Transcript APPEAL FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: INDIA 2003
APPEAL FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: INDIA 2003
Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is your saying to them, God bless you! Keep warm and eat well! - if you do not give them the necessities of life?
James 2:15-16
For a population of over one billion people, there are only 180 million houses in India. Most of them have a superstructure built with grass, straw and bamboo or inferior bricks. It is estimated that India needs over 42 million houses to tide over the current housing shortage.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization that works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God’s people in need by building and renovating houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow into all that God intended. Habitat houses are sold to families in need at no profit, financed with affordable no-interest loans. Monthly mortgage repayments are used to fund future Habitat projects. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage repayments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
In Golden Week 2003 a team of 14 people will be heading out from Japan to Kanyakumari – the second smallest district in Tamil Nadu state, India. It is surrounded by seas on the south and west and by hills to the north and east. There are no factories or industries. The population is 1,600,349 and the area of the district is 1493.94 sq. km. The population density is 944 per sq. km. This is the most densely populated district in the state. Most of the people depend on agriculture. In the northern part of the district, there are rubber plantations and most of the families work as rubber tappers. These families live in forest areas or by roadsides in thatched houses, with very bad sanitary conditions. The team will be working, together with the people in the district, to build simple, decent affordable housing.
Habitat for Humanity raises funds for the construction of its houses primarily through donations and sponsorship. Our team seeks your support in order to achieve our fundraising goal. A contribution of monetary funds would be greatly appreciated. Donations and funds raised will go directly to the construction of houses and thereby directly help impoverished families in Kanyakumari.
We also ask for your prayers for the success of the project. Habitat follows a non-discriminatory policy when selecting families for whom to build – neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses. Neither do you have to be a Christian to join a Habitat team.
Please pray, not only for the success of our project and the safety of those traveling to India, but that everyone involved in it will receive Jesus as Lord and savior.
If you are interested in making a monetary contribution, you can deposit funds directly into the following postal account: Branch: 44089; Account number: 14480 30825381 If you have any questions about our trip or about Habitat for Humanity in general, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Yours, Kathryn O'Reilly, [email protected]
, (0759) 52-8720 (extension 227)
- Page Sixteen -
Volume 16, Issue 4
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Kandace Shaw, National Coordinator
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2003
If someone did a survey of everyone's brains to check out what it is people worry about I bet money would be up there in the top three. Money money money. What is your relationship with money like? Maybe you don't worry about money at all. Maybe you are a good steward, you tuck away savings here and there, invest a little, tithe...ahhh life is good, God is pleased. Or maybe you are like me. You tithe as much as you can remember to, you smile, you don't care too much about money, you have student loans the size of Africa, you carry a balance on your credit card out of sheer forgetfulness, you think you saved or did you or where did that money go, you think you are pretty good with money.
As some of you know I was engaged this past summer. I got back to Japan, sat down in my little house and then it hit me - someone else was going to know everything about me, including how I run my finances. Bahhh, I decided to do a little investigation on how I could clean myself up a bit. And, money became a bit of an obsession for me. How is your relationship with money? Are you a good steward? Do you follow the principle of wisdom in Proverbs that "he who gathers money little by little makes it grow" (13:11) ?
As we know from countless "good steward" sermons and looking into the Word that the Bible talks a lot about money. We cannot serve both God and money. Part of our job as God's servants is to keep everything in perspective. God has His place and so does money. On the flip side of that, it is really important to be responsible with our money. God wants us to live responsibly, to have lives that are in order as best we can.
I was at home this Christmas and went to buy a book on managing money from a Christian perspective. I'm not one for self-help books but this
Inside this issue:
Money, Money, Money - 1--2 Thoughts on Saying Grace - 3 Life Choices – 4-5 Thriving Spiritually in Japan – 6-7 20 Questions to Turn a Conversation Christ-ward – 8-9 Surviving in the Desert – 10-11 Books…to Pass the Cold, Cold Hours Away – 12 This Month in my Stereo - 13 Needed: JCF Officers for 2003-4 – 14-15 Shikoku Advance - 15 Habitat for Humanity: India 2003 - 16
- Page One -
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY -continued from page one
towards God changing because you don't feel you need Him as much? I did.
book was exactly what I needed. It talked about everything from student loans to budgeting to investments...all in English.
Now, many of you may be shaking your heads and saying for goodness sakes Kandace grow up already! This is a really important topic for us on the JET program. We have money, and lots of it. I have just finished reading "Hosea" and am amazed at how all throughout the Bible, all throughout time people have the same problem in their relationship with God. We get too much stuff and forget that we need God. People have such a god complex! Money feeds into this in many ways.
Sometimes we get confused and give money a little more importance in our life than it deserves.
For me, it is a new fearful obsession that I am not good with money and where does it go and my student loans are so big and ahhhh these thoughts circle around in my head far too much. And really, I am not good with money. Remember, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" (Matt. 6:27.) God will take care of us! The most beautiful thing is that God can change us, He works with us. He is realistic about who we are and STILL loves us!
While on the Jet program, at this time of blessing in your life, are you being responsible with what God has given you? We have been given wisdom about how to deal with money all throughout the Bible. Are you saving? I have been, but could be doing better. Are you finding your attitude It is so freeing to do the best you can and as Keith Green says "Jesus takes care of the rest!" Gotta love that guy's hair.
Walk in wisdom! Pursue a life of discipline enriched by the knowledge of the Word. Jesus is bigger than student loans!
The views expressed in JCF NEWS are not necessarily those of the JCF Leadership Team or JET Christian Fellowship unless specifically stated as such. JCF NEWS seeks to present interesting articles from JCF members at large.
discussion and meditation.
It does not seek to advocate, but to be a true forum for
MISSING OUT ON THE ACTION?
Do you know of anyone who signed up for JET Christian Fellowship, but has not been receiving the newsletter or information re: events and services?
If so, please contact the NC, Kandace Shaw at (0857) 31-6230 or
[email protected]
.
- Page Two -
Prayer & Encouragement Team: Hiromitsu Naruse (090-2119-5793), Tara Lowe (see above), Christine Mawdsley (0429-66-3594), Heather Jesson (0767-32-5870), Esther Williams (0262-74-3545)
Prays regularly for needs of JCF.
Is available for prayer and encouragement over the phone and at retreats.
Maintains confidentiality.
Refers individuals in need of special assistance to appropriate resource contacts, consulting with the NC and Missionary Liaisons in such cases.
Follows up and welcomes JETs interested in JCF by mail or phone.
Online Coordinator: Jennifer Toews – 0241-45-2644
Maintains online mailing network.
Posts weekly announcements from submissions sent by JCF members, consulting with NC about questionable items.
Website Coordinator: Dan Byrne – 0875-82-5447
Maintains JCF web pages and liaison with AJET ComSIG.
Book Librarian: Amanda Hatzistamatis – 0866-52-4767
Maintains book library and fills requests.
Prepares book list and arranges joint printing/mailing with tape librarian.
Monitors content sensitivity of materials and reports questionable items to NC.
Tape Librarian: Kathryn O’Reilly – 0759-52-8720 x227
Maintains tape library and fills requests as per the legal copyrights governing each tape.
Prepares tape list and arranges joint printing/mailing with book librarian.
Monitors content sensitivity of materials and reports questionable items to NC.
Church and Missionary Liaison: Jim & Mariana Nesbitt – 0473-77-5326
Maintains diverse church and mission contact information.
Provides resource contact information upon request.
Assists members with networking.
SHIKOKU ADVANCE
(It's time to make the enemy retreat!)
Where: Ozu National Youth Centre Ozu, Ehime-ken (an hour or so west of Matsuyama and half an hour east of Yawatahama Ferry) When: 7-9 Feb, 2003 (The national holiday's on a Tues. this year, so there's no long weekend, but if people have nothing to do at work on the Mon., they can take a day of nenkyu and maybe come down to Tsushima for a day or 2 afterwards) How much?: Under 5000en for Fri.-Sun.
Contact: Deborah Ruth Trotter 0895-20-8272 090-2682-1838 [email protected]
- Page Fifteen -
NEEDED: JCF OFFICERS FOR 2003-2004
Well, it’s that time of year again – changeover season. Teachers will soon be transferring to different schools and AJET organizations will be going through leadership changes. Thus JCF will once again be having changeovers in leadership in preparations for old people leaving and new people coming.
Some of the current officers will be staying in Japan and some will be moving on; thus, there are some positions that need filling and some that don’t. For your information and prayerful consideration, below are descriptions of all of the positions and the current officers. Please contact the current officer or the NC Kandace Shaw if you are interesting in volunteering (or staying on for another year).
Kandace can be contacted at [email protected]
or 0857-31-6230.
JCF National Coordinator: Kandace Shaw – 0857-31-6230
Oversees all aspects of JCF programming and activities Oversees correspondence with AJET and other organizations.
Maintains regular contact with the executive committee; consults EC when faced with questionable matters relating to the book or tape libraries, newsletter or JCF Online.
Writes a monthly column for the newsletter; looks over newsletters for possible problematic content.
Conducts selection/election of new officers as per the election rules.
Prepares annual report for AJET.
Treasurer: Michael Phillips – 0932-45-7894
Maintains JCF postal savings account and petty cash fund.
Prepares monthly and annual financial reports for JCF and AJET.
Reimburses leadership team for related expenses.
Receives JCF membership forms and dues.
Database Coordinator: Michael Phillips – 0932-45-7894
Updates database when old members leave and new members join.
Prepares voluntary regional networking lists.
Prepares membership reports for NC and other officers.
Newsletter Editor: Jean Byrne – 0875-82-5447
Solicits and receives written articles and submissions to the newsletter.
Oversees content, editing and production of bi-monthly newsletter.
Submits draft of the newsletter to the NC to check for content prior to mailing.
Coordinates printing and distribution.
Retreat Coordinators: Jennifer Osteen (0246-24-5437), Tara Lowe (0273-87-9578)
Arranges accommodations and advertisements for national retreats. Selects speakers and themes, consulting with the NC, organizes registrar and Bible study leaders, coordinates with worship coordinator to plan worship times, coordinates with prayer/encouragement members to plan prayer times.
Manages the money and prepares a financial statement for national retreats.
Acts as a resource for members planning local retreats.
Maintains a current file of retreat locations and speakers.
Worship Coordinator: Eddie Ramos – 0296-78-1161
Maintains and expands worship materials.
Procures legal use rights for those materials.
Prepares and organizes songs and volunteers for national retreat worship times, coordinating with the retreat coordinators.
Acts as a resource for members planning local retreats or gatherings.
- Page Fourteen -
SAYING GRACE
Hiromitsu Naruse, Prayer & Encouragement Team I have a small confession to make. I sometimes forget to say grace before eating (sshh don’t tell anybody!) I guess many of us do at times. We get really hungry and want to dig into that delicious food before us as soon as possible.
Yet I find that the times I remember to pray before eating can be very powerful times, when I experience real communion with God.
pretty lofty,, huh? Let me try to explain.
Sounds You see, even in the simple act of thanking God for the food I’m about to receive, three things tend to happen.
First of all, I am reminded that it is not I, but God who is to be given credit for the blessings I have in my life. I often fall into the trap of letting pride overcome me and seeing myself as a self made man. I congratulate myself on my achievements in life. All my wonderful possessions (car, DVD player etc.). I see it as a result of my own efforts.
After all, it is I who had to fork out that hard earned cash in order to pay for them. But when I remember to say grace, the Spirit convinces me just how foolish and even blasphemous such thinking is.
It is God who is responsible even for the food I eat. It is He who helps sustain me and to whom that I should be grateful. Praying before meals can help us to put God in his proper place and us into ours.
Secondly, the act of saying grace puts me back into a state of thankfulness. We Christians are told that we should be thankful to God at all times. This is much easier to say than to do. Even an ordinary day has its ups and downs. Often it’s much easier to complain than it is to be grateful.
But when I pray before meals I am reminded of God’s merciful provisions.
Lastly, when I pray with non-Christians before a meal brings me back to God.
I have a lot of friends who are not Christians and it is easy to be influenced by their values and to be tempted to act as they do. When I give thanks for a meal in front of them, I am reminded of the awesome fact that I am a child of God whose purpose is to bring glory back to Him rather than to seek an acceptance and a sense of belonging from non believers.
So yeah, even the seemingly routine act of saying grace can indeed be a powerful experience. Oh well, it’s time to eat. Yum! This Obento is great.
Uhm, I have a nasty feeling of forgetting something. Sometimes it happens.
- Page Three -
LIFE CHOICES
Jean Byrne, Newsletter Editor Everyone’s telling you to do God’s will, to follow God’s leading, to make the right decisions in your life. And this is great advice! Of course this is what we are all supposed to do. But how? Are we missing something?
How does God communicate His will to us in this modern age?
How has He communicated to people in the past?
Sometimes it’s easy to discern God’s will – such as, to steal or not to steal? To have an affair or be faithful?
The Bible speaks directly to these issues. But what about those difficult life choices that seem to have no clear answers?
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
Don’t ignore that inner voice!
If you feel a struggle inside about what to do – a struggle, not just confusion – chance are you’re resisting the Holy Spirit.
This has happened to me many times. I know what I should do, but I am not willing to do it. Only when I give in and obey do I have peace in my soul.
The Bible does give many illustrations of how people made life choices with God’s guidance.
Sometimes God did speak directly to His people, or through an angel. In Genesis 12:1-4, we read,
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…”
God spoke directly to Abram and he obeyed.
Later on in the Bible, in Acts, God was still speaking directly to his people through the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:1-3 says,
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul.
While they were worhiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me
What if you truly do not know what to do, or how you should go about doing what you know you’re supposed to do? What does the Bible have to say about that? I don’t think it’s inappropriate to ask for a sign – not to test God, but to be guided by Him. Let’s go back to Genesis again. When it came time for Isaac to take a wife, Abraham sent a trusted servant back to his homeland to find a bride.
“Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed…And he said, ‘O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. I am standing here by the spring of water, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.
Let the girl to whom I shall say, ‘Please offer your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’- let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.’ Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, coming out with her water jar on her shoulder (Genesis 24:12 15).”
Amazing! God guided the servant by
THIS MONTH IN MY STEREO
Kathryn O’Reilly, Tape Librarian
He who has an ear, let him hear…
Well, this has been a pretty busy month or so in my stereo. The tape library has received more than twenty new editions. Thank you ever so much for donating your tapes and your prayers. If you want to receive any of this edition’s recommended tapes, or the up to date tape list, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I can also help if you want advise on selecting a tape from the library.
My Recommendations: #102 Creation and Dinosaurs J. Whitcome In schools today we study evolution theory as though it were fact. When I became a Christian, I saw no reason that a belief in evolution and a belief in the Creator could not co-exist. This tape has set me free from many lies I had been believing and revealed more of the glory of God as seen through his creation. And I still believe in Dinosaurs.
#103,104 Islamic Debate: Was Christ crucified and raised from the dead?
Ahmed Deedat and Josh McDowell.
These tapes will give you a tremendous insight into what Muslims believe and how they twist this belief from the bible. It will also equip you to give an answer for your faith to those who follow Islam.
#800, 801 Good Vs Good; Will Worship; Evangelism; Spiritual Warfare Bill Randles.
These sermons are a call for all of us in the church to watch our lives and our doctrine closely. And to watch that wolves do not creep in amongst the flock. We each have a responsibility to weigh the biblical evidence and make our own decisions using the wisdom that God has given us through his word.
Contact information: Kathryn O'Reilly 227, Maison du Rethiue Dion Koe, 10-10 Tomo-oka 3 Chome, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto-fu 617-0843 e-mail: [email protected]
And finally… The tape library has become what it is (10 plastic drawers and two cardboard boxes full of CDs, tapes and videos) through the donations of JCF members. If you have any spare sermon tapes, Christian music tapes or CDS, or Christian videos, please think about donating them to the tape library, either now or when you leave Japan.
- Page Four - Page Thirteen -
BOOKS…TO PASS THE COLD, COLD HOURS AWAY
Amanda Hatzistamatis – Book Librarian I hope you all had a great Christmas and winter vacation, wherever you were. It is not uncommon to feel homesick and a little depressed after leaving your friends and family again. Please be aware of this and draw your strength from God. It’s those down times in our life that we really need to rely on God.
It’s also the time where we can really grow in our relationship with God and become more Christ-like.
Although that tidbit of information is probably always with us, it’s hard to remember when we’re actually in a bad or down situation.
I found a book in the library which spoke about becoming more Christ-like during our down time. It’s called
A Pocket Full of Pennies
by Rick Amato. It is essentially about 10 key character qualities that God calls His children to daily. It talks about the qualities themselves as well as an obstacle that must be overcome. Amato uses his own life as an illustration. I would recommend this book to anybody, but especially to anyone who is feeling homesick and depressed.
Another good book to pick up is
Lord, I Want to Know You
by Kay Arthur. It’s written so that you can read a little bit a day, within 42 days. It is kind of like a work study book, where you have to read bible passages and answer questions. It was a good book to work through. Also, you don’t have to stick to the days specified. I read 2 days a day, typically. I’ll write what it says on the back of the book because I can’t do the book justice otherwise.
“Within the names of the Lord your God, you can find strength for your worst trials, comfort for your heart’s deepest pain, and provision for your soul’s greatest needs. Your walk with God will be transformed when you discover the limitless power of His name. As you study
Lord, I want to Know You
, you will learn about His character, His attributes, His nature…and His love for you. Your faith will deepen as you come to know God more intimately as your Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and much more! Kay Arthur’s insightful Bible studies can help you find the limitless treasure in God’s word. So discover the power of His glorious name…and experience the depth of His infinite love in
Lord, I Want to Know You
.” I hope you all survive the rest of the winter vacation. Unfortunately, February is the coldest month of the year. Keep warm and healthy and exercise your brain as well as your body!
You can contact me at [email protected]
, phone 0866-52-4767, or 713-1-101 Shimoazae, Hokubo-cho, Jobo-gun, Okayama-ken 716-1433.
granting the sign that the servant prayed for. And Isaac got just the wife he needed.
Yet another way that God can show you His will is by guiding your circumstances.
companions Paul and his
“…went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
During the night Paul had a vision: here stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them (Acts 16:6-10).”
A similar thing happened to Dan and I this December.
We really wanted to travel somewhere in Asia over holiday, yet wherever we checked, either the flights were full, the tickets were too expensive or the dates didn’t work out. So we ended up staying home and had a really great time with friends here. God knew.
And the last way I’m going to mention here that God shows us His will is through His people. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say on this.
“The righteous gives good advice to friends, but the way of the wicked leads astray (Proverb 12:26).” “Those who ignore instruction despise themselves, but those who heed admonition gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32).” “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future (Proverbs 19:10).”
Be careful, though, who you accept advice from! Psalm 1:1 says,
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of the scoffers.”
What if, through all this, you still don’t know what to do? What if you have two choices that seem equally good to you? Well then, I’ll pass along a bit of advice I’ve remembered from a sermon back in college – LOVE GOD, DO WHAT YOU WANT. Yes, you heard me right.
Do what you want. God doesn’t want you to be unhappy – He came to bring us life, and more abundantly!
So don’t stress out too much making those big life choices. God will make His will known to you – just keep your eyes and ears open and be patient.
Do you want to receive regular JCF e-mails?
Here’s how you sign up: •Go to www.yahoogroups.com
•Click on Religion & Belief •Click on Christianity •Search for Japan Christian Fellowship
- Page Twelve -
Your friendly newsletter editor, Jean, here! I'm looking for
NEWSLETTER ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT ISSUE
!
Has God been teaching you something cool here in Japan? Did God bring you to Japan in an amazing way? Were you reading in your Bible the other day and you came across a verse or passage that really encouraged you? Do you write poetry? We all need encouragement and the newsletter is a great way to give it!
The deadline for the March/Apriil issue is MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24th. Please send your articles to [email protected]
or Jean Byrne, 45-2 Shin, Nio-cho, Mitoyo-gun, Kagawa-ken 769-1406. If you have any questions, give me a call at 0875-82-5447 (I'm home all day). Thank you!
- Page Five -
THRIVING SURVIVING SPIRITUALLY IN JAPAN
Deborah Ruth Trotter, Former JET Hi. It's me again...Well, the new year is here with major decisions coming right in the middle of the month when people struggle most with depression. Somehow, right around Setsubun (the day when people throw beans to try to ward off evil spirits), it seems a lot of people enter the winter blues in a deeper way than earlier in the season. There may well be spiritual things connected to this pattern (along with the weather), but either way, it's still important to be aware of the fact that this is common and it's good to be prepared to combat thoughts that may come along to discourage you.
Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
good to look at.
Also, Eph. 2:8-10 is
“For by grace we have been saved, through faith – and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God – not of works so that no one can boast.”
Yes, God has prepared good things for us to do for Him and His Kingdom, but that's not how we're saved...It's by HIS GRACE and not our own deeds. If we have chosen to believe and follow Him, then we are saved.
One of the nice things about knowing God is that if we know His Word, we can dig in and see the ways in which we are victorious and don't have to fall prey to the devil's schemes to bring us down.
First of all, 2 Cor. 3:17 says that
of the Lord is, there is freedom" "where the Spirit
, so we don't have to be bound to the depression and discouragement that the enemy may try to throw at us. We can trust in God and stand through the trials that may come.
Also, the enemy tends to like to spend his time accusing the saints (Christians). He's a liar and the father of lies (I forget the scripture reference for that) and he goes out of his way to try to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). However, God's given us His grace and His power to combat this.
If you're dealing with condemnation, check out Rom. 8:1-2. Actually, all of Romans 8 would be good for you to read when the enemy tries to bring you down. It'll help you to see who you are in Christ. But verses 1-2 say,
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ
Sometimes, it's possible that people slip into old habits- or even new habits- that aren't very constructive for living a godly life due to pressures or other factors in their lives in Japan. If you've found yourself in this situation, you don't need to sit in self-condemnation. 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, He'll forgive us and cleanse us. Check out 1 Cor. 10:13. When we're tempted, He'll provide a way out so we can stand.
We're new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), so we need to learn what that means and live in it. God has sent His Spirit to lead and guide us and if we ask Him for His fullness to overflow in our lives, He will provide that. Spiritual warfare is a normal part of life here, so He provides the tools we need to win in the battles. Check out 2 Cor. 10:4-5 and Eph.
6.
For some of you, you may be experiencing more than ever the need to make sure you've got your spiritual armor in full working order.
Of course, somewhere in the middle of February comes the dreaded d-day (decision day) when you have to decide whether to stay another year.
Sometimes, we have our lives planned out ahead of us and we expect to be here for a set length of
Fellowship:
JCF offers retreats and occasionally at local levels get-togethers/worship times are organized. Some other organizations I am familiar with are Christian Surfers in Japan (Kanto region) and the Navigators. I had the chance to meet up with Christian Surfers Japan (started in 2000) and had one of the most refreshing times. If you would like to learn more about their group, contact Shinko at [email protected]
. I even found out that the president of Murasaki Sports (a big surf & snowboard name brand in Japan) is a Christian and inside the headquarters in Ueno, there is a church. Their ministry is to bridge the gap between the beach and the church. I haven’t checked with the Navigators in Japan yet, but I was involved in their ministry when I was in the military. For details, e-mail Yasuko Suzuki at [email protected]
.
Cassette Tapes
: JCF has a vast library of tapes. I can attest to it, I saw it when Coretta was librarian.
Unfortunately the library isn’t used as much as it should be. Thanks to Kathryn for writing up reviews. Another resource, if you have family or friends in the US, is Firefighters for Christ. They will send as many copies of tapes as you want for free. They survive by donations, so along with a request I’d put in a small check. Check their website for http://firefighters.org/html .
an order form: Both the JCF library and Firefighters for Christ has a vast selection you can play in your car on the way to the beach or simply relax under your kotatsu and soak in the message.
packed with useful information both in the Kanto region and elsewhere. Tower Records always has free copies.
Accountability and Mentorship
: These are areas I felt slipping by my second year, so I started a small group of 3-5 people to email and give me feedback on my monthly or bimonthly reports on quiet times, questions, areas of growth, prayer concerns, etc., by email. You may think of something else.
Church
: You would be surprised, but there are probably churches close to you – even if they are not English speaking. There were some neat results that came from my attendance at a Japanese church. Not only did I get a feel for the needs of my community and their worship style (by the way, I didn’t speak Japanese), but I found connections to the church even in my schools. Once I had a little girl (2 years later) say, “Don’t I see you in church every Sunday?” All the other first year JHS students heard this around her and became very curious and associated me with church till the day I left.
But otherwise, if there is an English speaking church 1-2 hours away, I think the commute is well worth it at least once a month.
Witness
: Difficult, but not impossible with prayer.
Even if there is a language barrier, once people know you are a Christian, they do take to heart more of what they see than what they hear. Although most Japanese never asked questions after I returned from a retreat or something else, I knew their silence meant they were thinking. Again, pray.
Books:
JCF library also has a vast selection, just ask Amanda.
My favorites (maybe or maybe not in the library) are “Just give me Jesus” by Anne Graham Lotz, Elisabeth Elliot’s book “Serendipity Bible” (Invaluable for those without close Christian contact), “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers, and a video called “Changes” about testimonies of surfers. (There’s also a new Bible out with surfers’ testimonies in it; contact Shinko of CSJ.) This should be more than your fill of resources. If you have any specific questions concerning island life, survival, shopping by internet, interest in travel to Kagoshima or a cup of coffee in Tokyo, email me at [email protected]
Basic Living
: “Being a Broad in Japan” by Caroline Pover describes everything a western woman needs to survive and thrive; “Where’s Mom when I Need her?” by Betty Rae Frandson, Kathryn Frandson and Kent Frandson is a binder with everything from basic cooking, getting stains out, what to do when you’re sick, etc.; “Tokyo Metropolis” ( www.metropolis.co.jp
) is “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:7-9).” David once wrote, “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;” from a desert, “My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water…because you love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”
- Page Six - Page Eleven -
SURVIVING IN THE DESERT Anna-Marie Jones, Former JET
“…I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…”
Many times one can feel frustrated or alone in a small village or island - or even in a big city. One wonders, “How do I continue to grow in my walk with such a lack of Christian resources in Japan or nearby?” I know this feeling well after living on one of the southernmost islands in Kagoshima-ken for three years.
It was a bit of a challenge, but remains an invaluable part of my growth and transformation. Now living near Tokyo, I get a bit steamy around the eye thinking about the vast resources nearby. I’d like to add some thoughts and resources to both Jim’s article “Frustrating Joys” (July/Aug 2002) and Deborah Ruth’s “Thriving Spiritually in Japan” (Nov/Dec 2002).
The last National Retreat was in Fukushima and I heard there were many ALT’s and others that were in tears of joy over the opportunity to finally meet up with other Christians. I can’t attest enough, as Deborah Ruth said, these retreats often prove invaluable. I only wish I had invested in more; if not a National retreat, then the local or closest. Although I was only able to attend 2 or 3 a year, during these retreats I found a prayer partner and supporter while on the island. We often phoned, faxed and emailed to keep connected. Others did the same, and some even ran marathons together. So if you’re wondering how you can afford this type of continuous contact, I have a few tips ahead that might save you money. (Anyone that knows about anything cheaper, please let the newsletter editor know for next issue.) Following these money-saving tips are some general tips about surviving in Japan.
Domestic Phone Calls:
Fusion has a plan where it only costs you 10 yen per 3 minutes anywhere in Japan (I think – it’s the cheapest I’ve heard). Call 03-5651-6218, 9 17:00, for details. Recently I heard of an even cheaper plan called Y Broadband by Yahoo, but I couldn’t get the details because they are in Japanese. I guess it costs 7.5
yen to call domestically or international.
International Phone Calls
: My suggestion is Liberty – a call-back system at about 16 yen per minute. You can use a mobile too, but it is an extra 11 yen (this is something the government has required and you can’t get around it with any carrier). If you are interested, you can email Chris at [email protected]
and he can give you the website and other details. Another plan that is quite cheap is Brastel. I haven’t tried it yet, but it is 12 yen to the US from Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitamo, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Yamanashi, Numazu City and within 60 km of Osaka and Nagoya. Other regions cost 17 yen. Add the 11 yen if you are a mobile user.
You can pick up a brochure at most convenience stores or McDonalds. Otherwise call 0120-659-551 or mobile 03-5821-6624. You can also try BB Phone: 2.5 yen to US, 7.5 yen per 3 minutes domestic, 12 yen to Canada, 23 yen to UK and Australia. Tel/fax 03 3824-7010 or email [email protected]
.
Internet
: It is so worth it to keep connected! Flet ISDN and ADSL are quite good carriers for a dial-up connection – they kept me connected to the outside world. You can hear the latest Christian music and easily email or chat with friends at home or in Japan.
If you’re in a remote area, I can’t tell you how much of a lifesaver it is. Also, in some areas, you can get Yahoo Broadband, which is not a dial-up connection (it doesn’t work through your phone line, so you don’t tie up your line or pay phone charges). With that, you can make calls for 7.5 yen. For a list of phone plans and Internet access plans, I can photocopy a list I found in the Nov 29
Metropolis
and send it to you.
Tokyo
Bible Study
: As Deborah Ruth said last month in her article, if you have anyone within your prefecture, to meet once a month will prove invaluable. If you’re out in the sticks as I was, an online bible study course might be what you need. Email me and I can send you information about a church in Texas that pairs you up with someone and you do the bible studies by email at your own pace. It’s quite good.
time and then go on to something else. Honestly, in fall of my 3rd year, I thought I'd be back in Canada now and then return to Japan in a few years, but then God started tugging on my heart and showing me that I had to return right away. It was God's plan and not mine, but now that I'm set on following what God has for me to do, I wouldn't have it any other way because His ways and thoughts are so much higher and better than ours. (Ps. 55:8-9) I encourage you, before you sign one way or the other regarding whether or not to stay, to seriously pray with an open heart before God and see where He guides you, here or elsewhere. If you knew the number of JETs I've seen go from "I'm only here for _____,” and stayed longer, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about. The people I've seen alter their plans according to God's plan have always had good come of it. One person I know found that God worked in her heart in new ways here. Some of the people I mentioned in the last newsletter were among those who had thought they'd only be here for a year or two and then they wound up staying here for three...and God did things in their third year beyond what they saw in their first two. That doesn't mean that God's calling everyone to stay for three.
I‘m just saying we need to be open to whatever God has in store. One of my good friends who told me at dinner after the Renewers' Conference our first year said he'd only be here for 2 years because he thought that was about all of Japan he could handle. Now, not only did he stay three years and wind up marrying someone he met here shortly after his return to the continent, but he and his wife are considering returning to Japan some day. Other JCF alumni are finding that God is using them in other areas.
The key is to be completely open to ANYTHING God may lead you into regardless of your previous plans. You will only be able to live in His fullness and joy to its full measure when completely submitted to Him. I recently read a book by Corrie ten Boom in which she told of how when people would suggest maybe she'd be a good person to go back to Germany and share God's love with the people there, she'd be completely uninterested because she really didn't want to go back to Germany. Then she found that there seemed to be a block in her communication with God and finally she asked Him what the problem was and He said "Germany". She hadn't submitted that area of her life to Him. When God called her to go to Germany and she went back, He used her in numerous people's lives. She was able to move freely in her relationship with God again when she was fully submitted to Him.
Take it from someone who's had her plans changed by God numerous times. It's completely worth it. He may have directions in your heart that are His and it's worth seeking Him to find out how HE wants them fulfilled. The blessings are incredible when you're walking in His will. I've seen people walking in stubbornness and their lack of peace and joy and I've seen people walking in submission and their fullness of peace and joy. It's up to you which you choose, but I know where I want to be...And I'm sure those who've allowed God to alter their plans and stayed longer than (or maybe not as long as) they may have thought would also tell you it's totally worth going for exactly what God wants.
- Page Ten - Page Seven -
20 QUESTIONS THAT TURN A CONVERSATION CHRISTWARD
Mariana Nesbitt, Missionary Liaison A stranger on the subway. A coworkers. The pitcher on your softball team. Your next-door neighbor.
How do you turn the conversations you have with people such as these into door openers for the gospel?
Here are some questions suggested for turning talk toward spiritual truth. You can be more direct with Westerners and go real slow – establish your relationship first – with Japanese.
1. People invest time and energy into developing their careers, their bodies, and their relationships, but often neglect the spiritual dimension of their lives. How do you actively pursue spiritual growth?
2. Do you think much about spiritual things? (This usually leads to conversation about what “spiritual” means – i.e. religion vs.. relationship.) 3. How has this experience affected the way you look at God?
4. We’ve never had a chance to talk about our religious background. Where would you say you are in your spiritual pilgrimage?
5. May I tell you how I established a personal relationship with God?
6. What is your concept of God?
7. Have you ever come to a point in your life where you trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, or do you think that is something you’re still moving toward? May I tell you how I came to that point?
8. Do you find that faith and spiritual values play a role in your work? Marriage? Perspective on life?
9. If you could be sure there is a God, would you want to know Him (or) If you could know God personally, would you want to?
10. (Bring a friend to your church or a Christian event, then ask) What did you think of it? Did it make sense to you?
11. Do you go to church? Why or why not?
12 I’d hate for you to come to my church and not understand what it’s all about. Would you want to get together and discuss our basic beliefs?
13. We’ve been friends for quite some time now, and I’ve never really talked to you about the most important thing in my life. May I take a few moments and do so?
14. Is church something that has had an influence in your life? Are you at a point now that you want church to be a bigger part of your life? What prompted this? Would you want to hear our basic beliefs, so you’ll know if that fits in with what you’re looking for?
15. How do you think a person becomes a Christian?
16. Can I share the thing I’ve found most important to me as a (dad), (mom), (boss) (student)?
17. What do you thing about when you go to sleep at night? (If anxiety or guilt robs them of sleep, introduce the peace found in a relationship with Christ.) 18. Most people in America say that they believe in God. What does believing in God mean to you?
19. Before I came to know Christ personally, God was a vague concept I could not relate to or grasp.
How would you describe your view of God? Of Jesus? Is He a reality to you or more of a vague concept?
20. If you were to die tonight,, are you sure you’d go to heaven? Has anyone ever explained how you can know for sure?
RIGHT: YOU JUST NEED TO BE DESPERATE THAT PEOPLE COME TO JESUS.
Now let’s look at how these kind of questions can or can’t be used to start conversations with Japanese: 1. Use in the same words.
2. Same, plus: Do you look at the beauty of nature and wonder about who created all this?
A good conversation can develop about religion vs. a relationship. Bring in religious wars, empty tradition and ritual. Emphasize the relationship with the Creator, Jesus.
3. … the way you look at matters of your heart? (soul) Has it made you wonder about the meaning of life, the purpose of life?
4. Here the difference between religion and a relationship needs to be brought in, as well as creation, and a relationship with the great, true God.
5. Give your testimony in the usual way.
6. Remember you are chatting to a polytheist, whatever they may say. Don’t get into arguments of the Trinity. If they insist, use the water, ice, steam attempt at an explanation. God to me is Jesus: friend, savior, ever present; the one who hears my prayers, thanks and praise.
7. Same words. This only after there has been plenty of chatting about Jesus.
8.
Same ideas.
Child-raising, the rising divorce rate are hot subjects in Japan at the moment.
Relationships in general too.
9. … Do you want to know the God of creation, Jesus?
10. Same words what did you find the most difficult to understand?
11. Have you ever been to church?
12. Same as 11. “Basic beliefs” don’t interest Japanese. “Loving relationship” rather.
13. Same words 14. Not applicable.
15. Do you think everyone in the west is a Christian?
16. Same words 17. Same words 18. What does religion mean to you? Jump off from the subject of current Islamic issues.
19. Same as first sentence.
20. Are you afraid of death? Why do most people not want to talk about it?
Christians are not afraid of death. Funerals in Christianity are ceremonies of great hope and peace.
And we can understand and take part in what the leader is saying.
REQUIREMENTS FOR USING THE ABOVE: DESPERATION, OBEDIENCE.
Mariana Nesbitt. Do contact me at [email protected] (047) 377-5326 for further interaction about the above.