Volume 16, Issue 5 MARCH/APRIL 2003

Every once in awhile I talk with a friend who has a little baby. It is so exciting to hear all about how her daughter is teething and growing and changing into a little person. It is so strange to me that we were once babies, innocent regarding all the ugly things that go on in the world. Innocent about things like the potential for world war and North Korea using Japan as target practice.

As babies we were also free from ourselves in a way. We weren't able to assess ourselves, we weren't able to consider all the things we don't like about ourselves. The fact that I can review myself and judge my actions kind of throws me for an existential loop, if that can even be said. I can sit back and confidently think things like "I am going to challenge myself with this" or "I want to change this about myself" or "I am going to focus more on this in my life".

Our capacity for self-criticism in the face of our weaknesses is a gift. We are free to govern ourselves any way we please. As Christians we strive to steer our lives towards the mark of holiness. The Holy Spirit nudges us to live lives of holiness, gently speaking to us about the things that need to change.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to have complete control in my life is difficult for me. It is a daily exercise of disiplined surrender. I decide that I am going to surrender my judgment of myself and let Him first speak to me about things that need to change. We often create all sorts of things we think we need to change about ourselves. We are hard on our selves! Satan LOVES to keep us guilt ridden and looking at detailed records of the past, at the impossibility of change in our life from this moment on.

SELF-ASSESSMENTKandace Shaw, National Coordinator

Inside this issue:Self-Assessment - 1--2Living in Expectation – 3-4Child-like Faith – 5Thriving Spiritually in Japan – 6-8Kobe Retreat- May 2003 - 9The Long and Winding Road – 10 Important Things in Life– 11Charles Schultz Philosophy - 11Books, Books Everywhere – 12This Month in my Stereo - 13Needed: JCF Officers for 2003-4 – 14-15Announcements –16Correction: Habitat for Humanity India 2003 Donations - 16

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APOLOGY

To all of you who signed up and paid at the Tokyo orientations or the renewers’ conference, and who haven’t been receiving the JCF News, the JCF team would like to say a big “gomen nasai”. The reasons for the ‘critical morass’ are somewhat unclear, but they were certainly unfortunate and preventable. In response, please feel free to choose one of the following options:•*I’d like to get the back issues anyway. Please send them.•*Please donate my unused 1,000 yen to some Christian activity of your choice•*Don’t worry about it, i.e. “I’m fine thank you, and you?”•*I’d like to credit the 1,000 yen towards next years membership•*I’d like a refund of half of the money paid, since half of the newsletters weren’t delivered Since the current JCF year finishes in April, please notify me, the JCF treasurer, of your choice by 31 March. Peace and blessings (Colossians 4 v 2 – 6).

 Michael Phillips - Jet Christian Fellowship Treasurermichael.phillips@unisa.edu.au

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UPCOMING JCF EVENTS (AND A COUPLE GOOD NON-JCF EVENTS)

Missions Trip Opportunity: Deborah Ruth Trotter would like to invite everyone to come down to Tsushima, Ehime-ken (on Shikoku) at anytime they have time off to come, to do some outreach projects (prayer walks, drama, music, little parties… whatever fits the group that comes) and discuss missions strategies here in Japan.

Late May: Kobe retreat during the weekend of the Kobe re-contracting conference.

Beginning of June: Spring national retreat. Will most likely be during the weekend of the Tokyo re-contracting conference. Details will follow later.

July 9-10: Japan National Women’s Aglow Conference in Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama-ken (right by Tokyo). [Not a JCF event] It was awesome last year and will be great again this year too. This is completely bilingual, so bring whatever Japanese women or foreign friends you want.

Some time in July (not yet sure of dates): CFO (Camp Farthest Out) family camp. [Also not specifically JCF.] This is just a few days long and good to go to part or all of. It’s completely bilingual, so you can bring Japanese families with you and not worry that they won’t understand. Contact Jessie Banno. Her phone number is 03-3359-6061 and fax is 03-3355-2236. Her address is 1-16 Chome, Wakaba-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160

CORRECTION: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INDIA 2003 DONATIONS

THE CORRECT POSTAL ACCOUNT FOR DONATIONS IS: BRANCH NO. 14480, ACCOUNT NUMBER 30525381.

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. It does not seek to advocate, but to be a true forum for discussion and meditation.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT-continued from page one

Other problems come when we become addicted to the "woe is me" mentality. I can attest to this. It is a great way to get comfortable, stay where you are and feel sorry for yourself. It has been said that "You can't steer a car that isn't moving." in reference to God's need for us to look ahead, to let go, to move forward. He needs us to embrace His mercy and the new things that He can do starting now, pressing FORWARD and letting

go of that stick we beat ourselves with (however little or big it may be)! Don't have more faith in your failures (which aren't that big of a deal for God to help you with) than you do in the almighty God who loves you desperately. It wastes time; life is to be enjoyed. Let's having a good future and all your dreams come true! Well, not that exactly but....despite all that I think about myself and want to change in my life, God can see through it all and still loves me. It is a miracle!

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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 – 0241-45-2644Maintains online mailing network.Posts weekly announcements from submissions sent by JCF members, consulting with NC about questionable items.

Website Coordinator: Dan Byrne – 0875-82-5447Maintains JCF web pages and liaison with AJET ComSIG.

Book Librarian: Amanda Hatzistamatis – 0866-52-4767Maintains 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 x227Maintains 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 – 0473-77-5326Maintains diverse church and mission contact information.Provides resource contact information upon request.Assists members with networking.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You discern my thoughts from far away.You search out my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.Even before a word is on my tongue,

O Lord, you know it completely.You hem me in, behind and before, and lay

your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is so high I cannot attain it……How weighty are your thoughts to me, O

God!How vast is the sum of them!

I try to count them – they are more than the sand.

I come to the end – I am still with you…

Psalm 139: 1-6, 17-18 (NRSV)

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NEEDED: JCF OFFICERS FOR 2003-2004Well, 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 JCF_nc@hotmail.com or 0857-31-6230.

JCF National Coordinator: Kandace Shaw – 0857-31-6230Oversees all aspects of JCF programming and activitiesOversees 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 – 0932-45-7894Maintains 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 – 0932-45-7894Updates 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 – 0875-82-5447Solicits 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 – 0296-78-1161Maintains 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.

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LIVING IN EXPECTATIONHeather Jesson, Prayer & Encouragement Team

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:25

Just want to share with you something ... today was the last day for me to teach one of my elementary school classes ...Grade 5. Throughout the school year I have had the amazing opportunity to team teach with a Japanese teacher who wants her students to understand the real meaning behind certain western holidays and celebrations that have been embraced by many Japanese as yet another ingredient to (pardon my terrible metaphor) the “nabe” of the Japanese festive calendar. This teacher has been very interested in the aspects of Christian historical background of such western holidays as Halloween and Christmas and asked me to teach her class the real meaning behind these holidays that are enjoyed in somewhat altered forms in Japan. In case you think I have a prize teaching situation – this is the only teacher out of the thirty-three I teach with who would consider this lesson plan.

I know it’s the wrong season, I should be giving you ideas for Easter-related lessons, so bear with me with my Halloween lesson story. Many Christians wouldn’t consider Halloween exactly a “Christian” holiday, but perhaps the opposite. However, I prayed that God would transform my explanation of Halloween into something that would point back to the reality of Christ’s triumph over the forces of evil. The excitement of dressing up (some kid dressed up as Santa – wrong season kid!) and the inevitable candy distribution gave itself to a natural curiosity of the meaning behind the holiday on the part of my students. I was a little apprehensive about

approaching the topic, but upon some internet research, found an Irish legend of the Jack o’ Lantern. The students were transfixed as they listened to the Japanese translation of a “sinner” (Jack) whom the devil couldn’t “get at” because of a silver/wooden cross that was able to come between Jack and the devil. Granted, the theology in this little legend maybe a little off in some parts, but I think that it reached the kids where they were at. It’s interesting, because in Japanese culture, they have so many talismans and things they hang in their cars, from their bags, etc. to protect them from evil. So they were interested to learn that the cross can repel the devil in Christianity. Who knows how that little seed of truth will grow, hopefully into a fuller understanding of the gospel. Most of us will move on from Japan in the near future so we can only pray that God will water the seeds of truth that we are sowing with or without words in the soil of other people’s lives.

Stories are one of the best way to convey truth, as Jesus illustrated in the telling of his parables. They help us to imagine and expect things outside of our normal range of thinking, and can lead us to higher insights of spiritual truth. From my experience, I have found that many Japanese people are curious to learn about the stories that help shape our worldview. They will often be received with much interest, perhaps creating room for God to work in their hearts at a later time.

After praying for sometime for the people of Japan, and often feeling

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THIS MONTH IN MY STEREOKathryn O’Reilly, Tape Librarian

He who has an ear, let him hear…

In the past couple of months I have become stupidly busy. I have had hardly any time to do any of the things that I enjoy and one of the things that I enjoy and have missed is reading - even when I have had the time to do it, I have been too tired to focus my eye on a book. So this month I am recommending three different sermons by people who are famous for having written books. I hope that those of you busy-bees who can't get round to read the books, will still be able to learn from these people's experiences:

No. 5 Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell

I recommend that you lend this to anyone who is searching; it will really make them think. And it is also good for established Christians to go over the basics and learn how to give an intelligent answer for their faith.

No. 37 God's Purpose in Tragedy, Joni

Everyone should hear the testimony of this amazing lady.

No. 184 A Light-Hearted but Challenging Look at the Church, Adram Plass

I read this guy's Sacred Diary over the Christmas holiday and I have to say that it is one of the best Christian books I have read - it's hilarious. And this sermon is pretty good too. Although, it does contain some dodgy (a word which here means dated and cheesy) skits he does with his wife.

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.

Contact information:

Kathryn O'Reilly227, Maison du Rethiue Dion Koe,

10-10 Tomo-oka 3 Chome,Nagaokakyo-shi,

Kyoto-fu617-0843

e-mail: jcftapes@hotmail.com

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LIVING IN EXPECTATION-continued from page three

discouraged, I didn’t get my hopes up that my students would be that interested in what I had to say. However, it turned out that God had bigger plans that I could have imagined for my cultural lessons.

To get back to the story, the students response to my stories was overwhelming. At the end of the school year, the students wrote letters to me in Japanese telling me what their favorite English activities were. Many of them wrote that their favorite thing was learning about Christ through the stories I told them for our Halloween and Christmas parties. For this final class, every one had to bring

something from home for show and tell and this one girl brought two illustrated story books about Jesus Christ and drew a poster saying she is interested in Jesus Christ, and the other students thought it was cool. (Cynically speaking, she could be just trying to impress –but God knows her heart). I was very shocked because in most public schools back home, teachers must be very careful when talking about religion. I just wanted to tell you about my experiences teaching here in Japan to encourage you that when you wonder what God is up to in Japan, up to in your classes, your day to day grind, ask God to “open the eyes of your heart”. Dare to call to God and expect the unexpected from an Almighty God.

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 convince you to stay 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 May/June issue is MONDAY, APRIL 28th. Please send your articles to jcfnews@hotmail.com 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. Thank you!

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BOOKS, BOOKS EVERYWHEREAmanda Hatzistamatis – Book Librarian

God sure knows how to pick great books! I felt drawn to read three books this last month and though they didn’t seem to have very much in common, they went together quite nicely.

The first book I read was In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon. You might be more familiar with his grandson’s book, What Would Jesus Do?. This book was written in a novel format but it is quite a thought provoker. It asked some difficult questions. I think it is a great book that teaches what Christianity is really about. It’s about a commitment to Christ in all aspects of your life. It’s about following Jesus no matter what the costs. It’s about living your life as if Jesus was the most important person/thing in your life, and so He should be! How many of us live our lives with other things on our throne, whether it be relationships or goals? There should be nothing else as important to us as Jesus. If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26 These may sound like difficult words, but they were told to us by Jesus himself. We have to live our lives with Christ as our center. I put down this book with the thought that I wanted to live my life with Christ as my center. I didn’t want him leading me part-time anymore. It was time to give Him a full time job. As much as I wanted to change over night, I realized that I couldn’t. I was doing something wrong and I couldn’t figure out what it was. That was when I was drawn to the second book.

The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life by Charles Stanley pointed out where I was going wrong. It was all in my thinking. It was in all my sentences beginning with I. I will try…, I want…, I’m going to... I was in the drivers seat! Somewhere I shouldn’t be. I was supposed to let Jesus guide me through the Holy Spirit. My only job was to abide in Christ. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 1 John 4:13 The author talked about how we are not to be producers of fruit, namely love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness, but bearers of fruit. We cannot do any of these things by ourselves. We can try as hard as we can to be more loving and patient, but there will be something (or someone!) down the road who will set us off. Only the Holy Spirit can change us. As soon as we acknowledge that we need His help desperately, He will help us. He’s waiting for us. I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit….Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:1-5

The third book tied with the other two nicely. It was a study of John, called Living Beyond The Ordinary. It said what the other two books also said but this time it was a self-study. The answers came much easier since I already had the background from the other two books! It had some Faith Alive sections which helped apply things to every day life.

I would highly suggest that you read some Christian books while you are in Japan. Ask God to show you what kind of books you should read. Once you find out what you’re looking for, email me and I will help you find a book. Use your time in Japan wisely! He brought you here for a reason and you don’t want to miss out on it! You can email me at jcfbooks@hotmail.com.

doesn’t fret about what she’s going to do all day, or when her next vacation will be. In fact, she never worries at all. She knows that everything that she needs will be provided for, and the things that could hurt her will be kept out of the way by the watchful eyes of her mommy and daddy. All she has to do is take things as they come.

How is it possible to live like a child? How is it possible to walk through life with no worries, simply taking things as they come? Isn’t that a bit foolish, or irresponsible? Shouldn’t we be concerned about our future and the necessities of life? Of course we should! But we don’t have to lose any sleep over them. The more we come to know the Father, the more we have reason to trust him. Aiko knows me. She watches me, follows me around, plays with me. She knows my face, my voice and the sound of my footsteps. And I am only human – not even close to the perfection of the Father!

Let us pray for a child-like faith in our Heavenly Father! Sometimes the spectacles before us overwhelm us and we become immobilized. Yet we have the father’s hand to hold us and strengthen us. We have the father’s eyes watching over us. If we, who are human, know how to care for our children, how much more will our Father in heaven care for us! (see Matthew 6:9-11)

CHILD-LIKE FAITHJean Byrne, Newsletter Editor

“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and

said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive

the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”

Luke 18:15-17

What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a little child? In Christian circles, we talk about growing and maturing in our faith, and yet the Lord tells us to have the faith of a child. It doesn’t seem to make sense. What is there about the faith of a child that adults seem to lack?

My little daughter, Elizabeth Aiko, will be one on March 30th. It continues to surprise me how much she teaches me. She’s learning to walk right now. She doesn’t trust herself that much yet, so she takes little slow steps from one place to another and sits down if she thinks she can’t make it. But if she has one of my hands in hers, she just takes off running anywhere and everywhere! No worries about falling, tripping, or even obstacles in the way. She’s got mommy’s hand and nothing can stop her. What makes the difference? My hand doesn’t really do that much for her. She’s doing the walking and balancing by herself. Simply the assurance that her mommy is there and is holding her hand gives her the confidence and courage to go anywhere and do anything.

Walking isn’t the only area where Aiko displays her faith in her parents. Aiko never worries about when she’s going to have her next meal, or what she is going to eat for that meal. She never worries about what clothes she’s going to wear each day. She

Important Things In LifeA philosophy professor stood before

his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked

up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about 2"

in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.

He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between

the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The students laughed. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of

course, the sand filled up everything else.

"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life.

The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your

children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would

still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff." "If you put the sand into the jar first, there is

no room for the pebbles or the rocks.

The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the

things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play with your children.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your partner out dancing.

There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the

disposal.“

"Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is

just sand.“

Charles Schultz’ PhilosophyThe quiz:

  1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

  2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

  3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

  4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

  5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.  6. Name the last decade's World Series

winners.   

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the

best in their fields.  But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements

are forgotten.  Accolades and certificates are buried with their

owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson:   The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones

with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They are

the ones who care.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow

in Australia.“   ----- Charles Schultz

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Wow! The JET year is more than half over now and people have now decided if they’re staying or going… For some, it’s a time when people are looking forward to returning to their own countries. For some, it’s a reality check that they only have a few more months to organize this place they’ve been living in the past couple years and pack and they’ll be done. Others look forward to spending yet another year in Japan… Some are shaking their heads and going “How did I wind up signing on for another year? That wasn’t in my original plan.” Meanwhile, I sit here amused at God’s ironic sense of humour… This has become a yearly hobby of mine as I see some people’s “year in Japan” or “2 years” in Japan turn into more of that. One of my friends came here for a year and is now in the middle of her 5th (obviously, she’s not a JET anymore, but a job got dropped in her lap). That’s not what everybody’s called to, but God sometimes surprises people and it’s always exciting to watch what He does.

Either way, God’s got exciting stuff to do in and through each one of us in whatever time we have remaining here, whether it’s just a few months like those who’ve chosen to move on or indefinite like my life and that of other missionaries here (like my friend’s parents who came for a couple years to help out with the work and, 25 years or so later, are still here) or somewhere in-between. There are different attitudes that can be taken on what to do with this time that’s remaining. The good news is that there are many things that can be done. Make the most of the time you have with the people where you are.

If you are leaving, this can be a great opportunity to use the tradition

of giving gifts when you leave a place (teachers usually leave a gift on everybody’s desk when they’re transferred to go elsewhere… and people will often give gifts to other people they know as well) to give away Bibles or Christian books in Japanese that will reach people where they’re at. Some of you in smaller churches may have church services just before you leave when they decide to have a special farewell service and party. If they’re getting you to speak or sing a special or something, this can be a great opportunity to invite people who normally wouldn’t come to church and make sure a clear Gospel message is being presented that day. Plus, be open and ready to give an answer to those who have questions about why you operate the way you do. The light God’s put inside you shines brightly in the darkness… Don’t try to hide it and shrug it off in fear that you might offend someone. It does somehow show and is a great opportunity to share how the people around you can know God too.

Sometimes even though you feel like you’ve seen very few opportunities leading up to this time, they will suddenly start coming up near the end as people’s curiosity gets the best of them and they’re finally kind of used to having you around and they get up the courage to finally ask about things. You’ll have various speeches to do, so you can some how bring words of hope and kindness into those speeches whether Christ is directly mentioned or not. When I finished my time on JET, I told the students all about how valuable they are as people and that each person is worthwhile whether they feel that way or not –and that each

THRIVINGSURVIVING SPIRITUALLY IN JAPAN

Deborah Ruth Trotter, Former JET

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person should also be treated as valuable. Giving a positive message to people is a good way to be salt and light in this culture that so desperately needs to know love. Who knows?! Perhaps what God does in and through you in your last little bit of time here in Japan will be good preparation for reaching out to others in whatever He has for you next.

For those of us who are staying here in Japan longer, this gives us great opportunities to further build the friendships that we have and acquire new ones as people get used to us being around and discover that our Japanese starts getting to the place where we can have at least simple conversations. You may find that people who didn’t talk to you during your first year or 2 suddenly start talking to you in your 2nd or 3rd because they don’t feel like they have to speak English to communicate. The fact that you’ve stayed and chosen to continue your relationship with the people there is something that means a lot to the Japanese people just because you’re there and committed to spending some more time away from your native country investing in them and the lives of their children. The concept of leaving one’s own country for an extended stay is a foreign concept to many of them- especially in the countryside. Thus, the fact that you choose to stay longer and invest time in their lives speaks to their hearts in some way even if they don’t understand it. The fact that your parents are willing to let go and accept the fact that this is where you’re meant to be for now also speaks to them as many think the idea of having their child far away is a scary thought… (My parents had the advantage of lots of forewarning on that one, so they were prepared for it.) Be encouraged that just “being there” can be a witness to them and if they know you’re a Christian and are showing love and kindness to them, that speaks loudly to them as people.

As you can see, those leaving aren’t the only ones who need to make the most of the time they have left here. If we make the most of each day and each month, looking for opportunities to show God’s kindness and love, we will see good results. Whether, we see the fruit immediately or later on, there will be fruit. Is. 55:11 tells us that His Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish its purpose. That’s an exciting promise.

Are you praying for daily Divine appointments? This might be a good time to start. If you pray for such things to happen, they will – in various ways. There’s no reason to fear that your abilities to share are insufficient because it isn’t about what WE can or can’t do, but about what HE can do. Do you know how much He can do through His power that works in us? Check out Eph. 3:20… He can do EXCEEDINGLY and ABUNDANTLY beyond all that we can ask or imagine… I realize I can’t speak for everyone, but I have a rather large imagination (those who know me are currently thinking I’ve just made the understatement of the week) and God can far outdo my imagination… Not just in me, but in each of you too.

One other thing to remember is that just because things don’t always go quite the way you expect and you don’t get as many people out to an event you may have, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t have a Divine purpose in it. The Shikoku Advance was small this year, but provided the handful of us Christians who were there (4) a chance for some fellowship and Bible study and provided four Japanese college students with a chance to learn that Jesus really is relevant to our lives and wants a relationship with everyone. Many Japanese people are unfamiliar with the Gospel and this provided a great

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THE LONG AND WINDING ROADMichael Phillips, Treasurer/Database Coordinator

It seems like an age has passed since the time I was reading the newspaper in Australia while on holiday, and first heard about something called the JET Programme. That was October 2000 and, having just returned from living in Germany, I was going a bit stir crazy back at my old job at the university (where I have worked on and off for the best part of the last 11 years). It was time for a radical change. To be honest with you, my Christian walk, prior to coming on the JET Programme, began to feel somewhat like my job at the university. There seemed to be a degree of routine and monotony that had crept into my faith. In travelling that less travelled path, the relevance and newness of my Christian experience had begun to fade. It wasn’t that I had begun to doubt, but rather that the excitement of it all had waned. I have no memory of my moment of salvation, only what my mother has told me in passing. Sometime around the age of five or six I gave my life to the Lord, at children’s church. I don’t remember any of the circumstances, apart from the fact that I apparently did it. I’m also reliably informed that, possibly out of a sense of childlike religious fervour, I actually went forward for salvation many Sunday mornings. I don’t know how many times I was saved, but it amuses my mother to recall the story to my friends. Since that time (nearly thirty years ago now), I have been continually involved in the church. In fact, I cannot remember a time in my life ever not being at a church. Some of my earliest memories as a child were of going to church. I’ve reached a point where it’s hard to perceive my life without Christianity. 

My time here in Japan as a Christian, has been one of testing and focus. I’ve found that being away from my spiritual home and network affected me more than I thought it would have. In Adelaide, I attend an A.O.G. church in a suburb called Paradise, with somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 worshippers every week. It’s an ultra modern, progressive, and highly active environment. It’s also an environment where it’s easy not to be noticed or missed, and where you can be entertained at three or four services on Sundays if you want. A change was on the horizon however.

I now attend a traditional Japanese Baptist church of 12 or 15 members, who (surprisingly to me) only sing songs from a hymn book last printed in 1952, and who also sing “Amen” after every song ends. Before coming to Japan, I couldn’t have told you what a doxology or the Apostle’s Creed were. Now at least I know them in Japanese (even if I can’t say them in English). And, it’s certainly helped me with my hiragana too, to the point that I’ve become immune to standard compliments such as: “anata wa jyozu ni utaimasu”. It’s true that my perception of what the church is, and what it represents to different people, has certainly been broadened. I have become a less insular Christian believer.

So what’s the point to all this? Maybe it’s this. No matter what your experience as a Christian is, the old JET axiom is still true, in that “everyone’s situation is different”. As Christians we all go through phases of closeness and distance, clarity and confusion in our walks, but the point is to stay on the road, and to continue to run the race of faith. As the author of Hebrews writes (Heb. 10: 19-39), this is what matters the most…

THRIVING SPIRITUALLY IN JAPAN-continued from page seven

opportunity for them to hear… Believe it or not, the reason they were there is because I decided to pull out some shiny Canadian flag stickers on the overnight ferry last year and shared them with a bunch of college students in my room (road to instant popularity and acceptance with group of Japanese college girls… They all put them on their keitais) and I happened to exchange contact information with one of them as well as invitations to visit each other. I went to see her in June on my way to Okayama and then invited her to come to the Shikoku Advance and bring friends. That’s exactly what she did. Two of the girls who came were friends of hers and one of those friends brought a friend. A few more friends were planning to come and then couldn’t. Even little things you do may potentially open doors to share the Gospel (which also came up when I went to visit Chiharu on the way to Okayama last year). Keep open and those divine appointments will come up often.

Ok. Some of you might be wondering HOW God can work in and through you in these amazing ways. Well, that’s what He promised the power of the Holy Spirit for. He doesn’t give us a command and then leave us without the means to do something about it. If you read the book of Acts, you’ll see how God took ordinary people, filled them with the power of His Spirit and sent them out to do extraordinary things. This power and infilling was important enough that Jesus told the disciples

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who’d already spent three years travelling with Him and listening to His teachings that they needed to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on them as John had mentioned in the Gospels that this One who was coming would baptize people in the Holy Spirit. The result of that was that they were to go out and take this Gospel to all peoples… Taking the Gospel to all peoples is still in the works. It’s a job that isn’t finished yet and we still need that same power along with God’s Word to reach them. Thus, I encourage you to read the book of Acts and ask God what He has for you and that He will fill you to overflowing with His Spirit so that you will be able to do the job He has called you to in whatever form that takes. It really affects your walk with God in amazing ways when you seek God and all He has for you. I’ve seen the transformations that happen in many people’s lives and it’s amazing.

If you wish to receive a list of scriptures regarding the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives, you can email me at kaeruth@hotmail.com and request it. I also have an intense Bible study on the book of Acts that I can send on request if anybody’s interested in that. If you feel you want to call and talk about it or have questions, feel free to call me at 0895-20-8272 or 090-6286-1838.

Blessings and shalom,Deborah Ruth “Hikari” Trotter

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

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KOBE RETREAT 2003KOBE RETREAT 2003May 23 – 25May 23 – 25 (Before the JET renewers’ conference in Kobe)

We are currently arranging for this retreat to be held in Kobe. We are planning bible studies, worship, fellowship meals, a trip to the Christian bookstore and much, much more. This will be a great opportunity for us to get together in fellowship and praise God.

If you are interested in attending this event, please let us know by filling out the application form bellow. Thank you.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, do not hesitate to call or e-mail us:

Ramona Laguana: Tel- 09098764575, e-mail - 09098764575@jp-k.ne.jp

Kathryn O’Reilly: Tel- 075 952 8720 (ext: 227), e-mail - jcftapes@hotmail.com

KOBE RETREAT 2003 APPLICATION FORM

Name:

Address:

e-mail:

Night’s for which accommodation is required:

Friday the 23rd

Saturday the 24th

Sunday the 25th

I will be bringing a car and can provide a lift for others

I am interested in traveling down with others

I would like to help with:

Worship

Bible studies

Cooking

Leisure activities

Please send completed form to: Kathryn O'Reilly, 27, Maison du Rethiue Dion Koe, 10-10 Tomo-oka 3 Chome, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto-

fu 617-0843