New Year Traditions

Every country has its own set of traditions to welcome the new year. Here in Japan special food is prepared to be eaten over the coming few days. Special decorations go up on doors. People take advantage of a few days' holiday to go back to their family home. Many will go to the local shrine to offer a 'prayer' for the coming year. And as the old year closes, many millions tune in to NHK (the BBC of Japan) to watch the annual 'Red and White Singing Contest' when teams of men and women, both soloists and groups, entertain the audience with their songs. Now in its 60th year, the 'Kouhaku' has established itself as quite an event and is a glittering production with various well-known personalities taking part. Once it is all over NHK will switch to scenes of various parties round the country as the revellers welcome the start of 2010 which will take us into the Year of the Tiger. Tomorrow will see the start of the visit to the shrine for millions of Japanese - more on that in the next blog.

Christmas

Last Wednesday we had a few of Alistair's kindergarten friends (along with some mothers) round for a Christmas party. It was great fun and a great way to get to know them better. Lorna was also able to share the Christmas story very simply and the kids all listened really well. Today it was a public holiday here in honour of the Emperor's birthday so we invited our neighbours and some others to come round for a 'British-style Christmas party'. We were very encouraged that some came, in fact more than we thought would come and the numbers were just right. It was all fairly low-key and relaxed as we chatted, thought a little about the meaning of Christmas, sang one or two carols and shared some food together. Some people that we have got to know a little over the past months, we now know better and have been able to invite them into our home - not always easy for a Japanese person to accept. As we look back on these past months there have been several 'God-appointed opportunities' to meet people and these people were among the folks who were here today. We look forward with hope and encouragement to the new year.

Celebration

Yesterday was a day to be remembered. As a baby church we celebrated our first Chirstmas and also had the joy of our first baptism. It was wonderful to have 32 people there. There was a real sense of the Lord's presence with us as we sang Christmas hymns and pondered on the message of the Saviour coming to the world. Sambi gave her testimony complete with hand-drawn pictures to help her tell her faith story. We had borrowed a portable baptismal 'bath' from another church which was set up in our dining area. As it was the first time for a baptism in our house we had to work out how much to fill the bath and what temperature of water to use (allowing for it to cool down a little) but thankfully got both just right! It was a special privilege to be able to baptise our first believer in Izumi Church. Afterwards everyone shared a little about their connection to Sambi and each one spoke so affectionately of her. And then everyone lingered on as we ate, chatted and laughed together. Many young people were there yesterday. Who knows what seeds have been sown? It certainly was a blessed and encouraging day.

Beware of fire

Recently we have been hearing a strange sound outside our home. At first we thought it was someone just kicking something along the street - we have lots of high school kids passing by. Then we kept hearing the sound at exactly the same time every evening - 8.10 to be precise. One night David popped his head out to see a man walking along banging two wooden sticks together. Every evening, same time, same sound. Curiosity got the better of us so the other night we opened the window and asked him what he was doing. And he explained that men in the area take it in turns to go round the streets each evening from the beginning of December to alert people to the danger of fire and to warn them to be careful to turn off their heating (usually kerosene-powered stoves) or at least ensure it is safe before bed time. House fires are not a rare occurrence in Japan; some houses are old and made in such a way that they can catch fire easily. With modern houses and safer heating, the risk is not nearly so great as it once was but the community service continues in our area. This is the first time we have ever come across it. We enjoyed our chat with the 'fire prevention' man. Maybe we will have a chat again some evening.

Starting church from scratch

What do you need to start church from scratch? The simple answer might be a place to meet and some people. The place to meet can be anywhere. We have a great house and we started here with our small group. Our services are quite simple and informal. But as we've gone along we've realised there are some practical things you need to think about in Japan when meeting in your own house. We did not have a lock on our toilet door (don't know why) but we thought guests might like one! We need to have slippers for people to wear, especially in the cold Hokkaido winters. We are expecting lots of guests on Sunday for Sambi's baptism so have just had to go and buy lots more slippers. We need to have a special pair for the toilet too. And while on the subject of the toilet (again!) we need to have a soft cover to go on the heated seat for the comfort of our guests. We don't usually use one (doesn't go well with boys!) There are many other things to think through when church meets in your house - turn the phone ringer off; decide when to shut the curtains (it gets dark midway through the service); not have the rice boiling during the service so no smell and no beep, beep when it's ready. Lots of little things. But good to bear them in mind so people are not distracted from meeting with Jesus and worshipping God.

Kanji of the year

Every December in Japan a character in the Japanese language is chosen to represent the kanji of the year. Today was the day for the result for this year and the character for 'new' emerged as the one to represent 2009. This has been a year of things new in Japan, not least with the election of the DPJ to form a new government after around 50 years (except for one short period) of the LDP being in power. A number of new systems were introduced concerning such diverse matters as payment on expressways and juries in court cases. Well-known Japanese athletes set new sporting records. And the arrival of H1N1 saw it given the name 'new flu'! So 'new' it is for 2009. The announcement of the character of the year is always made in December and so often it is a word or idea that can be used as a launching pad for a message at Christmas services or other events. Our young believer Sambi will be baptised on the 20th during our first ever Hiragishi Christmas worship. New birth, new life, new creation - the ideas for the message are already coming fast. And we hope many new guests will come that day, for some their first ever time in a church. May that be the beginning of a new journey for them.

Freedom of expression?

Last week the Supreme Court in Japan upheld a ruling that had found a Buddhist monk guilty of trespass when he entered an apartment building to put political leaflets in the mail boxes of the residents (which are usually in a separate location from the apartments themselves). There was a notice in the entrance hall of the building prohibiting the insertion of leaflets and pamphlets in mailboxes. One of the residents got angry and the Buddhist monk ended up being arrested and fined. It is now getting increasingly difficult to distribute leaflets in Japan. Many newer apartment buildings have secure systems which deny others entry. Some people living in houses put notices up saying they don't want leaflets put through their letterbox. And now there is a ruling from the Supreme Court that means people need to take care when doing this kind of activity. Churches here have often distributed leaflets about events or other literature. It just shows that as we start off a new church in this area, we need to take care when distributing information. But of course people contact is fine - and maybe that's the most effective way anyway.

New Year decorations

Lorna is part of a group at Calum's school which meets regularly to study or make different things. As the end of the year is approaching, December's activity is to be making shimenawa, a traditional New Year decoration which many Japanese use to decorate their homes. However, on checking with two Japanese Christians, it was clear that these decorations are actually Shinto ones (Shinto being a Japanese religion - the way of the gods). It is believed that a god comes to dwell in the shimenawa. Our neighbour in Otaru would not throw these out after New Year but rather took them to the local Shinto shrine to be destroyed, because she saw them as divine. So Lorna had to explain that as a Christian she could not go that event. So much of what is seen as Japanese culture, has such religious significance. Although it may be difficult for us to say no, it is so much harder for Japanese Christians.

Praying for the nations

Twice a year OMF missionaries wherever they are gather together for a special Day of Prayer. Today was the day for us in Sapporo. Around 50 of us were there for a time when we were able to come apart from our busy lives to engage in the work of praying for the work of OMF in the different places we work. It was a powerful time and great to be able to lift up to God lands, people groups and situations which are very different to those we face in Japan. One of the features of life in the 21st century is that many Asian people now find themselves scattered round the world, in the cities and towns of the West and Australasia and increasingly in Africa too. There are huge opportunities to reach out to Asians of all nationalities without even having to leave your own country, or even your own town. As we took time today to focus on prayer for others, we are all the more thankful for those who pray for us here, for the land of Japan and for the start of the new church in Hiragishi - just a small part of the amazing things God is doing round the world.

overwork in Japan

Live to Work | Japan: Below the Surface from OMF Media on Vimeo.

Infectious faith

It's great to be around people who have only recently trusted in Jesus. They have an infectious faith. Yesterday we were listening to Sambi (she's on the left in the photo) telling us about her journey of faith. She is preparing her testimony which she will share at her baptism during our Christmas worship on 20th December. Sambi is a delightful person, with a great personality and loads of creativity. She is very artistic so wants to do some drawings to go with her story. She was even thinking about doing a play with a puppet! And she is busy preparing invites to ask a number of her friends to come to her baptism. We have just arranged to borrow a portable 'bath' from another church which we will set up in part of our lounge on the day. It would be great if a number of Sambi's friends could come and be part of the occasion. This Christmas will be a very special one for Sambi and Hiragishi Izumi Church.

Always learning

We are a football daft house. Everyone enjoys it, perhaps to excess at times. Even Lorna is getting on board to some extent - not much choice with five addicts in the family. Calum is very into playing for his local team and with the onset of winter, this has now moved inside. It's the futsal season. Today, being a public holiday here, we had the first tournament of the season. And despite being well up on even the most obscure details of normal football rules, we are finding that futsal is somewhat different. David thought he should do some homework when we got home and found a 72 page document on the FIFA homepage containing the rules! Today though it was a good way to chat to some of the other dads and figure out why some strange refereeing decisions seemed to be being made. Even when you think you are on familiar territory like football, there are always things to learn living in another culture. We did however enjoy watching Calum scoring eleven goals in four matches! We're now gearing up for the next tournament in January.

Onward we go

Over the last two days David has been attending a joint gathering of pastors from the church group with which OMF works and OMF missionaries. Sometimes these occasions can be rather hard-going but this time it was great. There was lots of good sharing as well as times to pray, eat and relax (a little!) together. But the best part was when we got on to hearing about and then discussing in small groups the ideas people had as to how to do a new church plant somewhere in Hokkaido. Pastors expressed their opinions and some shared their dreams. The small group David was part of certainly had a number who were passionate about the task of reaching those in Hokkaido with the gospel. A momentum is beginning to build. There is a long way to go but we can see things beginning to stir and it is exciting to see how God might lead us in the days ahead. May the pastors be given boldness and unity to take the next steps forward.

All singing, all dancing

Today we were at one of these events at which the Japanese excel - the annual school show. We are always amazed at the standard reached by the children ranging in age from 6 to 12. Each year group does some kind of play, usually involving acting, narrating, singing and dancing, sometimes with musical instruments too. Everyone has a part. Everyone can sing - in tune! Everyone's role is special. It's a real team performance. Even the youngest children performed a play lasting over 20 minutes. Some of the stories are quite 'different' - Calum's year group did something about ghost children meeting human children. Calum had the honour of being a zombie! The 10/11 year olds came up with a 50 minute play all about the way we are destroying the earth - it was brilliantly done and very thought-provoking. These events always provide fascinating insights to Japanese culture - even if we don't understand all that is said. It's such a privilege to be able to have our children at the local primary school.

Rest for the weary

When you travel on a train in Tokyo, you notice two things. Firstly, they are always busy. Secondly, there are always people in various states of sleep. People here are often just so tired. Last night the young businessman sitting opposite David (amazingly I even got a seat!) was bent over 90 degrees fast asleep! Another young guy was slumped over his shoulder (they probably didn't know each other). Next to me a young lady kept nodding off between stops (and her head kept ending up on my shoulder!) only to be woken up now and again when a text message came in. A friend once said many years ago that we are the tired generation. Many in Japan are tired, if not exhausted. One Bible verse which is very popular here is 'Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest'. It is very apt - and very needed for a weary people. True rest is found only in Jesus.

Connections

One of the great things about Japan is that everything runs on time. Yesterday David connected from our house in Hiragishi to the OMF Guest Home in the Tokyo area by subway, train, plane, monorail, subway and train, just moving smoothly from one connection to the next. The Tokyo rail and subway network is just like a maze of connections - in fact some of the stations are a bit like a maze too. But as long as you follow the right connections, you get to your destination. In many ways that's a bit like starting a church. What we're doing just now is making connections with people. Some may connect some day to our church. Many won't - but our contact with them will lead on to another connection and another and so on until some of them do in fact find their way to Jesus. David was sharing at a church yesterday about bearing fruit - often we don't see the fruit, but maybe we're just part of the grand process, just a link in the chain that leads someone to Jesus.

A 'bazaar' incident

A couple of days ago a lady was passing by our house when we were outside so we said hello. She seemed a little taken aback. Then we made another comment. She almost fell over with shock that we could even speak Japanese! We told her why we were here and that we had just started a new church. After more expressions of admiration for our (very basic) Japanese and a few bows, she was on her way. Today the postman was at the door and just at the moment she passed again! This time she had something to ask. Does our church hold a bazaar?! Well, we don't but many churches here do. She has lots of clothes she would like to donate! With a bit of quick thinking, Lorna said that we know of other churches in the area and we would ask around. God surely has been opening up contacts in this area in some strange ways. Maybe we should be planning a bazaar for next year! The lady didn't give her phone number but Lorna said to come back round some time and we'd let her know what we can do about her offer to give us the clothes. All in a day's work!

Another kind of spring

We named our church after a spring. Today was Culture Day in Japan so we enjoyed the amazing cultural experience of a hot spring. Must be one of the best things about this wonderful country. And today winter came a little early so we were able to be outside in a 40 degree bath, looking at snow-covered trees with the snowflakes gently falling on our heads. You just have to experience it to appreciate how awesome it is! Very therapeutic after a crazily busy month. In the same way, we would like Izumi Church (or 'Spring Church' - doesn't quite sound as good in English!) to be an oasis for over-tired, stressed-out, messed-up people.

Five plus two equals?

On the morning of 25th October we were delighted to welcome Dr Bruce Milne and his wife Valerie to the service in our home. Bruce shared from John 6 and spoke on the five loaves and two fishes. Just that morning he had thought of a way to apply that to the fledgling Izumi Church. We are five adults (Fergusons, Chuas and Sambi) and two children (Calum and Alistair). And look what Jesus did with such a seemingly small amount - used it to feed thousands! It was such a challenging and encouraging message as we begin the work here in Hiragishi. Bruce reminded us though that the arithmetic is not just 5+2 - it is 5+2+1. Jesus is with us. Someone wrote to us last week after the Dedication Ceremony and said they were praying the Lord would bring someone along yesterday to our service. Unexpectedly Sambi called and asked if she could bring a friend with her. God is good. And we trust he will continue to grow this church so that it becomes 10+4+1 and then 20+8+1 and so on over these coming months and years.

A special day

Sunday 25th October was a special day in the life of Hiragishi Izumi Church. In fact every year it will be a special day as we mark the church's birthday. Over 110 people (including children) crowded into 'the building below' (the kindergarten facility that sits right underneath our house) to celebrate and dedicate this baby church to the Lord. Vibrant praise, powerful prayers, and a real sense of the Lord's presence with us. People had come from many different churches around Sapporo and indeed further afield. There was a warm and joyous atmosphere which continued later into the fellowship time after the service. We are conscious though that the work has just started - the dedication service was not the goal but the beginning of the life of this fledgling church. What is our mission as a church? Quite simply to make and nurture disciples and to see a community of fruit-bearing believers established in the Hiragishi area. The task is awesome - but we serve an even more awesome God. And we go encouraged by the prayers and fellowship of many who gathered with us last Sunday, whether in person or in spirit.

A hi-tech grave?

Japan is a hi-tech country. You can get almost any gadget. Everywhere you go you see the stamp of technology. Japan is also a land where people take death and the after-life seriously. Funerals are elaborate affairs. There are important rituals to be observed at the grave. But the cost of both a funeral and a plot for the grave is phenomenal. And land is scarce. So how do you bring together the world of hi-tech and the world of the dead? You build a hi-tech 'graveyard' in a purpose-built multi-storey facility where the relatives can go and visit the altar where their loved ones' ashes are buried. You go in, swipe your ID card and the deceased's ashes (previously placed in an urn) are fetched by some automated system and brought to where you are. Photos of the deceased relative flash up on the screen. And people can pay their respects in the comfort of a special room set aside for that purpose. There are even adverts on TV for these facilities. They are becoming increasingly popular as they save space and lots of money. Even death is not immune to the advance of technology.

Don't come to school please

When you live in another country, you experience much which is different. Having our boys in local kindergartens and schools has taught us much. One thing which has happened every year is for the school or kindergarten, or certain classes within it, to be shut for a few days. Why? Because several of the children have flu. Every winter flu does the rounds here. Many people, children included, go to hospital to get an anti-flu injection. Yet still every year schools and classes have to shut down as the flu spreads its way among the children. So it's no surprise that the H1N1 flu has been cruising through schools and kindergartens. Alistair's kindergarten was shut last week. This week several classes in Calum's school (including his) have shut down as the number of children with H1N1 flu reaches the limit for class closure. Homework sheets are given out. The children are told to rest at home, not go to their friends' houses or club activities and avoid places where others are. Not easy for energy-filled boys! Calum even brought home a chart on which we are meant to record his temperature morning and night and indicate whether he's had a runny nose or a cough or whatever and hand that in to the teacher when he goes back next week. Calum is quite glad to have a few days off. Dad is not so filled with glee (Mum is in India and misses it all) !

When two or three are gathered...

We have now had four worship services here in our home. Although we are small in number, each week we have had someone different come along. It's simple and informal but nonetheless meaningful and encouraging as we share in praise, prayer, hearing God's word and fellowship with one another. In time we hope to draw in people we are in contact with but for now we are glad just to have this precious time together on a Sunday afternoon as a small group. The boys play their part too. As we were looking at Psalm 23, David was sharing something with the children about sheep. Calum agreed that sheep are not very clever animals. He then said, 'Dad, you're like a sheep'. 'Why' replies Dad, 'because I'm not very clever?' 'No', says Calum, 'it's just with your grey hair you look like a sheep!' Ah well. It's great that that our services are small enough to be participative - it was good today to have interaction and laughter together as we shared and engaged with God's word. A different dynamic perhaps than a 'normal' worship service (if there is such a thing), but no less valid as we build each other up in our faith.

Service with a smile

They really know how to serve you in Japan. Sadly with the advent of self-service, you don't often now get the experience of having your windows washed, rubbish cleared out, and much bowing and ceremony as you take your car for petrol - unless you pay more for the privilege. But some things are still done well - like getting a hair cut. David goes to a cheap, no-frills place but it's quite an experience. Six or seven guys work there and all shout out 'Welcome' in unison as a customer comes in; another chant tells you which seat to go to; and a loud chant to thank you at the end. You lie back to get a shave from Barber No 1; then Barber No 2 pops up to cut your hair; quickly moving seats, yet another pops up to wash your hair (all part of the service) and gives you a quick shoulder massage at the end; and then Barber No 4 will get on with the drying and making sure every little stray hair is duly trimmed. It's wonderful. We love going there. The five Ferguson men went to the same place (it's a chain of shops) in Otaru and built up a great rapport with the guys who work there. You can talk about all sorts of things - and you usually end up talking to all of them as they take their turns to smarten you up. They love serving you well ... which makes you think, how well do I serve those around me? It's nice to be served but we are really here to serve.

What is normal?

We've been back in Japan six months. Someone asked us recently whether things have settled down into some form of normality? Good question but not an easy one to answer. We left Scotland at the end of March having had a year back. Calum changes to Japanese school again. Alistair goes back to kindergarten. David leaves again immediately for India for spring half-term. We have a new house, live in a new area, begin to make new friends. We go round different churches for some months. Daniel and Matthew return for the summer holidays. They go back. We begin services in our home. Lorna goes to India for autumn half-term. In ten weeks time the older two will come back again, this time not to sun but to snow. And those are just the main events in our life story. What is normal? In many ways our lives go in cycles of abnormality. But within those in a strange kind of way things become 'normal' - until it all changes again! It's certainly not a dull life.

Changing seasons, changing colours

We have now been in our house exactly six months. When we first heard it was opposite a graveyard, we wondered what it would be like. In Japanese this large graveyard is called literally a 'spirit garden'. It is filled with mature trees which are looking quite stunning as they change from green to different shades of red, orange and yellow. With the blue skies and sunny days of late, it's a great place to walk. When we thought of the house, we saw it as great provision as a place to start a new church - spacious inside, parking spaces, neighbours only on one side. It is all of that. But it's also a great place to live with views over the city to one side and at the moment on the other side, nature shown in all its beauty, with the mountains too rising in the background. The change of seasons is precious to the Japanese people and something they feel keenly. And we wonder - how can people look at such beauty and not see the hand of the one who created all things? We're looking forward to the next six months - even if winter is just round the corner!

Following the rules

Japan is well-known for its precision - the trains really do run on time. It's also a land where people follow the rules. In fact they learn from an early age that there is a way for things to be done. Today we bumped up against both - precision and rule-keeping. Even in the setting of the dentist (fast becoming one of David's most-visited haunts) the sheer time and effort that went in to having a silver cap for a back tooth measured and shaved and re-measured and re-shaved was quite something. Things are done well here! And then the rules. Alistair was looking forward to getting a present at his tennis class. After all, it was promised to those who attended the requisite times in August and September. He'd been there the required number. But no present! David - 'Why not?' Tennis coach - 'He was missing twice'. David - 'Well no he wasn't because the times he missed he came on another day'. Coach - 'Ah but you need to come on the actual day to get the present'. It seemed rather unfair to deny a 6 year old his present (even if it was just a soft tennis ball) but that was what the 'rules' said. Aiming for precision is a good thing; following rules is not a bad thing; but both can become a trap. We are ever learning as we live in this fascinating culture.

Out of joint

In Japan there are many little 'hospitals' with particular specialisms. Often these are just one-man practices. You can find anything from a skin clinic to an eye clinic, some 'hospitals' deal with 'internal' matters, others with surgical matters. This morning David went to his local 'bone setting' hospital. An attempt at a save during a kick about resulted in a dislocated finger so the bone was duly yanked back into place. After that it was time to lie on the bed and have some tingly treatment, then some heat applied and finally some cream massaged in to the finger. The injury should have been attended to some weeks ago so David will have some more visits for 'treatment'. But that's good as the hospital he chose is run by one of the dads of the boys in Calum's football team, in fact one of Calum's best friends in the team. We were wondering about how to get to know the dads better so maybe a dislocated finger is one way!

Make the most of every opportunity...

It's fun going out and wondering who you will meet. Another gym story! Last week David met a lady there and we said we'd exchange address cards next time. She was there tonight and duly produced the card along with a note of her son's address and the church he used to go to. David gave his card too. Surely these'encounters' have a purpose. Next week will be the chance to chat more. Then David had another 'incident' in the bath! A few weeks ago the cleaning lady had come in to the men's bath and starting scooping water out of the bath in which David was relaxing. Just as David was going into the shower area tonight she appears again and we almost collide! And she's still there doing the mopping in the changing room when David comes out (towel wrapped round middle this time). Probably no one ever speaks to the cleaning lady. So David compliments her on keeping the place nice and tidy. Another comment was needed to get a conversation going but it flowed after that. We even talked about the Loch Ness Monster. And of course she asks 'Why are you here?' Another way in. Another chance to share. Even in the unlikely setting of the men's changing room and the cleaning lady. Maybe a bit like the passage we were looking at on Sunday in our first service, Jesus and the Samaritan woman. You never know when the opportunities might come. (No photo for this blog!)

Strength in numbers

The number of Christians in Japan is very small. It's not often that they can gather together as a large group. These past few days have seen over 1600 get together in Sapporo for a time of praise, fellowship, encouragement and challenge. A Convention on Evangelism has been held for the first time in nine years and this time it has come to Hokkaido. People have come from all over Japan. This evening over 100 missionaires (both foreign and Japanese) were introduced and thanked for their efforts. But most of all this is a time for the Japanese church and Japanese Christians to be encouraged, equipped and exhorted to work together so that God's kingdom can grow in these days of change and opportunity for Japan. Tomorrow is the last day - but may it be the beginning of something new happening in this land as God by his Spirit moves and empowers his people for action.

And we're off...

Today was a special day for Hiragishi Izumi Church. Early in the afternoon we had our very first worship service. We have deliberately not yet invited any contacts as we first of all need to find our way as a baby church. Yet, with a friend of the Chuas and another couple attending, we had 8 adults and our 2 boys, just a nice number for our inaugural service. Calum and Alistair played their part by helping during the service - Alistair enjoyed collecting the offering and Calum operated the PowerPoint! It was a joyful time of praise, hearing from God's word and sharing together in communion. A simple but moving service. Then later in the afternoon we had 22 adults and 8 children for a time of fellowship in our house after the adults had gone out in groups for a prayer walk round the area. It was great just to be out (in perfect weather) praying as we walked and looking to God to begin a work here.

Countdown to launch

Sunday is a big day for our new church plant here in Hiragishi. We have our first worship service. We are beginning both small and low-key as we find our feet as a fledgling church. As we start services over these coming weeks, we will meet in our home (a little unusual) and in the afternoons (perhaps a little more unusual). We hope to use the mornings to be out and about. Maybe there are folks out there for whom an afternoon is a better time. After our inaugural worship on Sunday, we will be joined by a number of fellow missionaries presently studying at the OMF language school for a prayer walk around the area. We just walk and pray - a great way to impact an area. It's exciting to be invovled at the birth of this church. Just as its name ('izumi' means 'spring') reminds us, may it be a place where spiritually thirsty people can find their way to receive the living water which Jesus gives. There are certainly many such people all around us here.

The power of one word

This afternoon David had just come off the running machine in the gym and was cooling off beside a fan. Noticing a lady sitting to the side of the fan, he said just one word, 'suzushii', which means 'nice and cool'. Just one word. And the lady was so effusive in her praise at David's masterly grasp of the Japanese language - after just one word! Anyway, the one word led on to a conversation. The lady gives away her age - 71, but she looks much younger. David compliments her on her youthful looks. She tries her hand at English. David says how good she is. We chat on (David still cooling down by the fan) and David shares what we are doing in Hiragishi, starting a church. 'Oh, are you a Christian?' she asks, 'My son goes to a church'. Or at least he did - he's too busy at the moment. She would like to learn English. We promise to exchange addresses next time (sadly no name card in my pocket in the gym!). The power of one word. And the value of just engaging in conversation.

Party in the graveyard

This afternoon we had an interesting experience. The local community had organised a barbecue under the trees to celebrate the coming of the autumn leaves. Oddly enough it took place at the side of the local graveyard! The food was delicious - lots of local produce. Obviously we stood out as the newcomers. It's normal to do a brief self-introduction at the beginning so now everyone there knows who we are. We had good conversations with folks around us and one or two others came over specifically to chat. All in all it was an encouraging time. So much of these early months here is just about being visible in the community and taking the opportunities to get to know people. Who knows where they might lead?

Searching for the truth

One of the things you have to get used to living as a foreigner in Japan is the shocked looks on the faces of some Japanese who come to deliver things to the door. This was the case today when Lorna opened the door to a young man. For a few seconds he was speechless as he wondered whether Lorna would speak Japanese or whether he should speak English. Then he was shocked again to discover that we could actually speak Japanese! Anyway he described himself as a missionary with Tenrikyo, a Japanese religion. He passed over a tract and pamphlet. We have a supply of tracts at our door so Lorna gave him one and said she would read his if he read hers. It turns out that this man is also interested in English and gave us his phone number to let him know if we start something. Might he be interested in reading the Bible in English? We don't know, but there are many Japanese who have joined new religions in the search of meaning in their lives.

The building below

Not long after we moved into our house, we were intrigued by 'the building below'. We look down to it through some trees and woodland. It didn't seem to be used much and we wondered what it was. The thought even came that it might be somewhere we could use in the future if it really was empty. Now and again we heard some young children there. Occasionally a choir would be practising there in the evening. We found a contact number for the place, got in touch and found out it belonged to a kindergarten. The main teacher at the kindergarten was very pleasant and we went to have a look one day to see if we could use it for a special ceremony we will have to mark the start of the church in Hiragishi. It's bright, spacious and will really be perfect for all sorts of events we might hold in the months and years to come. It's right on the main road. And it costs hardly anything to rent! We wonder how God will use 'the building below' as the story of the Hiragishi church plant unfolds.

Praying and walking

Today was the first Wednesday of the month. We and our co-workers the Chuas have decided to make that a day when we can devote more time specifically to pray and fast for the area of Hiragishi and the new church here. Lorna had a prayer walk in the afternoon, stopping at different places to pray - for the building near us we hope to use for events (more about that in next post), for local schools (two are very near us so we always have school children passing by). David went out later on a different route. It's such a stimulus to pray as you walk around and pray for what you see, or the people you pass, for the houses and apartment blocks which are not just stone and glass, but homes to people, many of whom may be lonely or hurting or depressed. We ask the Lord to come and bless this area, to open people's hearts, and to lead us to them or them to us. And then we wait expectantly to see what he will do. That's an exciting thought.

An unexpected meeting

Last night David was walking back from the subway station along a main, but poorly lit, road. Along with another person we passed by someone who was lying on the ground hunched up against a wall. We both stopped to see what was wrong. The young Japanese woman on the ground had a note that referred to a hospital and contained the letters OD - she'd had an overdose and had been drinking too. A couple of young guys turned up and we tried to contact the hospital without success. The young woman on the ground then started speaking in excellent English explaining she had psychological problems and would like someone to kill her. At no point did she look up. The conversation continued in English. David tried to encourage her with words of hope, saying she was special and people were here to care for her. All of a sudden she lifted her head and looked David straight in the eye. By this time an ambulance had arrived. On the way back on the subway, David had been reading a tract about a young Christian woman who'd had an awful accident and just wanted to die. David was able to say to the woman before she was taken away that he'd left that with her. It had our contact details on the back. You never know how God might work and who he will lead you to in the course of each day.

What do you do?

It's always good to have encouragements. Yesterday a lady who lives a number of doors away from us passed our house while David was watering the plants outside. After comments on how the plants looked, we had a conversation about why we were here and what we were doing. It was a great opportunity to share about the new church. This afternoon we were out in a park and two 9 year old girls came across to chat - and to practise their English. We chatted away about the usual things and then one asked, 'Why have you come to Japan?' Knowing that many children don't know what 'church' is, we asked if they had ever seen a cross on a building. They knew about that. And we could say that we were here to tell people about Jesus. As we look towards starting informal worship services next month, we were wondering the other day whether news about that would spread by word of mouth. Great that we had these opportunities.

body testing?

"Come and get your bodily strength tested" was an invitation issued by the PTA of Alistair's kindergarten. These tests are quite popular in Japan, consisting of several tests to test your speed, flexibility and strength. You compare the results with a chart and your age and come up with a result. Not the kind of thing either of us would usually volunteer for. But recently Lorna in particular was challenged by the need this year to go to things that others organise, to get out where people are rather than expect them to come to us. That's a good place where we can build relationships. Then from next April we hope that our church can begin to organise events that we can invite others to. So last week Lorna donned her sports gear and headed off to the hall at the kindergarten. 4 tests and a game of volleyball later it was finished, with the result being level B (not too bad?) But even better than that was the chance to meet several mothers she had never met before, and have a couple of good chats. She did put her back out, but maybe that's a small price to pay...

Bearing much fruit

One of Hiragishi's claims to fame is that it used to be an apple growing area. Yesterday we were driving along when suddenly we noticed a long row of apple trees stretching about half a mile along the central reservation. And they were laden with all sorts of apples. Each tree was carefully named. Some apples had numbers stamped on them. Others bore the name 'Fighters' - the local pro baseball team. Some looked ripe to eat - though of course no one was taking any, this being Japan. In fact the fumes from the passing cars surely would not help the taste. Others had fallen from the tree or were rotten (no doubt attacked by the ever-present crows). As we live and work here in Hiragishi and seek to build up a church here, our desire is simply to bear fruit, good fruit, everlasting fruit.

As for me and my house...

Yesterday was a special day in Otaru Church. Lorna was able to be there to join in the occasion. Two years ago Mrs Kudo, a young mother of four children, believed in Jesus and was baptised. Ever since we go to know Mrs Kudo, we looked to God to draw the whole family to Jesus. Her oldest child is Rikiya (14) and he was a classmate of Daniel in primary school. He first came to the church in Otaru when Daniel invited him to our annual Sun Kids Festival when he was 10. After his mother was baptised, Rikiya himself came to believe in Jesus and was baptised yesterday at Otaru Church. His testimony was very moving. These are always special times in the life of a church too as members recall the time of their own baptism. Being a Christian teenager is not easy anywhere, but all the more so in a land where so few are Christians and the pressures of school life are great. May Rikiya be given the strength to stand up for his faith where everything around says that 'the nail that sticks up should be hammered down'.

It's a cover up

When the hot weather hits Japan, you see some odd sights. Over the years we have got used to seeing ladies going around with umbrellas up to deflect the summer sun. Very wide-brimmed hats are also popular. But coming back this year we have noticed another trend. Younger women can be seen sporting long 'gloves' with a thumbhole and a larger hole for the other fingers, but which stretch way above the elbow so even when you wear a T-shirt, no skin is exposed to the sun. The in-phrase applied to sun-deflecting garments is 'UV Cut'. Lorna has even just bought a new hat which happens to be UV Cut - good to know that she is trendy (mind you the hat would not be called trendy in the UK!) Many people go to great lengths here to guard their health, and that includes the skin. But how many take similar care of the heart?

Time for a change?

The campaign is now formally underway. Here in Japan there is an election on 30th August. One party, the Liberal Democratic Party, has been in power almost constantly for the last 50 years. But now there is a distinct possibility that another party, the Democratic Party of Japan, might gain power. Election campaigns are a big - an noisy - event in Japan. There are of course all the usual posters and leaflets pushed through doors. We even had a visit from one of our local candidates the other day. But the thing you notice - and hear - most is the constant noise of messages broadcast over tannoys attached to the top of cars as the politicians drive round the streets, often accompanied by white-gloved, waving ladies in the back seats. Will the DPJ's Mr Hatoyama become Prime Minister? We'll find out at the end of this month.

Symbol of hope

We have many people passing by our house, on foot, by bike, in their car, especially the primary and high schoolers on their way to the nearby schools. In terms of our lease, we cannot have any sign up at our house, so how can we let people know why we're here. Recently at a church service, a Japanese pastor sopke about how many people associate a cross with a church. That gave us an idea. Perhaps we could have a cross at our house, an inside "decoration" but visible from outside. So we asked someone from our former church in Otaru if he could make us one for the inside of one of the upstairs windows. We trust that as people look up, they might spot the cross in the window. At night time too with the upstairs light behind, it can be seen from outside.

Sights, sounds and smells

We live right opposite a huge cemetery. At the moment it is a real hive of activity. This is the time of the bon festival when many Japanese people gather as families to visit the graves of their deceased relatives. Our neighbourhood has become totally transformed. The sounds - bell ringing; the chants of the Buddhist priest; the ever-present crows waiting for a feast. The smell - burning incense constantly fills the air. The sights - families from babies to great-grandparents (and dogs too) cleaning the grave and paying their respects, even worshipping the spirits; each grave decorated with flowers, fruit offerings and even cans of beer! Buddhist priests wait around and recite the required sutras (for a fee of course!) Some believe that the spirits of the deceased return for a few days and there are special bon dances which take place in the evening. In these days of the bon festival, it reminds us how much there is the need for so many to hear of and receive new life, hope-filled life, eternal life in Jesus.

It's parade time

Summer is festival time in Japan. When we lived in Otaru, almost every weekend there was a festival (usually linked to the local Shinto shrine)happening in some area. There are sideshows, lots of food and drinking, and just as importantly, the local 'god' is taken from his residence in the local Shinto shrine and paraded through the streets in a box supported by long poles and carried by the local men. Even the tiniest villages mark their local festival and parade the 'god' through the streets (or even just along the one street in the village) and back to the shrine. As we were on holiday, we saw several such processions in little coastal villages. All very bright and fun looking. But how the Japanese need to hear of and come to know the one, true God who is with us always.

The travel adventures - again!

Today Daniel and Matthew began their long journey back to India for the start of the new school year. Despite a delay due to a typhoon in Tokyo, they arrived safely there and after an overnight stay at the OMF Guest House, will fly to Bangalore via Bangkok tomorrow. They will arrive in Bangalore around midnight Indian time (3.30 in the morning Japan time) and travel up the long, winding road to the school - 36 hairpin bends! Although we've had a good time together over the past six or so weeks, it's never easy to say goodbye and be separated again. The little brothers also miss their big brothers. Yet we so appreciate Hebron School and all that it offers the boys educationally, spiritually and - just as important for our boys - in sport! We commit all of our boys into God's hands and look to him to grow them and shape them through all the different adventures and experiences they have. Our lives are continually filled with adjustments and adapting to new situations. But we serve an unchanging God who provides for all our needs.

When is a holiday not a holiday?

In the north of Japan, summer holidays for school children are short - just 3 1/2 weeks. Most of their parents will only be able to take a couple of days of that, maybe to go camping for a night. So what do children do? One of the answers is work! Calum has come home with about 20 sheets each of maths and Japanese, with a note from the teacher explaining that children are expected to do 30 minutes a day revising this term's work. They also had to choose something to study, a sport and some way to help at home, and have a chart which they fill in each day saying whether they managed these things, as well as a note to write of what they did each day. On top of that each child is expected to produce some sort of craft which should take about 3 days to make. Calum's football and swimming also continue pretty much as usual. In churches, Sunday schools will continue through the holidays, with most children being there most of the time. We have the saying 'All work and no play'. So often that can be the reality for people here. And perhaps that is why many Japanese are drawn to Jesus through his own words - 'Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest'.

The Lord who opens hearts

As we begin the new church here in Hiragishi, it is a great encouragement to us that we have one young Christian who has been studying with our co-worker Kaori for the past year. Sambi san ('sambi' means 'praise' in Japanese) is from a Christian family and believed in Jesus while on a short-term stay in Canada. She then returned to the family home in Hiragishi and was put in touch with Kaori. Recently Lorna has been working through The Purpose Driven Life with Sambi san and it's great to see her growing in her faith. She is brilliant with kids, crafts and anything artistic. We are excited to have Sambi san as the 'Lydia' of our new church here and look forward to seeing who might be the next believer - even if that turns out to be the local jailer as it was in Philippi! (Check out Acts 16 for the story of the start of the church in Philippi - not sure we'd want the earthquake part though!)

Food glorious food

It's always fun eating out in Japan. Not only do you have the excitement of working out what you might be eating when the dish arrives, the menus are always good entertainment, especially when some English is thrown in. Recently we were out somewhere and one of the options was to choose from the Summer Christmas menu! Then the other day, the menu 'helpfully' gave some English descriptions of the desserts. The one shown here reads - 'Shaved ice with starch ball, bean paste and green tea sauce'. What better way to end a nice meal! Actually it reads a lot better in Japanese - and the taste is not as odd as you might think.

Signed, sealed and delivered

As we set up the new church here, it's not all about contact-making and relationship-building; there are some bureaucratic matters to be attended to! One is to obtain a seal with the church name. Everyone in Japan has their own seal, often more than one - there would be one for everyday use and one which might be used for more official documents. Now that we have the church name decided, we ordered our church seal which we will use for anything from stamping receipts to opening a bank account. Somehow having a name and a seal gives us a certain sense of 'being', even though we have yet to begin worship services and only have one believer attached to our fledgling church. We'll say more about her in our next entry.

The Art of Apologising

A Japanese pastor once commented that missionaries don't know how to apologise properly. Today we had the chance to experience a Japanese apology in person. Lorna had taken Daniel and Matthew to a museum. Whilst Matthew was on a metal centrifugal "spinner", trying to go fast, the whole thing sheered off, with Matthew falling off. We felt bad that Matthew had broken the thing, but the Japanese staff were most apologetic, though we assured them Matthew was fine. Later in the day, a phone call came from the museum - how was Matthew? Despite further assurances, the man said he would like to visit us (over half an hour away). At the appointed time the doorbell rang and we opened the door to find three men - the oldest one being the boss of the whole complex, the second the one in charge of all the equipment and a third younger one. There was much deep bowing and words of sincere apology, followed by a present of a lovely box of cakes. How right that pastor was that we have much to learn...

Where is your passion?

One thing all the men in the Ferguson household have a passion for is football. So it's great to live near the Sapporo Dome, the amazing stadium which hosts professional football and baseball matches. The local team is Consadole, currently in the J2 League. The atmosphere inside the stadium is superb, although the support is somewhat muted and polite. There is little jeering; it has even been known for applause to be given to the away team! One section of the ground has seats reserved for what they call 'passionate supporters' - you need to wear the red and black colours of the home team as well as have a good voice as the singing continues through the whole game, accompanied by drums and the occasional trumpet. Being a passionate supporter is no bad thing. But being passionate for Jesus and seeking to introduce people to his team is a much higher and more valuable goal.

And the name is... 平岸いずみキリスト教会

Recently we've been pondering our church name. What it says projects an image to those who read it or hear about it. We have gone for Hiragishi Izumi Kirisuto Church. Hiragishi is in there as that is where are based. 'Kirisuto' is Japanese for Christ - we want to make it clear that we have no connection with a large building not too far from us which calls itself 'church' but is in fact a cult religion. The word 'izumi' conveys the image. It means spring, as is used in John 4:14 when Jesus is speaking to the woman at the well about living water. So many in Japan are thirsting. So many need refreshment. This is our hope for the new church here - that many thirsty and weary people will find their way to the one who can meet their needs. May this new church truly be a refreshing spring for all who come.

By all possible means...

When Lorna signed up to help in Calum's school library twice a month, she didn't realise that something else would also be involved, namely reading to the children now and again. However, the other mothers were delighted and decided that she should read an English book with a short Japanese translation. Since we had the book in both languages, we chose The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Lorna read in English, Matthew obliged by playing the part of the ugly troll, even dressing up for it, and Daniel did the Japanese version. 83 children and 5 teachers turned up to listen, one of the teachers even recording it on video! Another great way to meet the children and help out in the school.

Whose protection?

One day when taking Alistair's name badge off his kindergarten uniform, we noticed that a small piece of paper had been slotted in the back with the word "omamori" written on it. Omamoris (literally they mean "protection") are very popular in Japan and take various forms, little amulets usually dedicated to shinto or buddhist figures. Alistair's teacher had put one in each child's badge and said they shouldn't take them out. However, we removed his, explaining to Alistair that Jesus is always watching over him, so he doesn't need any other "protection".

journeying adventures

Last Thursday saw Daniel and Matthew start their journey home from Hebron. 7 hours down the mountain to Bangalore, 4 hours to Bangkok, another 6 to Tokyo before a 1.5 hour bus journey across the city and a 1.5 hour flight up to Sapporo. The question we always have is "What if something unexpected happens? Will they cope?" Well on the flight to Bangkok, Daniel was woken by Matthew announcing that he'd been sick - VERY sick. The stewards helped with that, but in Bangkok Daniel was faced with the prospect of sitting next to a smelly brother for another 6 hours before they could get their luggage for Matthew to get changed. What to do? Enterprising Daniel dragged Matthew off to the nearest duty free shop and sprayed him liberally with sample perfumes (male perfumes Daniel hastened to add!). So it's great to know that God has given our boys initiative and the ability to handle the unexpected! Now we are enjoying family time together for the first time in our new home in Sapporo.

What's in a name?

In Japan a name is important. Most surnames would be made up of characters which have some meaning. You might greet a Mr 'Stone Field' or Mrs 'North Island'. And for first names, many people would spend considerable time (and sometimes money too) thinking about suitable 'kanji' (characters) for their newborn child's name. As we think about the new church we will start here, we are pondering the matter of the name. Do we include the name of the area or go for something different? What word or words would communicate positively to the people we hope to reach? Even the use of the word 'church' is not simple. Sometimes it is good to have the Japanese word for Christ before 'church' so it is clear that this is a Christian place. In our area there is a large building belonging to a Japanese new religion called Perfect Liberty which calls itself 'church'. It is quite a landmark in the area. But it has nothing to do with Jesus. As we consider the name of this new church in Hiragishi, may it be one which is appealing and attractive, but more than that one which will help to draw people to the only name by which they can be saved, the name of Jesus.

A time to plant and a time to uproot

This is the time for planting in Sapporo. Recently many in the community could be seen out on the pavements adding a touch of colour to the roadsides. Local school children join in too. For us at our house, it has been a time of planting, but also uprooting. The small area of garden in the front of our house was somewhat overgrown when we moved in - and more weeds sprouted up daily. The area at the side too very quickly became a jungle of growth. Gardening tools were bought and we got to work on clearing, chopping down and hauling out roots. All that needed to be done before we could do any planting. In the south part of Hiragishi there are some 28,000 people. We are here to plant a church. But so much of what we need to do in the early days is the hard work of clearing the ground, preparing the ground and searching for the soil where we can sow the seeds. In time our desire is to see not just the colourful flowers brightening up the roadsides, but people whose hearts and lives have been changed as the seeds of the gospel take root.

What's your goal in life?

Getting up at 4.30 in the morning is probably not most children's idea of fun. But if you're into baseball in Japan, that's the time you get up for the early morning practices. Thankfully none of our boys have so far chosen baseball as their sport. Calum is into football, has joined a local team, and goes along to practices four times a week - at more civilised times than baseball! Today he was taking part in a tournament - starting at 7:30 on Saturday morning! There is so much you can learn just by observing team sports in Japan. Loyalty and commitment is important; playing your part in the team is important; respect is important, for your own team's coaches, for the other team, for the referee. There is a lot of bowing - at the beginning of the match, at the end of the match, to your own team's coaches, to the other team, to the cheering parents. All in all a rich cultural experience. Certainly the training is hard work. And at times it may become too all-consuming. But there is much that is instilled in the children that is good and of value. Think about it - loyalty and commitment; playing your part in the team; respect - are these not values we should treasure too? Maybe they are too easily lost when the focus turns primarily to self.

What a great location!

Not long before we arrived back in Sapporo, a wonderful house was found for us in Hiragishi. One of the interesting features is that it is located right opposite a cemetery. One of our colleagues quipped that it was so good to get a house right in the dead centre of Hiragishi! On the other side we have great views over the south of the city, with the famous Sapporo Dome, home to the local baseball and football teams, often gleaming in the sunlight. Coming back to the cemetery, this is no ordinary graveyard - there are thousands upon thousands of graves. Actually it's more like a big park and not an unpleasant place to go for a walk. We've also found it a good and safe place to help Alistair with his cycling. It is located in an area which at one point was the suburbs of Sapporo. Next to it is a swimming pool which used to be the local crematorium - quite a thought as you're doing your laps up and down the pool! We often pass through the cemetery. Occasionally we see one or two graves with crosses, where Christians are buried. But thousands have no cross, people buried with no hope. Just looking at the graves opposite our house is a reminder that so many Japanese still need to hear about Jesus - before it's too late.

Who's that in the bright green hat?

So just how do you go about getting to know people in your area? Well, in David's case, by joining the team of what they call 'school guards', volunteers who are out and about when the children are going to and from school just to check there are no problems. All the children here walk to school - no parents walking with them or taking them by car. Last week the school guards were introduced to the children at morning assembly so now every child in the school knows who David is. And the rather fetching gear was given out - yellow armband and luminous green hat! Today was day one of being out and about and it was great to hear the children all saying 'Good morning' as they passed by. It will be a good way of getting to know them and just become more visible in the community.

Where is the wind blowing?

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes." (John 3 v 8)
A couple of weeks ago we attended a series of lectures at the Hokkaido Bible Institute in Sapporo by a Japanese pastor who is involved in planting a church in another city in Hokkaido. We were keen to learn whatever we could from his experience as we seek to plant a church here. A lot of the things he said have been extremely useful for us, but in particular we both felt encouraged and challenged by this verse. God's Spirit blows where He wills and we do not know where that is. BUT we can hear its sound. So as we are out and about in Hiragishi that is one of the things we are focusing on - listening for the sound of the wind - seeking to find where God is already working.

We have also realised once again what an asset our boys are to our ministry. Already we have several opportunities to help out at Calum's school - Lorna helps out in the school library and in making things for the school fete later in the year. On Saturday it was Calum's sports day, a huge event in Japan held at the weekend with hundreds of spectators. We were able to meet several of the parents of Calum's friends and Alistair also met up with some friends from his nursery. Already we are beginning to be recognised as we are out and about - "Calum's Mum" or "Calum's Dad" is a cry we quite often hear. And as we meet people we are consciously asking God to show us the next steps in our ministry here. Please pray with us.