Church Planter's Diary

Reflections on a Year

2011-12-31T23:16:00.001+09:00

As we draw to the end of a year, it is time to reflect on the months which have just gone by and look forward to what might lie ahead. Certainly at this time last year we could never have predicted that 2011 would have brought such tragedy and suffering to so many, not just in Japan but in many parts of the world. We had just had a really encouraging first-ever Hiragishi Family Christmas and were hoping to build on that through the year. But there were to be many twists and turns which we could not have anticipated which made many changes in our lives. February saw us receive a phone call to inform us of the sudden death of the pastor of Otaru Church where we had worked for eight years. It was the pastor with whom we had worked for one year before handing over the leadership to him in 2008. For the coming months we spent time with the folks in Otaru and David committed to preaching there once a month till September. Less than a month after that, the earthquake struck unleashing a tsunami of unbelievable power to sweep away anything and anyone in its wake. Although we were far away from the tsunami zone, the day of the earthquake and its aftermath are unforgettable. Almost immediately we were involved in coordinating a team from Hokkaido to visit one of the areas. Over the months many volunteers have been to help in the devastated areas and it was a privilege to be able to lead a team in July (with Daniel and Matthew too) and do what we could among people who had lost so much. There are many sobering scenes which have been seen and pain-filled stories which have been heard over the months since March 11th. Many of our colleagues have worked tirelessly and sacrificially serving in these areas. Life was to change for us even more as OMF decided to begin a relief work in one of the tsunami-devastated areas. The couple appointed to lead the work were the leaders of OMF's work in Hokkaido and the end result for us is that we took on that role temporarily from August. These past months have been an intense time of juggling and trying as far as possible to give good time and energy to the work in Hiragishi as well as leading the OMF work and team in Hokkaido. We are thankful for God's grace which has always been sufficient and his strength which is indeed made perfect in weakness. We have continued to be involved in the community here - Lorna has done much through the local school and David became PTA Chairman in April. These have given many opportunities both to get to know people and become known by so many. One big lesson we have learned is the importance of building up relationships with people and being where people are. It has been encouraging to see so many coming to events we have held at Easter, during the summer and then again at Christmas - and almost all of those who have come are people who are known personally to us or others in Izumi Church. The boys have continued at Hebron and the local primary school respectively and there have as always been more than a few tales to tell (they would take up too much space to narrate here!) So it has been a year of many unforeseen changes. But as we look back we can give testimony that God has been with us and has provided for our needs. Nothing catches him by surprise. Looking ahead, we can already see many changes on the horizon - but who knows what else might be waiting? Next year should see Daniel finishing Hebron and hopefully starting university; Calum will go to Hebron in August; we will at some point in the year hand over leadership of Izumi Church to our OMF colleagues Richard and Catherine East; our present co-workers the Kochs will head back to Germany for their first home assignment but plan to return to Hiragishi in 2013; and the big change will be to take on the Field Director role from November. We are thankful that another colleague will take on the Hokkaido leadership from April and give us some breathing space to get ready for all the other changes. We always take encouragement from the words od Deuteronomy 31:8 at the beginning of a new year - the Lord himself goes before; He is with us; He will never leave us. Great promises!

Hiragishi on Christmas Day

2011-12-30T22:44:00.004+09:00

This year Christmas Day fell on a Sunday. For many Japanese people Christmas means going on a date (for young couples) or having time with family on the 24th. Kentucky Fried Chicken is popular as is Christmas cake (quite different to the equivalent in the UK). Some though are drawn to churches at this time and candelit services on Christmas Eve are popular. We decided not to hold something like that here in Hiragishi but had a low-key service followed by a time of eating some traditional Christmas goodies and playing a few games. We moved our usual worship time from the afternoon to the morning and once again were able to use the building we have rented several times before. While we have many people coming along to events we have held, we were not sure how it would be for a worship service as many people we know seem to not be at that point yet. However it was encouraging that a number of people came along, some for the first time. It was a special joy to see several of the boys' football club friends come - certainly the first time they have ever been in a worship service. How Chuang gave an excellent short message. We sang some well-known carols. Sambi did a great children's talk with clever props. Afterwards a few more friends came with their children for the food and games time. It was a happy time and once again an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with those who were there. Afterwards one young lady who was there for the first time said she would like to study the Bible. We are taking small steps forward and move expectantly into another year to build more on the foundation which has been laid. This Sunday sees us start the New Year with a worship service and a time of sharing and praying together. But more about that in a future blog.

An international gathering

2011-12-27T21:26:00.005+09:00

Last week we enjoyed our annual OMF Christmas prayer meeting. The OMF team in Sapporo gather every Thursday for worship, prayer and fellowship but the Christmas one is always special. This year was no exception as we celebrated together and enjoyed the 'internationalness' of OMF. We had readings in different languages ranging from Afrikaans to Scots; we had songs in Swiss German and Welsh; some shared different Christmas traditions in their home countries. We had people from the UK (all four countries), US, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Singapore, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Brazil. One of the joys of being part of an international, inter-denominational mission organisation is its sheer diversity. It was moving to worship in and listen to well-known carols and well-known passages of the Bible in different languages. What a precious reminder that one day there will be those gathered in heaven drawn from every tongue and people group. It is a blessing to be able to work together with colleagues from many different lands and cultures as we seek to bring the timeless message of the gospel to the people of Japan.

Another Family Christmas

2011-12-14T21:45:00.004+09:00

Last Saturday we once again rented the place we have used on several occasions before for different events. It was the second ever Hiragishi Izumi Church Family Christmas. We had asked people to let us know if they were coming so had a fair idea that we were going to get a large crowd again. And of course there were always going to be children who just turned up on the day. We had learned our lesson from last year when we struggled to cope as a very small church with the numbers who came so procured the help of some folk from other churches - a wise move as it turned out. This year we had also asked someone we knew from our Otaru days to come as our special guest. She is a ventriloquist who tells the Christmas story with her doll Gon chan in a fun and compelling way. So we got down early to set up and some children began to arrive half an hour before we were due to start. The kids and adults poured in - we had around 80 kids and over 20 adults. It was a great time of singing, games, food - and of course the amazing ventriloquist and Gon chan telling the story of Jesus coming to earth. One thing which we were immediately able to work out was that we knew almost everyone who had come. Many of the children were from the local school. Almost all the children from Lorna's English classes were there. A good number from the boys' football club came too. The lesson learned - how important is to be out and about in the commnunity, to be involved in activities locally and in particular to build up good connections with the local school. The challenge - to see some of the many people we have got know to move on beyond just coming to an event. We are hoping that at least some might feel they want to come and celebrate Christmas Day with us when we will have a low-key service in the same building followed by some games and food. Thank God that He is at work in Hiragishi.

A Happy Day

2011-12-11T21:56:00.005+09:00

Hiroko is a member of a Gospel Choir in Sapporo which has been going for a number of years now. Some members are Christians; many are not. Yet they love to sing gospel songs (often in English) and one such is the well-known 'Oh Happy Day'. Last Sunday was certainly a happy day for Hiroko and for Hiragishi Izumi Church. It was the day of Hiroko's baptism. She believed in Jesus earlier in the year and since then has been preparing for and looking forward to her baptism. It was a joy to hear her testimony and be there with her as she confessed her faith in Jesus and was baptised. We had rented once again the building we use occasionally which really is a perfect venue for such occasions. We had to borrow a portable bath from another church and fill it up before the service (the water stayed pleasantly warm). It was not such a big bath so presented a little bit of a challenge at the baptism - but we managed just! Hiroko had hoped her father would come but didn't know if he would. Her mother had said she had no interest. Well, her father did come and he seemed really moved. Her parents live not too far away from us. Around ten of the choir members came too and sang a couple of songs at the fellowship time after the service. It was all in all a wonderful day as we had our second baptism in the life of Izumi Church. We trust that the Lord will use Hiroko as a blessing to others and we look forward to seeing her grow as a one of God's precious children.

New Life

2011-12-05T20:55:00.004+09:00

We will always remember Valentine's Day 2010. It was a Sunday and Wataru came for the first time to our church. In fact for the first time ever to any church. He had been invited by Sambi who thought it would be good to invite him on a 'special' day. He was very nervous and uptight and that showed in the way he spoke - fast and to the point. He came again on other 'special' occasions. He was always keen to introduce himself as someone who definitely did not believe in God. His self-proclaimed philosophy was 'Life is war'. Yet over time he changed and softened, eventually reaching the stage towards the end of last year when he was coming almost every week and then wanted to start Bible study. He has been doing that with David and JP for the best part of a year. He is very sharp and good at analysing what the Bible says. He had lots of difficult questions too - we would often stray onto different topics than the ones we were meant to be studying. It was thrilling to see his heart begin to open but always there were objections. We sometimes struggled to find a way to deal with them but gradually he began to edge closer to faith. And that point was reached a couple of weeks ago as he confessed his faith and became a believer of Jesus. It is a joy to see how God has changed him. Certainly he has many issues to deal with. But now he has a power within which can give him the guidance and strength he needs. Life may well still continue to be 'war' but in a different sense and fought with different weapons. He is a young man who could be a great warrior for Jesus. JP and David will continue to meet with him week by week to help him become grounded in his young faith. We are looking forward to Wataru being the third person to be baptised in Izumi Church - the second one was yesterday and that will be the focus of the next blog entry. We praise God for these encouragements - small steps, but one by one Jesus is building his church in Hiragishi.

School Festa

2011-10-31T12:06:00.004+09:00

Every year there is a special event at our boys' school called the Festa, a Saturday morning set aside for games, stalls, food and fun. The day started with Calum and Alistair going off to school as normal as the second period of the morning was a chance for parents to go and observe the class. These times happen quite regularly at Japanese primary schools and it is always interesting to see how the class works and the way the teacher and children interact with one another. The Festa is organised by the PTA so many mothers had been busy for many weeks making things, setting up and getting everything ready. Before the Festa itself started, the children came into the sports hall to be entertained by the wind band from the high school next door. The standard is always amazing - almost professional. David spoke to the teacher who is the conductor and he said the band practises every day (sometimes early morning) and at weekends too. As PTA Chairman, David had to make various mini-speeches and announcements during the morning. The Vice Chairmen (or rather Chairwomen - everyone else on the PTA is a mother!) had helpfully written out a script of what to say when so David just had to pop up from time to time and say his piece. As well as all the other stalls and food on offer, there is a Dad's Corner where three dads helped out with a basketball shoot - a popular place. It was a great way to be involved again in the local school and in a small way give back something for the many benefits we receive in being able to send our boys to Japanese primary school. Of course it also means we are increasingly well-known in the school and community. As we look forward to our Family Christmas event in early December, we hope that many of the local children (and parents) will once again come along. More news on that nearer the time.

Where have we been?

2011-10-21T19:58:00.007+09:00

You might be forgiven for thinking we have fallen off the planet. No blog entries since the end of August! We are still here - it's just time has run away over these past weeks. Actually the last entry explains a lot of the busyness as we have juggled the two roles, one leading the church plant at Hiragishi and the other leading the Hokkaido Region of OMF. This month David has been away from Sapporo, first at OMF meetings, then at an OMF Directors' Retreat and now in India for half-term at Hebron. Our lifestyle is certainly unorthodox! It's been great to be here as always. The first few days at school were helpful to catch up with some teachers and staff but the highlight of October half-term is Drama Week. Every year certain year groups put on plays of excellent quality. This year it was the turn of Daniel and Matthew's years to take the stage. Daniel had a smaller role in his play (a superb production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame) while Matthew had a more main part in Murder in the Cathedral, a difficult play set to spoken verse in older style English. His class did very well and Matthew ended up getting an award for Best Actor Runner Up. He is interested in politics and what we saw on stage showed some of the right qualities for that - at the end he was one to give the convincing speeches to the audience. This week we have been at the beach on the south-west corner of India. Kovalam is a gem of a place - warm sea, beach, many little restaurants and cheap hotels. The pace of life is very relaxed which gives great time for reading, pondering and reflecting, as well as enjoying leisurely breakfasts, bowls of tropical fruit, lime sodas and many other culinary delights - and that all very cheap for someone used to living in Japan! Matthew has taken many photos of the ocean and sunset - one is attached as the photo for this blog. Tonight the long journey back to Ooty begins for a final day of buying the all-important tuck for next term and a final meal at our favourite place for Sunday lunch before David begins the even longer journey back to Sapporo. A busy month awaits but hopefully we can be a bit more disciplined in keeping up with this blog to share the journey we are on with the church plant in Hiragishi as well as more widely in Hokkaido and indeed Japan.

A double role

2011-08-29T21:58:00.005+09:00

Last week saw another job added to the Ferguson portfolio. It goes by the rather grand title of OMF Interim Regional Director for Hokkaido. Quite a mouthful that one. The former Director is moving next month with his wife to Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, one of the areas hit by the tsunami. A new OMF work has already begun there due to a couple coming back to Japan from the UK for some weeks over the summer and teams of volunteers which have gone to help. However, from next month there will be permanent presence there for at least the next two years. Anyway, back to Sapporo, this left us with a gap to fill here. Quite a big gap actually as the Regional Director role involves many things and easily fills the time of a full-time worker. Now we take on this role part-time for six months. David plans to be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays but it is unlikely to work out as neatly packaged as that. There will be lots of juggling! We hope for no great crisis during these coming months. The work at Hiragishi continues and these are important days as we look to see the church built up here and some of the many people we know beginning to move closer to Jesus. We are happy to serve our colleagues here in Hokkaido and work together with them as we live and minister among the people here. These are challenging days with much to learn, lots of new experiences, many people to speak to, listen to and encourage. But they are also exciting days to be in Japan. Today saw yet another new Prime Minister. Governments come and go but our unchanging God is working out his purposes for this land and the people that he made.

All change - again!

2011-08-17T20:47:00.004+09:00

The holidays are over. The older two boys left on Monday for India. The new school year at Hebron begins today. The younger two have a few more days before second term begins here. It was great to be a family of six again for some weeks, though during our holiday time we were not always all together as the boys had different camps in which they were involved. Daniel is now in his last year at Hebron. It's amazing this has come round so soon! He is a school prefect and has various other responsibilities during this final year. Next year will see him finish and hopefully move on to university. Matthew has three more years at Hebron but as Daniel goes into his final year there, Calum starts his final year in Japan. If all goes to plan, he will go to Hebron next year. Next year will be a time of even more comings and goings than normal - whatever might be considered 'normal' in our lifestyle! And as if that were not enough, there will be a major change of role for us at the end of next year with a move to Tokyo after that. But that is stil far off. While we prepare for the future, we live in the present and we are looking forward to continuing the task to which God has called us in Hiragishi once we are back into 'work mode' next week. There is another change of role to be faced then too - but a post on that can wait till then. Meanwhile we are glad to know Daniel and Matthew are safely at Hebron and we will enjoy our last few days with Calum and Alistair before we get back to the busyness of the coming weeks.

English Kids' Camp

2011-07-27T21:43:00.005+09:00

Since April last year Lorna has run two weekly English classes, one for younger elementary school age children and another for the older year groups. As well as teaching them English from a native speaker, there is the chance each week at the end to share a simple Bible story (in Japanese) with the children. Many of these children (and their parents) have come to different events we have held over the past year or so. This past weekend we held a camp for some of the English class children - not all were able to come so we had manageable numbers. It was great fun. We were helped by a team which is over here from the UK in July working at another church nearby and two of them also stayed overnight. We had games. We ate some British food for supper - mince, potatoes, carrots and peas followed by trifle! That seemed to go down well. In the evening we practised a play which Lorna had written in simple English telling the story of Daniel in the lions' den. The kids did a great job saying their lines and enjoyed making some masks and props together. The evening ended with fireworks (always part of a camp here). We expected the children to be up early - and they were. Morning exercises took the form of hip hop and then it was time for bread sticks baked over the barbecue. The camp ended with parents being invited to a time of games and food on the Sunday morning and a presentation of the play. It was so good to see many parents turning up, including several dads. The children have had many seeds sown in their hearts over these past months. We trust that in years to come, and even now, some of these children - and their parents - might find their way to Jesus.

A Busy Weekend

2011-07-25T22:28:00.005+09:00

This past weekend saw us once again rent the kindergarten building we have used before for Hiragishi Church events. On Saturday we held a UK Culture Day. A team of six from the UK are spending a month working with a church near us and came along to help in different ways. We had fun with icebreaker and other games; we heard about the different parts of UK culture; shared about the significance of the crosses on the flag; sang a traditional song; enjoyed some Scottish country dancing; and ended with a traditional afternoon tea complete with cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream. It was great to welcome people who we know well and have come along to events before. It was also a joy to see a number of people there for the first time. There was a great atmosphere with time to chat to many of the guests who were there. For a small church like ours to hold something like this is always a challenge and we were glad of the help of the team from the UK. These kind of events are 'easy to come to' and offer a low key way to get to know people in our community and a place where we can invite folks we have been getting to know well. People are at ease coming. Our hope is that some will want to know more and come along again. Everyone took home a card with some details of Izumi Church and an invite to some other events we plan to hold in the autumn. As soon as the Culture Day finished we were straight into an overnight camp for the children from Lorna's English classes - but that blog can wait for another day.

Impressions of Iwate - Day 6

2011-07-12T11:06:00.007+09:00

We are now back in Sapporo. Travel and catching an overnight ferry meant no time for the Day 6 blog yesterday. It was another action-packed day. The morning saw us loading up the vehicles again. The destination - the town of Yamada which we had driven through the day before and which had been badly affected by the tsunami. We headed for a large temporary housing area with some 150 houses. Some set up the mat and laid out all the things we had brought - vegetables, clothing, blankets, foodstuffs, things for children and babies. Others of us went round the doors telling people we had come. Everyone's eyes opened wide, they smiled, said thank you and headed for the area where we had set up stall. No sooner was everything laid out than it was all gone! No one here has access to shops (there are none left nearby) and many have no car. We helped some of the older folks carry things back to their tiny houses - little ways to serve and to chat. After a quick turn around at the base, we were off again to a smaller temporary housing area, this time small enough that we could deliver some items to each household. Again, the welcome was warm. Some even insisted on giving something in return - a can of juice or an ice cream bar. People with so little giving out of what they had. We drove back to our base again, tidied the place up for the next teams who arrived last night (not OMF teams) and headed north, passing through some other devastated places on our way to Hachinohe where the ferry was waiting. Yesterday, four months to the day of the tsunami, was the first day ferries could operate from that port since then due to the damage incurred that day. It was a busy ferry! Now we are back to daily life in Sapporo. But now is also the time to reflect. What have we learned? What can we do now? How does OMF move forward in these coming weeks and months? Other teams will go. A couple (and their young son) are in Miyako over the coming few weeks. A more permanent presence will be established from September. The needs are vast. The potential is great. Funds have been donated in abundance. Supplies are continually needed and those needs will change as the months go on. The challenge - to provide the resources, both human and material, so that the work of reaching out in word and deed, the work of listening, of being alongside, of encouraging, of being the hands, feet and ears of Jesus can continue in these hugely needy areas. The OMF July team's visit is over. But the work of rebuilding broken communities and broken lives goes on and will go on for many weeks, months and years to come.

Impressions of Iwate - Day 5

2011-07-10T21:55:00.004+09:00

Today has been quite a day. It started off with a jolt just after 10am when a strong earthquake hit off the coast of Iwate. It was M7.1 and immediately the sirens went off and announcements started giving a tsunami warning and saying to people to move away from the coastal areas. That continued for some time, even after we had gone to the service at the local church. Occasionally the service stopped so we could listen to the announcements. In the end of the tday he tsunami amounted to hardly anything but it went to show how suddenly these things can happen - and almost 4 months to the day of the big quake. It was great to worship at Miyako Community Church and have fellowship with the folks there. We were given a warm welcome and it is so good that OMF can work in partnership with this church and Pastor Iwatsuka. The afternoon saw us head further south along the coast to visit some of the towns which had really taken the brunt of the tsunami. The scenes were quite incredible. As a team we reflected on our time after our evening meal. Some expressions people used - like a war zone. Like the aftermath of Hiroshima. Desolate. Sense of hopelessness. The buildings that still stood were gutted; some were badly charred due to fire; some still lay toppled over; some were just twisted wrecks. Mangled cars were everywhere. The roads through these towns have been cleared but it is like driving through a ghost town. You can't even imagine what it was like before. The town of Otsuchi lost over 60% of its population. The clear up seems hardly to have started in some places. The Ostuchi town office was swept away by the tsunami along with the town's mayor and other leaders. Later one of our team met an old lady from Otsuchi who survived by running up the mountain - she said simply that Otsuchi is finished. There were many poignant sights today but one that sticks in the mind is seeing a boat with the name 海友 - the characters for 'sea' and 'friend'. What an irony. The sea which today was so serene and beautiful - it is an idyllic coastline - is the same sea that had come crashing in with such force and swept away everything and everyone in its path. We stopped to pray for Otsuchi. We then moved further south and saw more of the same. Where do they begin? How do they rebuild? What about those who remain? Huge questions. All that we have done in our time here seems to have been but a drop in a bucket. Yet surely each drop counts. Each drop has meaning. And surely more and more need to be committed to come here and live with these people, serve these people and point them to the only way out of the utter devastation and hopelessness we saw today.

Impressions of Iwate - Day 4

2011-07-09T21:35:00.003+09:00

Today was hot. 35 degrees hot! And our task for today (well, some of us anyway) - to pack some packets of special noodles along with the accompanying sauce into bags then head off to Taro, a badly affected area, to deliver these round the neighbourhoods there. This time we worked with a group from another church around a two hour drive away. People were so grateful to receive even the little we were giving them. Their words were kind. Their smiles were sweet. Some even bowed down in the entrance way on their hands and knees. As we delivered, there were several opportunities to linger and chat - in the shade thankfully. People were open to speaking about the dreadful events of 11th March. Our task - just to listen to their stories and say very little. It was evident today that for some the time has come for them to speak out their pain and tell their stories. Who will be there to listen over the coming weeks and months? This morning Daniel and Matthew had a different task as they headed off to a local primary school to play games and sports with some children there. The children were so happy and seemed to chat all the time. We were not long back from Taro when we were packing up the vehicles again with vegetables, clothing (some people can't readily buy or even have the rescources to buy things they need). This time we went to another temporary housing area in a remote part of Miyako. Soon people were gathering round, selecting what they wanted to have, chatting and thanking us for coming. Again some people were opening up, one man even describing the day of the tsunami when he had to cling on to a tree as the water rose and threatened to sweep him away. He survived as did his wife. Just one story out of thousands. As we chatted as a team tonight we wondered about the idea of a 'kikiya' (literally a room where you can go to have your story listened to). This is a time for those who love Jesus to be available to listen, to sit alongside, to be there as people release some of what has been in their hearts for these past months. That is a big challenge for all of us in the churches in Japan.

Impressions of Iwate - Day 3

2011-07-08T21:39:00.003+09:00

Another day. More new experiences. This time a visit to a primary school in an area badly affected by the tsunami. In the school playground (they are large in Japanese schools) the military have set up large tents which are operating as temporary bathing facilities for people who are not in their own houses or are not able to use the bath in their house. Each day there is an after-school club for children whose parents are working. We were asked to go at 3pm and the request was for a barbecue. We spent the morning getting all the stuff together and were pleased to receive a (very large!) barbecue grill from another missionary who had just finished time in the area. When we got there the teacher said 'We have lots of children today'. There were around 35 and some other kids from the area turned up too. We played some fun games, football, even an egg and spoon race! One of our team taught them Frere Jacques in French. Then it was the BBQ time - the kids loved it. At the end we had lots of goodies (including some tartan pencils from Scotland which we have had for ages) and everyone was delighted to get something. Some of these kids would have lost their houses and everything in them. We didn't talk about that though - it was time for fun and food and just building relatioships with that school. The pastor of the church was there but in the background - cooking the food and helping clear up. How many of these children are hurting inside? All of them have witnessed and are daily seeing sights round about them that are unimaginable for most of us. As we drove back we saw many destroyed houses, some left half-standing awaiting demolition. We saw the mangled railway track. A train still stood on the track having been derailed at the moment the earthquake struck. We think the people in the train got out to safety before the tsunami came crashing over the thick sea wall. Tomorrow Daniel and Matthew will go to another school with the pastor's son just to play and have fun with local kids. The rest of us are out and about again, this time delivering a special noodle dish to locals in a certain area. One other impression of today from an early-morning walk. Sometimes you go past buildings which have been wrecked. Others are damaged. Yet others just round the corner appear to be relatively unaffected. The force of the water was immense. To look on now though you wonder why the water went some places and not to others. Those who remain are surely grateful to be alive - yet perhaps too there is a sense of guilt because some of their friends and neighbours lost their lives while they survived. The task of rebuilding broken buildings is huge. The task of rebuilding broken lives is perhaps even greater. We trust that the little of bit of fun we gave the children today helped even in some very small way.

Impressions of Iwate - Day 2

2011-07-07T18:44:00.006+09:00

This morning we loaded up the car with bags of vegetables and fruit. Many people in the temporary housing or in less accessible areas simply cannot get hold of such things. Our first stop was a temporary housing area outside the town of Taro. The pastor had been only once before and said people there might be much more reserved. There was vast destruction in that town and many lost their lives. People there had also had to endure television crews and people who came for so-called 'disaster tourism'. We went and started going round the houses. People were happy to receive. Some, especially older men, were hanging around and eager to chat. We were able to spend time listening, chatting, seeking to encourage and simply being other people around for a short time. The people were grateful that we had come even though we had done relatively little. We moved on to some other areas in the town, delivering the bags of vegetables in more remote areas. Once again people were so happy to receive these. The pastor knew of various people in these houses - he was keen to introduce to David to one who was a relative of a pastor he knows in Sapporo. What we witnessed next though was sobering indeed. We drove through the area of Taro which bore the brunt of the tsunami. Mist was gently rolling in from the sea. It was an eerie sight. Just a vast area where houses had been washed away. Many were new-built houses. People thought the thick tsunami-proof wall would protect them - but no one reckoned on a 40m high wave. The whole area looked like a war zone - tidied up to some extent but just the remains of buildings razed to the ground, other buildings standing wrecked, fences mangled, piles of wreckage everywhere, the sea wall crumbled. Some 200 perished in that small town. The afternoon saw us move on to another temporary housing area where the pastor had visited a few times already. We had lots of items which were spread out on a large sheet of tarpaulin and people gathered round to receive what they needed or wanted - anything from oranges to underwear to pots to things for children. Soon it was pretty much all gone (some Bibles were taken too) and we had some great chats with the people - again they were all so grateful. Later we were able to linger some more with a few people. One man spoke movingly about all he had lost and how people here need 'kokoro no kea' - literally care of the heart. When David asked what people wanted most, he simply said community, people to talk to, people to be with. What a need there is. What an opportunity there is for people who love Jesus to follow his example and just go to where hurting people are. This man said that from now on is the time when people really need the 'heart care'. We need to pray that many would be available to go and be there, people like the pastor of the church in Miyako, people who will be prepared to move to these areas and just be with the people, listen to their stories, share in their pain and show them the love of Jesus. Tomorrow is another day - different again as this time we will be doing a barbecue and having fun and games for children at a local primary school. Watch this space again then.

Impressions of Iwate - Day 1

2011-07-06T22:20:00.003+09:00

Last night six of us headed off from Sapporo bound for the ferry terminal at Tomakomai and the overnight crossing to Aomori. After not too much sleep in the somewhat mis-named 'easy comfort zone', we arrived early this morning and headed down through Aomori, part of Akita and into Iwate, one of the prefectures most badly hit by the March 11th tsunami. We were destined for Miyako, the large town where OMF now has a base for future work. Everything looks quite normal as you enter the town. You pass a Mr Donuts and even a new McDonalds. People go about their daily business. Then we headed down into the areas nearer the coast. While much clearing up has been done, the devastation was still shockingly apparent. Mangled buildings. Large areas where houses had been swept away in an instant. Piles of scrapped cars. Some areas survived unscathed. Others continue to live on the second floor of their houses. Still others have houses that are totally intact. Everywhere you see buildings with what looks like red graffiti - a condemned building to be knocked down. Later we met the pastor of the local church and it was great just to observe him in action. He has got to know people. He is earning trust. He is building bridges. As we went to a temporary housing area, he obviously knew and was known by a number of the people there. This evening a mobile cafe was set up there (run by the son of an OMF missionary) where people could come and gather, chat, and enjoy free drinks and cakes. We paid a visit to a school where we will go on Friday. A number of the children there have been badly affected by the tsunami and its aftermath. They want us to do a barbecue - as well as games and probably some English too. And to cap off an eventful day, bizarrely we ended up chasing a little dog for about 2 km. We were passing in the van and saw the owner chasing it as it had run away. Dog was retrieved and owner very grateful. We didn't quite know what to expect when we came here. We certainly didn't expect to be rescuing a dog! But our eyes have been opened - to the sheer scale of the devastation (and we have not been to the worst areas yet). But also been opened to see a pastor and other Christians sharing the love of Jesus in word and deed. And also to see people, from young children to the elderly, who have been through so much but who are moving on with life as best they can. Tomorrow we visit another area to deliver vegetables and other things. May we all be open to show and share the love of Jesus and just be alongside, even for a moment, these precious people.

Together again

2011-07-03T21:35:00.009+09:00

This blog seems to have gone quiet over the past two or three weeks. Two OMF Conferences, the older two boys returning from India, preparation for a one week trip to one of the areas devastated by the tsunami, plus all the usual things (and not a few extra too) have cut into available time. But here we go again. It's great to be together again as a family of six. Matthew got home just over a week ago and Daniel followed two days later having been away in the Himalayas for two weeks. The first week back always sees them indulge in plenty of sleeping plus plenty of trips to the fridge to see what might be there for consumption. A late birthday cake for Matthew was also baked; Daniel conveniently has his birthday during the holidays. The younger two of course are very happy to have their older brothers on hand, not least to go and play football! We really do live quite an unusual lifestyle with all the continual coming and going. But in an odd kind of way that becomes usual to us. Daniel and Matthew are looking forward to joining David as we go as a team of six people to Miyako in Iwate prefecture from the day after tomorrow. It's great to be able to do this together. Matthew will have the job of photographer and Daniel has the task of writing up a log of all that we do day by day. Although we have some idea of what we might be doing, flexibility is the key. Watch this space for some news of what we end up doing.

Time away

2011-06-15T15:46:00.003+09:00

June is often Conference month for OMF. This time we have the pleasure of attending the two OMF Conferences in the different regions. At the moment we are in the beautiful surroundings of Karuizawa, a mountain retreat in Nagano prefecture for what is called the East Japan Conference. Missionaries working in Aomori, Sendai and the Greater Tokyo area have gathered for their Annual Conference. As we will take over the Field leadership role from the later part of next year, we thought it would be good to come and spend time with folks here, getting to know a little better both the people and the work in which they are involved. We have been able to come without our boys thanks to wonderful co-workers who offered to look after them for these few days. The venue is in itself an oasis - surrounded by tall trees, green everywhere, a quaint town nearby. Just wakening up in the morning and being able to go for a walk in the sunlight with birds singing is so refreshing. We have been challenged by Bible messages, stimulated by hearing stories of things going on, encouraged in small group times and just so thankful for our OMF colleagues, many of whom have had to cope with many stressful situations since the events of 11th March. It is indeed a joy to be part of OMF and we give thanks to God for this opportunity to be away, for rich fellowship times (oh and great food too!)

Three months on

2011-06-11T22:21:00.003+09:00

One of our Japanese Facebook friends added a simple comment to his wall today - 'just three months passed'. We knew immediately what he meant. The 11th of the month will always be a day to remember. Three months have indeed passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 11th March. The huge relief effort goes on. Many thousands remain unaccounted for. Many more continue to live our their lives in the evacuation centres. The nuclear crisis is not in the headlines as it once was, but that does not mean it is over. Prime Minister Kan may be the next one to be out of a job. Here in Sapporo we are remote from the areas where the greatest destruction and loss of life occurred. Yet, the northernmost of those areas are reachable from Hokkaido (a journey of many hours including a ferry ride) and a number of teams staffed by pastors, local Christians and missionaries have gone to some of the worst affected places over these past months. OMF has decided to start a work in one of the cities (called Miyako in Iwate Prefecture). A couple has been appointed to lead that work and a building rented. It is hoped that this will be a base for others to come short-term to help in the ongoing relief work. Already it is being used. David plans to lead a small team down to that city early in July. A number of our colleagues, especially those who live in the north-west of Honshu island have been many times to the areas, helping in many different ways. It has been encouraging to see churches and Christians working together. The task is vast. What OMF can do is just a drop in the bucket in many ways. But each drop counts. We don't know what will come of this work but trust that somehow the Lord will use those there - not just through their words, but perhaps even more so through their ears and their hands - to be vessels of love, comfort and encouragement to those who have lost so much.

Births, Deaths and Weddings

2011-06-06T21:46:00.003+09:00

When we had our final service at Otaru in March 2008 after eight years there, it was a sad time for us. It was the end of one very important chapter in our lives and we were leaving people that we had got to know and love so much. Little did we know then that we would once again be involved in ministry in Otaru. Recently the church has seen a birth, a funeral and a wedding, all in the space of a couple of weeks. When we were in Otaru, one of the hardest times for us was the illness and subsequent death to cancer of Akio Sasaki. His wife remarried two years ago and had her first child last month. Around the same time a man (also called Sasaki) who David had baptised in 2005 when he was in his early 70s was hospitalised and died a week or two later. His funeral was last Thursday, the first church funeral since the pastor's death in February. Then on Sunday, after the service, there was a wedding! It's quite a story but basically it was an older couple who had been living together for a few years, both then came to faith in Jesus and wanted to be married before God before being baptised. It was a great occasion, with some moving speeches and testimonies afterwards too. One of the most touching moments was when the married couple sang one of their favourite hymns accompanied by the husband on the guitar. It turned out the guitar had belonged to Mr Sasaki who died last week and his wife had given it to the husband. The folks at Otaru have been through much in these past months and it was so encouraging to see them rejoicing in this couple's faith and marriage and looking forward to the double baptism later in the year. Another man has also confessed faith in Jesus and will be preparing for baptism too. For Otaru Church June always means the Sun Kids Festival, the big outreach of the year which always draws many local children. We trust there will be yet further encouragements for the church on that day.

Celebrating New Life

2011-05-31T17:37:00.003+09:00

Mother's Day in Japan is on 8th May. We had our service as usual at 4pm with some extra guests too. A couple of the men had made curry rice and we had eaten that and were enjoying fellowship time in various parts of the room. A lady called Hiroko who had come for the first time to our service the previous Sunday had been chatting with Kaori and Nora, reading in the Bible and praying together. Kaori then said Hiroko had something to say. She had just believed in Jesus! Hiroko has been involved with a gospel music choir for many years and had some Christian friends. She has been on a faith journey and it is with great joy that we were able to witness her commit her life to Jesus. She is really changed, knowing the joy of the Lord and was straight away sharing with family and friends. It is such a privilege to welcome a new believer into our young church and to be able to help a baby Christian to grow in these early days of faith. It is also an encouragement for us to see signs of things beginning to happen in Hiragishi. The first two years were very much a time for getting known and slowly building up relationships. Now as we are in our third year here, we look to the Lord to bring more like Hiroko and to see gradually the church being built up in this community.

Parents and School

2011-05-23T21:30:00.003+09:00

Late last year David had a phone call from Calum and Alistair's school. 'Would you like to be PTA Chair for the next school year from April?' Stunned silence. Lorna has had lots of involvement with the school but David very little, apart from doing the morning duty as school guard and attending the school events. And a foreigner being PTA Chair?! Anyway, David agreed and the duties have now begun. The school prefers a dad to be the Chair but most of the duties are carried out by the mothers on the committee who do all the work and David just pops up now and again to give a word of greeting or a speech (the graduation and entrance ceremonies are some months away yet so plenty time to practice for those!) This Saturday is school sports day so is the first occasion in the school year for the PTA Chair to do his bit. An encouraging word is expected at the beginning and a closing comment too. Just for fun, the PTA Chair is also expected to fire the pistol at the start of the mums and dads tug of war - low-flying crows beware! And there is even more fun the previous day. In the afternoon all the mothers (or some grandparents) gather to claim their spot around the area where the sports take place. Last week each family was allocated a number (the children choose lots) and the parents divide off into groups of ten in order of the numbers chosen. Apparently the mothers then run off fast to place their pegs on one of the best spots for their mat at sports day the following morning. The PTA Chair is expected to turn up and set the various groups of ten off on their race for the best spot. Some guidance has been given though - the PTA Chair is meant to say that people should take care and not run! We'll see what happens. It's certainly a great way to be known by everyone in the school and indeed in the wider community.

Learning and growing

2011-05-20T09:47:00.003+09:00

This blog has been a bit silent over the last two weeks or so. The Golden Week holiday, a Training Week and various other meetings this week have led to a busy time. But today is a quieter day! Last week OMF held the second IBCM Training Week. IBCM? A key part of OMF's vision for the lands in Asia where its people work - to see an indigenous, Biblical church movement among these different people groups. The Training Week was once again for younger missionaries but all had some (and one or two had quite a lot) of experience in Japan and working in the church here. It was a rich time of learning, engaging and interacting with many issues as we seek to understand the culture and religious setting of Japan and bring the timeless message of the gospel to the people here in the context in which they find themselves. It was a blessing to benefit from the wisdom of those who were able to guide us through difficult issues. This time it was a particular joy to have Japanese colleagues sharing with us. We all need to learn and keep learning. But more than that we all need to grow, and keep growing. Last week's trianing was not simply to impart head knowledge. Yes, we do not need to engage our minds, but so too do we need to be changed and moulded as we live and engage with the culture and people here in Japan so that we can grow as followers of Jesus and be better equipped to share Jesus with those around us. How we long to see a movement of the Spirit in this land which touches many places and many lives, a movement in which many are drawn to Jesus and the church is built up to the glory of God. These are days to pray for Japan and to pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would send out workers so that many can see the love of Jesus in action, but also hear the message of hope and salvation that comes through Jesus.

Hallelujah

2011-04-30T21:24:00.003+09:00

Well the blog at the beginning of the week did not quite happen but better late than never. How good it was to celebrate Easter in Hiragishi with our first-ever Easter Festival. With a forecast that had been predicting rain for the weekend, and a pretty awful day on Saturday with rain through the night, we looked forward to the weather God would send on Sunday. We awoke to no rain, then a bright start to the morning to dry up the soaked ground, and a beautiful warm, wind-free afternoon - perfect for our Easter Festival. Preparations were made. But would people come? Some started to arrive 40 minutes before it was due to start. And people kept coming and coming. Children of all ages, mums, dads, grannies. In all we had around 110 there, though it was hard to keep count. Everyone had fun with the outside football and strike out, enjoyed the various activities inside, indulged in sausages and chocolate bananas, and there were some yummy cakes for the adults. All left with a self-decorated egg, some chocolate eggs and a short Bible verse. In the middle of our Festival we had the exuberant JP helping us all join in some hip hop dancing to a praise song and then David gave a short and simple message about Easter. It was a blessed day. We look forward to doing it again next year. Meanwhile we are thinking how best to follow up all who came and what to do next - some larger events, some smaller gatherings so we can have more time to chat more leisurely to people. It will be great to see some wanting to take the next step, maybe open to some basic Bible study, or coming along to a service. We meet many of these people as we are out and about in the community, or at the local school; some are neighbours (two sets of JP and Nora's neighbours came and one commented that it was great to be able to meet her neighbours at a church event!) We are excited to see what God is doing and look forward to all that will lie ahead. We had a great Easter worship service too in the same building, with the sun streaming in. A blessed Easter indeed.

In the battle

2011-04-20T14:37:00.003+09:00

In our last blog we shared about plans for the Easter Festival this Sunday. There is lots still to be done, not least with Lorna only having returned from India on Monday. However, as always with these kind of events here, there is something of a battle. There are always walls you hit up against us and hurdles to overcome when you seek to bring the good news of Jesus in this land. The spiritual battle is very real. And as we proclaim the message of new life, the message of a Risen Saviour to the people in Hiragishi, we know we have an enemy who is more than keen that the message is not heard. It's not unusual in our experience for things to go wrong or difficulties to get in the way as we hold special events. Calum is part of a local football team and has lots of friends there he could invite. They have just arranged an event for the very time of our Easter Festival! The local school is a place where we know lots of people and where can invite many children and their parents. Just this week there has been an outbreak of flu in some classes (unusual for this time of year)! The weather is due to be nice all week until the weekend when it is forecast to be cloudy and rainy! Some our activities are planned for outside. No doubt there will be other things we 'battle' against as the week goes on. Do join us in prayer that the Lord's hand would be on all the preparations and and against anything that would seek to hinder or interfere with people coming on Sunday. For many, if not all, it could be the first opportunity ever to hear what Easter all is about. We look forward to sharing about all that happened in a blog at the beginning of next week.

Easter is coming

2011-04-12T22:08:00.003+09:00

Easter is not big in Japan. Just like Christmas, it is not a public holiday here. However, whereas Christmas is in some way celebrated (albeit in presents, cake and bright lights fashion), Easter just passes by unnoticed. For the churches, Christmas is a big opporutnity for outreach and many events are held, usually very well attended. But Easter is often simply marked with a special service for the church folks on Easter Sunday and that's it. There is little observance of Lent and nothing to mark Holy Week (of course there will be churches which do so but generally that does not happen, at least that has been so in our experience). But how we want to celebrate Easter and take the opportunity to proclaim the message of the cross and a risen Saviour! This Easter we are doing something a bit different in Hiragishi. We got the idea from visiting church at this time last year. That church has for the past 20 years or so held an Easter Festival for the community on a Sunday afternoon at the end of April having held their worship service in the morning. Japanese people love festivals - food, games, fun things to do (and they are often associated with the Shinto shrines). The church we visited has built up many contacts over the years and had well over 250 people coming that Sunday afternoon. We are planning something much more modest and who knows how many will come. Like we did at Christmas we are renting a building very near us which has lots of space both inside and outdoors. We are palnning food, games, crafts and a section in the middle where one of our OMF colleagues who does hip hop dancing will do his stuff and everyone can join in. We'll have a simple Easter message then too. Just now we are busy with all the preparations - always a challenge for our small church. Later that day we will hold the Hiragishi Easter worship in the same building and it would be great to see some folks coming to that too. Easter is not known here - but through this Festival we want to make the message of Easter known. Jesus is alive - may people in Hiragishi hear that and come to know him!

Half term

2011-04-06T22:14:00.004+09:00

This being April, it means a trip to India for one of us. And this time it's Lorna'a turn. Remarkably this time we found a route which got her there in 24 hours. Usually there needs to be some stopover somewhere. One bus ride, four flights and a 3 hour taxi ride up the mountain and Lorna was at the Guest Home in Ooty last Friday evening (Indian time) having left here on an 8.30 flight Thursday evening. The first week at Hebron (Parents' Week) is always a bsuy time with parent/teacher interviews, music performances, sports events (the swimming gala this time in which Daniel excelled in all his races) and an Easter play/musical in which both Daniel and Matthew have main roles. As well as being a time to catch up with the boys, it gives time to meet the teaching staff and dorm parents informally and also meet up with many other parents who work in a whole variety of roles in many different places. Hebron really is a multi-cultural experience and every time we go there we appreciate the family-like atmosphere around the school. After a busy half-term of study and many other extra-curricular activities, everyone is ready for a holiday in the second week. For us the destination is usually the same, whether it is April or October - Kovalam, a town on the beach right at the south west tip of India which is lined with little hotels and restaurants and with a warm sea (for surfing in rather than swimming). After the week away, it's the long overnight train and then taxi journey back to the school for the final weekend and boys settling in to life in the dorm again - and for exams which lie ahead. In many ways we lead an odd lifestyle. But the blessings are rich and varied. We are so thankful for Hebron school and the many opportunities it has given our boys in ways that go well beyond mere education.

Continuing to Care

2011-04-01T10:46:00.003+09:00

As we enter the month of April, this is a time of change in Japan. It is the start of the new business year and the new school year. Many people move home at this time due to a change in job. Of course for thousands of people last month brought about such cataclysmic changes that they will barely notice that we have moved into April. The changes for these people who have lost so much will continue to impact them for many months and years. Just as the business and school years start this month, so does the new year for most churches. Many choose a theme and Bible verse to guide them over the coming twelve months. It is now just over six weeks since the tragic death of the pastor at Otaru Church. We have been involved much there over these past weeks helping with preaching and the children's work on some Sundays and also being with the people, visiting them and listening to them as they process all that has happened. One of our colleagues who is trained in counselling went one Sunday and shared with the church folks about dealing with loss and their grief and that was a very helpful time. She will go twice more over the coming two months. The question for us is how far and in what ways we can or should be available to help. People have not only faced the death of their pastor but now also the sense of sadness and loss that is affecting the whole nation in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. For Otaru, this Sunday is the start of the new church year and David will be preaching then. The pastor had already decided on the theme and guiding verse for the coming year so David will use that on Sunday as a basis for his message from God's word. It is the start of a new church year but a new start unlike any other as it is so connected to all that has happened over these past weeks. May we continue to know how best we can help care for and serve the people in Otaru as they move forward but continue to face many challenges in their walk as God's people in that part of Otaru.

An unfolding tragedy

2011-03-22T21:46:00.003+09:00

It is now over 10 days since the earthquake struck and the ensuing tsunami caused such devastation of lives and property along the north-east coast of Honshu island. While the media coverage in the west continues to focus much on the nuclear plant in Fukushima, here the stories of human tragedy continue to emerge. Whole towns with reasonably-sized populations have just been wiped out along with many of the residents who failed to escape the waves in time. Many simply drowned. Many were fleeing with their special 'earthquake' bags filled with essential documents and basic suppplies but could not reach the high ground before the tsunami came crashing into their towns at heights no one could even have imagined. In many towns a line can be drawn where the waves stopped - on one side there is almost complete destruction; on the other houses stand as if nothing had happened. Different buildings serve as evacuation centres for those who have lost their homes. Some churches are using their buildings for that purpose. Getting sufficient supplies through can be a challenge. It is cold too. The elderly in particular find it hard. Obviously there are many physical needs. But so too are there emotional and spiritual needs. One of the tasks which needs to be done is identifying and then burying the dead. In some places mass graves have been prepared. But the task of finding survivors even yet is not over. In one place a 16 year old boy and his elderly grandmother were found (both amazingly well) after 9 days buried under the rubble of their house. The OMF team is preparing to go into one town from tomorrow and set up base at a church which suffered some damage during the tsunami but is still inhabitable on the second floor. Two missionaries who have scouted out the area have found some grim sights. The needs are vast. The task is great. But each of us can play our part, whatever that is, to bring relief, comfort and hope to those who need it so much.

Jesus' Hands and Feet

2011-03-19T21:46:00.003+09:00

At the moment life is busy here. Since Friday we have been involved in coordinating a trip by a small team of OMF missionaries in Sapporo to one of the areas devastated by the tsunami from next Tuesday. Two of our colleagues who work in the north of Honshu have already gone to search out the area, make the necessary contacts and see in what ways OMF can help. An area has been identified, contact made with a local church which can be used and a decision made to use this visit to minister by way of providing simple hot meals and any other practical tasks which can be done. It is not a case of simply turning up and trying to help. There is lots we are learning as we go along and we are glad of the expertise of a group called CRASH which started a few years ago and is staffed mainly by missionaries which has the specific aim of reaching out to help people in crisis situations. At the moment we are gathering together supplies; a team is place; vehicles are ready; and we are trying our best to source the necessary equipment and not least the fuel which is in short supply in certain places. All being well the team of six will leave at 5am on Tuesday morning to connect with a ferry to Honshu at noon and then the long drive to the base camp. How it will all go, no one really knows. The key is flexibility. And a servant heart. One of our colleagues talked helpfully of being Jesus' hands and feet. We may well not be in contact with our missionary friends once they are in the area as communication is very difficult with no phone lines and few mobile providers which work there. We will try to keep you posted as to how things go. So how can you help? Please pray for the team for safety, stamina, good health and oppprtunties to love and serve people in Jesus name. If you would like to give to the relief effort in which OMF and other agencies invovled, you can do so by donating to the Sendai Earthquake Relief Fund which is an OMF project. If you are in the UK, visit the omf site at www.omf.org.uk and you will be able to give online or by cheque. It is a blessing to us to be able to help in some small way and to know the depth of care and support from round the world.

When disaster strikes

2011-03-17T09:21:00.004+09:00

It was a day never to be forgotten. It was day which saw many lives lost in a moment. It was a day which saw some of the most horrific devastation left along vast areas of the coast and further inland on Japan's main island of Honshu. It is a day which has forever changed Japan. Things are not the same now and never will be. Although we felt the power and intensity of the earthquake to some extent where we are in Sapporo, we are far removed from the areas which were literally swallowed up the sheer force of the waves as the tsunami crashed into the north east coast of Honshu. Some had managed to flee to higher ground. Many did not. Thousands of people killed. Countless homes destroyed. Half a million in evacuation centres. The logistic challenge facing the country is almost unimaginable. The scenes on television screens, the stories of human tragedy leave everyone numbed and heavy-hearted. How do you begin to move on from here, far less to understand it? Even now there are many heroic efforts ongoing to find people as yet unreached. There are fears about the state of the nuclear reactor where some brave workers are risking their lives daily to fight off the threat of radioactive leak or worse. The immediate needs are vast. The long-term needs are also vast. What can we do? For the moment it is very difficult to get into the affected areas. OMF is joining with other agencies and looking to help in whatever way we can. We can of course be and are praying, caring for people and just being with people around us. What can you do? Of course pray. Give. Consider what practical help might be possible in the weeks and months that lie ahead. We plan to follow up this blog with more detail as to what we and you can do in the next entry which will appear soon. Meanwhile we appreciate the prayers and concern of so many. As we see the vast needs around us, may we also keep our eyes fixed on unseen things, on the Lord of grace and mercy who is in ways that may be a mystery to us working out his eternal purposes.

Masks

2011-03-06T21:12:00.003+09:00

Seeing people wearing a white surgical mask is a common sight in Japan. People who have a slight cold, or do not want to risk catching a cold, can be seen with one of these masks that covers the whole of the mouth and part of the nose and is attached with elasticated string behind the ears. In times when flu is doing the rounds (it usually hits at some point in the winter months causing school classes, and even whole schools, to close for a few days) the masks are well on display. It's always a challenge for us to try to understand someone speaking Japanese behind a mask - it can be hard enough at the best of times! Recently we heard of a new trend in mask-wearing which has nothing to do with keeping clear from bugs or spreading your own. Some people are wearing (or perhaps it should be hiding behind) masks simply to give them a sense of security. Designer masks are now also in vogue. Some use the masks to hide what they feel they don't want others to see on their faces. There was a story of a high school girl who resorted to wearing a mask after being teased about being ugly. However, she was in time able to kick the habit by coming to the realisation that masks can conceal the face but not the heart. One of the discoveries we made early on in our time in Japan is that what you see on the surface is not necessarily the same as what lies underneath. That can apply in many ways from words spoken (or not spoken) to facial expressions to the way the dynamics work in a meeting or group setting. The trend of mask-wearing (for non-health reasons) seems to take that to yet another dimension.

A sad day

2011-02-23T10:33:00.003+09:00

Last Tuesday we heard some shocking news. The pastor of the church where we worked for 8 years had been found dead in the church. We had spent a year together from 2007-8 when we handed the leadership on to Pastor Ishihara. He leaves a wife, two boys (aged 13 and 10) as well as a foster child (aged 3). For the last week we have entered into the grief and shock of the family and church members as they come to terms with this tragedy. A funeral in Japan usually takes place the day after death (or at the latest the following day) and even before that there are ceremonies at different points. The coffin is open at the head and people go to look and even touch the dead body. The funeral itself starts with an evening wake which is like any funeral would be in the west - some hymns, prayers, a Bible message and a eulogy about the deceased (which David gave). The coffin is left in the church and then the next part of the funeral takes place the following morning - a similar service with a different Bible passage and message. Then come some of the most emotional moments. People file past the coffin and place a flower beside the deceased's head. Then the family say their final farewells before the lid of the coffin is shut. After that the coffin is placed in a bus and some of the mourners travel to the crematorium. This is also a very emotional time as there is a further small ceremony just before the coffin is wheeled in front of one of a series of doors and then disappears while everyone looks on. People then move to another room and eat lunch together before returning to the crematorium for the final part of the funeral ceremonies. The bones of the deceased are wheeled out on a trolley and everyone uses chopsticks to place the bones in a casket. That may seem quite gruesome to those are used to the way things happen in the west but people here are quite used to it, indeed quite matter-of-fact about it. Sometimes a close family member may receive a bone to keep personally. The casket is then handed over before the bus takes everyone back to the church for a final hymn and prayer and often a greeting from the deceased's next of kin. A Japanese funeral is a long process and happens very quickly after death. For us, we have come to appreciate many of the ceremonies which take place and indeed the open attitude towards death. Now though for the family and the members of Otaru Church a long hard road lies ahead. We will share more about this in our next update.

Skiing at school

2011-02-14T21:14:00.003+09:00

One of the fun things about school in Hokkaido during the winter term is that skiing is part of the curriculum. In every school playground (and they're quite large here) the accumulated snow is piled together into a mini-mountain. The younger children have several classes each winter learning how to walk uphill in skis and then skiing down the gentle slope. The older children would find that too boring so head off to a local mountain for more serious stuff. This morning Lorna joined some other volunteer mothers to help the 7 year olds on the mini snow mountain. It had been snowing overnight so some of the children were getting stuck in the snow in their skis just walking over to the slope - then they had to manoeuvre their way to the top! All children here learn skiing from a young age; most in fact go to ski schools at the mountains during the long winter holidays. And, as an added bonus, if your income is at a certain level, the local government pays for new skis and equipment every three years. All our boys have had the opportunity to learn skiing at mountains almost right on our doorstep - and with the guarantee of snow on tap for several months of the year.

Fire Horse

2011-02-09T21:34:00.004+09:00

Yesterday Lorna was at the local school where she often goes on a Tuesday morning, sometimes for library duty, sometimes doing things with other mothers. As always there is conversation about all sorts of things. But yesterday Lorna discovered something she hadn't known before. She happened to mention she was born in 1966. And that brought about quite a reaction. 'You're a hinoeuma - a fire horse!' Not really following what that was all about, an explanation followed about how 1966 was a very inauspicious year for a baby girl to be born. The Chinese zodiac calendar has twelve animals and the one which matches to 1966 is a horse. No big problem there. However, there are also 5 elements (earth, wood, fire, metal and water) which can go with any one year, giving 60 possible combinations of animal and element. 1966 saw the horse and fire combine and that year became the first year of the hinoeuma (fire horse) since 1906. 'Fire horse women' are said to be dangerous, headstrong and deadly to men! The ladies at the school yesterday said that it was hard for a 'fire horse woman' to find a marriage partner. Yesterday the mothers all had a laugh about this but there is a more sinister side. In the year 1966 there were about 600,000 fewer births than the previous and succeeding years. And even sadder, the abortion rate rose significantly in that year. It was an eye opener to us and really showed us how some of these superstitions can really affect what people here do, even if they don't actually believe it. The next 'fire horse' year is 2026. How great is the task to bring the gospel to people in a land where so many superstitions and traditions can lead so many astray.

Bean throwing

2011-02-04T21:20:00.003+09:00

Every year at the beginning of February, if you were to visit a local primary school or kindergarten, you might see some rather strange sights. Some children or an adult might be wearing scary ogre masks. Most children would be throwing roasted soybeans (or peanuts) around the room. And you would hear shouts of 'Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi' which roughly means 'demons out, good luck in'. In the past all sorts of other traditions took place on 3rd February (the spring festival) as people wanted to get rid of evil spirits and welcome in its place good luck and happiness. In some areas there is special rolled sushi which is eaten ostensibly to drive out the demons and bring in good luck. Alistair went to an after-school club this week (the day before the 'bean-throwing' fetsival day) and came home saying everyone had been throwing the beans and shouting - but he happily announced he didn't throw any. He was happy though to come back home with a few packets of peanuts. While in some ways, this can be seen as just fun for children, of course there are also underlying spiritual elements. But there are grains of truth to be found which can become building blocks for the gospel. Yes we need rid of the 'bad stuff' within us; and yes we need to be cleansed. As we grapple with these traditions and whether to be involved in them, it is always good to stand back and see how we can use these things as a contact point to share the gospel. We don't need to throw beans or shout for the demons to get out - in Jesus ours sins are taken away once and for all, our hearts are cleansed and we know daily the joy of his being with us.

Back to 'normal'

2011-02-03T22:12:00.003+09:00

Earlier this week Matthew made his way back to Hebron. Daniel left the week before for his mock exams which are now over. As a 'reward' for having to go back a week early, the A Level students can enjoy a long weekend at the beach. There is often some little story (sometimes quite big stories!) when our boys travel here and there. This time (despite having everything clearly written down), Matthew managed to get off the train at the wrong terminal at Narita Airport in Tokyo - but after a quick call home, he managed to sort it out. Many folks we speak to here are amazed that our boys can travel all the way to India and back on their own - something they have been doing since they were 12. They usually see it as a great adventure and enjoy all that international plane travel has to offer. Sometimes they meet up with friends from other countries at one of the airports en route. We send them off with all the information they need, hopefully enough money for all they need, and secure in the knowledge that they are met by an escort from the school at the other end. Most of all though we send them off knowing that God goes with them and he sends his angels to look after them (probably more than we know). We always look forward though to the first e-mail to let us know they are safely there - but being boys that's not always the first thing on their mind! We miss the boys when they are gone but know they are at a great school with great staff. And Lorna is already looking forward to her visit for half-term in April - no doubt with more travel stories to add to our collection.

Valentine's Day

2011-01-30T22:27:00.003+09:00

At this time of year in Japan the department stores and supermarkets fill with various chocolate goodies as Valentine's Day approaches. Here it is a little different as it is only the guys who receive chocolates on 14th February. The ladies get their turn a month later on White Day. All good business for the chocolate makers no doubt. While Valentine's Day may not be a time that is normally marked in churches round the world, some here have used this as an occasion for an outreach event. This year the younger folks in Izumi Church - JP and Nora along with Sambi - are planning a simple get together at the Kochs' home over lunch on 13th February. It will be very low-key with food, chat, making something together. Sambi has some friends that she is keen to invite. Wataru (who is studying the Bible with David and JP just now) will come too. As we were talking about dates, Sambi was keen to have something over lunch on the Sunday as then her friends could come along to the worship afterwards later in the afternoon. It's a real joy for us to see Sambi using her gifts, looking for opportunities to invite friends and especially being keen that they can come along to the worship too. How we long to have more believers like her and to be able to help them to grow and play their part in the building up of God's kingdom in Japan. We are looking forward to see what God will do this Valentine's Day. It was on that very day last year that Wataru first came to church - he only came because he was invited on that day but now he really enjoys being part of the fellowship and is edging closer to faith in Jesus. You just never know what God might use to draw someone to himself - even something like Valentine's Day!

Lonely lives

2011-01-19T21:26:00.003+09:00

This is the time of year when statistics on population movements and various trends within society are published. However, last year also saw a national census in Japan and the results of the information collected are beginning to appear. Over recent years Japan has become known for a number of social issues which are a sad reflection of where things have got to for some in this land. The suicide problem is well-documented. The problem of the 'shut-ins' too is well-known - younger people who can spend months, even years, in their own room. Recently a new word has been coined ('kozoku') which combines the characters for 'lonely' and 'group'. In a society where so much happens in the context of the group, more and more are now living alone. It seems that in time the 'single-person household' could become the largest percentage of home dwellers. A good number will have no friends and not be in contact much with anyone else. Among the increasing number of elderly living alone, it was eye-opening to read about the number of people who die alone, and the average length of time it takes for those deaths to be discovered. It is a strange paradox that in a society where the group plays such a dominant role that so many can be so lonely. And it is a further paradox that in a land which comes up with the most hi-tech mobiles and gadgets imaginable that so many struggle to maintain even basic communication with others. There are surely huge opportunities for the churches here to reach the lost and lonely and help them find a family where each one is connected to Jesus who came not just to be our saviour, but also our friend.

Let it snow, let it snow

2011-01-15T23:01:00.006+09:00

Today we discovered something. It seems Sapporo can be classed as the snowiest city in the world (counting major cities with a population of over 1 million). Snow is just a feature of life here from November through to March. An overnight snowfall sees an early morning stint of snow clearing outside so that people can walk along the pavement. The car needs to be cleared. Occasionally (like today), snow needs to be cleared off the flat roof. Everywhere you go snow is piled up at the side of the roads. Although the snow is cleared away now and again, the road surface gradually gets higher and higher with packed snow. The roads of course get narrower too as the snow mountains at the edge of the pavements encroach on the road. Sometimes you can have a milder day like today resulting in the snow on the roads becoming softer and the outcome can be large (and deep) ruts in the snow - fun to drive through (if you have winter tyres and four wheel drive) until it freezes again. But life goes on, just at a slightly slower pace and you always need to allow a bit more time to get from place to place. And of course it's great fun for the boys - and good exercise and a chance to meet the neighbours as everyone goes out at much the same time (often very early!) to get rid of the white stuff. We do enjoy (most of the time) living in the snowiest city in the world.

Coming of Age

2011-01-11T13:54:00.002+09:00

Yesterday was Coming of Age Day in Japan. It is a public holiday and ceremonies are held up and down the country, from the smallest towns to more grand affairs at Tokyo Disneyland, when those who turned 20 in the past year mark their transition to adulthood. For each of the last few years the numbers of those 'coming of age' have reached a new record low and this year was no exception. However, this is the first year since statistics started to be gathered over 40 years ago that the number of 20 year olds has been less than 1% of the total population. Another sign of the ever-decreasing number of young people in a rapdily ageing population. It remains to be seen what impact the new generation of Japanese will have on a society where change does not tend to happen quickly. It will be fascinating to observe how things work out over the coming years and even better to be here to be part of it. And the changes in demographics present both challenges and opportunities for the church in Japan.

Looking forward

2011-01-05T21:38:00.004+09:00

As we look out on 2011, we wonder what this year will bring in the life of Izumi Church. The challenges are many but so are the opportunities. In fact at times the challenge can be the opportunity. We have our dreams and our plans. But what is on God's agenda? The constant challenge is to be listening to God and moving at his pace and in line with where he would have us be and what he would have us do. Being involved in the early stages of a church plant is an exercise in patience. We long for more - now! While it has been great to have made contact with so many people over the last year and a half in Hiragishi and to have begun to build up trust relationships, our desire now is to see some of these people come through to faith and be added to our church. As we think and pray about our plans for the coming months as a team, we look to the Lord to guide us to the right path for us to follow and get the right balance between 'being' and 'doing'. Faith often involves risk. One of the issues we are wrestling with as OMF just now is that of reaching what we call 'neglected frontiers' - not just in terms of location but also groups and sub-cultures which are not reached with the gospel. Where does Izumi Church fit into all of this? What is our role? We look forward with expectancy to what the Lord will do in these coming months as we partner with him in taking the gospel to this area of Sapporo.

New Year Greetings

2011-01-01T14:34:00.004+09:00

We have left behind the Year of the Tiger and now entered the Year of the Rabbit. There are lots of traditions around Japan on the first day of the New Year. People hang special decorations outside their homes, special food is eaten and the same greeting is repeated wherever you are - あけましておめでとうございます(Happy New Year). There is one custom here that you will not find in the west - sending New Year cards. Very few people here send Christmas cards but almost all will send a special postcard to family, friends and colleagues. Any one family may have hundreds to print, address and post. This is holiday time here but not for the postal workers - many extra volunteers are drafted in to deal with the volume of post at New Year time. Many of the cards are delivered on New Year's Day itself. People often include a family photo and there may something to do with a rabbit (or whatever the particular year is). Not everyone will send a card though. Those who have lost a relative during the preceding year will send a special card towards the end of November informing those who usually send them a New Year card that they are 'in mourning'. People will not then send a New Year's greeting card to that family. Many people will keep a list on their computer so they can maintain up-to-date records of those to receive a card so that no one is missed out. Greetings form a big part of Japanese culture so people are happy to spend the time and effort in making sure they pass on greetings at the outset of another year.

Another year

2010-12-31T21:16:00.004+09:00

We started this blog when we returned to Japan in the spring of 2009 with the aim that people back home could follow our journey as we seek to plant a church in Sapporo. It has been an encourgement to hear that people have been following this journey and that the regular posts have helped people to partner more with us in this journey and also learn something about this country and its culture along the way. So how has this past year been for Hiragishi Izumi Church? We ended 2009 with Sambi's baptism and full of hope for the coming year. Over the past year we have not had any additions to our small church. Yet we have realised afresh that the task of starting a church from scratch really does take time and patience. Only now are we beginning to see the fruit of time spent getting to know people in the community and being in the places where people are. We have made a conscious effort to be 'out there' and befriend people in the different worlds in which we find ourselves, not least school, football and local sports clubs. Interestingly, people who have come to events which we have held during the past year have been people that we already know in some way. It is not easy operating without a building which is known as the 'church'. Of course, church is about people more than a building, but it is not so easy for people we know to get a handle on where and what this 'church' is. As we go into 2011, there are many challenges but also many opportunities. We are excited to see what God will do. We are glad to have new co-workers on board with us. And we long to see some of our many contacts move towards Jesus and see some new believers from the Hiragishi area who take the big step of baptism and become added to Izumi Church. Thank you all for your support and encouragement over the past year.

The journey to faith

2010-12-29T22:22:00.004+09:00

One of the joys of our work here is being able to help others understand the message of the Bible and find their way to a relationship with Jesus. A young guy has been coming now and again on Sundays since early last year. He is a friend of Sambi's and she invited him for the first time on Valentine's Day. After that he began to come on special occasions, around once a month. Over time he began to relax and he always chatted freely as we ate together afterwards. Recently he came and asked if he could pray during the service - he did and it was great! Some weeks ago he shared a bit about his life and how he feels about himself. David wondered whether he would like to meet more regularly (he is not working at the moment) so now he has met with David and JP three times to begin considering the message of the Bible. He has lots of questions and often comes at things from an intriguing angle. As we meet with him, we try to find points in common and ways in to share so that he can understand. He is not going to back to his family home at New Year so wants to come this Sunday and cook curry rice for all of us after the service. It would make an even better New Year for us if Wataru were to commit himself to a relationship with Jesus and be the next addition to our young church.

Christmas with a difference

2010-12-24T12:53:00.003+09:00

This year will be unusual for us. One of our boys will be gone for Christmas Day! David headed off early this morning to the airport with Calum so he could catch a flight to Tokyo with 15 other 10 year olds chosen to represent the whole of Sapporo in a football tournament in Yokohama. They will be there till the 27th. Calum did open one of his presents before leaving and the rest will await his return. He is so excited to be going and already there is a great rapport among the boys who form the team. The coaches are making it a fun trip too. There is even a grand 'curry rice making' evening - everyone had to take their own spoon! Calum is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with some of the other future Japanese stars from the top club teams. He's not one of the main starting players so is unlikely to feature much on the pitch but it will be a great experience. It was fun to watch them leaving this morning. Everything was of course highly organised - even down to each child receiving a mask to wear on the plane! Obviously someone is concerned that the children don't pick up any nasty bugs en route. Well, here's hoping for a great time and as they say in Japanese - 頑張れ!　(Do your best!)

Christmas Food

2010-12-22T11:30:00.004+09:00

'Christmas equals chicken'. So says a marketing director of KFC in Japan. A professor of business at a university here comments that 'the Japanese are keen to celebrate Christmas in a non-religious way' so as there is 'a certain amount of nostalgia attached to the KFC Christmas meal, people try to pass the tradition on to their children.' KFC is certainly big business here at this time of year. Dr Sanders gets dressed up in his Santa outfit and you can see many Japanese clamouring to buy KFC chicken on Christmas Eve. Of course many pre-order now to avoid disappointment. While it is true that many see Christmas just as a chance to eat chicken and Christmas cake with their family on Christmas Eve (the 25th being just another working day here), it is also true that people here are also drawn to churches which often hold candle services on the 23rd or 24th. These are usually simple services by candlelight with traditional carols and Bible readings, and a short message can be given too. Maybe there is an opportunity in here for churches to reach even more people at the Christmas Eve service. 'Celebrate Christmas with us and join us for a chicken meal afterwards!' It would be great to see the crowds flocking to churches rather than KFC.

On the move - again!

2010-12-17T16:56:00.003+09:00

It has reached that time of year again when our older boys are on the move, this time returning to Japan for the winter holidays. They are in Tokyo and will head up to Sapporo tomorrow - two other boys (as well as Mum and Dad) are eagerly awaiting their arrrival. It is always fun to have these weeks to be together and catch up. Schedules are adjusted; work commitments scaled back (somewhat); and precious time is spent talking and listening, often in the case of of teenage boys lasting late into the night! Daniel and Matthew enjoy the adventure of travel. They also look forward to such mundane pleasures as McDonalds in the airport, though it seems they checked out Starbucks during their stopover in KL. That seemed to be partly for the coffee but more for the wi fi connection (until they discovered the whole airport had wireless access). It won't be all rest though. Daniel goes back to mock A Level exams in late January so the textbooks will return too. However, before that we can enjoy Christmas together. Having said that though, just as two boys come back, one goes off for a football tournament in Yokohama. But that is another story which can wait for another day. Meantime we look forward to this weekend when we are once again a family of six all under the same roof.

A hot year

2010-12-14T20:12:00.003+09:00

Every December in Japan around this time the kanji (Chinese character) of the year is chosen. With great ceremony the character is painted on a large sheet of paper by a priest in front of one of Kyoto's famous temples as the chosen kanji is revealed. This year it is the character 暑 which is used for 'hot', as in summer heat, which has been chosen to be the kanji of the year, having received by far the highest number of votes. The main reason is for this character being number one for 2010 is the record-breaking heatwaves over the summer which saw numerous people succumbing to heatstroke. Another reason put forward was the rescue of the Chile miners from the underground heat in which they found themselves for these long weeks of waiting. The effects of global warming were also mentioned. As the kanji for the year is chosen just before Christmas, it has often been perfect for an illustration in a Christmas message. So in recent years we have had characters for 'love', 'life' and 'new' among others. Perfect for a lead-in to a Christmas message. This year's choice does not seem to give so much scope - we'll see.

Quite a day

2010-12-11T21:59:00.003+09:00

Today was the day of the Hiragishi Family Christmas - the first time we have ever held such an event here since the church started last year. We had no idea how many to expect and thought we would do really well to reach 50. We began to hand out invites and to give us some idea of numbers, we asked people if they could let us know if they planned to come. Numbers began to creep up. However, it was still quite amazing to welcome 93 people this morning - 73 children and 20 adults. One of our team was sick and couldn't be there so we were really stretched. We wondered about the weather as the forecast was for high winds and rain just at the time people arrived. We were praying about it and the rain stayed off till the right time. It was great to see many children we know (and parents too) as well as others we don't know. They listened well, joined in with singing a Christmas song, had great fun with the games and it was really a delight to have time with them. Most of those there have probably never before heard what Christmas is all about. Great as it was to have all these folks there, this is just the beginning. Some have now come to two or three events we have held. We long for some of those to move on and express interest in learning more about Jesus. That is the challenge for us now - to pray for fruit. And as a church here to pray regularly for these families and children that we had the privilege of welcoming to our Family Christmas. God is at work in Hiragishi and it's exciting to be a part of it.

Family Christmas

2010-12-09T10:14:00.005+09:00

This Christmas is somewhat different from last year for Hiragishi Izumi Church. We have got to know lots of people, not least through our involvement in the local school, through Lorna's children's English classes and our boys' involvement in football and swimming. We thought it would be good once again to rent the building below our house and have planned a Family Christmas outreach event for Saturday. There will be lots of fun and games, lots of goodies to eat and a chance to sing a Christmas song together and for us to share the Christmas story with those who come. For many, it may well be their first time ever at a church event, and first time to hear what Christmas is really all about. Because we don't have a church building as such, it is harder to become known more widely in the community but this event has given us the opportunity to place leaflets in the local newspaper as well as go out and hand out invites to the children on their way home from school. It's interesting that many of those who have already said they will come are people we know personally. That shows the importance of slowly building up relationships. However, we hope that others from the community will come too and that this Saturday will mark another important step in the life of this fledgling church. Look out for a report later this weekend.

A dog's life

2010-12-06T20:50:00.003+09:00

Leaflets and fliers advertising almost anything pop through your letterbox here with great regularity. One of the latest for us is to tell us about the grand opening of a place called Pet Town complete with cute photos of some of the dogs which are for sale - along with all the necessary accessories. Dogs are big business in Japan. There are after all over 13 million of them - more than the total number of children under 12. Some dogs seem to spend almost all of their time indoors. And they certainly get pampered. Today's leaflet offered a selection of clothing (designer labels are popular here), a stroller for taking the dog for a 'walk', even a special Christmas dinner and cake. Dogs can have all the gear here, even little socks and shoes. Of course if you need to be away for a few days, you can check your canine friend in to the dog hotel. And then why not give it a treat at the beauty salon or indulge it with a visit to the pet spa? We have quite a number of pet salons around our area and a pet cemetery not too far away. Why the big thing with dogs here? Perhaps some people just need the company. Perhaps it's easier to be friends with your dog when relationships in the family and workplace can be tense. However, the statistics are worrying - a low birthrate and an ever-increasing number of dogs will not solve the problems brought about by the population crisis facing Japan.

Christmas Tea Party

2010-12-04T21:45:00.003+09:00

Yesterday the Hiragishi ladies (Lorna, Kaori and Nora) hosted the first of our Christmas events this year. The idea was to have something low-key and informal in our house for ladies. The weather forecast of the previous evening was proved correct - high winds and heavy rain, quite unusual for this time of year in Hokkaido. In fact it is one of the worst days we have experienced here for some time. But everyone made it - helped by Lorna offering to pick some of them up. A good time was had by all (in fact people didn't leave till an hour after it was meant to finish!) Conversation flowed easily. There were good times of sharing. And some want to meet up again. It turned out that 9 of the 10 are mothers Lorna knows from school (or friends of these mothers) and the other one there was our neighbour who meets each week with Lorna for French lessons. It really shows the value of building up personal relationships with people in the early months of church planting. The Hiragishi guys were not present - but David and JP were at the same time meeting with a young man who comes once or twice a month to our service and who was keen to meet to talk and share more about the Bible. That too was a special time - but no space for that here so there will be more on that next time. Now our thoughts turn to our Family Christmas outreach next Saturday - lots to plan and prepare for that.

Countdown to Christmas

2010-12-01T21:21:00.003+09:00

Today is the first day of December so we move into one of our busiest times of the year. The Christmas season is always an opportunity here. But it's odd too as we celebrate in a land where Christmas Day is just another working day - actually it is often the last day of school before the winter holiday. Things have changed since we first arrived in Japan over 12 years ago. You can get a decent-sized frozen turkey quite easily; you can buy Advent calendars; you can even get chocolates for the Christmas tree! Certainly the commercialisation has also moved up several notches over the years. But these coming weeks will see people drawn to churches and other events held up and down the country. For our fledging church here we can't do anything on a big scale. But for starters we (or rather the ladies in the team) are hosting a Christmas Tea Party this week in our home. We were hoping and praying for 10 to come - and exactly that number have said they will come! Most are mums Lorna has got to know through the school. It will be quite simple and informal - making a chocolate log cake and German cookies together (and eating them!) with Kaori, Nora and Lorna also sharing something about Christmas. This may be the first time for many of these ladies to hear what Christmas is really all about. More opportunities will follow over the coming weeks - watch this space for more info.

Church in a house

2010-11-27T21:55:00.003+09:00

As we are renting a house here and using it for our worship services on Sundays, there are certain things we can't do to mark it out as a church. We cannot out up a sign outside. We cannot display a cross on the building -though we posted an entry last year showing the wonderful cross someone made for us which we display inside our second floor window to be visible to passers by. We had an idea of decorating the glass panel above our front door so that it somehow reflected that our home is also the church. We are blessed to have Sambi san as our first member and she is so talented at anything artistic. You can see from the photo what she designed for above the door - complete with a cross in the middle. It looks really good after dark with a light on behind. These are just little ways of our trying to show to those in the area that this is where our church meets while at the same time remembering that our home is rented out for the purpose of a home which restricts what we can do. Holding church services in our home has many plus points. Yet it is not so easy to make our presence as a church visible in the community with no obvious building as such. We trust that passers by will notice the cross in the window by day and the illuminated cross above the door by night.

What is a church?

2010-11-23T17:39:00.006+09:00

Yesterday David went to the dedication ceremony of a new church building in Sapporo. It is a church that was started over 50 years ago by OMF and over the intervening years God has grown this church and blessed it in many ways. The church has sent out missionaries overseas and because it has had many students attend over the years, many of these students have gone their different ways and contributed to the extending of God's kingdom throughout Japan. The new building itself is great. The church wanted a building that reflected the theme of 'light' and as soon as you enter the building you are in a place that is bright and welcoming. But of course a church is so much more than just bricks and mortar (or whatever latest materials were used for this new building). A building itself can look good and offer an ambience of peace and light, but it is the people inside who really make the church what it is. The comment was made more than once yesterday that the old building has gone and a new building has risen in its place - but the people remain. And indeed the hope is that many more people will in time be added to this church - not to a building but to the community of God's people which forms the church in that area. It was a privilege to be part of that gathering yesterday as God's people dedicated not just their new building but themselves afresh to all that God will do through them in the years to come.

Education options

2010-11-22T09:02:00.003+09:00

One of the big issues when you work in another country as a missionary is children's education. In some countries local elementary schools are a good option; in other places it is more difficult. The larger question is often what to do when children reach secondary stage. Local options can still be there but it is often at that point that it is more necessary to transition to an education system (and language) which will be most beneficial for university entrance and also re-entry into the child's 'home country'. There is no one right answer in all of this and we, like many other parents, have had to grapple with the issues. The other day OMF held a seminar here in Sapporo where some parents (inclduing us) and some former missionary kids shared about their experiences with different options - local schooling, international schools, boarding, home schooling. There are pros and cons to any option and a child may or may not be able to thrive or cope with a particular option. It was good to be able to have time together to share openly about these (sometimes sensitive) matters and be able to support one another as different families prayerfully consider which path to follow for children's education. These days there are many more resources and the advance of technology along with faster travel helps so much. And we are thankful to be part of a mission agency which takes member care so seriously and has qualified people in place to be able to advise and listen as we make the choices we need to make concerning our missionary kids.

Gadgets and forms

2010-11-17T20:21:00.005+09:00

Japan loves its gadgets. Shops selling electronic goods offer almost anything imaginable. Go into one of these places and it just pulsates with life (and noise!) New models appear with great frequency to satisfy the consumer's needs (well actually people don't need the latest design with the latest features to replace their 'old' model but they buy them anyway). You would think that with all this technology it would be a straightforward matter to get what you want speedily and efficiently. Ah, but that does not take into account all the attendant bureaucracy, not to mention the amount of paper shuffling. Forms abound in Japan. The other day we went to buy a new phone (one of the ones that cost zero yen) which one of our boys could use while he is on a trip next month. He was being added on to our existing contract but still we had to fill in several forms. Today as requested we went back to pick up the phone but more procedures were required. The form then needed to be faxed (still very popular here to deal with all the forms!) and 40 minutes later the matter was still not complete so we need to go back tomorrow (with our piece of paper), sign another form and we will have the phone! It's just amazing that with so much technology around things can take so long and generate so much paper. Just one of those other paradoxes which are so part of life here.

A new beginning

2010-11-14T22:34:00.003+09:00

Exactly a month ago today David got a call from our agent to say that he had concluded a deal for an apartment for our new co-workers, JP and Nora. They moved in a few days ago and this afternoon we had a time in their new place to dedicate it to the Lord and to pray for JP and Nora's ministry as they join the team in Hiragishi. It really is a great apartment -spacious, bright and ideal for hosting guests. It is in a quiet location yet many people walk by on their way to the local station (the centre of Sapporo is only 10 minutes away by subway). Already JP and Nora have had encouraging conversations with their neighbours. It is important here to visit your neighbours for 'greetings' when you first move in and give them a small gift. We were pleased that as well as the Chuas and Sambi (the only member of church to date), a young guy called Wataru also came. He is a friend of Sambi's and comes once or twice a month to our services. He joined us later for our service too and as he left after we had eaten together he said he wants to believe in Jesus but... However that it a big step for him. We trust that God will use JP and Nora and do a great work through them in Hiragishi. It's so good to have them on board with their passion and love for Jesus. Willkommen!

Reaching the area

2010-11-12T22:48:00.004+09:00

A couple of months ago we had a team of six here from Singapore to help us for a few days. We discovered two things at that time. One is that we still have so much work to do to make the church known in the wider community. That is not helped by the fact that we have no visible church building, just our house. The other thing was not really a discovery but something we understood afresh - that taking the gospel to an area where Jesus is not known is a very real spiritual battle. Today we were joined again by some folks from Singapore (9 this time and all giving up their holiday to come and help out in Sapporo for some days). It was cold, windy and a little rainy but undaunted we headed out in four teams to pray as we walked round the area (engaging in the spiritual battle) and to deliver leaflets with a simple story and Bible message to some 700 homes (making our church known). Who knows what the outcome will be? The fruit may be unseen, at least for a time. But it was encouraging for us just to be out and about praying for people who live in the area and in some small way offering them a chance to take a step nearer to Jesus. In many ways our emphasis in these months here has been to make personal contact with people - and we now know (and are known by) lots of people. But so many others are still quite unaware that there is a church in Hiragishi. Prayer walking and delivering tracts may be small steps, but God can use all these things to draw people in this area to himself. Thank you all nine of the guys who helped us today - we appreciate you so much.

Winter clothes

2010-11-09T21:12:00.003+09:00

Lots of things change as we approach winter in Hokkaido. We get our winter gear out as the temperatures plunge and the snow begins to fall. However, winter clothes are not just for us humans. Smaller trees and bushes are meticulously tied up with rope and sticks in a kind of pyramid shape to protect them from the weight of the snow. And the other day we noticed something we have never seen before in Japan - a grave all dressed up in its winter clothes. As you can see from the photo, the little bushes at the front have been carefully tied up. But each part of the grave, including the large tomb stone is now enveloped in its own cover, each one presumably made to size. The graveyards here simply fill up with snow over the winter months so it is not possible to use them during that time. After cremation the bones of a deceased are placed in a casket and then later on buried in the family grave. During the winter months the bones must be stored elsewhere (often in the home) until the snow has gone and the grave can be used again. Yes, winter brings many changes to Hokkaido - in life and in death.

Reaching children

2010-11-07T21:24:00.002+09:00

Today we went to another church in the morning. One of the good things about having the Hiragishi service in the afternoon is that we can occasionally go elsewhere in the morning for a visit. The church has an interesting name - it could be translated as 'Love your neighbour' Church though that sounds a little odd in English. Anyway, this a church which has been going for more than 20 years and has three large buildings on its land. What is impressive is that these buildings are filled with energy and life on a Sunday morning, not least with lots of children. The church has always had a particular ministry focus on children - indeed they have something on each day for children. They have a couple of buses which pick up children from further away and bring them on a Sunday morning. We attended the early morning Kids Special - around 100 children were there for an 8.45 start! It was great - fun, lively, welcoming, worshipful and an excellent Bible message by the pastor. The main worship service follows at 11am and around a third of the children stay on for that. We were impressed by the dedicated team which gives of their time and energy week by week to reach these children for Jesus. We came away with some ideas of what we might be able to do here in Hiragishi as we look to start some outreach to local kids over the coming months.

Working together

2010-11-02T20:19:00.002+09:00

Every year there is a joint 3-day gathering of OMF missionaries in Hokkaido and the pastors of the church group with whom we work (JECA). Over the last couple of years or so JECA has been planning a new church plant somewhere in Hokkaido. It has been exciting to hear of this development and interesting to watch the way it has moved forward to this point. There have been joint church plants before but this time it is different. The local churches and pastors will take the lead, with OMF playing more of a supportive role. The group which had the task of identifying the place for this new church start (hoping to kick off in April 2012) has a vision for something bigger - seeing this first church plant as only the beginning of a desire to plant other churches in other parts of Hokkaido. While it is great to see this vision unfold, there are many issues to be worked through, in terms of the 'what' (what will this church look like?), 'who' (who will lead it) and 'how' (dealing with the many practical matters, including finances). OMF too is working through its role in all of this - what is our task as missionaries here and what should our priorities be as we work alongside a national church? Big questions that don't admit of easy answers. But God is at work in Hokkaido and we long to see him do more so that the many unreached people might have the chance to hear the gospel.

Caring for one another

2010-10-31T12:41:00.006+09:00

One of the values we hold dearly in OMF in Japan is member care. If the workers are well cared for and feel well cared for, then the work itself is helped. Living in a foreign land often brings its challenges and that not only in the early months, although these can be particulary stressful as a new missionary adapts to so many things that are new, with very little language to help them. One of the ways OMF here helps with care of new members is by what is called a Barnabas scheme. A new missionary (or couple) will have a more senior missionary allocated to them to befriend, encourage, help and pray in the first year of life here. We are just finishing being Barnabas to one couple and have just started with another couple too. It's great to have time with them - we are encouraged and challenged too. Once a month OMF also divides its Sapporo-based missionaries into fellowship groups which are times to share together, eat together, pray for and encourage one another. It is a privilege for us to be able to lead one of these groups. Actually although we've just been here 12 years we seem already to be reaching the stage of veteran (!) missionaries as many of our older colleagues have either retired or otherwise left Japan. It's a joy to be involved in a fellowship where care is a top priority. Hopefully it will always be a value which is well lived-out among the OMF community here.

Winter blues

2010-10-24T22:05:00.004+09:00

Change is in the air. In fact, thousands of little white bugs are in the air too. Winter must be just round the corner. Every year at this time, the tiny 'yuki mushi' (snow fly) begins to make its appearance. Sometimes there are just a few, and other times you can end up walking through a cloud of them and you get completely covered. They are tiny, white, fluffy bugs and they herald the onset of winter. The first snow is already forecast for next week (a little bit too early!) Actually it won't really start until into November. Lots of preparations are made. Trees get their 'winter clothes' on to protect them from the heavy snow; car tyres are changed; snow-clearing implements are taken out of storage ready for use. In this football-mad house, this weekend has been the time for clearing away the outside goals before the pitches have their blanket of snow. It is time to move to indoor futsal for a while. Many changes, but life goes on - it's just that the pace of life becomes a little slower. Winter here we come!

A Day at School

2010-10-16T21:33:00.004+09:00

Today was a busy day at Calum and Alistair's school. Saturday is not usually a school day but the boys headed off at their usual time this morning. It was a special time for parents to come and visit the school and observe a couple of classes. In the afternoon everyone stayed on for the school festival. In the morning we divided our time between the 1st grade class and the 4th grade class. It was fascinating to observe the way the class is taught, how the children participate and just the general atmosphere. The first period for both classes was what you might translate as 'social values' or 'moral education'. Each class was considering different scenarios and the children were to suggest what should be done and how the other person would be feeling. It was interesting to see the class working together on this. When a child had something to share, he or she would stand up behind their chair and give their answer in a clear voice. The next class was maths. The 1st grade class was considering how to work out the answer to 13-9; the older class was on fractions. In the 45 minute period each class managed to do one problem only - it was all done with involvement of everyone and each step worked through slowly and clearly. Everyone could follow. Watching the interaction and how the process works itself out provides a fascinating cultural study of the interplay between teacher and pupils on the one hand and between the group and the individual on the other. Having had all of our boys at Japanese elementary school has been a great blessing for them as well as a rich insight into the culture for us as parents.

Great provision

2010-10-14T21:35:00.004+09:00

Last week David went to look at some possible apartments with our soon-to-be co-workers the Kochs. Later in the week he went with Kaori (who is also in the team at Hiragishi with How Chuang) to look at possible apartments for them as they have to move out of their present place next month. We found a great place for each of them quite quickly. However, that is only the beginning of the story as often we then hit the problem of landlords here not being willing to let a place to a foreigner or because the contract is taken in the name of OMF which has religious registration. Yet both proceeded smoothly and this afternoon within an hour calls were received from both agents to say that everything had gone through. We see both of these places not just as somewhere for the Chuas and Kochs to live but places that they can use for their ministry over the coming months and years in Hiragishi. God has provided great places and great co-workers. We look to him to be at work in this area and draw many to the spring where living water can be found - in Japanese izumi which forms part of the name of our church. Looking forward to many great things happening here!

A great vision

2010-10-10T21:31:00.003+09:00

Today we visited another church as we are away for the weekend. It is called Obihiro Glory Church and is located in a city of some 170,000 surrounded by many smaller towns in the wider area. The present pastor moved there just over 20 years ago. The church has been built up to around 80 members (large by Japanese standards); there is a good mix of ages, including young people; and a very welcoming atmosphere. It was a joy to be there and be part of the vibrancy of a church alive with people who are worshipping and seeking to reach out to people round about. The church has a vision to plant seven (yes seven!) daughter churches in areas around Obihiro. One is already underway, meeting twice a month on Sundays in a cafe which is run there by two key members. Another area has a couple of OMF missionaries living there to help begin to make contact with people. It is wonderful to see a church with such a passion to reach out to people in the areas they are living. And it's not just the pastor's own vision - the church folks are behind it too. May there be many more churches with a similar passion to reach the unreached millions of Japan.

A new team

2010-10-06T21:47:00.004+09:00

It has been a joy in recent years to have many new missionaries coming to Japan with OMF. Our language school has literally been bursting at the seams. It is an even greater joy for us to have the privilege of two of these new workers being added to our team from the beginning of next month. JP and Nora come from Germany and arrived in Japan in the summer of 2008. They have both done really well at the language school and are now ready to finish there and join a church planting team. They are both young and full of ideas, but at the same time are very teachable and looking to learn. They have worked in the past in different kinds of church settings in Germany, reaching young people in particular. Both are keen surfers and snowboarders and hope to use these interests for ministry opportunities. We are very much looking forward to having them on board (no pun intended!) in Hiragishi. But even more so we are looking forward to seeing what the Lord might do through them and through all of us in this baby church plant as the months and years go by.

A well used house

2010-10-03T21:26:00.003+09:00

Eighteen months ago we moved into our house here. Just over a week before we were due to leave Scotland to return to Japan, still no house had been found for us. Then on the very day we were moving out of our 'Scottish' house, an e-mail came with details of a place for us in Hiragishi. It seemed perfect. And a year and a half down the road we realise just what a provision this place is. It's great for our worship services. We can host many people in our large lounge, with an extra tatami room off that too. Often we have hosted large gatherings of people whether these be church-related, OMF-related or just having several of the boys' friends for sleepovers. It's a very flexible place with so much space. It is not obviously a church building from the outside. But then again, it isn't - it is our home which doubles as our meeting place. And church is not about a building anyway (however helpful a building may be). It's about people. We are so glad that our home can be used as a place where people can come and go. We have had lots of precious times and fun times over these past eighteen months.

One year anniversary

2010-09-26T22:14:00.004+09:00

Today was a special day in the life of Hiragishi Izumi Church. We celebrated one year of the start of services in our home. It was a happy time with a number of guests and a lively time of fellowship afterwards over a pot luck supper. As we look back, there is much for which we can give thanks. We remembered that first Sunday twelve months ago; we remembered the dedication ceremony we held a month later when so many people came; we thought about Sambi's baptism during our first Christmas service; we thought of the people we have got to know, the relationships that are gradually being built up, the way the existence of the church is slowly becoming known in the community. Certainly there have been many challenges too and these will continue. Starting a church from scratch is no easy task. It is not all about what happens on a Sunday afternoon. Indeed, most of what we do is focused 'out there' - in the community, in the school, meeting people where they are. So it was somehow appropriate on the day that we held our anniversary service that we (along with our new co-workers JP and Nora) could attend a barbecue organised by the local community association at lunchtime - a great chance to meet people and just be part of things in the community. Being 'out there' is so much what church planting is all about.

First big outreach

2010-09-25T21:59:00.003+09:00

Two weeks ago we had some guests from Singapore, four ladies and two men from our colleague How Chuang's home church. They had come on what they called a 'vacation with a purpose'. After a holiday in Hokkaido, they came to Hiragishi to help us for a few days. We spent some time prayer walking in the area and delivering leaflets by a well-known Christian author. Since a few weeks before we had been giving out leaflets and invitation cards for a special event to friends and contacts, as well as having aroujnd 4000 distributed via the local newspaper. In many ways this has helped raise the profile of the church in the area and simply make the existence of our church known. As we meet in our house, there is of course no obvious church building. The special event was a Singapore Culture Day when people could hear something of Singapore and its different cultures, enjoy traditional songs and dances, and taste some local delicacies. One of the team shared a short testimony. We had been praying for 50 to come. We didn't actually have 50 guests but on the day, including the Singapore team and church folks, we had exactly 50 there, which turned out to be just right for numbers. Most of those there were people we have got to know, through school, English classes or just folks we have met locally. There were lots of encouragements. For many of those who came it was their first time to a church event. We don't know what seeds have been sown but trust that this has been a significant, if small, step forward in the life of Hiragishi Izumi Church.

Statistics

2010-09-15T22:50:00.004+09:00

Japanese love facts and figures. It's amazing the amount of statistical information which is released or available on local government home pages. Just the other day, two sets of statistics were released. One concerned the level of violence and bulliyng at school. Both have become increasing problems in schools here, though much effort has gone into tackling bullying. Last year violent incidents in all schools nationwide increased for the fourth consecutive year reaching a record total of just over 60,000. On a much more tragic note, figures were also given for suicides by school-age children - 165 in total, two of which were linked to bullying. Cases of bullying did decrease quite significantly but it is clear that are still many such problems in school, especially in junior high schools. Another set of statistics released concerned the number of people over 100 in Japan. This is expected to reach a record 44,000 this year. There have been considerable difficulties with these figures as lately a series of scandals have hit Japan as people have been found to have been claiming welfare payments for elderly relatives (some of whom would be over 100) but who have been found to have died many years previously despite still having their names on the local registers. Statistics can be interpreted in different ways and don't necessarily paint the whole picture. However they do confirm two social trends which have been apparent in Japan for many years now - an ageing population and an education system which, for all its merits, is struggling to cope with instances of bullying, leading in some cases even to suicide.

Following the rules

2010-09-11T22:34:00.004+09:00

Japan is often a land of paradoxes. It is in many ways very efficient. Things run smoothly; trains run on time: everything is done well and in an orderly fashion. Yet in other ways it can be very inefficient, to our eyes anyway. Recently we have had two cases (in different sports clubs) where we hit up against what might be called the 'following the rules' way of thinking. There are often detailed procedures for even the simplest thing. Yet at times these rules seem to fly in the face of common sense. Or so much time is spent following all the procedures that it seems - to us - a rather inefficient way of getting things done. Sometimes there can be a lack of flexibility (or even freedom) to depart from 'the way something should be done'. One of our recent cases concerned Alistair receiving a badge for moving up one rank in swimming. He passed the test and was given his test sheet and a badge by the coach. Then the sheet and the badge were taken back and the test results whitened out. Why? Because it was apparently necessary to have several weeks of practice before being entitled to receive the badge. But he was already at the required standard and the coach had so graded him and awarded the badge. But the 'rules' said it should not be done. There was no freedom to apply what we might feel would be common sense to the situation. Nor was there any apparent freedom to depart from the 'must-be-adhered-to' procedures. It can be easy to get frustrated with such situations. But it served as a reminder to reflect on what someone said to us in our early days in Japan - it's not wrong, just different. Very true. We live in a different culture with a different way of thinking and there are many times where we just need to go with the flow. Maybe it's just the lawyer in us which likes to argue the case though when it seems patently lacking in common sense!

Neighbourly kindness

2010-09-06T16:12:00.003+09:00

Japanese people love to give things to others. In fact, it is often not easy to return the compliment as you might then receive another gift in return for yours. A couple of months ago Lorna started teaching one of our neighbours French. She can speak English too but it is French she is interested in for the moment. So after brushing up her French again, Lorna started the weekly one-to-one class only to discover that this lady is actually quite good already! Anyway, this neighbour has a garden filled with various vegetables and fruits, probably more than enough for her husband and herself. So over past weeks we have been the grateful recipients of freshly-picked cucumbers, green beans, 'eda mame' (soya beans which so far we have only ever bought frozen) and delicious blackberries. Lorna took some muffins to her the other day as a thank you but then just a few days later we received even more blackberries and some special pink-coloured sticky rice which the Japanese make on special occasions. What a blessing it is to have such neighbours.

Football - again

2010-09-04T21:33:00.003+09:00

Today was a big football day in Japan. The national team played their first home match since the World Cup, ironically against Paraguay who knocked them out on penalties in South Africa. But revenge was sweet as Japan triumphed this time 1-0. It was amusing to see the match described on television as the first step towards the Brazil World Cup in 2014! But a more important match (for us anyway) took place earlier in the day somewhere on the outskirts of Sapporo. The last big tournament of the season (before everyone has to retreat indoors to play football) was taking place and Calum's team managed to be drawn against one of the toughest teams in Sapporo. A win seemed unlikely. Yet for weeks before extra practices were arranged to give the team as much chance as possible. Today they played really well in a hard contest and having ended 0-0, it went down to penalties. With the score at 3-3, Calum stepped up to take the deciding kick - and in it went! Now, many mothers attend football matches in Japan and it was worth being there just to see their reaction as they shrieked and danced and 'high-fived' - not your normal image of Japanese mothers! At the end the boys lined up as usual in front of the parents, gave their thanks and bowed deeply. Maybe some future national team stars among them - but which country would Calum choose?

The weather!

2010-08-27T20:26:00.003+09:00

The weather is quite a topic of conversation here. It is normal to mention it in greetings when writing a letter. People usually have something to say about it when they meet. And there is usually some coverage on the news about rain, snow, wind or heat - it can often be the headline. Japan is a country where it can get very hot (like this summer) and very cold (in certain areas); some parts have rainy seasons; others experience typhoons. The daily evening weather forecast is usually quite fun as there is always a little chat about some obscure aspect of weather before moving on to what tomorrow will bring. Tonight we had little pictures of sheep-shaped clouds to tell us that the weather is to be changing - there is actually a word 'sheep cloud'. The change of seasons is marked well. We were interested to learn that according to the Japanese calendar autumn started on 7th August (while most places, even where we are in the north, were baking in one long stretch of summer heat). In the traditional calendar there are actually 24 days which divide the year into 24 sections, each day marking a different point in the year. The other day we hit the day which marks the limit of summer heat - well, it's still pretty hot! But it will not be long now till we come upon the days marking the descent of frost, the beginning of winter, the start of small snow and the start of big snow! Climate change is affecting everywhere but one of the wonderful things about Japan is to see and experience the rhythms of the changing seasons. It's said a hot summer can lead on to a bad winter though - we'll see.

Planning an event

2010-08-24T22:01:00.003+09:00

As we have lived in Hiragishi for the last 17 months or so, it has been encouraging gradually to get to know people and to build up relationships with people in the area. A number of friends and colleagues have also put us in touch with people they know who live round about. There is a lot of potential in Hiragishi. So far we have built things up slowly, partly because we have not had the time or resources to devote to things which require a large investment of time or people. However, we are now planning one event and one special worship service next month, and we have other ideas to build on those over the coming months. A few folks from one of our colleague's home church are coming to Hokkaido for a holiday next month and would like to spend a few days helping us in Hiragishi. The main event we will have is what we are calling a Singapore Cultural Day, a low-key, 'easy to come along to' event with a taste of Singaporean culture, music, dance, games and food, and a simple testimony by one of the visitors. We have designed fliers and are sending these to people we know and distributing them more widely in the area. We have no idea how many might come. But hopefully it will be a chance just to get to know people in an informal and relaxed setting, and perhaps be a first step for some in a journey of faith.

Shut in

2010-08-21T20:16:00.003+09:00

The problem of hikikomori is well known as an issue affecting a significant number of younger people in Japan. Those people withdraw from society, retreat into their rooms and often remain there for months, if not years. The term 'hikikomori' has been used to describe this phenomenon which seems particularly to affect Japan. The word 'hikikomori' has now become a new entry in the latest edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English. The definition reads '(in Japan) the abnormal avoidance of social contact, typically by adolescent males'. Most people you speak to will know of or have heard of someone who is or whose family member is to some extent 'hikikomori'. Figures are hard to come by but it seems clear the issue affects a significant number of Japanese from their mid-late teens into their 20s or even older. How to deal with it is even more of a challenge. We know one missionary who has been receiving training in this area from a specialist but it takes a long time to be able to understand enough to be able to be of help to someone who is hikikomori. Is this a challenge and an opportunity for the church? Jesus came to reach and rescue people who were lost and without hope. It is a complex phenomenon but so many need help to find hope and direction for their lives.

Back to school

2010-08-18T20:41:00.002+09:00

Today all of boys went back to school, two in India and two in Japan. Daniel begins studies for A Levels; Matthew begins studies for GCSEs; Calum continues in Grade 4 and Alistair in Grade 1 at our local elementary school. While the older two could enjoy an 8 week holiday, the younger two had a Japanese-style holiday of 3 and a half weeks! And even then there was work to be done during the holidays. Each boy came home at the end of term with a sheaf of papers - homework sheets for Japanese and maths; Alistair had to do a couple of drawings of things he did during the holiday with a sentence or two about them; Calum had to interview dad about his school days; there was a chart to be filled in each day saying what they had done. And they also each had to make something to take back to school and show to their classmates at the beginning of term. Some of the creations by some of the kids are really amazing. This year Calum produced a firing cannon made largely of disposable chopsticks; Alistair created a spider and butterfly out of wax doodles (a timely birthday present from the UK). They managed to get everything done (just!) and went back to school today laden with bags of stuff! Alistair also had to look after a morning glory which all of the 1st Grade students had planted earlier in the year. That is now so big it is left for Mum and Dad to take back at some point this week. The kids were eased back in gently this morning - an opening ceremony and a half day. But from now till Christmas Eve there is no break apart from a few public holidays here and there. It will be a long term.

Arrested on holiday!

2010-08-16T21:20:00.003+09:00

Somehow there are always adventures on a Ferguson holiday to the beach. Usually these involve some kind of injury and a visit to the local hospital. This time we went one better and spent some time in the local police station. The place we go to is an OMF holiday home right on the beach in a tiny village in a fairly remote part of Hokkaido. There is a small town nearby and Daniel was walking in to town one morning. As if from nowhere, out pops a policeman and asks to see Daniel's passport. He is not carrying it (as we don't usually need to). The only ID he has is his Hebron school card. So he is driven back to the holiday home and Dad is summoned from the beach to deal with the friendly local police officer. After protracted communication with the local police station and David showing his ID, we were then asked to go the station and were duly driven there. After an hour or so, we were told it would take another two hours to sort it all out. Anyway, the 'crime' was that as Daniel had just turned 16 he should have been carrying his passport until his ID card (which all foreigners must carry at all times and which we had applied for) was issued. He was due to get it the following week. Daniel had to sign a letter expressing his remorse and asking the police to be tolerant (it sounded much better in Japanese). It really was amazing how such a little thing could take such a long time to sort out. But we had some good chats with the various police officers. It probably made their day to have such an 'incident' - there is unlikely to be much exciting criminal activity in such a sleepy little town. Life on a Ferguson holiday is never dull.

Farewells - again!

2010-08-15T21:33:00.003+09:00

Sometimes missionary life is a bit like one of the songs from The Sound of Music - 'So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye'. Today was another farewell day as we took Daniel and Matthew to the airport to begin their journey back to India - three planes, five trains and a seven hour taxi ride up the mountain. The first leg took them as far as Tokyo and unfortunately they had to fly on the busiest day of the year on the busiest air route in the world. After negotiating the crowds at the airport, they were off and we all adjust again to life as four in Sapporo and two in India. Daniel and Matthew are very much third culture kids - Scottish boys living in Japan and at school in India. The last few days we have packed a lot in and there are always last-minute things to be bought, forms to be completed and the usual challenge of fitting everything in to the cases while keeping them within the weight limit. The boys should arrive at the school early on Tuesday morning, unpack, get things sorted in the dorm and be ready for the start of the new school year on the Wednesday. As it happens, the younger two boys go back then too so by the middle of this week we will all be back in routine again - until the next homecoming in December.

The spirits return

2010-08-14T17:16:00.004+09:00

We live right opposite one of the largest graveyards in Sapporo. It really is huge with thousands upon thousands of graves. Actually the setting is quite pleasant - the mature trees make it seem like a park. In fact in Japanese it is called a 'spirit garden'. These last two or three days have seen much activity. The roadsides have been full of parked cars; people are always milling around; Buddhist priests hang about ringing their bells and chanting a sutra upon request (for a nice fee of course); the graves are cleaned (buckets and scoops are helpfully provided); and each grave is decorated with flowers and perhaps some fruit, and incense sticks are burned. Why? It's the time of 'obon' when family members return to the family grave to pay their respects to the spirits of deceased relatives who are said to return temporarily at this time. It's fascinating to wander round the spirit garden and just observe. Whole families turn up, all dressed very casually and the atmosphere is certainly far from sombre, although everyone will quietly stand in front of the grave when the priest does his chant. One of the relatives passes him an envelope in gratitude for services rendered. Many of those who visit the grave at this time of year probably do so purely out of tradition, though some will believe that the spirits do indeed return and they certainly want to make sure that the grave is visited and rites performed. It is fascinatinｇ to observe - but at the same time it is sad and the thought occurs as to where the contact points are with the gospel. So many need to hear of the living God who promises life both now and forever.

Time with friends

2010-08-13T21:13:00.003+09:00

A couple of months or so after we arrived in Sapporo for language study in July 1998, Lorna was in a park with our two (at that time little) boys and met a mother with her two girls. A conversation turned into a friendship with the Watanabe family which has lasted twelve years. Today they came to visit us and we all enjoyed spending time together. Yuji (the father) is an English teacher (which was very helpful for us in our early days here), Rei (the mother) also likes English and they have two girls of similar age to our two older boys. It has been great to have friends with whom we can go camping, skiing and just spend time together with. Apart from our first two years we have not lived near each other but still make time to meet up at least two or three times a year. We can talk about all sorts of things and have learned so much from them. It is a joy that we have had this family as friends through all our time here. And it all started with a 'chance' meeting in the park.

Football camp

2010-07-27T10:07:00.003+09:00

This morning Calum left for football camp with his local team. Daniel has also gone as he has been helping with coaching over the summer. As always, the organisation is impeccable, even for a three day camp. Each child received a booklet of around 20 pages. Everything is planned to the finest detail. The time away is a mixture of training, matches and study, with a little free time in there somewhere too. Wake up is 6am followed by the morning 'meeting' at 7am - there is a strict instruction not be late! The departure took place amidst due ceremony. Everyone turned up wearing the standard gear (club tracksuit) even though that had not been specified in the instructions given out beforehand - sometimes a kind of telepathy works here so that everyone knows exactly what to bring or wear, except us who often seem to get these things worng! The children all got on the bus (in year group order), then all came off again to stand before the coaches and parents who were there to say farewell. The head coach said something. The captain gave a brief reply and all the children bowed. Then they were off. And hopefully all the children were bearing in mind what was written on the first page of the booklet that the point of the camp is not just to go and have a fun time!

Where there is no vision...

2010-07-21T21:15:00.003+09:00

For most of the first year or so since our return to Japan to start a church from zero, we have been thinking and praying about the vision of this new church. What are we about here? What are we aiming it? What are our values? How is God leading? These and many other questions have been on our minds. A couple of months back it was great to be able to agree on our vision and values. So far it is just in Japanese, but an English version should appear at some point. Actually it is not so easy to translate something which is thought through in another language and designed for a specific context. We have worked with five keywords as we have considered this new church plant. Biblical - perhaps obvious, but what does the Bible really say about church? Indigenous - in effect, we want to be a church which is rooted here, in this community, among the people who live here. Equipping - a church where each person learns from one another and is equipped and built up to be the person God has made them to be. Holistic - perhaps a word that needs explaining, but the key idea is that being a follower of Jesus is something which takes in all of life, anywhere, at any time, words and deeds. And reproducing, looking to make and nurture disciples of Jesus who bear fruit as they live their lives for him. How God will build a church in this community among these people is something we don't yet know and can't yet see - but it is exciting to be here to watch and be involved in its outworking.

Penetrating the web

2010-07-16T16:22:00.003+09:00

The other day David went for a walk in a local park. Actually one of the most well-known - and beautiful - parks in the Hiragishi area. It does however provide a home for the largest shrine in Hiragishi. Just near the shrine area there is a traditional Japanese garden with perfectly manicured little trees, bright flowers, a pond and a waterfall. It is a very quiet spot - if no one else is there, all that can be heard is the gentle splash coming from the waterfall. It was a reminder of the name of our church - izumi, which means spring. It is an oasis in the heart of the noise-filled, bustling, 'instant-everything' society in which we live. Right across two rocks in front of the waterfall there was a large spider's web glistening in the sunlight. Coming to Japan to share the gospel has been compared to trying to penetrate a spider's web. There are so many strands linked together,different pieces of the web of Japanese thought, customs and lifestyle which make it so hard for the truths of the gospel both to be shared and accepted here. A spring of water; and a spider's web. Our desire is to see many drawn to the izumi; but to do that we need patience, wisdom and the power which only God can give to help us penetrate the web so that more and more people can find their way not just to a shrine, or a peaceful garden, but to the One who created them and wants to give them life in all its fulness.

On a journey

2010-07-13T22:18:00.002+09:00

Last Sunday our family were joined by eight Japanese guests at our worship service. It was great to have so many with us. Each is on a faith journey, but each at a different stage. Two were baptised last Christmas. One had been a pastor in Canada. Two have been Christians for some years. One is a young guy who has been a few times and claims quite openly he does not believe in God. One is an older man who is seeking something and perhaps does indeed have some faith of his own. And that is church. It's community. It's a gathering of people of different ages, different personalities and all on a journey. As always we eat together after our service (which begins at 4 in the afternoon) and that always give the opportunity for a relaxed time of conversation, laughter and caring for one another. Our church has the word izumi in its name - that means spring (as in the place from which water springs). Many people around us are thirsting and seeking something, yet don't know where to find it. Our desire is that more and more people in our community find their way to the only community where people's deepest longings and deepest needs can be met - the local church, where they can meet Jesus, be encouraged in fellowship and find the resources to live fruitful lives that in turn draw others to Jesus. That's a big part of what we do as we seek to plant a church from nothing in Hiragishi.

Time to vote

2010-07-10T21:27:00.002+09:00

Recently it has been rather noisy in these parts. Vans drive around with loudspeakers on their roof, filled with people wearing white gloves who wave at all those folks who are unfortunate enough to be nearby when the van passes. It's election time! Up and down the country the candidates do their rounds in their vans exhorting people to vote for them. No one really seems to be listening but you can't avoid the noise which resonates around the community, sometimes from early morning till into the evening. Tomorrow sees elections for the Upper House. As usual the two main parties are doing battle, but this time a number of the smaller parties are expected to take seats. Prime Ministers come and go here with great regularity. The last elected PM did not last too long and his successor, Mr Kan, is already finding his popularity ratings falling. Politicians are struggling to come up with answers to the big economic and social issues which Japan faces. Whatever the result tomorrow, maybe nothing much will change. But one thing that will certainly change is that the noisy vans with their white-gloved passengers will be off the roads until the next election - unfortunately they seem to come round rather frequently.

Customer service

2010-07-07T16:48:00.003+09:00

There are a lot of set phrases or ways of saying things in Japan. It is a polite society. And saying the right thing is regarded very highly. That extends even to the supermarket checkout. The person on duty will greet you with a word of welcome as you put your basket up. She (or sometimes he) will then empty your basket for you and tell you the price item by item as it is scanned and then placed neatly into another basket. Often this is all done in a kind of high-pitched lilt or singing-kind of voice. You hand over your money (usually cash - very little use of debit cards here) and the checkout assistant confirms the amount you have handed over, then confirms the amount of change before uttering (in the same lilt) a closing greeting to welcome you back for more custom some time. With all these greetings and careful packing, not forgetting the cash transaction, it can tend to take a while to pass through the queue at the checkout. But as the customer is valued so is proper service valued. Self-scanning areas are beginning to appear in a very limited way at Japanese supermarkets - speedy, efficient, but not quite the same service. For a society which is so technologically advanced, it's often interesting to see how many people are employed to give personal service to the customer. A bit more time-consuming perhaps but refreshing at times to have contact with real people rather than a machine.

One big family

2010-07-01T21:40:00.004+09:00

Every three years the whole of the OMF team in Japan gets together for Field Conference. It is always a special time and this year's was no exception. Around 200 (including children) gathered at a hot spring hotel in Hokkaido for a time of encouragement, challenge, fellowship and fun. It was a joy to welcome a group from Northern Ireland who led various activities for the children during the week - so good that parents hardly saw their kids all week! The General Director of OMF Patrick Fung gave some powerful Bible messages from Acts. There were times in small groups, times for prayer, times to unwind and the week ended with a memorable time of communion as we were able to focus on what Jesus did for us on the cross and then join together as one to sing a final hymn of praise. One of the focal points of the week was to spend time discussing and praying about the future direction of OMF in Japan. We are the largest mission organisation in Japan and in recent years have been blessed with many new workers. What role should OMF missionaries be playing over the coming years to see God's kingdom expand in Japan? These are exciting days as we look ahead. Yet the challenges are many too. How good to be able to come together for a week to be built up, encouraged and enthused for the tasks that lie ahead.

The dream ends

2010-06-30T06:57:00.003+09:00

So Japan are out of the World Cup. The dream of reaching the semi finals is over. It's been fascinating to watch both the unfolding of events in South Africa as well as the reaction at 'home'. The team has performed much better than anyone expected. And had it not been for one penalty miss, they could have been in the quarter finals. One of the enduring images of the Japan campaign is the ever-expressionless face of the manager Okada. Rarely did you see a smile. But he had his game plan carefully worked out and the team functioned as instructed. After last night's defeat as always happens at the end of a match, the manager is interviewed immediately by the Japanese media. He took responsibility - 'I was not strong enough'. Some players were also interviewed and as always were gracious in defeat. All sports people in this country are able to speak competently. Then the team went over to bow in front of their fans and express their thanks. People back in Japan had really got behind the team. It's a shame they are out but the players have done their country proud and will return to a great welcome. And that is more than can be said for some other countries. Amazing to think how far Japan has come in football when the professional league only started here in the 1990s. Team spirit, discipline, technical skill - all very Japanese characteristics and all very much on display by the 2010 Japan team. Well done guys.

Fathers' Day

2010-06-21T09:11:00.003+09:00

Yesterday was Fathers' Day in Japan. Unlike Mothers' Day, it falls on the same day as the UK so we manage to remember both. It is well known that many men in Japan work long hours, often leaving home early and getting back late at night. Time for kids to see their dad can be very limited. However, at least in our part of Japan, things seem to be changing; more and more dads are able to spend time with their families in the evenings or at least at the weekends. It's not easy though to leave work before others. And then there may be pressures to spend time with work colleagues even after that. We are getting to know quite a number of dads through Calum's involvement in football. There is a good cameraderie there and great to see many of the dads around. It's always a challenge for churches here to reach men and to see whole families be part of the church family. We are wondering what we can do to reach men. To begin with that will involve building relationships with men on their territory, probably involving sport, leisure, food or any combination. Yesterday we had a man come along to our service. Next week we will have another young guy coming who has already been a few times. But not all men would feel at all comfortable in doing that. We need to be creative in finding ways to make contact with men and gradually be able to share with them the message of the gospel.

The way of the gods

2010-06-18T16:13:00.003+09:00

There are many 'gods' (or 'kami') in Japan. Millions of them. And they can appear anywhere. We've been posting entries recently about the religious context in which we find ourselves. Shinto is the traditional 'religion' of Japan. Perhaps more than a religion, it is a set of customs and rites; a way of life; traditions and ceremonies to be followed by Japanese people. Shinto literally means the way of the gods. While Buddhist priests deal with funerals and anything associated with death and the afterlife, Shinto is all about life in the here and now. There are ceremonies connected to birth, childhood, adulthood, marriage, land and buildings to name just a few. It is common all over Japan to see Shinto shrines, often with a 'torii', the distinctive entrance gate. The summer months in particular see many festivals connected to the local shrine and often the local deity is paraded round the streets on one special day in the year. Here in Hiragishi we see the marks of Shinto too. There is a park near us with an old 'torii' and prominent shrine. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens . Many Japanese would say they are not religious but most would abide by some or all of the traditional 'ways' handed down through the generations. Jesus said that he is the way to God. The challenge is to share that message in this context, building on the contact points (of which there are many) and pointing the people of Japan to the way that truly does lead to life.

World Cup fever

2010-06-15T21:14:00.004+09:00

We'll take a break from commenting on the religious atmosphere around here and move on instead to football. It is after all World Cup time. Actually some people would see football as a kind of religion anyway. Football (or soccer as they refer to it here) is not traditionally a Japanese sport. They excel more in baseball, sumo and the martial arts. Yet Japan has once again qualified for the World Cup finals and had their first outing last night. The result - a 1-0 victory over the mighty Cameroon. And that's been enough to send the Japanese media into a frenzy. Star striker Keisuke Honda poked the ball over the line and the commentators were marvelling over such a 'brilliant goal'. It was replayed constantly during the half-time interval. This is Japan's fourth appearance in the World Cup finals and they are aiming for the semi-finals. The manager says that has nothing to do with the fact that rivals Korea reached that stage eight years ago when the finals were held in Japan/Korea. There is little hope of that but the victory last night is getting the fans going. It's a talking point. A church near us is even holding an outreach event on the night of the next match showing the game live on a big screen in the church. For us, we are more and more getting to know Calum's football friends and their parents as we gather regularly to cheer on the team. That gives us natural opportunities to chat and befriend people and we hope in time will lead on to deeper conversations. Meanwhile we will join the millions here in rooting for the Blue Samurai in their next match.

Death and life

2010-06-14T11:05:00.003+09:00

There are many reminders of death in the area where we live. The large graveyard is right opposite our house. There are several buildings used for funerals. The crematorium was once here (it's now a swimming pool!) And there are Buddhist temples. Death in Japan and the various rites and ceremonies associated with dying and the afterlife are invariably Buddhist. Most funerals are conducted according to Buddhist rites with the Buddhist priest chanting the sutras and incense being passed round during the funeral ceremony. The same priest would visit the home of the deceased regularly afterwards to carry out certain rites which are prescribed for the dead spirits. And they charge high fees into the bargain. The temples nearby us are Buddhist. One smaller one belongs to a sect of Zen Buddhism. Another much larger one belongs to a different sect. The priests who work from these temples are generally involved in conducting funerals, rites in connection with the deceased spirits, and ceremonies which take place at different times in front of the family grave. Where we live we often see signs pointing to the place where Buddhist funerals are taking place. And in the summer especially we see and smell (incense!) all the activity in the graveyard as people travel from great distances to the family grave to join with the spirits of the deceased which are said to return at that time. We have been to Buddhist funerals and so often they appear to be all ceremony and ritual with none of the hope which can be found in a Christian funeral. The signs of death are all around us here. All the more reason for there being a church which offers not just empty ceremony, but life and indeed hope beyond the grave.

Be my witnesses...

2010-06-08T21:35:00.004+09:00

When you come to a new land as a missionary, there is much to learn. Language is a top priority at the beginning. Then there is the culture. The ways of doing things. The customs. The food. The list could go on and on. We have now been here almost twelve years and are still learning - every day! Last year we moved to this area to start a new church. And of course that does not happen in a vacuum. We live among a community of people, in a particular setting, with a history and local traditions. One part of that setting is the religious aspect. We have mentioned before that our house is opposite a huge graveyard. Hiragishi was once on the suburbs of Sapporo so it was a good place to site the resting place for the dead as well as house the Sapporo crematorium (which is now our local swimming pool!) There are several funeral halls round about where we live. There is a large Buddhist temple nearby and a smaller one just along the road from our house. On the main street around ten minutes walk from where we live is a large building known to everyone in the area, home to what is called the PL (Perfect Liberty) Church, which has nothing at all to do with church and is one of the many new religions in this country. That is our context. And that makes it hard to make headway here. Yet it also points to the necessity of there being a witness to Jesus in this area. In subsequent blogs, we will share a little more about the religious context in which we find ourselves and the challenges that presents.

Sports Day

2010-06-01T22:12:00.003+09:00

One of the biggest events in the calendar for primary schools is sports day. There is nothing like it. The children spend weeks practising their races, dances and all the ceremony which is part of the day. The previous day sees hundreds of mothers (or granny if mum is not around) turning up at the school to secure their patch for viewing the races. All of this decided by lottery and as your number is called, you can race to a place already marked with white lines to grab your spot. This year we were No 149 in the pecking order but we had still had a great view. The day begins at 6.30 with fire crackers loud enough to wake the whole neighbourhood being set off to tell everyone that sports day is on. Even before that time, many mothers will have been up preparing the feast which is needed for the sports day lunch. This is no ham sandwich and potato chips job. Everything begins with due ceremony - speeches, lots of bowing, communal team cheering and the obligatory warm-up exercises. From start to finish it lasts over five hours. There are individual races, team races, energetic dances, fun events and even a tug of war for parents. This year we had one boy in the white team and one in the red so we were going to end up with one winner and one loser. The sun shone, the boys won their individual events and the lunch was great. And as always it is an opportunity for us to be visible and chat to all the parents, grandparents and others who gather for this event of the year. Roll on next year.