Proclaiming the Risen Son in the Land of the Rising Sun

Sign-Up for Email Newsletters

2012-01-03T04:59:00.005-06:00

If you would like to receive my newsletters via email, please subscribe to my new MailChimp email newsletter here:

http://blogspot.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=46d9a9a42451112a411ddf351&id=ff99253193

Due to changes made by Blogger, the newsletters on this blog no longer can be enlarged to an adequate size to comfortably read. MailChimp will send high-quality email.

Thank you for your support and prayers!

December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-31T01:35:00.000-06:00

In This Edition

Recap Of A Busy Fall
Full & Busy House
Health Issues
Prayer For Future Calling

Please note that Blogger has made changes so that you are no longer able to enlarge the photo below to an adequate size to read comfortably. Clicking on the photo will enlarge it a bit, but not enough. I will be looking for a solution to this problem. I apologize for the problem!

August 2011 Newsletter

2011-08-25T04:02:00.006-05:00

In This Edition

New Christian Planting Gospel Seeds
Answer to Prayers
Utilizing All the Gifts of the Body

(Click image below to view, then click again to enlarge.)

Reflecting on my Travel in Western Japan

2011-08-24T11:10:00.013-05:00

I returned a couple days ago from a week of traveling around western Japan, specifically Hiroshima and Kyoto, as well as a number of smaller, less known locations. As I walked around various memorials, shrines, etc., I wished that I could have blogged about it all at the moment. But the thought of doing so with my thumb on an iPhone didn't appeal to me. So even though this is a bit late, I'd like to share some of my thoughts on these experiences.

Why Kyoto and Hiroshima?

Although all my English students warned me that Kyoto and Hiroshima are just too hot to visit in the summer, I chose to visit these cities because I love history -- I was a history major in college. Both cities have rich, long histories; perhaps Hiroshima's earlier history is now overshadowed by the atomic bomb, but this is arguably the most significant moment in their history.

As a lover of history, I've long wanted to visit Hiroshima. I often thought that I would experience feelings of American guilt, or awkwardness just for being an American in Hiroshima. However, I really felt like I assume everyone else did: somber at the thought of so many lives lost in an instant.

Genbaku Dome

Visiting the Genbaku A-Bomb Dome was a bit surreal. The decimated skeleton of the building was both haunting and oddly beautiful, especially after sunset. The sight demands quiet, solemn respect. My thoughts went to the horror of the moment when the atomic bomb exploded, vaporizing many victims near the hypocenter, and sending out a shockwave of heat, fire, and radiation that killed approximately 80,000 people on August 6, 1945 (an additional 60,000 died by the end of that year).

Eternal Sadness

The monuments, memorials and the peace park as a whole were created with respect and intended to help the world remember the victims and the horror of that terrible day. Monuments to the victims wish them peaceful repose. Many visitors can be observed praying to these victims, and even leaving bottles of water for them. Yet in this land where so few know the God of heaven and earth, a deep sadness filled me with the knowledge that very few of the bomb victims are truly resting in eternal peace. How very sad to know that not even death could not bring an end to their suffering on that day. How very sad to know that the same is true for people all over the world when they do not trust in Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation.

Nuclear Free World?

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum tells the story of Hiroshima in World War II and the atomic bomb. I was a bit surprised that it does tell (although not in depth) the story of Japan's aggression and atrocities against its enemies, particularly against the city of Nanking as well as the forced labor of Koreans and the attack on Pearl Harbor. It vividly reveals the effects of the atomic bomb on the city and on the people. Perhaps a quarter of the museum personalizes some of the victims, telling their names and their stories -- where they were when the bomb detonated, what they were doing, and the resulting physical effects which was often death, but sometimes survival. This section of the museum was particularly sad. The last quarter of the museum was dedicated to the elimination of all nuclear weapons. While I can certainly understand why the people of Hiroshima would advocate a nuclear free world, I believe it to be a very naive stance. Practically speaking, with the proliferation of nuclear weapons among radical, even terrorist nations, the USA must retain its nuclear weapons as a deterrence to these nations. Humanists hope that the citizens of earth will evolve into a peace-loving world. As a Christian, I know that until Christ returns at the end of this age, sin will remain, and wars will continue. A nuclear free world would be a wonderful thing, but it will not be something we see on this earth; we will see it in heaven where there will be no tears, no pain, and no weapons of any kind.

My Thoughts on the Use of the A-Bombs

Although it may not be a popular opinion, especially here in Japan, I believe that the use of atomic weapons was necessary and was ultimately beneficial for both the USA and for Japan. The battles in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and many other Pacific islands had demonstrated that the Japanese soldiers would not surrender, but fight to the last man. In fact, when it became apparent to military leaders that defeat was imminent, they ordered all of their soldiers and their civilians to commit suicide. They were told that Americans would torture and cannibalize anyone they caught alive. Those who did not kill themselves were killed by their own countrymen. Had America not used the atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the war would have continued for many more months or possibly years. Fighting on the mainland of Japan would have been more fierce than on the remote islands, and would have claimed thousands, perhaps millions of lives -- far more than those who died from the atomic bombs. Additionally, following Germany's surrender, the Soviet Union had declared war on Japan. Had they actually entered into the battle in Japan, their influence would have split Japan like it did Germany, and millions more would have died in Soviet gulags. The atomic bombs were awful. The American motivation to use them specifically on Japan, and not on Germany, was racist. But I believe their use saved more lives than they took.

From Mortal Enemies to Closest Allies

Since I first visited Japan, I have been amazed how Japanese society loves all things American. This is even true in Hiroshima where I saw more US flag shirts than anywhere but a Fourth of July party in America. While I think it is a little sad that they idolize American culture, it is also telling of the respect that the Japanese quickly gained for America in the days following World War II. The horror stories they were told by their leaders of American savagery were quickly defused by the compassion of the American soldiers. Not all Japanese people love America, and there have been some ugly situations, especially between a few American soldiers and the Japanese civilians. But overall, Japan and America are very close allies and friends. That is amazing considering all that transpired just sixty-six years ago.

Final Comment on the A-Bomb

Perhaps adding to a sense of surrealism is the fact that I lived one year in the city of Los Alamos, New Mexico, the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Surrounded by incredible natural beauty, it is a city with a controversial history. Yet it played a crucial role in the Allied victory and ironically in the establishment of one of the greatest international alliances in modern history. Los Alamos and Hiroshima are worlds apart in so many ways. And yet they each played a role in bringing together our two great nations.

Hiroshima Outside the Bomb

More than 500 years old, and with a population of more than a million people, Hiroshima is a city worth knowing outside of its World War II role. It has great natural beauty in nearby mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and nearby islands. The city was modernized after the war with wider streets and beautiful parks. And the city has people who are friendly and helpful. It is a wonderful city!

Miyjima Island

A short twenty minute ferry ride from the port of Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima. It is best known for it's Torii gate (an orange-red wooden gate common at Shinto shrines) which is built out in the water. It was a beautiful scene. And yet it was built in honor of false gods. The island has a rope-way cable car to bring visitors near the top of Mount Misen. It offered incredible views of the island, Hiroshima, the Seto Inland Sea, and many other nearby islands. It was sobering to think that this entire island is considered holy in the Shinto religion. Only a very small handful of the island residents know the God who created the beauty surrounding them.

Kyoto - City of Temples

After a day trip to the island of Shikoku and the city of Matsuyama, where I toured one of Japan's oldest castles and experienced the oldest onsen in Japan, I arrived in the former capital of Japan, Kyoto. A beautiful, historic city, Kyoto was spared from American bombs during World War II because Secretary of War Henry Stimson, who had honeymooned in Kyoto, prevailed upon FDR and Truman to spare the city from conventional bombs and to remove it as the first target of the atomic bomb. As a result, the city has far more historic buildings, temples, and shrines than any other Japanese city -- more than 2,000 temples and shrines, in fact. By the time I arrived in Kyoto, I was tired and "templed out," although I had only seen a couple of temples on this trip. However, I had to visit Kinkakuji Temple, the most famous temple in all of Japan as it is covered in gold leaf. It is a beautiful sight, and like so many other Japanese temples it is on the list of World Heritage sites. As a Christian missionary in Japan, I pray for the day that Japan will turn to Jesus Christ. As I took dozens of photos of this beautiful gold temple, I wondered whether, in the event that God answers these prayers and turns the hearts of Japan toward Himself, what should happen to this and other temples? They are beautiful and historic, and UNESCO has declared them to be world treasures. There's nothing wrong with their architecture; perhaps they could be repurposed to honor the God of heaven and earth? No, I don't believe so. God was very clear in the Old Testament regarding temples and alters built to false gods -- they were to be utterly destroyed. But these are so beautiful! I'm sure the Old Testament pagan temples were beautiful also. Yet before God, they were repugnant. They were built to honor false gods, and they cause people to worship objects of wood and stone. I now pray that God will bring about a great awakening in the hearts of the people, and that these repugnant alters will be utterly destroyed, and in their place Japan will build alters to the one and only God.

Nagoya Sabbath

I finished my one week journey with a Sunday in the city of Nagoya. There is an MTW team of missionaries in Nagoya, so I was eager to see a bit of their ministry. I had lunch with Michael and Cathalain Carter (with whom I had gone through a week-long retreat back in 2009), then went to an afternoon English worship service at All Nations Fellowship. I ran into a Japanese Belhaven alumnus whom I hadn't seen in several years. During his first year at Belhaven, God brought about significant spiritual growth in his life; it was good to see that this had continued and he is walking with the Lord and is active in the life of the Nishin Church. After church, I enjoyed fellowship and dinner at the home of Wayne and Amy Newsome, team leaders in Nagoya.

I'm thankful that God allowed me this time of refreshment and reflection. Although it was some of the most exhausting refreshment I've experienced! But He is good, and his grace is evident even here in Japan. Soli Deo Gloria!

Prayer Request for Funerals & the Gospel

2011-06-28T18:59:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

I request your prayers today for an incredible ministry opportunity. The mother of a church elder died on Sunday night and the funeral will be this afternoon. Mrs. Yonemoto was an elderly lady who trusted in Christ and was baptized just a few weeks ago. As Elder Yonemoto holds a high position with the Japanese public television company, we are expecting perhaps 130-200 unsaved guests today at Honda Chapel for her funeral. Many of these people have never been to a church or heard any part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dan Iverson, our team leader, will be conducting the service and will share the joy that is our's for eternal life in Christ. The choir will sing, and God's family will be there to worship and sing praises to Him.

I have had several of my English students share with me previously that they have attended Christian funerals and found them to be so different from their own Buddhist ceremonies -- so joyous, in comparison. One of my students who is a Christian also spoke of her experience attending Buddhist ceremonies for unsaved family members and how she was able to share her own sure hope at that time.

Please pray that the funeral guests will see the love that the church members have for one another, that they will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ with not just their ears but with their hearts, and that they will respond in faith -- or that the seeds of faith will be planted. God's Word tells us:

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Please pray that God will purpose for His Word to bring new life to many who hear His Word today! And please pray for the Yonemoto family as they mourn the loss of their mother and grandmother, but rejoice that she trusted in Jesus Christ during her final days!

The funeral will be held at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, which is 2:30 am on Wednesday for those of you in the Central time zone. There will be a second service at the crematorium at 12:30 pm on Thursday, 10:30 pm on Wednesday Central time. Your prayers are not limited by time zones. You do not need to pray at these specific times. God is not limited by time zones or "after the fact" prayers!

On Friday morning, there will be another funeral for another church member's father. He was not a Christian, but Dan Iverson has been asked to lead the second service at the crematorium. The church member has not been attending for some time. Please pray that God will work in and through this funeral service as well.

Thank you for your prayers!

June 2011 Newsletter

2011-06-09T10:27:00.009-05:00

In This Edition

Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief
New English Ministry Opportunities

(Click image below to view, then click again to enlarge.)

Report on Visit to Iwaki City

2011-03-22T02:39:00.023-05:00

I was able to travel north yesterday to Iwaki City, which sustained significant damage in its coastal regions from the March 11 tsunami. It also is near the Fukushima nuclear reactors, but just outside the 20 kilometer evacuation zone. Here are a few thoughts on this experience:

Karen Darda, a friend and teammate, asked me to accompany her as a second driver. Our task was to bring three MTW relief work assessors to Iwaki City so they could determine whether there is a need for medical help from American doctors, health professionals, and counselors. We visited two churches, with whom they could potentially partner, as well as three shelters for people who lost their homes to the tsunami. We left at 3:00 a.m., spending the entire day in Iwaki City.

The two churches we visited were both very happy to partner with MTW, to allow their facilities to be used for clinic work and volunteer housing. One church in particular was very encouraging. "Global Mission Outreach" (?) lost their church last year to a fire. About the same time, one of the young men from the church lost his father to a heart attack. The father owned a pachinko parlor (gambling), and the son inherited it. Instead of continuing the family business, he sold the large three-story building to the church for a low price. With this large facility, the church is now a beehive of activity helping victims around the city. The main floor (worship area) is filled with donated food, clothing, diapers, etc. During our time at the church, several trucks and vans arrived from churches in various parts of Japan, all of them loaded with donated supplies. As these were taken into the "warehouse," other supplies were being taken to shelters in all parts of the city. The second floor office area was also a flurry of activity for church and relief workers. (Pastor) Mori-sensei spent several hours with the MTW assessors answering many questions, bringing us to three shelters, and even meeting with the mayor of the city (population 350,000) to confirm that foreign medical workers would be welcomed -- something Japan has never allowed in the past. It was wonderful to see the church respond to the many needs of the earthquake/tsunami victims. And yet the need is so great in Iwaki City and for hundreds of miles up the coast.

The first evacuation shelter we visited was an elementary school gymnasium. Approximately 350 people had been housed here immediately after the tsunami. Ten days later, 255 people remained. It was a cold, drizzly day as people of all ages sat or layed on futon mattresses in the cold gym. They looked so hopeless; I can only imagine what they were thinking about: the terrifying experience of the tsunami; the homes, photos, and many things they had lost; the people they had lost or had not yet heard from; what they would do next, and when they would be able to start trying to piece their lives back together.

I spoke with one woman about my age, Hiromi. I asked if her home had been destroyed. She said it had not been, but that it was all wet as the tsynami wave did reach her home. She was there at the time and said it was terrifying, tears welling up in her eyes as she spoke. All I could say is "I'm so sorry."

As we left the gymasium, one of the community leaders made an announcement about who we were. (All eyes had been fixed on us, as we were the only diversion at the time, and foreigners nonetheless.) At the conclusion of the announcement, everyone applauded for us and bowed with gratitude that they had not been forgotten. Outside the gym, about twenty people were busy cooking the first hot meal that these people would have in ten days.

We then visited a beautiful municipal performing arts center where about 100 people were sleeping in the lobby and hallways. It was warmer here, and there were several televisions -- all playing news of the earthquake and tsunami, something that can only further depress these weary people.

The final shelter was a community sports complex, also with about 100 people. The gym was very cold, but the children here had room to run around and play. About five young children quickly ran over to us and said "hello!" That was the extent of their English, but I enjoyed watching Karen speak enthusiastically with them. She reported that they did not talk about their recent experiences, but asked her "Did the earthquake come to your house? Did it make everything a mess?" Although they asked serious questions, it was wonderful to see these kids behaving as normal kids. Yet I know that they will have many bad dreams and other trauma from their experiences and the fear that they have seen in their parents.

We arrived home at 10:45 p.m. It was a long day, but certainly helps me appreciate the magnitude of the disaster, the generosity of Japanese Christians, and the incredible opportunity that we all, as Christians, have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Japan. For this is truly the only thing that can heal the lives of the people and bring eternal peace to their souls and significance to their lives.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Japan Relief Work - Report from Dan Iverson

2011-03-15T04:08:00.003-05:00

Dan Iverson, my missionary team leader, went to Fukushima with several others on Monday in a rented truck to deliver water, gas, blankets, clothing, and various supplies to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. These supplies were gathered from our team, the Oyumino Church, families from the Christian school, and even non-Christian neighbors. A second trip was made on Tuesday with two trucks. Dan's report on his trip is below:

_______________________________________

Dear Family and friends,

Three of us went north into the devastated areas Sunday midnight with a packed 2-ton rental truck with 1,000 liters of water, gasoline, blankets, food, warm clothes, etc, that our church members and lots of non-Christian friends donated. People were most desperate for water. We distributed supplies to a small church we had contacted, to an elementary school housing displaced people, and drove around the town (Ueda town, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture) giving water to people. People were so grateful.

[Before we drove north] Many were saying we should not go in, for various reasons. As we prayed, discussed, gathered supplies, and loaded them into the late hours of the night Sunday, we felt led to go. People are fleeing south as we go north. Some people really fear what may happen with a nuclear meltdown or another Tsunami (as some pretty big tremors keep coming, the radio keeps on saying that if you are on the coast, where we were, to always be aware of roads inland to flee to higher ground, which we did). And the radio is often saying the government does not want volunteers in there getting in the way of the professionals and possibly becoming victims themselves who need to be evacuated.

We were so glad we went. We saw almost no official relief supplies coming in where we were. We saw no self-defence force troops bringing relief until we were heading home south as 15 self defense force supply trucks passed us coming north. The exhausted city hall official lady in her late twenties in charge at the elementary school with 100 displaced people living there was so thankful we did not listen to those warnings not to come (which I understand the need for), and was so grateful, and [she will be] a good future contact for several spheres. She was surprised that we were from a church, and wanted us to thank everyone who sent things. She wanted us to bring more, and to bring people to help her with so many people, especially the many older people who were there because they did not have the strength or means to flee.

People were so desperate for water that when we ran out, they wanted the not-so-clean spill-over can water. It was very sad to run-out with people still coming with plastic bags and trash cans and anything they could bring to get water.

I could not help but think:
May the Japanese people come to thirst like this spiritually, and be this desperate seeking Living Water (Isa. 55:1-2; John 4).

May they flee to higher ground . . . to The High Rock (Ps. 61:2).

May a tsunami of grace, wave after wave, flood Japan (Ezek. 47; John 1:16)
[We] just had a fairly large tremor and not one person around me even made a comment about it. They have become so common place. May God so shake Japan spiritually, and may the Japanese people be humbled to desperately seek the Living Water God offers in Christ.

Please pray also as we begin working today on a long-term plan. Our thousand liters Monday and 2,000 liters today praying with and talking with a few was like a drop in the Pacific -- so little for such great great need. And, of course, we are praying and dreaming and talking about how God might use this disaster, and us, for a new WAVE of effective evangelism and church planting in the affected area, and throughout all of Japan?

Thanks for praying for places to go serve. We now have two Japanese churches in the affected area to possibly partner with long-term in their area to help them in their witness as we help people in their communities. The city hall lady above, Ms. Yamamoto, has access to lots of information and officials. And she likes us.

Please give and pass the word on how to give to the relief effort. I have already spent $2,000-$3,000* of my money renting trucks, buying gas cans, truck fuel, water tanks, needed supplies, etc, and it is a drop in the bucket to what we will spend, and what will be needed to do what needs to be done in the weeks and months ahead. (*I have not had a minute to see exactly how much I have spent, nor do we even know yet officially where all the money will come from. But we do know we need to act now and worry about all that later.)

More later, but wanted to get this out to you.

Dan

Japan Earthquake Relief

2011-03-13T19:21:00.005-05:00

If you would like to help bring comfort and the gospel to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami, Mission to the World is accepting donations and arranging for their "Minuteman" first response team to go to Japan. You can contribute online or by sending a check. Here is how you can help:

Online Giving:

https://www2.mtw.org/donations/donate/default.aspx

Or send a check to:

Mission to the World

P.O. Box 116284

Atlanta, GA 30368-6284

* Please be sure to write "Project #93993 on the memo line.

For more information about MTW's Minuteman Response, click here:

http://www2.mtw.org/home/site/templates/mtw_splash.asp?_resolutionfile=templatespath|mtw_splash.asp&area_2=public/General/Update

Dan Iverson, my team leader, and two Japanese men left at midnight in a rented truck loaded with water, gas, and various supplies for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. They arrived at 5:30 a.m. in Iwaki, about 30 miles south of the Fukushima nuclear reactor that exploded. They are partnering with a church there to distribute supplies to evacuees who are staying in an elementary school. Our hope is to continue partnering with this church in the next year so that together we may be the gospel through our compassion and through our words.

Reports continue to worsen, with estimates of 10,000 killed in the tsunami. Prime Minister Kan has stated that this is the most serious crisis to hit Japan since World War II.

Please continue to pray that God will work in the hearts of thousands, and even millions of Japanese people, that they might become a new generation of Christians and that Japan might become a missionary-sending nation!

March 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-11T23:02:00.004-06:00

In This Edition:

Japan Earthquake
Open House English Ministry Growth
Crossway College Ministry

December 2010 Newsletter

2010-12-23T21:57:00.008-06:00

In This Edition:

The Humiliation of Christmas
Christmas in Japan
Answered Prayers

(Click image below to view, then click it again to enlarge.)

October 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-10-21T21:47:00.005-05:00

In This Edition:

A Counter-Cultural Message
Interesting Opportunities in Japan
Prayer Requests

(Click image below to view, then click it again to enlarge.)

August 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-09-06T07:50:00.008-05:00

In This Edition:

Summer in Review
Prayer Requests
Global Missions Conference

(Click image below to enlarge, then click again for full-page view.)

July 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-07-27T17:28:00.004-05:00

In This Edition:

My Life as an Infant & Life Lessons
Prayer Requests

(Click image below to enlarge, then click again for full-page view.)

June 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-06-30T20:16:00.006-05:00

In This Edition:

Chasing After the Wind - Finding Purpose in Life
Prayer Requests

(Click to enlarge; then click again for full-page viewing.)

May 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-06-02T07:48:00.005-05:00

Included in this (2 page) Edition:

10th Anniversary of Makuhari Megumi Church
"Open House" English Ministry Update
"Crossway" College Ministry Concert/Coffee House
Gospel Choir Concert
A Place to Call "Home"
Financial Update
Because You Asked (Answering Questions)

(Click to enlarge, then click again for full-page viewing.)

Answer to Prayers

2010-05-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who prayed for the 2nd monthly bi-lingual worship service! It means a lot of me that so many of you prayed! Here's a report of how it went tonight:

PCA Elder Bob Drews preached this evening on Psalm 65, with the sermon title: "True Satisfaction Comes from True Worship." He clearly preached the gospel, showing how Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins and offers heaven as a free gift. Worship songs in both English and Japanese supported the sermon and directed our hearts toward the living Creator God.
Attendance this evening was around 40 people, most of whom were either members of the Makuhari church or regular attenders. There was one first-time guest -- a woman from the neighborhood who saw our flyers, checked out the church's website (http://www.kmch.com), and decided to worship with us. Turns out that she is already a Christian but was unable to worship with her church this morning. There were also two brothers who are not Christians. "Yuki" is 25 and has been attending the Makuhari church for about a year. He told me last week that he would like to become a Christian soon, but he wants to be sure that his decision is not only in his head but also in his heart. He is very involved at the church, but still struggling with taking the big step of placing his trust fully in Jesus Christ. Yuki took his 16 year old brother with him this evening as well; last Sunday morning was his first time attending anything at the church. Please pray for these young men that God will work in their hearts and bring them both to a saving relationship with Him.

Please continue to pray that God will direct us at Makuhari Church as we seek to reach out to the lost. Pray that others will come next month, or perhaps even to the traditional morning worship services. And pray that we will be focused more on following God's leading than on numbers. We would certainly like to see more people attend, but we don't want to equate numbers with success, but instead we want to be faithful kingdom workers.

Prayer Request for Bi-Lingual Worship Service

2010-05-05T19:23:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Would you please join me in prayer regarding a Bi-Lingual Worship Service this Sunday? The Makuhari Megumi Church to which I have been assigned as an English teacher is holding its second monthly Bi-Lingual Worship Service this Sunday, May 9. I've been told that about 25 people attended the first service last month, including several people who had never been to church before.

This service is targeting both Japanese people and foreigners (from many countries), as there are a good number of foreigners in this part of the city of Chiba, just outside of Tokyo.

To publicize the Bi-Lingual Worship Service, many people from the church distributed flyers into the mailboxes of many apartment buildings this past Sunday. Please pray that God will use these to draw curious, hurting, and hungry people to worship Him in this nation where so little praise is given to the Creator God.

Regarding the Worship Service:

Please pray that the music will touch people's hearts and open them to the preaching of the Word and the speaking of the Holy Spirit.
Pray that the preaching of the Word will be blessed and will break people of their sinful desire to "do it on their own" but instead to trust Jesus Christ for what He has done for their salvation.

THANK YOU!

P. S. - The service is on Sunday at 5:30 p.m., 14 hours ahead of US Central Time -- 3:30 a.m. Sunday your time. You may want to pray on Saturday evening before you go to bed!

April 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-04-27T07:29:00.005-05:00

My First Newsletter FROM Japan Includes:

First Days in Japan
Financial Update
Prayer List

(Click to enlarge, then click again for full-size newsletter.)

Visa Update

2010-04-07T12:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends & Family,

Praise God with me that all went well in Atlanta! I dropped off my visa application on Monday at the Japanese consulate and was told “it will be ready tomorrow morning” – and it was! From the consulate, I drove to Twin Lakes Conference Center just south of Jackson for the “Twin Lakes Fellowship” (pastors’ conference). It’s a good thing that I once audited a seminary class or I would feel completely out of place!

Prior to arriving in Atlanta this past weekend, I had a good trip to Florida as well. I spent Thursday evening with college friends Anthony & Sally Jo Roorda in Tallahassee. We walked through an Easter “Walk-about” at an Alliance church. There were a number of vignettes of Jesus’ ministry, the Lord’s Supper, Gethsemane, the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. It was an excellent way to renew in my own heart what Christ did for my sake and yours. On Friday, I visited my college roommate, Ron Vanderwey, and his wife Connie in the West Palm Beach area. As you may recall from my previous post, Connie has been battling cancer since November – a recurrence of the cancer she had four years ago. She looked great and is feeling pretty good as she is at home with a weekly visit from a hospice nurse. Please pray for them and their two pre-teen children.

I spent Sunday and Monday with my oldest brother’s family in Atlanta. His son, Nathan, moved there in November with his wife Stephanie, and nearly the entire family joined us there from the Pacific Northwest for Spring Break. It was great to see them before heading off to Japan next week. I also feel a little more Southern as I visited Stone Mountain for my first time!

Financial Update:
Although I have had a few additional pledges come in over the last week, I also lost some support that I thought had been committed. This brings me to $800/month from being fully funded. Please continue to pray that God will provide full funding. I am praying that this will happen by Tuesday when I depart for Japan, but am confident that God will provide in His own timing. Please consider how you might financially partner with me as well as I seek to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ among the Japanese people.

Six days until departure . . . !

March 31 Update

2010-03-31T22:20:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends & Family,

Just a quick update, a few prayer requests, and an invitation:

Updates:

I have purchased airline tickets for Japan! I will be departing from Atlanta on Tuesday, April 13 and arriving in Japan on Wednesday, April 14.
Additional gifts and pledges have been coming in, bringing me to 88% of my two-year budget, or $600 per month shy of 100% funded!

Prayer Requests:

My college roommate’s wife is battling cancer. Please pray for them (Ron & Connie) and their two pre-teen children. Pray that God would bring healing to her body and grace to their family as they go through a very difficult time.
I will be driving to South Florida on Thursday to visit Ron & Connie, and then to Atlanta to apply for my visa at the Japanese consulate. Please pray for:

o Safety on the roads,

o God’s presence during my Florida visit,

o That the Japanese consulate will readily approve my visa.

o I will be staying several days in Atlanta with my nephew and his wife. My brother, sister-in-law, and their other three children will all be visiting as well, making for a full, but fun two-bedroom apartment. Pray for peace and love!

Invitation:

My friend Bryan Gueltig, who has been very gracious in opening his home to me these last several months while I’ve been raising support, is hosting a farewell party for me on Saturday, April 10. This is a bonfire, come-and-go-as-you-like event from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. If you’re in the Jackson area (or would like to be!) and would like to stop by, I would love to see you!

o Drinks and s’mores will be provided; please bring a snack to share, if you like.

o If you plan to attend, please RSVP to either my email or to gueltig4@gmail.com for planning purposes.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support!

Update: Funds Coming In, & Ticket Bought!

2010-03-26T16:02:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends & Family,

First, praise God with me that additional funds have been pledged since the last posting just two days ago, bringing me within $875 per month of full funding! A number of people have contacted me to say they would like to contribute, but have not yet specified an amount. If you would like to join in the effort, please let me know!

Second, I purchased airline tickets for Japan this afternoon! I will be flying out on April 13, arriving in Japan on April 14!

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support!

Departing Soon for Japan!

2010-03-24T14:09:00.009-05:00

Dear Friends & Family,

Praise Report:
I have exciting news! You will receive my April Newsletter FROM JAPAN, the Lord willing! I have been given permission to depart for Japan on the second week of April!

Urgent Prayer Request:
However, I am only at 78% of my two-year budget. In order to allow me to depart for Japan, MTW slashed my budget to bare bones and then also has the assurance of my team in Japan that they will cover the remainder of my unmet financial needs, should I not be able to raise the full original amount.

Why must I arrive by the second week of April? Because a new session of English classes begins in April and the Tokyo team is in dire need for me to teach six of these classes. Please take a moment and read the following note from Sally Dangler, the Team Coordinator in Japan, regarding this work:

Dear Friends of Brent,

Every Saturday morning in Oyumino, Japan there is a small group of businessmen who gather to study English. One of the men is a cardiac surgeon, another is a nuclear engineer, others are in the corporate world but when they gather, work is set aside and they enjoy the challenge of improving their English and finding out a little bit more of what is in the Bible. While they all participate in the English class, several of them “come to life” when the Bible discussion starts. They want to know more about the God who is Himself perfect and yet offers forgiveness to those who fail. In this country where there is zero tolerance for mistakes and little hope of forgiveness, this is refreshing news. From classes like this we have seen many people take steps toward deeper understanding and eventually trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

There are two classes just like this in Makuhari, Japan that need a teacher. The mission team here thinks that Brent, with his friendly demeanor, caring personality and bold trust in the God of the Bible will do a great job at leading these classes. We also look forward to his extensive help with the accounting work as well as outreach through choirs and college ministry.

Please help him to get here. He needs your prayer and he needs financial support. If you are able to make even a small monthly pledge please let Brent and Mission to the World know soon. We are planning on Brent joining us by the second week of April and are praying that God will raise up the remainder of the support he needs.

Thank you for your involvement in God’s kingdom work and for your consideration of this need.

Sally Dangler
Team Coordinator
Tokyo/Chiba Church Planting Team

Would you please pray:

That God will raise up the remaining $1,147 in monthly support needed for me to be at full funding?
Ask God whether He might be calling you to join me as a financial partner? Perhaps you’ve given a one-time gift; would you consider becoming a monthly partner? Even small gifts add up quickly.
For my final weeks in the States. There is much to accomplish, including: Driving to Atlanta to get my visa to enter Japan (pray that there are no problems with this). Packing for two years in Japan, and all that entails. Selling my car.

I will be keeping you up to date more regularly in these next several weeks as more details are worked out and as prayer needs arise. THANK YOU for your friendship, prayers, and support. I will not be going to Japan alone, but as each of you has influenced my life I will be taking you with me in these various ways.

For Christ and His Glory,
Brent Kooi

March 11 Update

2010-03-11T15:05:00.006-06:00

Dear Friends,

Shortly after posting the March Newsletter yesterday, I spoke with one of my teammates in Japan. She stated that they are considering it "high priority" to have me in Japan by the second week of April! This is exciting, and a little scary at the same time! Why the second week of April? Because a new term of "Open House" English classes begins the first week of April. The team is planning to cover my six classes for the first week, but really needs me to be there by the second week.

I also learned that I will be teaching at the Presbyterian Church in Makuhari. This is part of the city of Chiba, but is a unique location as it is on land created by filling in a small portion of Tokyo Bay. For that reason it is also called "The New City." It's also right up against the city of Tokyo. Google it, if you like; you may find some interesting things, including a photo similar to the one used as the header to this blog -- I took the photo at a park in Makuhari in 2007!

PRAYER NEED:
PLEASE PRAY with me that God will provide the remaining 23% of the support I need to depart in one month! Specifically, I still need approximately $1200 per month. TWELVE individuals giving $100 per month would send me to Japan! But smaller amounts also quickly add up with the gifts of other supporters. Perhaps you are able to contribute $10 per month, or $25 . . . . Please prayerfully consider whether God might be leading you to partner with me in sharing the gospel in the largest unreached people group in the entire world.

THANK YOU for your prayers, encouragement, and support!

For Christ and His Glory,
Brent Kooi

March 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-03-10T14:38:00.004-06:00

Included in this edition:

Golden Opportunity to Reach Japan (Christ Bible Institute's New Opportunity)
Prayer: (Answers & Requests)

(Click to Enlarge)

February 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-02-19T20:32:00.003-06:00

Included in this edition:

"The Very Rocks Will Cry Out" (Gospel Music in Japan)
Spring Desserts
Prayer -- Answered, and Requests (including upcoming dates)

(Click to enlarge)

January 2010 Newsletter & Prayer List

2010-01-19T23:19:00.004-06:00

Included in this edition:

Desperate for the Grace of God
Travel Update -- Texas & Washington
Financial Update -- God of Calling, God of Provision
Prayer List

(Click to enlarge)

Answer to Prayers

2009-12-22T11:38:00.006-06:00

Please give thanks to the Lord for recent answers to prayer, including:

I learned on Friday that the adjunct teaching position at Chiba University has been filled by a Japanese national. This is disappointing as it seemed like such a great opportunity for the team to gain access to the campus an have influence for Jesus Christ upon the lives of many young people. However, I have learned from others and from my own experiences that when we ask God for something, we must accept His answer, whether it's the answer we wanted or not. His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways; He knows the plan, and we do not. We must have confidence that He has a good reason for closing that door at this time. I believe that this news came at this time because of your prayers, and I thank you for praying with me!

Another answer to prayers is some recent financial contributions and pledges. Saturday's mail included several response cards with gifts of various sizes including a one-time gift of $20,000. God uses large gifts and small, and I am very thankful for each of them and for each of you who have partnered with me in this way. It is humbling to see how God provides. Thank you to EVERYONE who has partnered with me financially. God loves a cheerful giver whether it's $20,000 or the New Testament widow's last two pennies; He sees the heart. "Thank you" to everyone!

Please continue to pray that god will bring in additional funds and prayer warriors so hat I might be able to depart for Japan in March. Although the faculty position is no longer in the immediate future, I'm eager to get to the work as I've been called and to help the team in Japan that so badly needs additional member.

It is just starting to sink in to me that I will likely be leaving soon for Japan as God has provided 62% of my budget! In October, Roger & Abi Lowther, who are part of the MTW team in Chiba/Tokyo, sent out an email asking for prayer for 19 individuals who would commit to giving $100 per month in order to meet their required budget and end them back to Japan. God provided in miraculous ways and met their needs within two or three weeks! After doing my own calculations, I discovered that I need just 20 individuals at that level! Please pray with me that God will provide quickly for me as well, but that i will trust in HIS timing and not my own. If you have not already done so, please also consider partnering with me financially, regardless of the amount. And remember that gifts sent before January 1 will be tax deductible for the 2009 tax year!

Soli Deo Gloria!

December 2009 Newsletter & Prayer List

2009-12-06T12:52:00.004-06:00

Included in this edition:

Christmas in Japan
End of Year Contributions
"Japan Righteousness"
Prayers -- Answered & New Requests

(Click to Enlarge)

November 2009 Newsletter & Prayer List

2009-11-11T13:50:00.006-06:00

Here is the November newsletter. (Thanks Tiffany & Stuart for your help in getting a higher resolution for me!!!)

(Click to enlarge.)

October 2009 Newsletter & Prayer List

2009-10-29T18:57:00.010-05:00

Included in this edition:
- A review of 6,000 miles traveled through 15 states/provinces
- Financial Update
- Prayer Requests
- Photo page of my fundraising trip

(Click to Enlarge)

Why Do I Feel Discouraged . . . . ?

2009-08-27T12:20:00.026-05:00

I spent a couple hours in a cemetery yesterday morning as I needed privacy for a telephone appoint-ment. This may strike you as odd, but I spent five of my teenage summers mowing that cemetery, so it's not such a foreign place to me. It is quiet and it's on a hill, so it has better cell phone service than much of my home town.

After the phone call, it was an appropriate location for some self-reflection. I've been discouraged lately: I'm living temporarily with my parents, I'm not seeing great success in support raising, I'm questioning how long it will take to raise the needed support, I'm worried that I'll go through all of my savings during this process . . . .
Walking around the cemetery, I saw the grave stones of many people I knew as a child -- many more than when I worked there. Some I knew because I had delivered their Sioux City Journal. More of them I knew as members of my church for as long as I can remember. Some of them always were old people to me, but a growing number were friends of my parents. I even went to school with a few of them. Many wonderful memories came back to me: neighbor ladies whom I would visit knowing they would offer candy, fishing with my "adopted" grandfather, church picnics, road trips, multi-family vacations, playing in these peoples' backyards with their kids. A few "other" memories came up as well: people who were not known for their kindness.

I noticed a new trend in grave stones as well. Many still are inscribed with a Bible verse or Christian sentiment, but a growing number are choosing to engrave a hobby, or something else that the person valued. I saw antique tractors, pianos, fishing, needlework, farm scenes, mountain scenes, Kiwanis Club, masonic symbols, and even a large engraving of the church where I grew up. Epitaphs for a new day? This caused me to wonder what considerations went into these monuments. Do the engravings reflect what was MOST important to these people? I don't think so -- not in most cases. I'm sure most of them valued their families more than their hobbies. But in death, as in life, it sometimes doesn't show what we most value. I pray that they all valued their relationships with Jesus Christ most of all.

Back to my self-reflection . . . .

What do I value most? In my current discouragement, I'm valuing ME the most.

"I'm living with my parents . . . .

I'm not seeing great success . . . .

I'm questioning how long it will take . . . .

I'm worried I will go through my savings . . . ."

It's all about me! Am I really trusting God to provide the means for me to serve in Japan? What if I do end up going through all of my savings during this time of raising support? What happens then? Is it of eternal consequence? NO! I'm on this earth for a very short time -- most likely not more than 90 years. (My mom does say that Koois are too stubborn to die.) Eternity is . . . eternal! Will it matter what my bank account was, or my retirement account? Of course not! I've never really been all that concerned about finances before. Why now -- when I've put my finances in God's hands and out of my own (like it was ever really in my own hands in the first place)?

A good friend of mine at Belhaven College says, "If you're gonna worry, don't pray; if you're gonna pray, don't worry." That's good advice.

My scripture reading yesterday brought my mind to an old hymn, one that my church choir loves to sing:

Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely?
And long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion;
A constant friend is He.
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW;
AND I KNOW HE WATCHES ME!

Prayer Requests

2009-08-25T13:18:00.003-05:00

I've been living at home, with my parents, in Iowa for the last week. It is easy to become discouraged as I no longer have a place of my own and feel like somewhat of a failure just for being here. I need your prayers in this area; and please pray that God will soon encourage me in the area of fundraising, even if it's only churches or individuals who are interested in hearing me speak about the work in Japan.

I have had three speaking engagements this past Sunday. All three were very different from each other . . . here's a little about each:

Asian-American Church in Bigelow, MN: Bigelow is a tiny town of 232 people on the Iowa border. The old Bigelow Christian Reformed Church (CRC) closed a number of years ago. In its place grew an Asian-American CRC serving primarily Laotian and Burmese people, but also many others. I enjoyed the multi-lingual service with them, said a few words during the service, and then joined them for a meal in the church basement (primarily Lao food!).
Pastor Lammers (who previously served the Bigelow CRC and now pastors the Asian-American church) then took me to the "Community Church" which is comprised of a handful of former CRC members and former Methodists. They meet in the old Methodist church with Rev. Lammers preaching every Sunday. I addressed approximately a dozen people (mostly elderly) and was very encouraged by them as they prayed for me, etc. There was even a daughter of the congregation visiting who is flying to Japan on Wednesday to teach at a university in Osaka for two years.
On Sunday night, I spoke at the Hawarden (IA) Christian Reformed Church. I have many exended family there from both sides of my family. I had a good time visiting with many people after the service, answering their questions about Japan and teaching them the finer points of chop sticks! They will be taking a special offering for me this next Sunday.

I'm hosting two informational meetings in NW Iowa for old friends and extended family. These will be at the Sioux Center Pizza Ranch on Friday, August 28 (6-8 pm) and Saturday, September 5 (noon-2 pm). Please pray that God will bring many people there, that it will be a good time of reconnecting with many people whom I have not seen for many years, and that these meetings will jump start this fundraising process.

Pray too for my upcoming travel. I am making contacts with family, friends, and churches in western Canada and the US. My trip will likely include stops in Alberta Canada, Washington, Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Nebraska. This is obviously a long trip, requiring a lot of driving, planning, etc. Pray for my safety and that the trip will be productive.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Not My Home

2009-08-11T22:11:00.010-05:00

Since returning "home" on Friday, following 38 days away, I've been confronted head on with my immediate plans for housing. If you've read my previous posts, you know that my apartment lease has expired and the rent (which was already quite high) went up. I have very mixed emotions about leaving my apartment. I've been here for four years, have painted and decorated it, fixed up a number of things . . . . It's been my home; I identify with it.

Over the last several months, much of my identity has been slowly ripped away from me. First, I left my job at Belhaven College in May. I had been there for nine years. As with most men, my job was the first thing I mentioned in response to "who are you." In June, I stepped down as the webmaster for my church. Although a small thing, it was a hobby, of sorts, that I enjoyed and I took pride in it. (Nevermind that I don't know html, and that there were definite shortcomings to the site as a result! Justin Brock -- you're doing a great job with the new site!) Now I am about to move out of my apartment -- my home. I think I have decided to not move to a temporary apartment, but to focus on traveling, live out of my car, and to set up my home base with my parents in Iowa. While I am feeling peace about this potential decision (having a hard time committing to it, though, as you can tell), that means I won't have my own home at all! Makes me think . . . .

Makes me think that my identity has been too tied to this world: job, hobbies, and home. My identity as a Christian should be in Jesus Christ. My home is not of this world, but in heaven! We are only here for a short while, serving in the various ways in which God calls. Missionaries have told me that this time of raising support is very difficult, but that God uses it to sharpen the individual. I've been wondering what God might have in mind to teach me. One thing He is teaching me, and will continue to teach me, is to identify with Him and not on temporal things of this world.

Life is rarely what we expect. God has far better plans for us than we could ever imagine ourselves. Trusting Him is difficult for me as I want to know the plan myself. He has always proven faithful, yet I struggle to trust Him with the future. Anyone else ever feel like those foolish Old Testament Israelites who just couldn't learn from their mistakes?!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

August 2009 Newsletter & Prayer List

2009-08-10T13:46:00.011-05:00

In this edition:
- Back in Mississippi after a month of missionary training in NYC
- Target date to depart for Japan
- Pre-Departure move from Ridgeland apartment
- Fundraising travel plans

(Click to Enlarge)

July 2009 Newsletter

2009-07-26T19:36:00.012-05:00

In this edition:
- MTW Training in New York City
- Financial Update
- Prayer Requests

(Click to Enlarge)

Financial Update

2009-06-24T01:07:00.004-05:00

One-Time Gifts: 30% of the $15,335 needed. This covers training expenses (including the entire month of July when I will be in New York City for cross-cultural training), language school, travel to & from Japan, and initial set-up expenses.

Monthly/Annual Gifts: 12% of the $4,575 monthly funds have been pledged. This covers my rent, utilities, health insurance, etc, plus a monthly salary of $1,000.

Gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated! Even small amounts can be a significant source of support. For example, if 180 people would commit to partner with me at various amounts, my support might look something like the numbers below:

25 Donors at $5/Month . . . . . $125
50 Donors at $10/Month . . . . $500
40 Donors at $20/Month . . . . $800
30 Donors at $30/Month . . . . $900
20 Donors at $50/Month . . . . $1,000
10 Donors at $75/Month . . . . $750
5 Donors at $100/Month . . . . $500

If you would like to partner with me in bringing the gospel to the people of Japan, you can contact me at brentkooi@gmail.org for specific information!

June 3 Prayer Update

2009-06-03T10:50:00.004-05:00

It is June already -- my favorite month, at least before I lived in Mississippi. In the north, with the arrival of June, we didn't worry about cold spells any longer; it was sunny, things were green and growing, and of course school was out! In Mississippi, all that happens a little earlier, but I still love June; for one thing, it's not yet miserably hot and humid. And, like in the north, school is out!

This year, however, June also means that there is SO much work to accomplish in reaching my calling from God to be a missionary in Japan! I desperately covet your prayers for these things:

Financial Support: God has called me, and it has been amazing to see the means by which He has made that calling abundantly clear. As He has called, I know He will supply the means for me to follow that calling. My task is to be faithful in writing and calling people, and to be watchful for how God has already been working to supply my needs! Pray that I will be diligent in this work!

Training: I will be traveling this weekend to Ridge Haven Conference Center near Ashville, NC for a weeklong "Living in Grace" retreat put on by Mission to the World, my sending agency. Pray for safety on the roads. Pray for a sweet time with God while driving (I'm usually singing along with my CDs!). Pray that this retreat will grow me and challenge me beyond my comfort level or anything I could imagine, and that it will have a lasting impact on me and the ministry to which God has called me.

Protection From Financial Complications: As I am no longer employed at Belhaven College, I do not have any income coming in. Pray that God will spare me from unplanned financial burdens of any kind (medical, automotive, etc.). Pray that I will be able to live off my savings for just a few short months until departing for Japan. Rent is my most significant expense, but there are also monthly car payments, student loan payments, etc.

New York City: I purchased airline tickets last night for New York City where I will spend the entire month of July for MTW training. One of the goals is to immerse the missionaries in an ethnic neighborhood and in ministry with a neighborhood church -- similar to being in a foreign culture. We also will have language acquisition training and training in cross-cultural ministry.

Family: From NYC, I will be flying to Washington state for my neice's wedding! Thank God with me for providing a godly husband (whom I still need to meet!) for Naomi Kooi! Pray that this will be a sweet time with my family before my departure to Japan.

"Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me! Bless His holy name!" (Psalm 103:1)

This is what each of us is called to do in our every day lives. Bless the Lord! I pray that you will be equipped to do this more faithfully in all things, and that we all will be able to praise Him for His grace upon each of us, and in our various callings that He has for us!

"It Changed My Life!"

2009-04-12T16:09:00.003-05:00

I was flipping channels recently when I came across an infomercial for Chuck Norris' "Total Gym" home fitness system. Christie Brinkley read a customer's letter saying, with great passion, that the Total Gym had "changed my life!" I immediately thought, "Should any product be able to truly change our lives?" Sure, products can change our "quality of life." But what can TRULY change one's life?

I believe that only Jesus Christ can truly change one's life. He takes me, a self-centered, self-righteous man who does not naturally love his neighbor, and who continues to struggle with the same sins over and over, and He humbles me -- shows me my sin and reminds me of what HE did to pay the price of those sins. He died an excruciating death, and He did it because of His unfathomable love for me and for all those He came to redeem. We celebrate today Christ's victory over death -- He didn't stay in the grave, but took back His life! He offers this victory over death to each one of us. THAT is love! Romans 5:8 says, "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We don't need to clean ourselves up in order to come to Christ; in fact we CAN'T clean ourselves up. Christ died for us while we were still in our sins and our filth. He cleans us up! That is love. That is truly life changing!

Why Japan?

2009-04-11T01:04:00.006-05:00

You may be wondering why I am preparing to be a missionary in Japan. Wouldn't the Gospel be better served in a nation where the people struggle just to survive?

That is a fair question. My first response is that I did not choose to go to Japan. Actually, I didn't even choose to be a missionary! God made His will abundantly clear to me through two mission trips in 2007 & 2008. I never had a desire to be a missionary, but God changed my heart so that I can no longer imagine any other path but to be a missionary in Japan!

But "WHY JAPAN?" Don't they have it all together? It is one of the most affluent nations on earth. The people are known for their extremely strong work ethic. Their products -- cars, electronics, etc. -- are virtually flawless. The problem is that the Japanese standard of perfection also applies to people. They expect everyone to be perfect. Even though they know within themselves that they are not perfect, they pretend to be perfect -- constantly disappointing themselves. This results in what some call "the zero defect affect." Japan has the highest rates of depression and suicide among industrialized nations. The people are isolated and hurting. What they need is Jesus Christ -- the only Person who ever lived a perfect life, and Who offers us forgiveness for our imperfections.

Yet less than 0.4% of the Japanese people have a saving faith in Jesus Christ. God has laid this nation and these people upon my heart. I can think of nothing more important than to share the grace of Jesus Christ with this hurting nation.

Proclaiming the Risen Son in the Land of the Rising Sun

2009-04-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

Well, this is my first attempt at a blog. The purpose of this is to share what God is doing in Japan, in me, around me, and through me. I am currently living in Jackson, Mississippi, working for five more weeks at Belhaven College, and preparing to be a missionary to Japan this fall. Please come back as I will be developing this blog in the coming weeks and months.