do my devotions, Haidee appeared with her computer and we started listening to worship music and talking about the crazy good things God does both in the Bible and in our lives! I actually left the house early, and caught the train which ended up being slowly filled by a hiking club- each stop brought more on the train- it was really funny- they were all so cute in their hats with their towels around their necks and their walking sticks (hiking is a quite serious endeavor here : ) ). I was much less prepared than usual to teach, but I really just wanted to pray and read this story of a missionary's work in China rather than worry about the day. When I got to the kindergarten, the kids were on a field trip, pulling sweet potatoes. So I didn't have to teach those classes today and instead got to go and dig in the dirt with 30 kindergartners! It was a good chance to connect with student parents as well. At lunch the kids were trying really hard to use every English word with me that they knew, and then they started singing, alternating between "ABC" and "Jesus Loves Me" in both English and Japanese. So we talked about Jesus and how much He loved them over lunch! Then, my women's class went well and one of my student's daughters who just turned a year and is normally afraid of the strange-looking foreigner, not only did she let me play with her, but I had her laughing her with the funniest, deep-belly laugh I've ever heard out of a child that young! In my private lesson with my student, Aiko, God opened the door for an amazing conversation about Christianity! She asked if I ever felt homesick, and I replied that while I do miss my family at times, I find that family love with my church family here. She really seemed to want to talk about the church. She recounted the time she travelled to Italy, and how at first she felt very uncomfortable because of all the big churches and christian things, but after 3 days she felt really comfortable and at peace. She was also privileged to see Davinci's "Last Supper" with 3 other people, in a room that is normally packed. She said it made it much more personal, like she was face to face almost with Christ, and her heart throbbed and ached. She wept. Although she couldn't understand it fully, she sensed the power and importance of what that painting conveyed. God had opened the door for me to share about that night, how Jesus was later betrayed and crucified. She said she'd seen paintings of that too- and this opened up dialogue further. Somehow we got to talking about Jesus' power from God, and how he used it not to exercise over people and bring about his own prosperity in conquering nations and such, but He used His power in love- to heal people, to give sight to the blind, to make the lame walk, and when I told her of how He raised the dead, her eyes got wide! And then it all came back full swing- when I shared that it's this same love that I have in Christ and experience with my church family! God is really stirring in this young woman's heart, and I am so thankful that He brought her to study English with me, and that He would choose to use me in such a way! My kids classes after that were such a joy, and then, as if all of the above wasn't enough, on my train ride home, a familiar-looking young woman sat down across from me. She asked if I spoke Japanese, and I responded that I spoke a little. Then, she began conversing with me in great English. She told me she'd seen me that morning at the train station, and that she'd wanted to talk to me, but that she was in a hurry and didn't have time. That's why she looked familiar to me! And then she expressed her excitement at seeing me again this evening, taking the same train back as her to Niigata Station. She said she was here for business and actually splits her time between Niigata and a prefecture north of here, half and half, but that she doesn't have any friends here. We of course exchanged contact information and I told her I'd be happy to be her friend. She then leaned over and asked about what I was reading, which happened to be the story of the missionary in China whose work was in the walled city with drug addicts and dealers, prostitutes, and gamblers. I shared with her how this woman gave up everything she had to share God's love with these people and about how through God's power and love people were healed of drug addictions, people's lives were turned around, and people and families found healing, joy and hope. The name of the book is "Chasing the Dragon" and I explained to her how that is slang for using opium/heroin. I connected the word "chasing" with drug addictions, and how addicts are always looking for their next fix. She responded by saying that the title had a double meaning- that the people were chasing the dragon while the missionary was chasing it too- not to use it, but to free people from it! Her response convinced me that what I'd said had definitely been understood! We parted ways, but I'm praying for her and looking forward to meeting with her soon. On my walk home I prayed for both her, Wakako, and Aiko, for God to continue to open their hearts and create faith, and that He'd use me and give me the right words at the right time. When I got home, Haidee was here (which is unusual, I normally don't see her Wednesdays) and so, after a day like that, what else could I do but worship! Poor Haidee was in a hurry to get back to church when I got home, but she gladly gave in to my request, and even though she's gone now to church, I'm still here and haven't been able to stop singing and listening to worship music.
Do you think I'm crazy? I kinda do right now! I have no logical explanation for any of this- but that's exactly what faith is! So I'm thankful, filled with Joy, and all the more convinced that this is what it is that God created me to do! I'm so excited for tomorrow!
Do you think I'm crazy? I kinda do right now! I have no logical explanation for any of this- but that's exactly what faith is! So I'm thankful, filled with Joy, and all the more convinced that this is what it is that God created me to do! I'm so excited for tomorrow!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Japan's New Prime Minister
In the news this last week, a new prime minister was chosen and assumed office. His name is Taro Aso and he is a catholic! This fact astounds me considering less than 1% of the population in the whole country is christian. In the research I have done on Japan, and I shared with some of you through my presentation or conversations this last summer, having a christian in the seat of national leadership in this country that likens itself to conformity was a prayer and desire of the first missionaries that came to this country back in 1549. The influence of the government on the people in this day in age is somewhat different, but I still do believe this to be an event of some potential and significance for those laboring here and for those in other places of the world who are praying for our efforts! Aso assumes office at a time of political instability after his predecessor, Yasou Fukuda, abruptly resigned after serving only a year in office. From a class I taught on Friday, I gathered from the students that there is a growing climate of distrust of the government throughout the country. Many people feel change is needed; that since WWII the countries power and politics have been centralized, mainly in Tokyo, and that that power needs to be distributed throughout Japan so that people in their areas have more say in what happens to them directly. I'm not sure as to which issues this would effect most, but the struggle and desire for a new structure reminded me of in the states, how we have both a state and national government. Anyway, there are many people who are waiting and watching; some of them are waiting for this man to fail, other just simply don't know. It is a tremendous opportunity on a national scale for the people of Japan to see a different side of Christianity and is a great avenue through which God can work wonders! Please join me in praying for this man- for his service in this position of power, for his influence on the people, for the way in which he models and testifies to his christian faith, and for all of the ways God can and wants to work through him.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Praying for the Kindergartens
Today I met for the first time a private lesson student who came to observe my women's class in Sanjo. There didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary about meeting this young woman, but upon reflecting back on my day, I found myself thanking God for her- and the people like her who I've met since I came here; people who are genuine, honest, who have really struggles and pains and aren't afraid to be real about them. It's something I can connect with and a place I can begin to pray for her. I spend so much time at these kindergartens, in Kamo and Sanjo, even though I don't live there and am only there one day a week. At both places I have all this time in the middle where I can't do anything- no work, no studying, nothing- except play and enjoy the company of the children and teachers. I've struggled with this a bit at times, not because I don't love kids and playing and the teachers, but because I feel so pressed for time in other areas of my life- places I want to be doing ministry. But as I've been praying about it and continuing to spend time in these places, I am begining to wonder if the time isn't just play time (that I am getting a lot of enjoyment out of, but feel guilty for when there's so much else to be done), but if there are, in fact, ways and places where God is opening the doors to connect the children of these kindergartens with the local churches- and if I can be a part of that! I teach and regularly interact with around 70 children a week- that's 70 families that can be touched , are waiting to be touched, by the love of Christ!!! So for now, I'm praying. From my experience (which sadly, isn't such a long resume) I have seen that the best ministry opportunities are doors that God's opened, opportunities He's brought to us. So rather than write out and propose a 12 step program to integrate the families from the kindergarten into the church- I'm opting to go the less defined route, by praying- and am inviting people to join me. More and more recently, I have been running into and having the opportunity to chat with these parents myself, getting to know them and enjoying working with their children- I even have a parent of a kindergarten boy who has joined my women's afternoon class with whom I have regular contact! I don't know what any of these things will lead to- how or if God can and if He will use them, but I'm praying, and in eyes of faith and trust, I am looking forward to seeing Him move! There's nothing like watching God change the hearts and lives of people! I pray you are experiencing that joy where you are as well!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Open House- Open Hearts!
Yikes! I can't say enough it seems... I've been meaning to write a blog entry for some time- to share all that is happening, but then something else happens, and then something else!!! Today was amazing! Haidee and I hosted an open house for our students from the English school and for the church members to get together and see the new place we live. There was so much prep to do- I must have cleaned and finished unpacking for close to seven hours yesterday, and Haidee stayed up half the night Friday making brownies, breads, and cookies, but it was all so much more than worth it in the end! We had so many people here- we couldn't all fit in our large living room and people had to go to other parts of the house to find a place to be! But in the midst of all the closeness, of all the baked goods and sembe (rice crackers), of a house full of people of all ages and walks of life- God did something amazing! People, formerly strangers, connected, relationships bloomed. Church members connected with students who aren't christian (yet) and the way people gravitated towards each other in conversation can only be credited to God; I mean right down to who was talking to who, and where! And who else was sitting close by to over hear and connect too! Many of my former students from Shirone came and it was so wonderful to see them again and although they are farther away physically, I felt so blessed that the relationships don't have to end- but that it may actually, through having to be more intentional and interacting outside of a classroom context, provide a easier and more fruitful place to share of Christ love! One student who has expressed interest in commuting to study with me or one of the other teachers at Nozomi sat next to a student in the class she wants to observe next Tuesday. Well, the women really really hit it off, and I think it's a great fit and a wonderful place for her to fit in and I am praying for the seeds that have yet to be planted in this guarded woman's heart.
I feel too as though things with my social calendar are really going to start filling up soon! A young Japanese woman I'd met once or twice before came after I emailed her on her cell phone an invitation. She has such a kind and gentle heart, but she is really hurting and lonely. We really hit it off and I was surprised to learn how close she live and works to me! And although she's not a christian yet, she was open enough to pray with us and sing during a worship time we had at the end of the open house. She has had contact with other Christians before, and it is those seeds planted before to which I attribute this openness. It reminds me of the passage in 1 Corinthians where Paul is adjuring the Christians to be careful in how they build upon the foundation laid by another- that each man ought to be careful how he builds. We never really know what place or stage in the working of the miracle of faith in a person's life in which God calls us to enter, but in love and faithfulness and according to His leading we tender and care for what is there in the hopes of what is to come! So please pray for Ms. K.
I also met another girl who has no connection with the church itself, but she has a friend who is connected. She heard from this friend about the open house and decided to come with her- and then ended up staying 2 hours after her friend left!!! We had such a good conversation- she told me of her time in the US two years ago when she was an exchange student in Delaware. She told me of how much she missed the states and we reminisced together for a while, and then she really opened up and shared what a difficult time it has been for her readjusting to the Japanese school system and culture. She said her favorite thing in school in the states was writing essays! This was a strange thing to hear- and would not have been my first guess- but upon further conversation, I deduced that it was because it was an entirely different and new way of thinking. In Japanese schools, students copy what the teacher writes on the board and memorize it. I attribute this ingrained technique of learning to the Kanji system of writing in which there is no other way to learn the thousands of characters needed to function as an adult other than memorization. But in the US, she had to formulate an opinion and support it in her essays! She said at first it was so strange because she didn't have one- she didn't care! Whatever everyone else was thinking was fine with her (also very Japanese). But now that this other way of thinking and existing (no school uniforms, no cram school after a full day of school, no nightmarish tests that determine the future of the rest of your life!!!) she is really struggling. I was so happy to meet her and connect with her and I am really praying about the things God may do and the ways He may work in this relationship!
In another corner of the room was a church member, a single woman, who before was living in the drudgery of daily life, who is almost suddenly realizing her gifts and potential ways she can be used in ministry. She has just been coming alive! She met and talked with an English school student who is in her 30s and single like her- and they found out they work across the street from each other- and now they are planning lunch dates! It was such a blessing to see this blossoming Christian woman connecting with a woman who is hurting and has many walls up- but God is using Kyoko to penetrate them!!! There are so many other examples.... that I know of- and so many more things that happened that were unseen!!! Yikes- God's not just raining blessings- He's pouring them down!
One last story- so cool- although I was mostly an observer to it all- it is such a testimony to how the body of Christ works together, functions together, to bring people to faith in Him- and parts of it He just plain does all by himself. There are two Jr. High girls; one is a student of the English school, the other is her friend. The two had been coming together to the free English events, like coffee house, and around April or May found themselves back in Cindy's apartment after one such coffee house. Atsushi was there, a good friend and recently baptized Christian, and he was sharing, in Japanese, all about his new faith with these two girls. While it was clear at the time that they enjoyed themselves, there was no other outward sign that anything was happening. They continued to attend English events, and they both attended our open house today. It was here, today, that Cindy was having a conversation with them and they kept saying things like, "now that we believe..." and Cindy thought at first she'd misheard, but when it kept happening, she clarified, "in God? Jesus?" they answered, "Yes!" and shared the story of how they'd thought a lot about what Atsushi had said, and they'd picked up some paper with a christian message on it. When they decided they believed after reading this paper, they began to pray about things in their life that came up- and God kept answering them!!! They were amazed!!! They began to become more and more convinced in their new faith- this was just two weeks ago! Their faith is so new and they haven't even talked to a pastor or been baptized or even to a church service!!! They just love Jesus and are hungry to know and experience more of what life can be like living in freedom, loving and trusting in the one true God! Praise God!
So much more to tell- but it'll have to wait for another post or I'm going to fall asleep at my computer! Thanks for all your prayers- they are a big part of what is happening here too!
I feel too as though things with my social calendar are really going to start filling up soon! A young Japanese woman I'd met once or twice before came after I emailed her on her cell phone an invitation. She has such a kind and gentle heart, but she is really hurting and lonely. We really hit it off and I was surprised to learn how close she live and works to me! And although she's not a christian yet, she was open enough to pray with us and sing during a worship time we had at the end of the open house. She has had contact with other Christians before, and it is those seeds planted before to which I attribute this openness. It reminds me of the passage in 1 Corinthians where Paul is adjuring the Christians to be careful in how they build upon the foundation laid by another- that each man ought to be careful how he builds. We never really know what place or stage in the working of the miracle of faith in a person's life in which God calls us to enter, but in love and faithfulness and according to His leading we tender and care for what is there in the hopes of what is to come! So please pray for Ms. K.
I also met another girl who has no connection with the church itself, but she has a friend who is connected. She heard from this friend about the open house and decided to come with her- and then ended up staying 2 hours after her friend left!!! We had such a good conversation- she told me of her time in the US two years ago when she was an exchange student in Delaware. She told me of how much she missed the states and we reminisced together for a while, and then she really opened up and shared what a difficult time it has been for her readjusting to the Japanese school system and culture. She said her favorite thing in school in the states was writing essays! This was a strange thing to hear- and would not have been my first guess- but upon further conversation, I deduced that it was because it was an entirely different and new way of thinking. In Japanese schools, students copy what the teacher writes on the board and memorize it. I attribute this ingrained technique of learning to the Kanji system of writing in which there is no other way to learn the thousands of characters needed to function as an adult other than memorization. But in the US, she had to formulate an opinion and support it in her essays! She said at first it was so strange because she didn't have one- she didn't care! Whatever everyone else was thinking was fine with her (also very Japanese). But now that this other way of thinking and existing (no school uniforms, no cram school after a full day of school, no nightmarish tests that determine the future of the rest of your life!!!) she is really struggling. I was so happy to meet her and connect with her and I am really praying about the things God may do and the ways He may work in this relationship!
In another corner of the room was a church member, a single woman, who before was living in the drudgery of daily life, who is almost suddenly realizing her gifts and potential ways she can be used in ministry. She has just been coming alive! She met and talked with an English school student who is in her 30s and single like her- and they found out they work across the street from each other- and now they are planning lunch dates! It was such a blessing to see this blossoming Christian woman connecting with a woman who is hurting and has many walls up- but God is using Kyoko to penetrate them!!! There are so many other examples.... that I know of- and so many more things that happened that were unseen!!! Yikes- God's not just raining blessings- He's pouring them down!
One last story- so cool- although I was mostly an observer to it all- it is such a testimony to how the body of Christ works together, functions together, to bring people to faith in Him- and parts of it He just plain does all by himself. There are two Jr. High girls; one is a student of the English school, the other is her friend. The two had been coming together to the free English events, like coffee house, and around April or May found themselves back in Cindy's apartment after one such coffee house. Atsushi was there, a good friend and recently baptized Christian, and he was sharing, in Japanese, all about his new faith with these two girls. While it was clear at the time that they enjoyed themselves, there was no other outward sign that anything was happening. They continued to attend English events, and they both attended our open house today. It was here, today, that Cindy was having a conversation with them and they kept saying things like, "now that we believe..." and Cindy thought at first she'd misheard, but when it kept happening, she clarified, "in God? Jesus?" they answered, "Yes!" and shared the story of how they'd thought a lot about what Atsushi had said, and they'd picked up some paper with a christian message on it. When they decided they believed after reading this paper, they began to pray about things in their life that came up- and God kept answering them!!! They were amazed!!! They began to become more and more convinced in their new faith- this was just two weeks ago! Their faith is so new and they haven't even talked to a pastor or been baptized or even to a church service!!! They just love Jesus and are hungry to know and experience more of what life can be like living in freedom, loving and trusting in the one true God! Praise God!
So much more to tell- but it'll have to wait for another post or I'm going to fall asleep at my computer! Thanks for all your prayers- they are a big part of what is happening here too!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Beginning Again
This past week was the first week of the new semester- "new" being the key word. I live in a new house, in a new city, with a new roommate, using new forms of transportation (bike, train, and foot everywhere- no car), new English school, new classes, new church and pastor I'm working with, a new site partner, and exciting new places to go running (forest trail, beach path, riverside path... I love it!). Teaching at the kindergartens wasn't new to me, but it was a wonderful reminder of why I love what I'm doing- I love their smiles, their laughs, the way they speak to me in Japanese thinking I can understand what they are saying (sometimes I can :) ), I love the energy they have, I love hearing them sing "Jesus loves me", jumping, laughing , and playing together. My other classes have been wonderful too- seeing many familiar faces, and some new; catching up on each others lives and sharing tasty souvenirs coming from all parts of the world!
A few posts ago, I alluded to the crossroads that the congregation I was working with had come to. I don't know how to diplomatically say this, but the congregation decided to close the English school at Shirone Lutheran Church. When the proposal was brought up by the pastor, the church council members were very upset, and upon more conversation and voting, voted 6 to 2 to keep it open, but because it was the pastor's idea and desire they decided to follow him rather than create friction within the small congregation. If it were simply a matter of the church feeling God's leading in a different direction of ministry, that would be one thing- but the pastor's motives were coming out of pride and an unwillingness to submit to the authority over him regarding a significant offense he'd committed toward the missionaries and ultimately the church. We tired in so many different ways to talk, to try to work things out, for reconciliation, but he was unwilling to admit to any guilt on his part, and only became more defensive. The form of his defensiveness made the environment increasingly hostile, and it was decided that it was unsafe and unhealthy for the missionaries to remain living or teaching in Shirone. So the English school was closed suddenly, 6 months before the end of the school year, and Haidee and I were moved to the other church in Niigata Prefecture that has a VYM program- Nozomi Lutheran Church. Here I feel so incredible blessed to be working along-side two other American missionaries, a wonderfully gifted, mission-minded pastor, and a congregation of people with many passions and gifts for ministry. I am very excited to see where God takes things- there are so many potienial ways and opportunities through which we can do ministry here!
I will definitely admit that it has been a bit of a bumpy road- and that at times, I've felt the temptation of despair- but I've learned a lot about prayer, perspective, and the crosses that God is calling us to bear and the unseen purposes He has for them. In the midst of the situation, I realized that there were two ways I could choose to look at what was going on around me; through eyes that see the material, physical, and actual happenings of the situation, or, through eyes of faith. The first fed into the temptation to despair, fear, and give up. The second though- was firmly rooted in the realization that this all began with prayer. We began to be more intentional and purposeful about prayer- specifically for the church and for unity. My site partner Haidee every started a 40 day Blessing email to her supporters who joined us in praying powerful prayers of forgiveness, love, unity, and freedom for the churches and members here in Niigata. The more we prayed, the "worse" things appeared to be. And the "worse" things appeared, the more we prayed. I cannot tell you how many times, how many ways, and in all of the places that God brought just the right word, person, or event into the picture to provide for the exact situation or need- long before we knew they were needed. (What a faithful God we have!) It soon became evident that God, like a gardener in a vineyard, was pruning His church in order to make it fruitful. It sounds like such a easy and lovely image, but it involves cutting, breaking, and the use of sharp and painful instruments. But in the end it is good- it brings forth more fruit, healthy fruit, through which many more seedlings and fruit may then come forth. But it can be hard and uncomfortable to watch and be involved in the pain of it all.
I had no idea that God would use me in the ways that he did, and for what purposes I was being used- in many ways I still don't. But I came to the realization that when I "offer myself up as a living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1) that I don't have a say in how this sacrifice will then be used. It's up to the maker. It's up to God, and I have said I'm willing and I am- I just don't know for what! But all the same, it has been a humbling experience to not be used in this situation by the gifts I feel are more "desirable" or "admirable", but in other ways; parts of myself I don't like to share or don't want others to know are there. God takes them and uses them all! He redeems them all! He heals them all! He works for good in all (Rom. 8:28)!
So although I am not physically in the situation, I continue to pray for the congregation and the pastor, and I ask that those of you who are reading this do the same. I am not sorry for a minute and have no regrets about the way in which I have been used here thus far and continuing in ministry here. I have a deep love for the people I meet and those with whom I see on a regular basis. Little by little, as my Japanese improves, I see new doors opening, new relationships forming, and new potential depths in existing ones. I can't wait to see all that God has in store! Truly, thank you for keeping me and the ministry with which I am serving in your prayers.
A few posts ago, I alluded to the crossroads that the congregation I was working with had come to. I don't know how to diplomatically say this, but the congregation decided to close the English school at Shirone Lutheran Church. When the proposal was brought up by the pastor, the church council members were very upset, and upon more conversation and voting, voted 6 to 2 to keep it open, but because it was the pastor's idea and desire they decided to follow him rather than create friction within the small congregation. If it were simply a matter of the church feeling God's leading in a different direction of ministry, that would be one thing- but the pastor's motives were coming out of pride and an unwillingness to submit to the authority over him regarding a significant offense he'd committed toward the missionaries and ultimately the church. We tired in so many different ways to talk, to try to work things out, for reconciliation, but he was unwilling to admit to any guilt on his part, and only became more defensive. The form of his defensiveness made the environment increasingly hostile, and it was decided that it was unsafe and unhealthy for the missionaries to remain living or teaching in Shirone. So the English school was closed suddenly, 6 months before the end of the school year, and Haidee and I were moved to the other church in Niigata Prefecture that has a VYM program- Nozomi Lutheran Church. Here I feel so incredible blessed to be working along-side two other American missionaries, a wonderfully gifted, mission-minded pastor, and a congregation of people with many passions and gifts for ministry. I am very excited to see where God takes things- there are so many potienial ways and opportunities through which we can do ministry here!
I will definitely admit that it has been a bit of a bumpy road- and that at times, I've felt the temptation of despair- but I've learned a lot about prayer, perspective, and the crosses that God is calling us to bear and the unseen purposes He has for them. In the midst of the situation, I realized that there were two ways I could choose to look at what was going on around me; through eyes that see the material, physical, and actual happenings of the situation, or, through eyes of faith. The first fed into the temptation to despair, fear, and give up. The second though- was firmly rooted in the realization that this all began with prayer. We began to be more intentional and purposeful about prayer- specifically for the church and for unity. My site partner Haidee every started a 40 day Blessing email to her supporters who joined us in praying powerful prayers of forgiveness, love, unity, and freedom for the churches and members here in Niigata. The more we prayed, the "worse" things appeared to be. And the "worse" things appeared, the more we prayed. I cannot tell you how many times, how many ways, and in all of the places that God brought just the right word, person, or event into the picture to provide for the exact situation or need- long before we knew they were needed. (What a faithful God we have!) It soon became evident that God, like a gardener in a vineyard, was pruning His church in order to make it fruitful. It sounds like such a easy and lovely image, but it involves cutting, breaking, and the use of sharp and painful instruments. But in the end it is good- it brings forth more fruit, healthy fruit, through which many more seedlings and fruit may then come forth. But it can be hard and uncomfortable to watch and be involved in the pain of it all.
I had no idea that God would use me in the ways that he did, and for what purposes I was being used- in many ways I still don't. But I came to the realization that when I "offer myself up as a living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1) that I don't have a say in how this sacrifice will then be used. It's up to the maker. It's up to God, and I have said I'm willing and I am- I just don't know for what! But all the same, it has been a humbling experience to not be used in this situation by the gifts I feel are more "desirable" or "admirable", but in other ways; parts of myself I don't like to share or don't want others to know are there. God takes them and uses them all! He redeems them all! He heals them all! He works for good in all (Rom. 8:28)!
So although I am not physically in the situation, I continue to pray for the congregation and the pastor, and I ask that those of you who are reading this do the same. I am not sorry for a minute and have no regrets about the way in which I have been used here thus far and continuing in ministry here. I have a deep love for the people I meet and those with whom I see on a regular basis. Little by little, as my Japanese improves, I see new doors opening, new relationships forming, and new potential depths in existing ones. I can't wait to see all that God has in store! Truly, thank you for keeping me and the ministry with which I am serving in your prayers.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Whirlwind Tour
I've finally landed after a whirlwind tour of the states. What a time I had! the timing for things was so perfect, and was once again, a great reminder how everything- right down to the smallest detail- is in God's hands.
I was able to get back to the states in enough time to stand up in my friend, Elizabeth's wedding.
After, I had a few extra days with nowhere to go- and Elizabeth needed a copilot on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to LA.
I missed being able to fly standby back to Chicago, but was able (with the help of a friend) to catch a plane that day at a decent price, and made it to FT. Wayne in time to stand up in another college friend, Angie's, wedding.
I was able to see all of the people at my internship site, and got in just as the pastor was returning from his annual airforce tour.
Headed from there to the UP where I spent almost a week with my mother's side of the family and was in town for both my aunt's and my grandmother's birthdays. My cousins were in town too that weekend from DC because one of their cousins got married that weekend as well. I got to meet my cousin Ingrid's new husband, John, for the first time (who, by the way, is a professional chef and made us a meal entirely on a grill, salad and everything- amazing!!!)
Next stop was Spokane/Coeur d'Alene. My cousin Sarah's husband is currently deployed, so I was lucky enough to have her as a shopping companion as I scurried around trying to buy everything I needed for the next year or possibly longer that I can't buy here in Japan (shoes, pants, shampoo, deoderant, floride toothpaste...)
My brother Seth is starting at the U of I this fall, and though he moved down to Moscow, he came back for part of the week and no longer had his job obligations since he was in transition and we had so much more time to spend together.
Both my parents were able to take a day off so we could have more time together. We had some beautiful weather that allowed for a lot of good play time as well!
I was really blessed by the time I had to share with three congregations as well- my home church, my internship church, and the church my grandpa served at upon returning from serving on the mission field in Tanzania until the time of his retirement 12 years later. Many more people signed on to support me in prayer and financially- and I was especially surprised and blessed to hear that my grandparent's church has been and will continue to pray for me, by name, in all of their services every week! If there is one thing I have learned in the last 5 months, it is that the prayers of God's people are powerful, effective, and builds the church as a body and as individuals. During these visits, I began to understand more fully the benefit for churches as well as the missionaries when we can meet together and share about all that God is doing in our various locations. I just can't say enough how encouraged I was by it all, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to do so.
Hmmm.... so much more I want to write, but that's all for now because I am feeling so sleepy.
During my tour through the states, I touched ground in the following states:
1. Idaho
2. Washington
3. California
4. Nevada
5. Arizonia
6. Colorado
7. Iowa
8. Illinois
9. Wisconsin
10. Indiana
11. Michigan
12. Nebraska
All in less than a month! It was wonderful, after being away for so long, to be able to see so much of the country, but I am really glad to not be living out of a suitcase anymore! : ) But I think I may still be trying to recover while gearing up for all of the new things starting this week! Thanks so much for keeping me in your prayers!
I was able to get back to the states in enough time to stand up in my friend, Elizabeth's wedding.
After, I had a few extra days with nowhere to go- and Elizabeth needed a copilot on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to LA.
I missed being able to fly standby back to Chicago, but was able (with the help of a friend) to catch a plane that day at a decent price, and made it to FT. Wayne in time to stand up in another college friend, Angie's, wedding.
I was able to see all of the people at my internship site, and got in just as the pastor was returning from his annual airforce tour.
Headed from there to the UP where I spent almost a week with my mother's side of the family and was in town for both my aunt's and my grandmother's birthdays. My cousins were in town too that weekend from DC because one of their cousins got married that weekend as well. I got to meet my cousin Ingrid's new husband, John, for the first time (who, by the way, is a professional chef and made us a meal entirely on a grill, salad and everything- amazing!!!)
Next stop was Spokane/Coeur d'Alene. My cousin Sarah's husband is currently deployed, so I was lucky enough to have her as a shopping companion as I scurried around trying to buy everything I needed for the next year or possibly longer that I can't buy here in Japan (shoes, pants, shampoo, deoderant, floride toothpaste...)
My brother Seth is starting at the U of I this fall, and though he moved down to Moscow, he came back for part of the week and no longer had his job obligations since he was in transition and we had so much more time to spend together.
Both my parents were able to take a day off so we could have more time together. We had some beautiful weather that allowed for a lot of good play time as well!
I was really blessed by the time I had to share with three congregations as well- my home church, my internship church, and the church my grandpa served at upon returning from serving on the mission field in Tanzania until the time of his retirement 12 years later. Many more people signed on to support me in prayer and financially- and I was especially surprised and blessed to hear that my grandparent's church has been and will continue to pray for me, by name, in all of their services every week! If there is one thing I have learned in the last 5 months, it is that the prayers of God's people are powerful, effective, and builds the church as a body and as individuals. During these visits, I began to understand more fully the benefit for churches as well as the missionaries when we can meet together and share about all that God is doing in our various locations. I just can't say enough how encouraged I was by it all, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to do so.
Hmmm.... so much more I want to write, but that's all for now because I am feeling so sleepy.
During my tour through the states, I touched ground in the following states:
1. Idaho
2. Washington
3. California
4. Nevada
5. Arizonia
6. Colorado
7. Iowa
8. Illinois
9. Wisconsin
10. Indiana
11. Michigan
12. Nebraska
All in less than a month! It was wonderful, after being away for so long, to be able to see so much of the country, but I am really glad to not be living out of a suitcase anymore! : ) But I think I may still be trying to recover while gearing up for all of the new things starting this week! Thanks so much for keeping me in your prayers!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
When all you can do is pray...
Being a pretty independent and spirited person, when I see a problem, my first thought is what I can do to fix it. I try to size it up, look into the possible causes and the roots of those causes. I think about the resources availible and all of the different possible solutions and the outcome they'd have. Then I weigh them against each other and decide how to act.
But it is so different here. I feel helpless and powerless in even begining my usual process because I lack understanding of the culutre, but there is something more to it too, something that is unseen and cannot find expression in words. The spiritual climate here is so different. There are temples everwhere. Almost everyone has a family shrine in their home that they light insences to, leave food for, and pray at every morning. Although many people say that these practices for them are out of tradition rather than belief, the fact remains that they are still worshiping at these pagan altars.
I see a culture living in bondage. They are tired and down-trodden, trying to live up to the unrealistically high expectations placed upon them by their culture. The only sourse of validation and identity for people is found in how well they operate within the cultures framework. Many inside the church seem in bondage to it still.
Recently, the site at which I am serving has found itself a a sort of crossroads. It has been really interesting to see all of the things that have been happening leading up to where they find themselves now. Today they had an important meeting which may effect my service here, but more important is the effect it will have on the church members themselves, the relationship within the members of the body, and the vision of the ministry of the church itself and how it will be that they will act in serving that vision.
At this point I don't know what to hope for, what possible outcome to even pray for- I have no idea even where to begin. I find comfort in praying the words of Christ, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." There really is nothing in this situation that I can do. But rather than feeling helpless in my lack of control or options, I feel free. I think I give myself too much credit in terms of what I can do and I am so thankful for this humbling experience God is giving me to remind me of where the answers and solutions to life and ministry predicaments come from. Because ultimately, it's God's church, not ours. It's God's ministry, not ours.
Please join me in praying.
But it is so different here. I feel helpless and powerless in even begining my usual process because I lack understanding of the culutre, but there is something more to it too, something that is unseen and cannot find expression in words. The spiritual climate here is so different. There are temples everwhere. Almost everyone has a family shrine in their home that they light insences to, leave food for, and pray at every morning. Although many people say that these practices for them are out of tradition rather than belief, the fact remains that they are still worshiping at these pagan altars.
I see a culture living in bondage. They are tired and down-trodden, trying to live up to the unrealistically high expectations placed upon them by their culture. The only sourse of validation and identity for people is found in how well they operate within the cultures framework. Many inside the church seem in bondage to it still.
Recently, the site at which I am serving has found itself a a sort of crossroads. It has been really interesting to see all of the things that have been happening leading up to where they find themselves now. Today they had an important meeting which may effect my service here, but more important is the effect it will have on the church members themselves, the relationship within the members of the body, and the vision of the ministry of the church itself and how it will be that they will act in serving that vision.
At this point I don't know what to hope for, what possible outcome to even pray for- I have no idea even where to begin. I find comfort in praying the words of Christ, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." There really is nothing in this situation that I can do. But rather than feeling helpless in my lack of control or options, I feel free. I think I give myself too much credit in terms of what I can do and I am so thankful for this humbling experience God is giving me to remind me of where the answers and solutions to life and ministry predicaments come from. Because ultimately, it's God's church, not ours. It's God's ministry, not ours.
Please join me in praying.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Blessing of a Day!
God blessed my socks off yesterday, and I wanted to share! It all started with a wonderful and uplifting time in God's word, followed by singing morning prayer acapella out of my hymnal (maybe not such a great sound- but it brought back memories of morning chapel at Concordia!). I went to Sanjo kindergarten as usual, but this week I taught an extra class for parents and children who are looking into enrolling in the school. Before the class started, one of the mothers approached me and began to converse in English (rare here). It turned out that she had lived in California for 6 years before her son was born. She told me that I was the second foreigner she'd seen in Sanjo since she'd moved back 4 years ago!!! We exchanged phone numbers and I am praying that it will be the beginning of a new friendship. My kindergarten students were all really energetic yesterday too- but I had just the game- color tag! My ladies class was the best it'd ever been, and I really felt that God not only gave me more patience with my upper elementary kids, but I felt that I am learning more how to communicate love through discipline. I came home and made dinner, and then had a very interesting conversation with a teacher from the University where I teach Tuesdays. He's a Muslim from Lebanon working on his PhD in the pharmacology program; and teaching Arabic classes on the side for the University. (He's taught me two words in Arabic so far- "sahabo" which means hello, and "shukarn" which means thank you.) Anyway, it has been really interesting to learn about his culture and country, and it seems that the doors are begining to open too for conversations about faith. Last night we talked about the reason for moral living in Christianity as opposed to other religions' established moral standards (in Christianity the motive is always love, so outwardly it can look like the morality of other religions, but it is of a different substance entirely), as well as the authenticity and reliability of the New Testament that the church uses today, and why there are so many different faiths claiming inspiration from the same book (this was actually the topic of my senior thesis in my senior seminar class fall semester of '06). I feel so blessed and am so thankful to be serving in all the places and relationships into which God has called me. Thanks again for your prayers!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Joyful Day of Teaching!
I had an amazing day of teaching yesterday! I had the opportunity to share about my faith in both classes. One student, after hearing my devotion last week about how Joy brought me to Japan (the theme this month) didn't want to study the book this week; he wanted to ask me questions. He brought his bible to class and asked about our free english bible class that meets Saturday and more about why I came to Japan. Another student, after hearing my story, said that although she isn't christian and doesn't believe in God, she believes that it is God's will that I am here; that he brought me here. At the university, we talked about superheros and I applied the topic to the lesson material. They're doing short skits next week and I offered extra credit if they dress up! I've been praying for an opportunity to be more involved at the university outside of class, and yesterday I was asked to be a judge in an english speech contest. Such a good day! I have to get off to teaching now!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Would You Go Ahead and Die Already?
I know it's kind of a morbid title for a blog entry, but it seems to be a reoccurring thought going through my mind as I struggle against my sinful nature in my desire to bring all things captive unto Christ. I hate my sin. I see how it inhibits the spirit's work in my life. I see how it harms my friends and neighbors. When the Bible speaks of our new life in Christ, it does so in a harsh, definitive, and permanent way: death. But the good news is that it is through this dying that Christ gives us new life- we are truly transformed, and something different.Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galatians 5:24 "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Colossians 3:3 "for you have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
It is truly in death that we have new life- free from worry, fear, sin, greed, lust, selfishness, and the like. The reason we feel so "dirty" in them, is that we were created in His image- and we weren't meant for them. So every time my sin pops up- I find myself up in arms! "I thought you were dead! What are you doing here?"
Example: Wednesday was what I would call a "bad" day. I was tired from staying up late the night before praying having just worked a really long day. I felt really annoyed. Then, all of my adult students were really late to class, and then stayed a half hour into my lesson planning time before my next class. I kept nodding almost nodding off during a private lesson, and they my upper elementary class was out of control wild. Normally, my first tactic in classroom management is to simply redirect the behavior into something else and to not respond to the bad behavior. I ended up being a strict teacher that day, which I don't like. At the end, around 6 PM, my day turned around 180 degrees; I realized how incredibly self-focused I'd been all day; how any bad day I may ever have is more often than not linked to my attitude and approach to things rather than external factors. On whatever level, conscious or unconscious, I was choosing to have a bad day by choosing a bad attitude. So I repented, and everything changed. Amazing how that works! Then follows Joy! It is impossible to have joy when focusing on yourself first. It really puts every bad day I've ever had in perspective!
This realization was further demonstrated to me yesterday during a devotion time following a class at the English school. the topic for the month is Joy, so I began the devotion by asking the students to reflect upon something that gives them joy; or a time when they've felt joy. One student said when she accomplishes something; another said when she is with her family. But one student said she felt joy when she served other people. And it didn't strike me until this morning when I was walking to church, but that woman's statement is an incredible witness to God's love for us and the truth that we have been created in His image. Christ too found joy in serving; and it is this joy that led Him to the cross. "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:2) When we lose ourselves, when we die to ourselves in serving the interests of others; we are acting as we were made to- as we were created to. And in this is joy!
It is my prayer for myself and for all of you that "He would increase, and we would decrease." That we would define the joy in our lives less and less by our external circumstances and more and more by God's disposition towards us- who in Christ has forgiven us, called us His own, and has given us eternal life in Him (new life that begins now!). So when you feel the world caving in around you, think on this, and trust in His love and provision for you, and His Joy will be yours!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The Heart of my Japanese Friend
I am on such a high from an amazing conversation I had yesterday with my Japanese friend. When I first met him, he wanted to get together for language exchange and said he had questions about Christianity even though he was already baptized. So while in orientation we met a few times and then I moved to Niigata. But I am in Tokyo for the weekend now to meet my cousin and his wife who are traveling through this way, and so I had time to meet up with him again. So much has happened and changed in his life since I last saw him. Regarding his questions about Christianity, he has started attending a Japanese service as well as the English service he attends, and had just returned from a short term mission trip to South Africa. I have never seen someone so changed in such a small amount of time by a mission trip. His volunteer work was largely with those who are suffering from AIDS. He volunteered at hospitals where he shared the gospel with people who were on their deathbeds; orphanages full of children who had lost their parents to the AIDS virus, many of whom were HIV positive. He talked about the power of touch among these people; his apprehension at first, but then the power of it and even the role of touch in Jesus' touch in ministry. He spoke of his struggle with theodicy- why God would allow all of these orphans to be born HIV positive... but then he said he realized that if he, as a sinner, could feel so much love for them, then how much more does the God who created them feel compassion and love for them. He's now contemplating quitting his job and moving to Africa to join in this ministry for a year alongside the pastor he met there. I am just blown away by the change in this man and the heart God is giving him for missions and ministry. All of the things he was saying were so counter cultural in Japan- about touch and even volunteering. God is so powerful and although the growth of Christianity is slower here than most countries, it is deep, and within those hearts where Christianity does take root it takes hold and is producing fruit that will last! What a blessing this was to my heart! This all happened two days after I had a conversation with someone about how some people say that Japan is a swamp where the seeds of faith planted may grow, but soon rot. But this couldn't be farther from the truth; its just slower growth than other places in the world. But as such, pray that God brings more laborers and blesses those here in the faith with patience and encouragement as we press on and seek to share the hope of eternal life in Christ.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Internet at Last!
At last, I have Internet at my apartment and am able to be in communication with the outside world. It wasn't all bad though, and gave me the opportunity to get to know my site partner, Haidee, better as the only place I could check email and such was her apartment. So many things have happened here since my last post, so I'll catch you up in brief: I have moved to Shirone and begun teaching at 4 different sites!
I am officially driving on the other side of the road (yes, a big answer to prayer came when my driving permit arrived)
Some of the missionaries came up from Tokyo for a house blessing for myself and Cindy, the other new Ver.
Wakabyashi Sensei, after close to 17 years of waiting, studying, etc. was finally ordained on my first Sunday at the church. I felt so blessed to be able to participate in this long anticipated celebration of God's work in his life.
The congregation's president's wife was very suddenly taken ill and in a coma at the age of 55 when her bowl erupted. The whole church prayed, but she never woke up and died a week and a half later. She was not baptized, but had begun to come to church and praise hour events with her husband. This same man lost his father this past January, and his mother was hospitalized with a broken hip the same week his wife died. All of this, after he discovered a new passion in his life for reading the Bible. He's read it through 12 times now in under 4 years; it reminds me a lot of Job, being spiritually attacked because of his faithfulness to God. But many church members attended the wake and God blessed us with many opportunities to share Christ's love! The son has started going to church and the daughter is more open now than ever before. Please pray for this family as they morn this loss and for the love of Christ to be realized in their lives.
I started teaching at Niigata University, and I have only one female student, the rest are males! The classrooms have windows, so when the students were deciding whose class to be in, they looked in and stared at me for a while, then decided to come in. It felt weird, like they were window shopping or something. They are really fun students though, and all very unique.
I got really sick again... this time with a cold that lasted two weeks. I have never had such a bad cold and am realizing that my immune system is not used to these foreign viruses and i have no immunity built up against them. For three full days I completely lost my voice, and the rest of the time I was hoarse and weak with a sore throat and a headache. But I am starting to feel recovered.
I have done some hiking, seen the cherry blossoms, played basketball with some community people, and befriended a young Japanese woman who is struggling with severe depression. God has blessed us with many opportunities to spend time together, and she has opened up and shared a lot of the hurt on her heart. Please pray for her too, that she would continue to seek and ask questions, and that the Holy Spirit would work faith in her life.
I love driving, love the mountains, and am loving (although painful at times) the way God is challenging me and causing me to grow. Thank you all so much for your prayers. Their importance cannot be understated!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Skit Day, Site Training, and an Answer to Prayer!
Whew! What a whirlwind of a month! I was glad I could get my newsletter out, but my blog has been lonely for a bit- so I am sorry to my faithful readers! If you are interested in watching a video of me doing Shodou, the traditional Japanese calligraphy, I've included the link below. The kanji I chose is "Fukkatsu" which means "Resurrection". I retraced one of the strokes, which is a no no. Caught in the act!
On March 7th we celebrated the end of language school by performing a skit written and performed by all of the Japanese language students in a joint effort. We tried to tape it, but we found out afterward that there is no sound! But I have many, many pictures! It was titled "Densha (train) Drama" and was the story of love at first site on a busy train in Tokyo. As hard as the love birds try, different events and characters keep coming in between them on the train. There were sumo wrestlers, cowboys, tourists, Harajuku teens, a drink man, and a sleeping man. Finally their stop comes and the girl gets off but the boy is unable to. Thinking she's lost him, she goes to her first day of English class at LLI and lo and behold- he's a student in the class too! "Ya ta!" I hope we can get the tape working because I'd love for you all to see it! Especially where I almost told my love-interest that I am a vegetable!
Site training was really good. I got to meet the congregation, students, and pastor that will all be a big part of my life for the next two years, or as long as God sees fit. The two kindergartens are full of energy and curious, excitable children who were all in awe over my height and hair color. I even caught one little boy trying to touch my hair at lunch every time I turned my head the other way and he thought I wasn't looking. I of course let him, and he was so surprised by the texture! At both sites I teach other classes, and the schedule allows me to stay longer and eat lunch, play with students, and mingle with teachers. Most of the teachers aren't Christian, so it seems to be as much of an opportunity to share the love of Christ with the students as the adults.
This week has been filled with teacher training workshops, and it has been so helpful to have seen the classes I will teach in attending these sessions. I am getting a lot of great answers to questions and innovative ideas for teaching! Today I had a huge answer to prayer... my international driving permit came!!!!! So thank you all for your prayers! That is the fastest I've heard of postage making it across the ocean this way and processing of the application and such! What a great God we have! I have been so blessed lately through His constant and perfect provisions that come just when I need them. It makes me think of the line in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread". It's everything we need for the day, but still we trust in His love and provision for tomorrow. And everyday I see it, the stronger my faith grows in hope and expectation of all of the tomorrows to come.
"I have set the way of the Lord before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:8-11
I love you all! Please pray for me in this transition and for spiritual protection; and, as always, let me know how I can be praying for you!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Placement is.....
I learned tonight that I will be spending the next two years living in...... NIIGATA!!! Horray! I'll be teaching at Niigata University, classes at the church, and three kindergarten classes!!! The pastor there actually graduated from Ft. Wayne Seminary- coincedentally enough. More information and photos to come! Until then... take care and God bless!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Shame
I went to a seminar today on the topic of shame, its role in the Japanese culture, and its effects on ministry and christianity in Japan. I feel as though living abroad has taught me as much about my own culture as it has about Japanese culture. I see now that whereas before I had only one point of refrence in my pursuit to understand the world, living abroad has expanded this understanding immensly. Being such, we discussed today what it means to be living in and trying to minister to people of a shame-based culture. While guilt and shame are often assiciated, the differences are distinct. Simply put, "Guilt" is when you feel sorry for what you've done. "Shame" is when you feel badly about who you are. So deeply rooted in a person, it wraps itself around and even strangles feelings of intrensic value and identity one posesses of oneself. Is it any wonder then, that Japan has one of the highest suicide rates world-wide. The source of this structure is difficult to pinpoint, but can be related to the culture of honor and pride within the code of the Bushido. Sense of personal identiy is also somewhat less defined here, as the tendency seems to lean more toward collectivity and conformity- values which in my American upbringing were often opposed. "Dare to be different" a classroom poster said. You'd never see such a message in a Japanese classroom. (I always feel the need to be careful in making cultural comparisons such as this because I have to remind myself that any judgements I might make are coming from my own subjective experience and not an objective reality; meaning, that the last thing I mean to do here is to criticize another culture.)
Having said all of this, there is much hope to be had in the Gospel for people suffering within such intra-personal prisons. Pastor Oshiba spends much of his paper offering christiological direction in addressing these struggles and the challenges they pose to people and faith. Like in all other afflictions and temptations- our Savior is one who himself is not foreign to these sufferings. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15). Oshiba also suggests Isaiah 53 as a source of comfort and hope for those living in such bondage. So strong is the theme of shame in this culture, and so powerful is its effect on faith, that the students at the Lutheran seminary here spend a good deal examining its role in their own life and faith as well as how to minister to those who suffer under such burdens. "(Christ is) the eternal companion with suffering people, (and He) provides a powerfully healing way to those who suffer shame." To read the text in full, follow the following link: http://www4.big.or.jp/~joshiba/message/george/stm.html
Having said all of this, there is much hope to be had in the Gospel for people suffering within such intra-personal prisons. Pastor Oshiba spends much of his paper offering christiological direction in addressing these struggles and the challenges they pose to people and faith. Like in all other afflictions and temptations- our Savior is one who himself is not foreign to these sufferings. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15). Oshiba also suggests Isaiah 53 as a source of comfort and hope for those living in such bondage. So strong is the theme of shame in this culture, and so powerful is its effect on faith, that the students at the Lutheran seminary here spend a good deal examining its role in their own life and faith as well as how to minister to those who suffer under such burdens. "(Christ is) the eternal companion with suffering people, (and He) provides a powerfully healing way to those who suffer shame." To read the text in full, follow the following link: http://www4.big.or.jp/~joshiba/message/george/stm.html
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