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.
Merry Halloween?
It doesn't take long in Japan to discover that many holidays have crossed the ocean. One also soon discovers that the way these holidays are celebrated is very different than one's own experience. Japanese tend to be very eclectic, adopting a variety of styles, tastes and customs from many cultures, but always adapting them to suit their unique tastes. Borrowed holidays are a pretty "mixed up"
Returnees in Kanagawa (RIK)
October 6, 2011 04:01
| Evangelism, Returnees, RIK
| Permalink
Strange, but true, most Japanese become believers while outside their own country. Thousands of Japanese live abroad. Away from their home culture and its obligations and expectations, they are free to consider the faith of their host culture. They reflect on what is missing in their lives. They find meaning and purpose in attending a church. And Christ draws them to himself.The difficulty comes after
Can Japanese get their hope Bach?
September 21, 2011 09:26
| Bach, Culture, Evangelism, Music
| Permalink
Unintended missionary to Japan?Who would have thought Bach would be involved in 21st century mission work in Japan? I have frequently read with interest of the strong connection between classical music (particularly J.S. Bach) and Japanese interest in Christianity. Japanese have great respect for beauty and culture, so this is no surprise. It seems God uses a variety of unusual evangelists and music
Kevin and the Tomato Stalk
August 26, 2011 03:09
| Garden, Tomato Plants
| Permalink
Not good gardening techniques.
Some of you with a green thumb will probably have a laugh at this. I know I'm not growing these things right. It seemed like a good idea at the beginning of summer to use the tiny bit of ground we have to put in a few tomato plants. They grew wildly beyond my expectations. Mostly leaf and little fruit...at least right now. I've tried to contain their wild ambitions
Relief Work in Miyako-Taro
August 10, 2011 12:50
| Relief Work, Tohoku Earthquake, Tsunami
| Permalink
Taro is a mid-sized fishing community along the hard-to-evangelize coastal area of northern Japan. Twice in Taro's past (1896 and 1933) the town experienced major tsunamis that destroyed much. Small seawalls were built. Then in the 1960's Taro came up with a final solution: a 40-foot high super seawall built at the cost of billions of yen. The town felt secure and took great pride in this human testament
Foreigner, but Odor-free
Have any of you made any embarrassing mistakes recently? Anyone? I just want to know if I am writing to my equals. This week's mistake will probably earn some kind of recognition in the Hall of Shame. This past week, on a rainy day, I drove Kaori to her violin lesson. On the way home I had a little adventure. I found this can of car deodorizer a while ago. It’s been in our van since we bought it
Tsunami Stones
July 22, 2011 03:30
| Culture, Devotional, History, Tohoku Earthquake, Tsunami
| Permalink
His family perished in the water along with hundreds of others. His beloved town was destroyed beyond recognition. His family home and grave markers were washed away. First the earthquake. Then the waves of water that crushed everything in their path. There was little warning of the tragedy that came ashore that day. In the midst of his grief, the man desires that generations to come not endure the
Uncool Hero
Another sign of the times in Japan: a new superhero has been born. With the Fukushima nuclear power plant down (melted down), and the mecury up, Japan is scrambling to find the extra energy it needs to avoid summer blackouts. Everyone is being urged to turn off or turn down unneeded electric.Only in Japan would you find a superhero to champion the cause. Right out of the PR office of Tokyo's Power
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We serve with WorldVenture, an evangelical faith mission. Our sending/home church is Cornerstone Church of Lansing, Illinois.