Here are some blog posts that we hope will make you feel a part of things, and help you understand how to pray better for us and Japan. Please see our external blog in Blogger, if this page does not display correctly.
Tiny Spaces
January 21, 2008 06:05
| Devotional, Family, Japan
| Permalink
We are thankful for the house in Kawasaki our mission has purchased for us to live in. But there is one tiny problem: it's TINY. As with all Japanese urban living, it offers VERY compact living space. Some might say a little too snug for comfort. But as the picture on our wall says, "With love, even the smallest house can become a mansion."But sometimes because of the tiny space, one wonders what to
Thanks from Navotas to Denen
January 12, 2008 11:55
| Church, Ministry, Missions
| Permalink
Although the church in Japan is a fraction of the size of those in neighboring Asian countries, Japanese Christians are blessed with economic resources. We been trying to encourage our church to look at the needs of their fellow brothers and sisters in Asia. This Christmas we were able to send eight large boxes of clothing, toys, and gifts to a church in the Philippines that ministers to a squatter
Jesus Buried in Japan?!
December 25, 2007 04:46
| Christmas, Culture, Japan
| Permalink
Shingo, a remote northern town in Aomori, Japan, has a strange and unlikely tale to tell! Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, but lived there among the mountains and rice fields. His previously unknown younger brother was crucified in his stead. After escaping the Romans, so the legend goes, He fled across Siberia to Japan. He settled near the northern end of Honshu, married a local woman and fathered
Christmas @ Denen 2007
We've been enjoying the opportunities the Christmas holiday provides in Japan for sharing the Gospel with Japanese. Japanese are spiritually open, but very unaware of the meaning of Christmas. It truly is remarkable to me that millions of Japanese haven't any idea that Christmas has anything to do with the birth of Christ! It is a secular holiday in Japan, completely devoid of any religious significance.
Caroling
Today we had a great time together as a church caroling for a nearby retirement home for their Christmas party. This is the second year that we've visited with them. The quality of care in Japan is very excellent, but it was easy to tell that many were in great need of personal touch and attention. And all of them were in need of the hope of eternal life, forgiveness and peace. It was great to share
Christmas Banner
December 2, 2007 05:50
| Christmas, Church, Ministry
| Permalink
Today at church we were thrilled to have a member bring two Christmas banners that she had handmade for us. They are gorgeous, represent many hours of work, and really liven up the front of our otherwise somewhat drab basement rental hall that we use as a sanctuary. What a great addition for the start of the Advent season! It's great to see church people stepping up and using their spiritual gifts
Thanksgiving Plate 2007
November 28, 2007 05:41
| Family, Thanksgiving
| Permalink
Thanksgiving in Japan this year at the Laverman home included this feast (mostly Kaori's handiwork, with a little help from the local KFC). Chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, cole slaw, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie."Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit and crowns
"Post" Evangelism
You may have heard the term "pre-evangelism" before, but have you ever heard of "post" evangelism? In November, our church hosted an outreach made for Japan. One of our ladies in church is a gifted calligrapher. She taught a class on how to prepare the traditional yearend POSTCARDS using Japanese brush design! This type of Japanese calligraphy is very hard to emulate, much less read, when it is done