Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ii-t-
Tokyo
VOLUME 83
Christian
JANUARY 1984 NUMBER 1
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15
PATTONS' NEWS
CAMP
The New Year's holiday, January 15, is the most beloved of any on the! Japanese calendar. The whole land of Japan lies idle during New Year's and the latter half of December is spent in special preparation for these few days; a thorough house cleaning, business transactions completed, debts paid, and special foods prepared for the festivity. Buying gifts for those who have befriended them during the year or past years is all a part of the yearly planned program of a family. During the strenuous days of preparation for New Year's, Christmas, emptied of content, doesn't go by unnoticed especially by the retailers and supermarkets and office parties. Therefore, we find very few persons who have enough leisure time on their
hands to attend our annual Christmas
baked cookies to the homes in the local
area. A written invitation was given for them to come to the camp's candlelight service on the 24th at 8 p.m. From our visitation, 4 mothers and 7 school-aged children joined in the service led by Mr. Taninari. The weather during this camp was indeed wintry. Special precautions were taken to keep water pipes from freezing. In spite of extra heat one toilet bowl froze and had to be replaced. There was no snow for the campers to enjoy but we had had some previous to camp time. Now in January there is plenty and more to look forward to,
we're sure.
Children, youth, the middle-aged, < and the aged were all represented at I their camp. Some of the older ladies 'who came have been members of the Nakano church over 30 years and still attend the services regularly. Eleven i from i the church attended. It was an excellent i opportunity for them to grow in i the nurture of the Lord. We hope that many more of our 'churches use the camp facilities to hold their "Shuyokai". The Moriguchi 1 church of Osaka, to whom Martin i Clark ministers, had their "Shuyokai" ' at i the camp in September. Two van loads made the 7-hour trip to enjoy a { spiritual retreat. . ,
"Andrew Patten
Mr. Taninari's fiancee came up from Tokyo 2 days before the camp and decorated the tables and camp building. She has a degree in artificial flower arranging and decorating. Red
poinsettias with green branches from the camp trees and pine cones made a
So those who came to the camp scampered to catch a train and make it to the camp evening meal by 6:30 p.m.
The schools in the local area of the
camp remained in session until the 28th. However, 14 were in attendance at the 2-day camp and enjoyed the special program honoring our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Mr. Taninari was dean of the camp. He and Andrew brought the messages. Mr. Bill Turner was in charge of the music and Leone Cole and Betty were
the cooks.
with the Shinshu Bible Camp almost from the time when the first camp meeting was held. He is now the Japanese manager of the camp and helps in the kitchen as well. After graduating from Osaka Bible Seminary he ministered to a church in
Osaka and then came to the Bible
wedding date has been set for April 20, 1984. Miss Fukuyama is a native of Okinawa. At present she is teaching in a kindergarten on the outskirts of Tokyo. We wish them much happiness and joy in their Christian marriage. They will be living in the camp area as
Mr. Taninari continues his duties as
Camp.
The
death
of Andrew's
father,
Atlanta that his father had passed away. Plans were made immediately
for Andrew to leave for the U.S. the very next day.
of the will to settle his father's estate, necessitated a postponement of that work. We intend to get busy on that
project just as soon as weather and other circumstances permit. We will keep you informed of the progress of
that work. -Andrew Patton
their home at Asahina (near our camp). Later the Nixes are scheduled to go to
Tanabe to help the Hinsons finish more of their home and meeting
quarters. We have learned to love the Nixes for
their Christian character, friend liness, and for their works' sake. They also serve who come and help!
"Andrew Patton
NEW
MISSIONARIES TO
JAPAN
During our ministry at the Yokosuka
church we learned to know and love
preceded him in death by 7 years. When Andrew, his second son, decided to be a preacher, his father said to him, "Son, if you are going to be a preacher, be a good one." That was his motto-being a "good one"--whatever
he did.
They have
been of invaluable service to the Pattons and their mission work since
that time.
His whole life was spent in sacrificial service to others with very little
material remuneration to show for it.
to Indianapolis hospital to have new hip joints put into both hips-a period of 3 weeks in the hospital. She was home
He was very well known not only in his own but in the surrounding two
counties of North Carolina and on into
for the New Year and we pray for her complete, quick recovery. A card or telephone call to encourage her would be appreciated.
"Andrew Patton
CAME TO SERVE
We have been blessed recently by
meeting a fme Christian American couple-Joe and Lora Nix of Arizona and Colorado. They are former school teachers and are now in Japan briefly to help in church and missionary home construction and repair. Mr. Nix is a carpenter and cabinet maker. After arriving in Japan the Nixes
Bill and Akemi Belew, members of the church. Bill, a graduate of Cincinnati Bible Seminary and an officer in the Navy at that time, is from Cincinnati Ohio. Akemi, who was baptized at Yokosuka, comes from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Bill resigned his commission with the Navy and they began their preparation to do mission work in Akemi's native place. To secure supporters they returned to the U.S.A. for 2 years. Akemi is now back in Japan with her parents preparing for the return of her husband for the new work they plan to
launch soon. Bill will arrive back in
Japan on January 31 and their work will begin shortly afterward. We are not directly responsible for
the Belews' decision to serve Christ in
We also rejoice that our heavenly Father has raised up and prepared another fine couple to preach His Word to the Japanese.
-Andrew Patton
= = SIMS' NEWS = = ^ = =
100 YEARS OF MISSIONARY WORK COMMEMORATED
Mention was made in the last issue of the TC that Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Garst
and Mr. and Mrs. G.T. Smith, sent out by the old Foreign Christian Missionary Society arrived to begin our evangelistic work in Japan on October 19, 1883. On Nov 6, 7 some special meetings were held in Tokyo to commemorate this. LeRoy Garrett, of
Denton, Texas, and the author of a
Cemetery in downtown Tokyo. It was raining lightly and unseasonably cold. Mark Maxey brought a fine message
about the life and work of Bro. Garst.
popular history of our Stone-Campbell Movement was passing through Japan at that time on his way to 3 weeks of special lectures in Thailand, and served as the special speaker for the
occasion.
Participants in planning the 100 year Commemoration Program at the Sims' home.L. to R. Mark Muxey, I^Roy Garrett, Motoyuki
Numura and Harold Sims.
large hall for a Japanese-style dinner. LeRoy Garrett spoke there on "Our Heritage and Destiny" to 57 people from 8 of our churches, emphasizing
some of the slogans of our movement
member
of one
of the
Disciples
history of their work in Japan some years ago. This was followed by a 2hour discussion period on the general
subject of the "Next 100 Years." We all
ate supper together in an upstairs room of the church, and enjoyed good fellowship together. Then Bro. Garrett brought the concluding message of the day.
I translated all 3 of Bro. Garrett's
of the Church, will be with us as we strive for more unity, growth and evangelistic zeal. We are thankful for the prayers and contributions of faithful Christians during a long century of work for Christ and His Church in Japan.
"Harold Sims
messages, which was tiring but enjoyable. Also the Japanese preachers helped me with some of the
Part of the audience at the Japanese-style dinner listeninjf to LeRoy Garrett'a measatje.
of the Restoration Movement were
represented. The first message was "My personal experience of the Church of Christ" by Stephen lijima. This was followed by a one-hour talk by Bro.
Garrett After lunch there was a talk
program of music, humorous talks and gift-exchange. Everyone seemed to have a good time. The Theme for the Day was "Go tell it on the Mountain". Lois and one of the church ladies
neighborhood.
worked hard and long on a globe of the world hanging high up in the church. The Japanese translation of the song
says tell the "world".
music, vocal and instrumental by different age levels. Forty-six children received prizes for attending over half of the Sundays of the year, with the top
ones receiving small medals.
heard the Christmas story. We gave each of them a Bible portion with colored pictures in it and a tract on the meaning of Christmas. They listened very well to my hour-long talk also. Almost ICQ percent of the churches in Japan celebrated Christmas this
year on the same day with a similartype of worship-lunch-party format and with one of the largest attendances of the year. The Japanese all like festivals, and of course "Christmas" is
something like one. Also this year the timing was right-on Sunday. It helped thousands of Japanese preachers to end the year on an encouraging note, at
least.
The Ladies Choru.s .singing during the program at Mejirodai on Christmas Day aCternoon,;) children ciiuld not l>e separated from their mothers. The
Part of the audience at the Sunday School Christmas Program in Mejirodai Church on
Christmas Kve.
The Mark Pratts and Penny Boggs did a live nativity scene in a parking lot
next door to their home in our
Theme "Go Tell the World" is on the banner; the glohe can he seen at right, and faces of various tribes and races drawn by Lois Sims can he seen at the top of the picture.
At 7 PM Christmas Eve we had 35 present for the annual candle service. Ten of the Jr. High students remained
after that for a party at our house, and I took them all home in our van through the quiet streets of the city without
running into Santa.
In addition to these meetings we had 4 large English Class parties and 2 other meetings for Home Bible Study groups, which kept us very busy throughout the season, Finally, on
Dec. 27 about 30 children from an area Children's Club came to the church to
manger scene background made of wood, cardboard and straw and elaborate spot-lights and narration
hear the true meaning of Christmas. The idea and request came from the
non-Christian leader of the club for
and music on large loud-speakers. 1 particularly enjoyed watching the reactions of drivers on the majortraffic artery as they passed by and did a double-take. Some stopped until traffic behind started horn-hlowing when the light turned green. May the gospel become more of a traffic-stopper in this
land.
this
year,
who
lives
in
our
-Harold Sims
EVANGELISTIC MEETING AT
MEJIRODAI
Cultures and customs are constantly changing all over the world. I get the
impression that the traditional one or two-week evangelistic meeting which was one of the "musts" every year
Nakano church, and later went to Osaka Bible Seminary. We printed 3000 hand-bills, and several of our young people helped distribute them to every house in the area. With a membership of 33 we had attendance at the 3 meetings of 25, 32 and 27. This included 3 totally new people from this area and 3 other firsttime visitors from another part of Tokyo, 2 of whom were Christians and
friends of one of our members who
when I was growing up in the United States is becoming less common. And it also seems that the 3-day
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray (retired) Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Lois Hessler, PC Box 287, Meadville, PA 16335.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 571-1
invited them. Ten people attended all 3 meetings, and 6 others attended 2 times. There were no responses to the invitations, but the people who came
for the first time have been several
Innaihara, Mochizuki Shi, Kitasaku Gun, Nagano Ken, Japan 384-22. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs. G. Wade Fletcher, Rt.
6. Box 15. Rushville. IN 46173.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims. 3-33-7
Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193 Japan. Forwarding Agent: First Church ofChrist, Orange at Center St., Eustis, FL 32726.
Last fall we had our meeting Oct. 810 with Bro. Akada preaching. His wife came with him all 3 times, which
our ladies appreciated. He became a Christian about 25 years ago in the
times since. In general we were encouraged by the results and hope to try again next fall.
$.50
$1.00
-Harold Sims
April,
Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan by Mission Services, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road. KnoxvilleTN 37920. Secimd Class postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901. POST MASTER: Send address changes to
commitments to go visit parents, inlaws etc. But their places were taken by people who rarely come to regular worship services, so we had. a total
attendance of 30 adults and 12 children
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here. We were especially happy to have 5 complete families in the service. And
we felt those few had a more
vO
We hope to continue to have New Year's Day worship service even when
it is not on Sunday.
Harold Sims
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the home of Mark and Lynn Pratt for a delicious carry-in meal and relaxing
afternoon of talk. Present at that time were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Nix of Phoenix
3 cr (V
Again on Dec. 29, after all had finished their busy season of Christmas-related activities, we met at
and Colorado who are helping several missionaries with small building projects for a period of3 months. We all appreciate the inspiration given by these visitors and their spirit of service.
-Harold Sims
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Christian
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15
VOLUME 83
APRIL 1984 NUMBER 2
SIMS' NEWS
FIFTH SUNDAY RALLY AT MEJIRODAI
For the past several years here in the Tokyo area we have sought to increase the fellowship between our brethren and to encourage evangelism and growth in every place by having gatherings at the different churches when there are fifth Sundays -- about 4 times a year. Perhaps a majority of all churches in Japan have a custom of eating lunch together after the morning worship service. Not everyone stays, but usually over half of
the people stay over for the informal time of visiting with each other, and many pastors say it is the best time both for evangelism and pastoring and finding sermon material from hearing the expressions of what the people are feeling and struggling with. Also many of the young people come
idea has caught on, and we can generally count on representatives of several churches being present
wherever the Rally is being held. On January 29, 1984 it was Mejirodai's turn to play the host. It is usually decided where the next one will be during each Rally, but lately some
churches have looked ahead at calendars and asked for some of the
during the past year or of their goals for the new year, and then to sing a song. This was all spontaneous and unrehearsed, but it was very good. When everyone came in the door they had been asked to pay 600 yen for their supper =$2.57. We had ordered 70 boxes of Kentucky Fried Chicken lunches (2 pieces) and a can of drink for each one, which at first planning we agreed
would be sufficient and would cost a
choice dates, so we have this year fully scheduled already, which is a good sign. (Sometimes one is skipped if it conflicts with a Camp or Convention or holiday or something like that). The host church often gets a lot of stimulus and benefit from the work of planning and carrying out a Rally, and we did
this time.
little more than 600 each, the church paying the deficit. But then one of our members donated 2 liters of ice cream, and another one came bringing jello enough for everyone. Meanwhile the
ladies had decided we needed some
dessert, so had bought a box of over 100 mandarin oranges and some cookies. So we ended up having a feast and a
from non-Christian and unsympathet ic homes, and this provides them with the needed caring, loving and family atmosphere. So in these churches it becomes a pattern, and when people leave home for church early in the morning they are prepared to serve in the Sunday School, worship and then
stay for lunch and the afternoon
meetings. In the average church this might be Deacons' meeting every first Sunday, Ladies' every second Sunday, Youth groups every third Sunday, etc. But there is nothing scheduled for the fifth Sunday when a month like that
The afternoon program began at 3 PM, with one of our men presiding. He had prepared some sheets with Japanese ideographs on them which could be read in a sort of different way to become names of various places in the world - London, Washington, etc. The people had a lot of fun trying to guess the meanings. Also during this time we had some singing by the whole group and then the group representing
each church was asked to come to the
front, introduce themselves and give a short report either of their progress
churches in the area. Three people from some distance stayed overnight with us before starting home the next morning. It was a good day, and the people who worked the hardest were the happiest. -Harold Sims
A
S'tl'
Grciuj) from Sannohara Church in Isohara, including Mr.s. lyConeCole
in llu' niiddli'
SEVERE WINTER
^
^
.;..j
'"rr'-T
80KKA
This is not
o" prmciples to
be gleaned from
life of Samuel.
a v e r s e by verse,
504
dwelling
purpose was to encourage the people to study the Bible on their own -- to make the Japanese a people of "the Book". It also served as a means of keeping in
contact with members who could not
i:':'
I 'L-This past winter was the snowiest and coldest we have ever experienced in Tokyo, and we have lived here for 36 of them, except for a few when we were on furlough in the U.S. The first snow was on January 19, and some of that original snow was still unmelted on the shady northside of our house and the
street in front of the church when the
ries
as
storead
attend the services often, with various sick ones, shut-ins and old people, and also as a tool of evangelism. There was a period of time in the late 1950's when he ceased publishing for several years,
and he has missed a month now and
through
the
' * "
eyes of an old
Asian culture
then through the years because of sickness, travel, etc. But finally last November the little magazine reached number 300, and many of the readers sent in letters of congratulation and thanks. Not very many Christian papers in Japan last this long. The circulation has grown to about 650 monthly now, mainly by one reader telling another. It is read by people in most of our churches in Japan (in Mejirodai we take a dozen copies a month) and many other people scattered all over Japan and even in Korea, U.S.A. and perhaps other
countries.
that also has various sagas and heroes. This is usually 4 pages. 5. This is followed by 2 pages of interesting comment on various subjects --often on one word commonly used by the Japanese. This is very beneficial for all of us, as he uses good humor and
All of the writing is done by Stephen, except for ah "occasional article by a guest or a digest of a sermon by a Japanese preacher that he has requested. All of the typing is normally done by his wife, Rhoda. She has not been very well for the past several years, so during some of that time it was done by a disabled man who was a reader. Then it is printed by Stephen on an offset press in their basement and the 2 of them prepare for mailing. The content is fairly standard: I.
On the front there is a short inspi
wide reading and personal examples as he examines Christianity and Japanese Culture in depth. 6. Always the final 6 pages are taken up with a diary of the previous month. Day by day he comments on TV news, letters received, conversations with the neighbors, something his wife said, etc. Some of the people read this part first, as it is so interesting and "down to earth". The back cover always announces things such as books for sale. He has books on Luke, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, etc., which have previously appeared month by month in the magazine, as well as other
collections of his sermons and short articles.
during that period of time. Almost everyone, including us, suffered various problems with frozen pipes in addition to the high fuel bills. We even
had ice freeze inside of the oil line between the tank and our house and
finally thawed it by using hot rags which Lois brought from the kitchen.
But we survived and the work went on.
The old dog got sick with a bad cough, and we brought her inside and got her well by giving her leftover cold
medicine from our medicine cabinet
upstairs.
-Harold-Sims
rational message. Bro. lijima is a very talented and powerful writer, and
recently a member of the Minato Church who is a pianist and music teacher wrote music to go with the words on the cover which has already been sung in a number of churches. 2. Then there is the main Bible Study. Right now he is going through Acts verse by verse, and in April will appear the 60th article or chapter, which will be the first part of Chapter 17. The comments are not so deep in Theology
or Greek as to be over the heads of the
ISABEL DITTEMORE
VISITS
Veteran missionary Isabel Dittemore, who served Christ a number of years in China, and then in Japan and finally in Taiwan, passed through Japan in March on the way
back from an extended visit with her
daughter
Janet
Bemo
and
other
common people, but are very practical and applied to everyday life, and modern-day culture, news events, etc. This usually occupies 6 pages. 3. Next
comes one of the sermons he has
others parts of Asia. We had a Prayer Meeting and Fellowship with her on the evening of March 20 at the Turner home in Kotesashi, and enjoyed very much hearing the thrilling stories of
how the work is done and going forward not only in Thailand but also
in Burma where there have been no
Mrs. Akira Ishii. Bro. Ishii is a young man who had just graduated from a Christian College. They started services last April in a small empty store near the Kotesashi station. Through the year a few people started coming regularly, but a Porno Shop opened right next to the place they were renting, so they gave it up. For the month of March they rented a room in a building which had been used as a restaurant. (The restau rant went bankrupt.) During that month they tried to have as many spe cial meetings as possible, because they couldn't afford to pay the rent for more than one month. They had movies, spe cial music groups, etc. and for the last 3 days of the month they had a special evangelistic meeting with Bro. lijima
preaching. During that time they had about 3U people attend, which is a high for their first year and a big encouragement to all. Now they have a pretty big and serious problem about a place in which
to have meetings as they continue. We
PATTONS' NEWS
BAPTISM AT CAMP
A young man, Shingo Tsuda of Mejirodai, where Harold and Lois Sims minister, attended our Christmas camp at Shinshu Bible Camp lastyear. After returning home he informed his parents and Harold that he intended to be present at the Spring Camp in 1984 and be baptized in the river that is near the camp at that time. His intentions were fulfilled on March 29,1984, when he was baptized in Chikuma River by
Harold Sims.
CAMP LEADERS'
MEETINGS
The Shinshu Bible Camp has been
in need of guidelines and rules for a more efficient operation of the camp for some time. These are not only necessary for the campers who visit the
the camp to help manage its affairs. Until now Mr. Taninari, being single, has lived in the camp house
during the winter, first with the Buttrays and now with the Pattons. In the summer he stayed in the camp building to be near the business and overlook the camp sessions.
camp but for the camp staff and leaders as well so that all may know their duties and responsibilities. After a rough draft had been made of
On April 14 Mr. Taninari will be married to Miss Fukuyama. Therefore, the Zaidan has made plans and has signed a contract with Sekisui House construction company to construct a
house for the Taninaris. The work on
the house is scheduled to be finished by July 10. The house will be built on a slope near the Pattons' house. Both homes and the camp grounds are owned by our property-holding corporation, Zaidan Hojin Yotsuya Mission Kirisutokyokai Iji Zaidan. The marriage of Mr. Taninari and the building of a house in which he and
his wife will live are both matters for
meeting thirteen counsellors, including missionaries and Japanese Christian leaders, were chosen to offer advice to the camp. The counsellors which were chosen are: Harold Sims, Lois Sims, Andrew Patton, Betty Patton, Jonathan Sims, Satoru Taninari, Paul Pratt, Mark Pratt, Masihisa lijima, Mr. Kobayashi, Mr. Kanamura, Betty or Bill Turner, and
Leone Cole. These advisers met at the Sims"
rejoicing. We believe that both will be very beneficial to the camp and will serve to give Mr. Taninari a more permanent status at the camp.
"Andrew Patton
camp, including the rules and guidelines. The camp is very fortunate
to be able to benefit from the collective wisdom of these counsellors and the
WINTER
Shingo Tsuda entering the waters <if baptism during the Spring Camp at Shinshu Bible Camp,
March 29, 198-1.
Shingo has attended the services of the Mejirodai church for some time; his
mother is a member of a Holiness church and his father is a member of a church affiliated with Nihon Kirisuto
Kyodan, Japan.
the
federated
church
of
Shinshu Bible Camp and the City of Komoro. Everyone at the camp witnessed the baptism at the river. We thank God for his testimony to his
friends.
Having lived in mild winter weather in Tokyo for 32 years and in a yet milder climate in Yokosuka for 3 years, we were awed by the beauty of God's winter wonderland here at the camp during the past winter. But after being "snowed-in" from the main road every weekend for several months, we began to wonder when we'd be free of digging our way out. However, Tokyo had a record of 29 snowfalls this year! Andrew dug one tire track to the end of the camp road and dug one more tire track back to camp. With a few pushes and slips, we got through to get needy things. A four
wheel drive vehicle could have made it
first meeting after the group was chosen gave ample proof of this. The next scheduled meeting of these
advisers will be held on November 23,
1984. We believe our churches and their
leaders will feel more like participating in Shinshu Bible Camp and its program, now that camp advisers have been chosen to represent them in helping to formulate plans and programs for the camp.
--Andrew Patton
SPRING CAMP
The first camp of the 1984 season at Shinshu Bible Camp was that for high school and college students held on March 27-30. Nineteen campers plus
staff members were able to attend the
Mrs. Tsuda, Shingo's mother, and Shingo's two younger sisters travelled all the way from Tokyo by train to see him baptized. His mother prepared and brought with them enough
"sekihan" and home-baked fruit cake
for all the campers. "Sekihan" is a rice and bean dish which is prepared and eaten in Japan on festive occasions. In spite of the cold weather and the snow on the ground, Shingo obeyed his Lord in being baptized and he joyfully
walks in newness of life. "Andrew Patton
We were not able to worship at Asashina regularly as it always snowed Saturdays and/or Sundays. Betty has written to Sherman Nichols at Colorado Springs, Colorado for taped messages of his Lord's Day services at the church. At the February camp meeting in Tokyo we received some of those tapes that had been sent by Sherman and enjoyed a full worship service on those snowed-in Sundays. Thanks, Sherman. --Betty Patton
camp. Harold Sims and Andrew Patton along with Satoru Taninari, Dean for the week, brought messages
from God's Word. Betty Patton and Penny Boggs served as camp cooks. Mr. Kishimoto from Wakayama
Prefecture served as recreational director and devotional leader.
Snow still deeply blanketed the camp area during the camp but enough had melted to make the ground visible in places (for the first time since about
November) and the camp road was passable. Most of those attending this camp
were "old-timers". But several of the
the group of campers was found a cellist, four pianists and organists, three young men with excellent tenor voices that read music readily along
with the known talent of those who had
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Butlray (retired) Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Lois Hessler, PO Box 287, Meadville,
PA 16;}35.
new campers had waited eagerly for their March graduation ceremony which qualified them to attend camp
for the first time. It was a new
attended camp before. The praises to the Lord rang loud and clear at this
time.
experience for them in that it was a camp that was Christ-centered. The teaching program of this camp consisted of messages, discussions as
usual. Mr. Taninari added an hour of
were happy to hear that and we hope that the other camps which will be held this season will be just as enjoyable
and beneficial. "Andrew Patton
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 571-1 Innaihara, Mochizuki Shi, Kitasaku Gun, Nagano Ken, Japan ;W4-22. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs. G. Wade I'^letcher, Rt. 6, Box 15, Rushvilte, IN 461715. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, ;i-M;}-7 Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193
religious music to the program this year just before every noon meal. In
Japan. Forwarding Agent: First Church of Christ, Orange at Center St., Eustis, FL 32726.
$.50
$1.00
May 3-5
July 16-20
July 20-22 July 25-28
Work Camp Andrew Patton, Director University Week Paul Pratt, Dean Hosts to the All-Japan Missionary Convention
Warren Christiansen, Chairman
Christ. Cunningham Missit)n, Tokyo, Japan by Mission Services, 7525 Hodges I-'erry Road. Knoxville, TN 37920. Second Class postage paid at Knoxville. TN 37901. POST MASTER: Send address changes to Tokyo Christian, c o MISSION SERVICKS, PO Box 2427, Knoxville,
TN 37901.
August 1-3
August 6-10 August 20-23
English-Music Camp
Mark Pratt, Dean
Sept. 22-24
Dec. 24-27
These dates have been set aside for the use of Church of Christ/Christian
churches. The camp facilities are rented to other groups at times that do not
conflict with dates set aside for our own churches. Proceeds from these rental
camps help to subsidize our camps which generally have a smaller number of
campers.
The term "Golden Week" is used by the Japanese to refer to the time from the
Emperor's birthday on April 29 to May 5 because of the large number of national holidays at that time. Since the people have more leisure time from work and school at that time, we try to schedule camps and other church related events then.
"Work Week" refers to a week of work that is donated to thecamp by anyone who
can participate. Food and lodging are furnished gratis by the camp. This camp
will end with the noon meal on the 20th of July and the University Camp will begin
with the evening meal that same day. We are looking forward to having 2 Japanese ministerial students from Bible Colleges in the U.S. and 2 American
ministerial students sharing God's message in message and song.
"Study Camp" is a new addition to our camp this year. It is designed for school students who have a great amount of daily homework assigned to them which is done during the summer holidays. Time lor them to do their homework in is worked into their schedule each day along with the messages, classes, sports and social portions of a regular camp schedule. The Shinshu Bible Camp is looking forward to a busy and fruitful season in 1984.
"Andrew Patton
ll b
Christian
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15
Volume 83
July 1984
Number 3
PATTONS' NEWS
SHINSHU BIBLE CAMP
Spring in Nagano Ken, Japan brings life to all living things, some after dormant months of hibernation, es pecially the snakes. With Spring come work and responsibilities at the camp for making a better camp than even last year's.
Much outside work had to be done
m
This is the new camp maniiner's home bcinff built on tho cam|) ()ropfrly. It will be oci-upied liy Mr. and Mrs. Taiiinari just belbrc the camp season
opens.
this year but with only our hands and not machinery as last year. Thinning out trees was one of the main projects along with clearing the undergrowth.
Tim Turner from Atlanta Christian
talked about and prayed about starting a church work here at the camp building. We felt that it would be good stewardship of the use of the property and would bring Christ into this area meeting the spiritual needs of all. There were many things to take into consideration: (1) how to prepare and meet a schedule during camp season (2) what to do about winter
time when the water must be cut off at
College came back this June again to help Andrew with the work and to work in the camps. He will return to school in August. The ball field, volley ball court, 2 tennis courts and the vespers area are
readied for the season. Andrew
finished digging a 100 ft. ditch, 4 feet deep at the beginning, in back of the camp building. He filled it with a "rock bridge" for the water-shed water to run through and away from the camp building. Hopefully this will eliminate dampness from the straw mat rooms this year. The painting and rustproofing at the camp building will be one project of the Work Week camp July 1620. A few university students have
volunteered to come and then remain
Christ at Yokohama, Japan. During the winter months we will make changes according to the
weather. Our home and the Taninari
Saturdays and the hours of 2:30-4:00 p.m. were chosen as prime time for children's programs. School is in session until noon on Saturdays.
Children in the rural area have NO school bus service. Nor do their
The
for the university camp starting the night of the 20th. We have no work
crews from the churches as there is a
long work week here in Japan with only 3 to 5 days of vacation a year.
University Week
Mr. Yoshii and Mr. Chida, Japanese
students at Cincinnati Bible
worked into the regular camp schedule. Hopefully this will permit more students to attend the camp. Qualified tutors in English and Math will be on hand to help the students. Harold Sims will be dean for the 5 days.
school desires healthy children and encourages them to walk up and down the mountains to school. So many
students must walk 30 to 90 minutes
Seminary, along with Jim Green and Chris Crosgrove will be camp leaders for the 2 days, July 20-22. Mr. Paul Pratt will be the dean for the camp. Also the group will have charge of the Saturday Bible school class from 2:30 4:00 and parents of the children will be invited to attend. The group will remain for the English-speaking missionary convention that follows July 25-28. We are happy to have these young men with us.
one way. After returning home on Saturdays they walk 15 to 30 minutes more to get to Bible study. Some come pushing their bicycles up to the camp and then enjoy the downhill ride home. On June 10 seventy homes were visited and given announcements of the first meeting of the Saturday Bible school, June 16. We were blessed with 30 children and one grandmother on the first day. Kindergarten through the first 6 grades are enrolled. Mrs.
Taninari teaches the little ones;
Andrew teaches 1-3 graders and Mr. Taninari teaches the 4-6 graders. Attendance has been 25, 32 and 28. Some parents are gathering up
children in their cars and driving them to the camp so they can be here on time. At least 3 adults are present each
Saturday with the children. We have found that we are only reaching one-third of the area as 3
schools are involved. The other 2
schools cannot come on Saturdays. So we are already making plans for a Sunday Bible school starting in the Fall. Just now the camp season makes it impossible for the second meeting. Where did we begin teaching? Genesis 1:1 through chapter 3 is very essential when reaching a pagan culture so that's where we began -- with God. We will eventually lead to His Son and His plan for each of their lives.
SPRING 1985
Bill Owens, a former Navy man
stationed at Yokosuka while we
NEW PURCHASES
To aid us in the camp, the new work and other means of evangelism, we have leased a copier on a five year plan at about $55 a month. It will aid us in getting out announcements about the work, copy necessary Bible school lessons, help with all phases of publicity, and also other missionaries
in the area can use it at about half the
WORSHIP SERVICES
In June we also began worship services at 10:30 each Sunday. As yet
student at Ozark Bible College. Bill plans to spend next Spring and part of the summer with us here in Japan. We know of Bill's ability to personally witness to others and bring them to the
Lord. Bill became a Christian while
He
in Japanese. The offerings are used to help fmance the Bible school work. It's not unusual to worship alone on the
SIMS' NEWS
SUMMER SCHEDULE
As these articles are being written we
are in the last days of Japan's "Rainy season". But plans are shaping up for
a full and varied series of activities
during the 40 day summer vacation which all schools have during the hottest part of the year. We will be in the middle of this period when you receive this paper, and we ask you to join us in prayer for God's blessings upon each one who attends the various functions, those who teach and plan and serve in various other ways and the whole work of Christ; that souls may be saved and it may be a season of refreshing from the presence of the
Lord.
Camps
July 16-20 Work Camp. Volunteers come to help prepare the buildings and grounds for the season in return for
free food.
Japanese children do not get out of school until July 20, so almost every Japanese church has a Vacation Bible School of some sort during the first half of August. At Mejirodai we plan a two day one, including overnight stay for upper-classes in the Sunday School, and then a 3-day one the next week for the smaller children who will just come to the church in the mornings.
Conventions
July 20-22 College and Young People's Camp. This year the Ohio Singers III will be the main attraction for this group. Aug. 6-10 Study Camp. This is for Middle and High School young people. In the morning they will be given help
with their school summer assignments and special studies in Mathematics and English. In the afternoons we will do outdoor recreation, and in the evenings we will have worship and indoor games. Aug. 20-23 English-Music Camp. Mark and Lynn Pratt will be leading this week, whose purpose is obvious
from the name.
Our missionaries get together every year just before or after the Japanese Convention for a couple of days of singing, preaching and fellowship in the English language. This year, including some visitors, and of course the children, we expect about 75 people to meet at the Shinshu Camp from July 25 PM until July 28 AM. This will crowd the facilities, but we are looking forward to a good fellowship. Immediately following this gather ing, the Japanese brethren will be meeting in Yokohama over the weekend of July 28-30. Over 300 are
and Chris Crosgrove. They have a very full schedule, and will travel all over Japan before returning to their studies
in Cincinnati late in August.
The reason for the III is that in 1970
There are other camps already reserved by several local churches and other groups that pretty well fill in the times not listed here, so it will be a busy time at the camp.
and 1972 groups of young people came from Cincinnati Bible Seminary and
first used this name. "Ohio" means
One of the veterans of the Japanese missionary work was called by her Lord to His eternal reward on May 27.
Grace Farnham was born on July 31, 1890, so she would have been 94 years of age if she had lived 2 more months. I don't know exactly where she was born, but remember hearing her tell several times of traveling "The Oregon
and offered suggestions. One of the early students of that school became the preacher at Mabashi church, and for some years it was a growing and
influential church in that area of the
city.
Grace also recruited Mr. and Mrs.
Trail" in a covered wagon when she was a little girl. She came from hardy pioneer stock, and as a young girl worked in logging camps, etc. She was a life-long booster of the State of Oregon - its scenery, climate, people
and churches were the best in the
Julius Fleenor for the work in Japan, and for their first few years in Japan they lived in two rooms at the Mabashi church building. They are still working in Japan. During the 16 years we lived and worked at Nakano, Grace was a frequent visitor in our home. We were
the nearest fellow-missionaries to her
world; and it is fitting that she spent her rather long retirement years in those surroundings. She was at the Turner Home for some years, but the final months were in a nursing home after having suffered a broken hip.
She was never married. Occasional
geographically (less than 1 mile from Mabashi), and when she felt lonely or wanted to talk some English for a
reference was made to some disappoint ment in love early in life, but it did not have any bad effect on her personality. Her beloved sisters all preceded her in
death.
Also there was a good deal of reconcili ation with Mrs. Cunningham, and she always attended the missionary
students
arranged get-togethers.
Among those was a man named Aoyama, who had been a student in
her Bible Class at the old Kamiochiai Church in the 1920s. At that time he was active in the church youth group
Grace was recruited by the Cunninghams as a missionary during one of their furloughs and arrived in Japan in the fall of 1925. Sheserved2 terms with the Yotsuya Mission, and resigned along with several others during a time of trouble and contro versy in 1934. She and Ruth
Schoonover formed the "Mabashi
and saw her off -- typically, without tears. She had served long and well. We enjoyed occasional letters from her
and as a Sunday School teacher, etc. and his family ran a dish store in the
telling about her work taking care of "these old people". Then in 1971 she returned to Japan for a visit of some weeks, which she seemed to enjoy a great deal. We are glad she had that
second visit.
In looking back on Grace's life and work, and in conclusion of this article
there are 2 short stories I need to tell. One is "too bad" and the other "as the
Scripture says."
1. About 1958 or 59 there was some trouble in the Mabashi church. Since I
turned into "camp" for foreigners for a number of months before being
returned to the United States on a
a year after that, and always at Christmas - sometimes accompanied by his daughter. On Christmas Eve 1980 the daughter came with an offering and news that he was in the
Swedish prisoner-exchange ship. She returned to Japan as soon as arrangements could be made and permission obtained (1947 or 8) and soon bought a piece of property in a good location in the same "Mabashi" district where they had formerly worked and built a simple home for herself and a church building on it. A Mrs. Hongo, what the older Japanese
Christians called a "Bible Woman"
things in charge of an American-born Japanese missionary, which seemed to be the best thing to do at the time. But he didn't stay in Japan long, and
turned it over to an aggressive young man who was unacquainted with our
(personal evangelist, teacher, helper), lived with her and helped in transla tion, Sunday School, serving tea to visitors, etc. They were life-long and very close friends and prayer partners. Mrs. Hongo passed away a number of
years ago.
doctrinal position and unsympathetic to several points. He is still the minister there, and it is a sizeable church, but is interdenominational in
outlook and charismatic in some
funeral, which I did. After the funeral the wife changed her attitude, and said she would like to gowhereherhusband went. She began attending church services regularly, and was baptized during the fall evangelistic meeting in 1981. Now her grand-daughter, who was raised in Hokkaido where one of the daughters and her family lives, is living with her as she goes to preparatory school for University Entrance Examination in Tokyo and is coming to our worship
services once or twice a month. We
hope she will make her decision for Christ during her time here. So "as the
Scripture says", "so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not re turn to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose
for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 Harold Sims
Grace was always a supporter of our Tokyo Bible Seminary. She sent a
number of students to the school, attended all of the special functions.
practices. They don't have the Lord's Supper every Sunday, but as far as I know they still practice immersion.
"Too bad."
2. When Grace returned to Japan for the 1971 visit, many old Bible Class
MEJIRODAI
CHURCH NEWS
We have had a lot of good things happening since I wrote last, and are very thankful and happy. I will just make a brief listing of important events, and may those who pray for us continue to do so, and also rejoice and praise God with us. April 22. Resurrection Day worship
attendance of 52 adults and 13
Stanley Bultray
children. Twice our average, and most since Christmas. Following the worship most of the members remained for our annual congregation al business meeting which went on all
afternoon. We all ate a lunch of rice
$.50 $1.00
Flaming Torch
Tokyo Christian (No. 776-370)
balls together. April 29. Six from our church joined about 80 others for a very inspirational Fifth-Sunday Rally at Machida
Church.
May 3-5. Four from Mejirodai attended the Family Camp. One of these was the husband of a lady who is
one of our most faithful. It was the first
time for him to go to such a gathering. Many were both happy and surprised.
POSTMISSION
Christian,
graduated from the Japan Missionary Language Institution on July 24. She
studied at this school for several
May 6. The first meeting of the newly elected deacons. May 17. A special Mother's Day gathering. 31 adults and 7 children attended, including 3 who were in church for the first time. The speaker
was Mrs. Kishi from Hiroshima. Her
months during an internship in Japan from the fall of 1980 to the spring of 1981, and then has studied full-time most of the time since returning to Japan as a regular missionary in
October 1982.
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She will continue to live in the city of Machida and help with the work of the
church there and teach some classes in the Obirin Christian School there for
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husband, who was in Tokyo for a meeting connected with his University Teaching profession, spoke at our service the following Sunday.
June 10. Pentecost. We had 3
baptisms, the most in any one day so far. All 3 were boys, and sons of our members, and everyone was much en couraged by the evidence of a second generation coming up. After the service we all gathered in the yard for
the annual barbecue. Just as we
the present. We are glad to see most of the younger missionaries getting the language ability, which we feel is the way to enjoy living in a foreign country and be effective workers among the people.
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"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16; 15
Volume 83
October 1984
Number 4
SIMS' NEWS'
THE 35TH ALL-JAPAN CONVENTION OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST
The 35th Annual Convention of our Jap
anese brethren was held July 28-30,1984 in
exhortations
were by
Bro.
Nomura,
Yokohama, the famous seaport which is now the second largest city in Japan. The
Prefectural Hall and the 2 hotels which were
across a beautiful park from the busy harbor and just around the corner from the site of
the first Protestant church established in
Sunday morning early; Bro. Takahashi, preacher at the Kawasaki Church (Independent) the industrial suburb between Tokyo and Yokohama on Monday morning early; and Bro. lijima, preacher of
Minath Church at the closing session. The "events" were: 1. A lavish buffet banquet in the beautiful main room of the Hotel Yokohama previous to the opening session on Saturday PM. 2. A boat trip on a large
Japan in 1872. The attendance (406 registered) taxed the capacity of the facilities available, but everyone enjoyed the good program and fellowship during those summer days. The Minato Church, which was host and planner of this meeting, is well-known to readers of this paper. Stephen lijima is the
minister. I believe this is the third convention this church has hosted, and each
ferry for 2 hours around the harbor on Sunday afternoon. Great time of fellowship and rarely seen views. 3. A real feast atone of the largest Chinese restaurants in the world 5:30 6:30 PM Sunday evening. It was
some of the most delicious of all Chinese foods I have ever eaten. The entire building
wonderfully inspiring evening of music. None of our Mejirodai members wanted to pay the high hotel bills to go down and stay at the neighboring city for the convention. So some months ago, I began promoting an idea of just going for the middle day (Sunday) and participating in the morning service, the boat ride and the musical evening. This caught on, and one of our members was able to get the use of the bus her company has for carrying people between the factory and the railroad station for that day. Some couldn't go at the last minute, but we took 12 people from
Mejirodai down to Yokohama for the day of July 29. I was the only one who had a license for driving a vehicle of that size, so I was the
driver. All had a wonderful time. Lois and I
also attended Saturday PM and Monday. The emphasis on the final day of the
convention was that our churches are now
Japan's
deacon.
automobile
companies
and
salaried man who is an amateur organist and lover of classical music, and the other is a concert pianist and teacher of piano at
have any rooms with even half as many seats as would be needed, and the government officials were reluctant to agree to rent the Hall for a purely religious
Tokyo's University of Fine Arts. We had some good congregational singing of wellliked hymns, including "Wonderful Grace of
Jesus" which has become traditional to
of us was given a cloth bookcover specially designed and dyed by one of the Minato church ladies as a token of appreciation.
MSB
there would be many missionaries in attendance. That proved to be enough to get the necessary permission, and at the
convention we had missionaries Daniel Kalnin and Toshio Morimote from Thailand
sing at least once at all our conventions. There is a rather well-known poet in Japan who became a Christian and died early this year. He was so badly crippled that the only thing he could move voluntarily was his eyelids. His sister and other family
members would recite the 50 sound
Japanese alphabet to him over and over and when they came to the sound he wanted he
would blink. There are several collections of
and 3 preachers from our churches in Korea as visitors, so in fact there were 4 nations represented there, and any picture would
have verified it as an international
gathering.
Kawaguchi, the pianist mentioned above has composed music to go along with a number of these poems, and he got a
The program consisted of 3 main messages in worship services, 3 short exhortations, and 5 "special events." The messages at the main session were brought by Bro. Kikkawa, preacher at the Ono Church of Christ in Hyogo Pref. of central Japan (near Kobe) on Saturday evening; Bro. Suzuki, preacher at the Moiwashita Church of Christ in Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido on Sunday morning; and Bro. Yoshii, preacher at the Kanoya Church of Christ in Kagoshima Pref. of southern Japan on Monday morning. The
those original songs for us - some of them for the first time in public. Also, a tenor professional singer came and sang some classical music. Finally they introduced a new hymn with words written by Bro. lijima, the Minato preacher, in his "Pastoral Song" magazine some months ago and music composed by Bro. Kawaguchi. The soprano and tenor professionals sang their first duet together in introducing it, and then the congregation sang it. It was truly a
were given to all those who had served in the cause of Christ in Japan for 30 years. The giving of these formal, frameable "letters" written in classical style is a typical Japanese way of expressing appreciation to someone who has given much of his life to a school, company, etc., but we think it is rare in all missionary history for the receiving side to publicly express appreciation in such a way. Also, according to custom, a small gift accompanied the "certificate." We do not want you to think we are seeking to glorify ourselves, but we feel you should know about this expression of feeling on the part of the Japanese Christians.
translation
of
the
"Certificate
of
Thanks":
"For serving the glory of Christ, you came over to Japan in your early years, and for 30 years and more, continually bearing all kinds of trials and difficulties, you have devoted yourselves to proclaiming the
gospel of Christ. "Now on the occasion of this 35th All-
Camp, from Wednesday afternoon, July 25, to Saturday morning, July 28, after which
we all left hurriedly on the 5 to 6 hour drive to
In spite of one girl's getting sick with tonsillitis and having to go to a doctor because of very high fever, my projector's breaking down just after the middle of a movie, and the short time, we had a good time playing with the children in the cold rocky river, on the volleyball court, and in
the straw mat rooms.
Japan Convention of the Churches of Christ, we give you the deepest respect and
gratitude from Japan." July 30, 1984 the Christians all over
for kindergarten students and first graders who couldn't go on the overnight trip. This
was for 3 mornings, August 15-17. Because of the Buddhist Obon holiday season we had only 10 students, but had a good time especially playing in the wading pool that Lois bought to give them some relief from
the heat.
1937 1947
missionaries, 22 "missionary children", 4 Ohio Singers III, 1 missionary and 2 English-speaking ministers of the noninstrumental Churches of Christ, 2 missionaries from Thailand, Nancy Olson from Great Lakes Bible College, who was with Pratts this summer, and the 3 preachers from Ono, one of our rapidly growing churches who gave a slide presentation of their church's program on Friday night. The term "missionary
Andrew and Betty Patton George and Ethel Beckman Martin and Evelyn Clark Mark and Pauline Maxey Julius and Virginia Fleenor Exie Fultz Audrey West Ernest and Neva Faber Don and Norma Burney Paul and Kathleen Pratt
1948 1948 1950 1950 1950 1952 1953 I954 1955 1958
Woodruff had served as long as most of the above, but they have already retired to the
United States.
from Bible Colleges in the U.S. The program was full, with 5 singspiration hours led by husband and wife teams, 4 panel discussions, 3 main Bible studies, several devotionals, 9 practical messages of varying lengths, ladies' meetings, grandpas' quartet practice, morning prayer walks, etc. There was also afternoon recreation, humorous pictures of animals with comments fitting the facial expressions and the people in the various rooms, a "funny paper" and an interesting contest of guessing which "little
visitors every Sunday in August in spite of the heat and many being away on
vacations.
known fact" fit which missionary. This part was planned by Mark and Lynn Pratt.
Warren Christianson was overall chairman
church community. One of our older members was operated on for ulcers of the stomach, using laser technology. The older sister of one of our members died of rapidly developing cancer within one month, and
the husband of another member has terminal cancer. Two of our members are
of the meeting.
Harold Sims
MEJIRODAI
CHURCH NEWS
This year we had 2 short Vacation Bible
We are developing plans for financing and building an addition to our church building, and it has been thrilling to see God's gui dance and the people committing them
selves. More about this later. Harold Sims
STUDY CAMP
homework, camp
for Middle and
4^^
and small gifts. Jonathan, who has recently begun studying Japanese calligraphy, gave me one of his writings, "Thank you", and another long-time friend and veteran brush writer framed her writing of "every day is a good day" for me.
Such gestures are a source of encouragement, and especially just after
every student of these grade levels is given assignments to complete during their 40 days of summer vacation. Most of
receiving the report from the doctor after my physical check-up telling me I can't eat the things I like best. But I am truly thankful for the life and calling I am in, and it was another happy birthday. Harold Sims
them wait until the last week to open the books, and th en feel a great deal of pressure. On the first night of camp we explained that the mornings would be given to study,
"C: ' Mejirodai VBS
the afternoons to recreation, and the evenings to one hour of worship and one
Needless to say, it was a big success with 21 attending plus a qualified staff to tutor the
students. The students went home relieved
They learned how to study and use their free time to the best advantage. We are sure that the parents were relieved of having to nag the
English-Music camp led by Mark Pratt, assisted by Penny Boggs and Betty Turner,
Of course we also enjoyed the other parts of the camp, too, and vve hope to continue this type of camp year after year.
Harold Sims Cookout during camp
PATTONS' NEWS
SHINSHU BIBLE CAMP
The Shinshu Bible Camp was the scene of much activity from July 14th to September 26th this year. Two Spring camps had preceded the 17 held during this time. Good weather prevailed throughout the summer -too dry for some vegetable crops to mature well. A total of 409 different campers came to sessions especially prepared to meet their needs -- deeper study of God's Word and fellowship with each other in a Christian environment away from the satanic forces of evil in the world. The quietness on the mountain, the beautified landscape of the camp grounds and the setting in its entirety allowed the dean of the week to run his camp program without interruption --utilizing the 2 or 3 day camp time to its fullest. The camp "crew", Mr. Taninari, Mrs.
Leone Cole and the Pattons were able to
We were delighted to find that Bible study groups from 4 different universities used the camp this year. One group was the protestant Bible study group in a Catholic univer sity. They were here last year also. These groups give us much encouragement and
make it known that Japan isn't "a swamp where the roots of Christianity will not take
hold."
contribute more to each camp as some of the rough edges had been worked out during the
Pattons' first summer at the camp. Also, the
"crew" was able to serve several times on the
faculty as well as doing the outdoor and indoor work connected with the camp work. Penny Boggs, missionary in Machida, volunteered her help in many different ways at several of the camps. Also, we appreciated the help of 4 young university students during our full capacity times. Tim Turner, from Atlanta College, helped Andrew to get much of the outside work completed with the help of 3 others during work week, July 14-20. Mrs. Cole "merited" the first floor "red carpeted" room near the
kitchen and was "on duty" most of the
wakening hours at the camp until she returned to U.S. for a short furlough the latter part of August. Mr. Taninari was unable to enjoy his new home on the camp grounds until all camps were finished as he fulfilled his job as camp manager. Due to the time schedule change in some universities, our work week and University week was in need ofmore campers, with only 17 attending. The Ohio Singers III from Cincinnati Bible Seminary graduate school highlighted the program for the 2-day camp,
On July 25-28, we were busy hosting the annual Missionary Convention here at the camp. Sixty-seven were registered at this time. It was a wonderful time of fellowship together with all of our co-workers - some of whom we hadn't seen for many years. Don and Norma Burney's youngest daughter found it amusing that Betty Patton had played a part in the courtship of her parents while the 3 were working on the Yakima Indian Reservation in 1950 at Toppenish, Washington. Needless to say, there were many of us whose hair has silvered and footsteps grown a little slower after 30-40 years of spreading the Gospel herein Japan. Certainly this is nothing to be ashamed of. The desire to serve until the very end is still in the hearts of those who gathered together.
Several of our churches have used the
Due to the advertising in a Christian magazine, there were five other groups that came to use the camp facilities this year. This helps to pay for some of the overhead that is incurred as the camp is maintained all year through. Campers from the age of80 on down to the cradle were in attendance this year. May we
continue to serve Him in many ways at Shinshu Bible Camp. Two more camps are scheduled for this year. On November 3-4, the Sakurayama church will meet again and on December 2427 the annual Christmas camp will be held.
The Pattons
camp just for their group to come together and worship and fellowship together. The Sakurayama group from Tokyo and the Moriguchi church from Osaka (7 hours away) found the camp just perfect for the occasion. The Moriguchi church is making it an annual event. The Sakurayama group will be coming again this year to a Fall camp
November 3-4.
Bible Camp to assume our new duties as leaders at the camp. Since our taking up residence at camp, two camp seasons have become history and we feel more settled in
our new work. We also believe we are
beginning to "break the ice" in our contacts and relationship with the people who dwell in the community surrounding the camp
area.
The idea of a camp for Jr. -Sr. high school and university students to come together for 5 days and get their summer homework assignm.ents done besides studying the
The Bible School we have each Saturday for the children of the community has
enabled us not only to know them but many of their parents. A few parents or relatives
accompany
the
children
to
the Bible
school held in the camp building. They participate in the classes along with the children. Several families represented in the Bible school have brought us fresh pro duce from their gardens. In return Betty sometimes bakes pies or cookies and pre sents them to our closest neighbors and those who have presented vegetables to
us.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray (retired) Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Lois Hessler, PO Box 287, Meadville,
PA 16335.
community. Andrew tries to help some of the farmers in this work for they are shorthanded and in working with them he gains their friendship and an opportunity to
influence them.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 571-1 Innaihara, Mochizuki Shi, Kitasaku Gun, Nagano Ken, Japan 384-22. Forwarding Agent: Mr, and Mrs. G. Wade Fletcher, Rt. 6, Box 15, Rushville, IN 46173. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7 Mejirodai, Hachioji shi, Tokyo 193 Japan. Forwarding Agent: First Church of Christ, Orange at Center St.. Eustis, FL 32726.
Several days ago, two men who are leaders in our community visited us and asked if we did not wish to join the community association. They cooperate in accomplishing various things for the good of the community. One example of these projects is the cutting of weeds and other vegetation along the roads in the community to help prevent traffic accidents.
Each member of the association contributes
$.50 $1.00
Flaming Torch
Tokyo Christian (No. 776-370)
a membership fee of about $50 a year to finance the projects. We joined and paid the
fee in order to show them we wished to be
school for rice harvesting. They came to the camp building at 10 a.m. with produce from their gardens to make a pot of rice curry for
the noon lunch. Ten of the older children came and made the meal. The afternoon
considered members of the community and to gain contact with the people of the association. We also wish to do our part in getting community projects done.
Soon after we became members of the
Christ. Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan by Mission Services, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road. Knoxville, TN 37920. Second Class postage paid
at Knoxville, TN 37901. POST
MASTER: Send address changes to Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION SERVICES. PO Box 2427, Knoxville,
TN 37901.
association, Mr. Taninari and Andrew were invited to a meeting of the men of the neighborhood at the community hall. This was a social affair affording all of us an opportunity to get better acquainted. All of
speech of greeting to the group. At such social occasions in Japan, alcohol is plentiful and is drunk freely. It is thought that alcoholic beverages loosen the tongue and provide a medium for social intercourse. We did not relish that part oftheir gathering and did not wish to participate in it nor condone the practice. Mr. Taninari prepared the way beforehand for us ~ he asked that an orange drink be served us at
this occasion and that we be excused from
WINTER PREPARATION
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In a few days the water at the camp building will have to be turned off and pipes drained. The Japanese bedding all has been
aired and stored away. A dehumidifier was
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the drinking social hour after every business meeting hereafter. (Also he asked them to excuse us from paying the $2.50 annual fee for the upkeep of the local shrine in the area.) They were very kind and hospitable to us and asked us many questions about
ourselves and our work.
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athletic meeting which was held at their school. Unfortunately, these meetings cause deep cuts in the attendance of the
children at our Bible school. But we
to turn the water on and then off to prevent damage to the building. It all takes time, but is necessary. The grass cutters, roller for the tennis courts and other machinery will be readied for the winter, leaving the wood cutting yet to be done. The fireplace is quite a comfort at this time of year ~ just enough
heat to take the chill off the house. We will
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accepted the invitation, returning back to camp at 2:30 for the regular session of Bible school for the younger ones, because we
wished to show an interest in the children's
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activities and have an opportunity to become better acquainted with the parents. Now what are we gaining by these social contacts? We have been accepted as members of the community and have started a close friendship with its members.
Much more time and effort are needed before
be readily received as Buddhism is very strong in each of the households with their god shelves displayed for all to see when entering the home. Now that we have been "received" in the community, may we present to these people the gift of life, the
Lord Jesus Christ for them to receive. Andrew Patton
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we can expect to influence these people with the Gospel of Christ. Andrew Patton
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