Rambling Notes from Japan
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.
Chicago Forecast: Snowy with a Chance of Re-entry Shock
February 15, 2010 11:27
| America, Culture, Re-entry shock
| Permalink
Snow and re-entry shock were two surprises waiting for us back in Chicago upon our arrival. We scooted into Chicago on Monday just ahead of the big snowfall on Tuesday. Okay, just a couple inches or so. But coming from comparatively warm Tokyo, it's been awhile since we saw this kind of snow! Justen enjoyed sledding with a home church member -- what a rare and wonderful treat for him!Re-entry shock
Here Comes the Real Winter
We had a record snowfall here in Kawasaki last week -- the most in two years. A whole 2cm fell here around us. That's right, 2cm. Students everywhere in Kawasaki continue to be disappointed by another year without a snow day. Still, Justen found enough snow to make this 4inch snowman.So, we've been blessed up until now. But here comes the real taste of winter. Tomorrow we head to Narita airport and
Foreigners Don't Get the Point
I'm standing in line at a drugstore with other shoppers. The woman in front of me has just pulled out a business card file. Hurriedly she flips through at least a hundred or more cards searching for the right one. It's a common sight in Japan. Point cards.In an effort to keep customers loyal, it seems that every business in Japan -- from the largest chain department store, to the smallest ma and pa
The Big 4-0
A few weeks back as the year started out, I preached at Denen on the topic of change and 2 Corinthians 5:17. And the biggest change for me occurred a few days later on January 18. I officially joined the “40's club.” I used to think that 40 year-olds were wise and seasoned in life. But when I look at myself I realize that assumption was misguided. I’d love to say that after 40 years of wanderings
New Year, New Venture
January 12, 2010 08:15
| Church Planting, Pastor
| Permalink
Here we go! Pastor Kondo and his wife, Mikiko, were officially commissioned in our Sunday worship service. We will have a more formal installation service in March, but this is the start of their ministry with us as a church. When we started the church we could not have imagined what God would have in store for us these past seven years. Through all the victories and letdowns, the blessings and challenges,
Like Angel Voices
December 17, 2009 12:32
| Christmas, Church Planting, Handbells
| Permalink
The sound of handbells at Christmas are like angel voices announcing the birth of Christ. What an inspirational joy it was to have them as part of our Christmas celebration as a church!Our concert on Sunday featured handbells and gospel music, with a Christmas message from Kaori and I (bilingual), and Christmas carols sandwiched between. Rather than fussing with tickets and money, we simply made the
Thanksgiving Mouse
December 3, 2009 12:48
| Culture, Family, Tokyo Disneyland
| Permalink
Thanksgiving was a little different for the Laverman family this year. While our Stateside friends enjoyed Thanksgiving turkey, we enjoyed a mouse...Mickey Mouse, that is. Kaori's folks were down from Yamagata for a week and eager to experience Tokyo Disneyland with family here. So, Kaori's brother's family and ourselves took a day off to challenge the likes of Splash Mountain and Monsters, Inc. Yes,
Let the Children Come
November 16, 2009 07:00
| Church Planting, Culture, Holidays, Kids
| Permalink
Japanese celebrate a 1000-year-old festival in November called Shichigosan. “Shichigosan” literally means “seven, five, three.” These are the ages that are considered critical in a child’s development by Japanese. Parents will dress their children in traditional clothing, and take them to the local shrine where the priest will offer a prayer of blessing from the gods.This affords a unique
Navigation
Stay in Touch
We'd like to stay in touch with you! Sign up here to receive our paper newsletter and/or monthly email prayer update.
Give to the Vision
Monthly support still needed:
$98 as of
Give securely online through WorldVenture. Gifts receipted.
Our Japan Address
Our Connections
We serve with WorldVenture, an evangelical faith mission. Our sending/home church is Cornerstone Church of Lansing, Illinois.