313

Christian"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15)

Volume 90 January 1991 Number 1

SIMS' NEWS

MORE ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

OF MEJIRODAI CHURCH

The November issue of this paper told of the preparations andprojects underway connected with the 20th anniversary celebration. Now that is past, but we want to share a few comments andpictures as we look back on it one last time.

1. We appreciated the effort and sacrifice made so that twocouples from the Markle, Indiana Church of Christ, which hassupported our work for over 46 years, could come over here to joinwith us in the meaningful celebration. They were Larry and JudyMower and Dean and Ilene Korn, elders of the church and veiy interested in missions. They brought a gift of SSOO from theirchurch, which was deeply encouraging to our local church. Theyalso took many pictures which were to be shared with the folksback home.

Harold Sima tranalates as the 4 visitora from MarMe, Indiana give their greetings at the receptioiu

Lois and I enjoyed very much having the good-humored, back-home, down-to-earth type folks with us for a number of days andvarious experiences together. We took tliem to a Japanese hot-spring hotel down at Hakone after the busy weekend of meetingshere and enjoyed one night of "total immersion" in Japanese culture - raw fish, sleeping on tlie floor and everytliing - and enjoyedtheir humor and adjustabili^. Also we had perfect weather fortaking pictures of some of Japan's best scenery in that area. Theyalso were able to take tlie bullet train down to tlie Kyoto, Nara areafor some sight-seeing and visiting our work down there, and toward the end they got in some shopping.

2. The benches were delivered on time, and really make theplace look different After getting tliem in place I noticed that thedoor of the small closet in the church was not fully closed, andwhen I pushed on it the tiling pushed back. I opened it to discover10 hand-made green cushions just tlie right size for the newbenches, and one small cushion for the organ bench. To this dateno one has given any indication of knowing who was responsiblefor designing, making and even delivering them to the church; so,at the anniversary, we attributed that to an "angel" which everyoneenjoys even if tliey dont fully believe.

3. The booklet was delivered just in time, and it is full of goodshort articles by most of our members as well as historical facts.Our children wrote messages, and Daniel again drew the pictureof the church that was used on tlie cover.

4. The Chapel Concert from 7 p.m. Saturday evening, November 3, was attended by 60 adults and 8 children; A good number ofthese had parts on tlie program, including the 4 visitors from Indiana. It was the first public appearance of our young people's instrumental and vocal group called "Frogs" (Forever Relying onGod's Son), and I played a medley of hymns on tlie piano to tliegreat surprise of some who didnt know I could do tliat. Of course

The Myirodai Congregation singing, The Lord is My Shepherd.'

we have some talented and trained musicians among our members, so some of tlie instrumental and vocal numbers were classical music and professional quality. It was a very good evening oftrue celebration and joy. The final and climactic number waswhen all of the members of the church came up to tlie front andsang a specially arranged 3-part chorus of "The Lord is My Shepherd." We had practiced every Sunday after the worship servicefor 5 weeks.

5. November 4th we had 44 present for the morning worship,with a special message on Christ's words, "I will build My Church."There was a steady cold rain, which was exactly like the weatlier20 years ago when we held the first service. Sandwiches were ordered, and over 20 people stayed to eat in Sims Hall and then prepare for the special afternoon service when guests from 5 or 6churches in tlie area came. Brother Itagaki from Nakano Churchbrought tlie main message, and I gave a short history of thechurch and some current facts about membership. After that weall crowded into Sims Hall for a reception during which a numberof very meaningful shoil speeches were made by various visitors.One of the preachers translated my father's poem written to mewhen I left home for college 49 years before and my answeringpoem to him upon leaving college and deciding to become a missionary. Most of the people present didnt even know of the existence of tliis literature, so it was later printed and distributed to allour members.

MRS. MATSUOKA PASSES

Ladies group in Nakano Church parsonage. Mrs. Matsuoka is at left. Mrs.Mizuhawa (now 07) is hi cciiicr rear. Mrs. Itagaki, the preacher's wife is infivnt next to Lois,

On December 87 we received the phone message that Mrs.Matsuoka. a member of Nakano Church for over 36 years hadpassed away suddenly that afternoon from heart failure. We werewith her daughter and husband and most of her greatgrand andgrand-children, a few other relatives and a good number ofNakano Church folks for the funeral there on December 29.

Bom in 1905 in Osaka, she and her husband and two youngdaughters moved to Tokyo in connection with her husband's job ata pharmaceutical company near tl\e mid-point of her life - severalyears after World War II. Their home was just a stone's throwfrom the Nakano Church and our home at that time. The seconddaughter (college student) began coming to tlie church, and in arelatively short time became a Christian and began playing the organ for worship services regularly. After 2 or 3 years she persuaded her parents to attend, and both of tliem wore baptized. Weused to enjoy going to tlieir house with the young folks to talk, eatand have good times.

Mr. Matsuoka died unexpectedly of a massive stroke onenight 31 years ago. The second daughter also died suddenly over10 years ago, leaving 2 teenagod children. So she had her portionof sadness, disappointment and trouble in life. Since her husband's death she has lived by herself - first in the house tlioy builtand more recently in the care-takers apartment of tlie building herson-in-law erected on tlie lot to give her financial security.

Her tendency to say exactly what she thought made for somedifficulties in human relations; but, she mellowed over tlie yearsand often said in later years tliat her main joy in life was going tochurch. She rarely missed a meeting of the church or of the ladiesBible study group which Lois Sims has been leading every 2ndand 4th Thursday of each month for almost 40 years. She especially enjoyed planning the menus and making sure there wasenough money in the treasury.

She was also a constant worrier, and every year at Christmasshe would say "Well, this may be my last year," and the others, including a cheerful little old lady 12 years older would encourageher.

In September this year she was hospitalized with kidneytrouble, and when she was released, went to live with her daughter, which made it impossible to attend church. Finally on December 20 she was able to attend tlie special Christmas meetingand supervise the gift exchange as usual. She was her usualtalkative self, with the usual comments about poor prospects fornext year; but everyone was so happy she was tlie re. Of course tlienext Thursday she went on up tliere.

This is tlie first of tlie "core group" of tlie ladies Bible study tobe promoted to gloiy, and she will be missed. It was a joy to seethe changes Christ made slowly in her life here on earth, and nowthe greatest change has happened. All gloiy and praise to Him.

KYUSHU CHRISTIANS

CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF

MAXEYS' EVANGELISTIC WORK

About 6 montliB before the. event, one of the Japanese preachers in Kagoshima-ken called me and asked if I could go downthere and speak at a special meeting they were planning to honorthe Maxeys. In October the Maxeys completed 40 years of living inthe same house and carrying forward the work of the KyushuChristian Mission. The Japanese ministers were planning themeeting for November 23, which is the Japanese ThanksgivingDay holiday every year, and traditionally the time the Emperoreats the first of that year's rice crop. This year was the 37th annualgathering of the several Churches of Christ in that prefecture onthat particular day, which is quite a tradition in itself.

This year this day coincided with what was called "Daijosal" inJapan and translated "Great Thanksgiving Offering." It U whenthe new Emperor communes most of the night with the Sun Goddess, and according to ancient mythology becomes God-man. Thegovernment built a new building especially for this event at enormous expense. Christians and many others expressed strong opposition on the basis of separation of religion and state, but afterseeing the great indifference to it on the part of most Japanese,perhaps there is not so much to woriy about.

More tlian 100 people were present for the occasion, and inaddition to my talk there were sincere expressions from many ofappreciation to the Maxeys and many suitable gifts were given bydifferent groups.

During tlie afternoon program a panel discussion was heldwith 4 missionaries and 5 Japanese preachers on tlie platform together.

I epjoyod the trip and fellowship.

Audience at Kyushu meeting.

Missionaries atul Japanese preachers on the platform.

Pauline and Mark Maxey, Harold Sims and Preacher Yoshil'a daughter at thedining table in the fioms.

TheRobert Slrnsfamily in our living room. Mrs, Tsuda and her daughter Makiare in the back.

ROBERT SIMS & FAMILY VISITS

On November 9, our second son, Bob, his wife, Helen, andtheir children, Joel and Amanda, arrived for a visit. Helen hadcome with Bob for 3 weeks back in 1983. This time Bob is workingfor a Japanese auto-parts manufacturing company in Sholbyville,KY and was over here on company business and at their expense.Helen could come free because of a good collection of frequentflyer coupons accumulated when Bob was with his former company. They had to pay for tlie children, and tliey came by differentairlines, with 1 child each, which made for a long waiting time atthe airport but no great trouble.

Bob had to work almost very day expect Sundays and holidays, and endured the crunch of rush-hour traffic, both going totown in the mornings and coming home in the evenings. We hadlots of time to visit with Helen and got to know the grand-childrenbetter.

There was some overlap with tlie Indiana folks, so for severaldays we fed and slept 10 people here every night - some on tliefloors. We had a lot of good times.

Bob made a short devotional talk in church and also sang aspecial musical number for Thanksgiving Sunday, November 25.The two children joined in with about six or eight Japanese to sing"Jesus Loves the Little Children" in 2 languages.

On tlie night of November 25 we a had a good family time,celebrating Amanda's 4th birthday four days early and alsoChristmas one montli early, saving postage for sending gifts onboth sides.

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

One Sunday afternoon our young people's group suddenlycame up with tlie idea of having a 1 day special evangelistic effortgeared to reaching now young people. They wanted to call it a"party," because all young people like tlie sound of that word andmost of tliem would likely be turned off by a word like"evangelism." They assured us older folks that it was not meant tobe just a party, and certainly not a wild one.

They did all of the planning, advertising, preparation, etc. andpaid all of tlie expenses except tlie xerox copying which was extensive, but allowable for that good purpose.

This is tlie poster and hand-bill design tliey used. Noticesome words in English, which helps got attention. They prepareda printed program, including all songs to be sung, and arrangedfor special music, refreshments, speaker, etc. and worked zealously for hours every Sunday afternoon for a month.

A total of 31 people attended the program on Sunday afternoon December 16. Half of them wore from Mejirodai. This included 2 girls who havont been here for a couple of years andcame in answer to mailed invitations. There were 16 outsiders.

Some of them were college friends of some of our YP, and members of other churches, but 6 young people came to church for tlie

first time in response to handbills passed out door to door in thisarea.

After it was over they cooked a big pot of stew, and all atefrom the same pot - traditional sign of friendship and brotherhoodin the Orient - and relaxed and rejoiced in a successful job. Theyall left about 0 p.m. tired and happy.

^

prn. 3:30 —7-oq^(3

It--7 PT?

ANOTHER MEJIRODAI

CHRISTMAS

In this issue we always have an article about Christmas. 1. Itis one of tlie high points of the year in attendance and interestinghappenings. 2. Wo havent spent a Christmas in the United Statessince way back in 1967, so the "doings* here at this local churchare our "traditional Christmas" and 3. We want to share some of

the joy witli many of you who sent cards and notes wishing us well.But this time I tliink I will just list a few of the things about thistime that were special and remain in our minds a month later.

1. The daughter of one of our oldest members works at aflorist shop, and some days before Christmas brought 4 pottedpoinsettias for the church. Some of tlie leaves were a little discolored, so they woront being sold, but they really helped tlie churchlook festive.

2. Our Sunday School is quite small tliese several years, butfor our program tliis year all 4 songs tliat were learned and sungby the children were original compositions by Mrs. Ito, whoteaches the 4- 6 grade class half of tlie time and whose daughter isa member of tliat class and won the prize for the best attendance.

3. Wo had 50 adults and 11 children packing our smallchurch for worship on December 23; but the outstanding joy ofthis particular Christmas was that we had 4 people in tlie congregation who hod been sick for weeks. None of them were expectedto be there, and they were passing around a "get well" card to send

to one of them when she walked in. Two of these were people whohad been operated on for cancer during October and Novemberand for whom we had all prayed. The other 2 were a man who hashad serious pancreas gland trouble and a lady who had type Chepatitis. It was remarkable that all made it for that day, and all ofthem made little speeches to the people expressing tlianks to Oodand for the prayers of many on their behalf.

4. Penny Boggs wrote and directed a little play or pageant asthe main feature of our afternoon program. She had Mrs. Morita, agrandmother, sitting in our rocking chair and around her gath*ered about 10 children. (Penny usually has children's churchduring our morning worship so she had taught her regulars somelinos to say as they asked the Grandmother various things bringing out the meaning of Christmas). Then she had some of ourmembers who dont have special musical talent and seldom participate in programs to take various parts as the Christmas stoiy wasacted out on the stage mostly in pantomime. There were also several musical numbers included.

5. Part of tlie above play was having our 3 older men come tothe front and present gifts to the Christ child. They were dressedin some of our batlirobes and towels were wrapped around theirheads. The audience sang "We Three Kings of Orient Are." I hadpreviously asked various groups of 3 in the church to make upsome Japanese words for the verse of that song - words that woulddescribe their feelings toward the church, experiences of the yearor something. Then the audience would respond with the chorusof the hymn "Oh, Star of Wonder." We had 3 sisters in the churchwho have grown children. They sang first, then the 3 small Tarumichildren, the 3 Ito children, the Hara family of 3. Finally Lois andI made up 2 verses in Japanese describing how we came to Japan40 years ago as bride and groom and are now Grandma andGrandpa, which all delighted in so much they could hardly singthe chorus.

6. As the program and gift exchange was winding down andthey were calling me for the dismissal prayer, I was called to thephone. Our son, Daniel, was on the line from Michigan announcing the birth of their second little girl, Michelle. So before theprayer I announced tlie birth of our ilth grandchild. Everyonewonders how I can manage some dramatic tiring every year so wecan say it was the best Christmas ever.

7. The Christmas Eve Candle Service was the best attendedyet. The church was packed with 55 adults and 11 children. Thefaces of the crowd glowed with seriousness and joy as we sangmost of the old familiar carols with good volume and feeling. Thatnight we had at least 6 or 7 people in church for the first time.One of our members, whose attendance is not too regular, wasasked by a non-Christian friend to be taken to the service. Our local doctor's wife and daughter came for the first time, etc. It wasreally great.

8. We went to the hospital where Mrs. Okada was spendingher third Christmas to put on our 3rd program there. The lobbywas packed with 43 patients in wheel chairs and a good number ofnurses and staff. This was on Christmas Day at 3 p.m. Sixteen ofus went from here through terribly slow traffic.

Members qf the Shirisiiu Bible Canip Committee at the anmuil meetlttg.

(D h

The Christmas 'Baekground' was painted by a member when77ieme above "Vie Word qf God."

in art school

Mr. and Mta. Stanley Buttray (retired), R.D. 2.Box 160, MeadvlUe, PA 16333.

Mr. and Mi*. Andrew Patton (retired), #6Tangetwood. Carl Junotlon. MO 64834. ForwardingAgenC Mr. and Mi*. Ralph Mortord, R 1, Box 413,Knightatowu. IN 40148.

Mr. and Mr*. Harold Slma. 3-33-7 MeJIrodal.Ha«hioJI-shl. Tokyo 103 Japan. Forwarding AgentFlrat Church of Chriet 319 B. Orange Avenue., EueUs,FL 32720-4194.

Two year donation 8 .90Donation and Flaming Torch >1.00

Tokyo Chrlatian(USP8 776-320)

PubUefaed tour ttisee a year In January, April,July, and November lor the miealonarle* ot the Churchof Chrlat, Cunningham Mlaelon. Tol^, Japan byMlealon Servlcee, 7323 Hodgee Ferry Road, KnozvtUe,TN 37920-8731. Second Claae poetBge paid atKnoxvlUe. TN 37901-2427, FOSTMASTBR: Sendaddreee change* to ToIqv Chrlatian, c/o MISSIONSERVICES, PO Box 2427, KnoxvUIe. TN 37901-2427.

Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy of your new addreee to:MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION. PO Box 2427, Knoxville. TN 37901-2427.

Form 3570 Requested, PO Box 2427, KnoxvlUe, Tennc 37901-2427.

|5ii3

YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND NEWSLETTER

FROM SIMS TOKYO MISSION

January 1991Dear Prayer Partners,

We began this Oriental "year of the Sheep (Ram)"with 22 Christians gatheredin the church at llOOPM New Year's day reciting the 23rd Psalm and singing

"Savior, like a Shepherd lead us—much we need Thy tender care." The post-mandelivered a stack of about 60 New Year greeting cards from various Japanese

friends offering best wishes, as their custom is. But as the days rushed by,

and the clouds of war gathered there was an undercurrent of tension that could

be felt in every conversation and newscast. Now as 1 write this the war in the

Middle East has been going on for several days, and it will surely have some

effect on each one of us during the coming months. We are planning to stay at

our post here all year, continuing in the calling and ministry we have been

given by the Lord, and fighting the good fight of the faith in the strength andhelp that the Holy Spirit gives,

Hopes are up for the coming of a capable, devoted young Japanese couple to

become assistants at Mejirodai within this year. Some of the details remain to

be worked out. Also there are many other things that need to be done, and some

tough problems to be solved by much prayer and effort, I Cor, 16:8,9.

1 don't view myself as indispensable, and 1 know that 1 am not sufficient

for these things and very much stand in the need of your intercessory prayers?

but 1 do feel needed, enjoy the work and life here, and feel encouraged by goodhealth and the good year of manifold blessings just ended and the warm encourage-ment of many friends that came in the Christmas mail.

The Christmas letter which all of you received had a 1 page review of our

20th anniversary year special events and the celebration in Nov. and also some

comments about the general church situation in Tokyo, family news etc. so 1will not repeat those things. 1 will briefly mention several happenings sincethat time which have brought us a lot of joy.

* Second son Bob and his wife Helen and the 2 children Joel and Amanda came to

visit Nov. 9-26. Bob was on business for his Company and Helen was using up alot of frequent-flyer coupons, so they brought 1 child each on different air

-lines. We had good times, and our Japanese friends also enjoyed them.* Three men from First Christian in Yuma, Arizona were with us the week-end of

Jan. 6, on their way to visit a missionary from their congregation in ChiangMai Thailand, and our people were very encouraged by their testimonies.* Harold made a quick trip to Kyushu to join in the celebration of 40 yearssince the arrival of the Mark Maxeys to begin the good work there. All

arrangements were made by the Japanese, and it was emotional and happy.* Christmas was again a great time. The active young people's group planned aChristmas Party to try to contact some new people for Christ, and rejoiced when6 college-age girls from a dormitory in our area came to church for the firsttime. This was PM of the 16th. Our other special events were worship andfellowship on 23rd, candle-service on 24th and hospital program on 25th—allwell attended, with a good number of non-Christians present.

More about all of these things is in the Tokyo Christian, which we hope allof you receive and read.

Harold and Lois Sims

SIMS TOKYO MISSIONFINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1990

FORWARDING AGENT

First Church of Christ

315 E. Orange Ave.Eustisy Florida 32726

I FUNDS HANDLED BY FORWARDING AGENTBalance on hand Dec, 31, 1989 $7,298,43RECEIPTS/INCOME (in the order of the amount contributed during the year)First Christian Church

First Christian Church

Englewood Christian ChurchWhite Oak Christian Church

First Christian Church

Gilbert and Mary BestChurch of Christ

Northside Church of ChristFirst Christian Church

Clovernook Christian Church

Church of Christ

Warwood Christian ChurchChristian Church

First Christian Church

Christian Church

First Christian Church

Southside Christian Church

New Somerset Christian Church Richmond, OhioSo, Milford Church of Christ Milford, Ind,First Christian Church Columbus, Ind,Church of Christ Hamersville, OhioJefferson Pk, Church of Christ East Point, Ga,

Napa, Cal,Johnson City, Tenn,Jacksonville, Fla,Cincinnati, OhioCharlottesville, Va,Markle, Ind, (Bequest)Markle, Ind,Newport News, Va,Yuma, ArizonaCincinnati, OhioAlexandria, Ky.Wheeling, W, Va, .

"New Saleni, Pa,Fayette City, Pa.Bainbridge, Ga,Turtle Creek, Pa,Munster, Ind,

MISSIONARIES

Harold and Lois Sims3-33-8 MejirodaiHachioji-shi Tokyo 193

$5,000,002,848,832,800,002,600,002,565,212,000,001,908,001,900,001,205,001,129,361,000,00

960,00600,00485,00480,00

409,95380,05346.70

300,00250,00250,00180,00180,00160,00100,00100,0080,0060,0060,0040,0020,0010,0010,0010,00

3,500,00818,83

34,699,93 41,636,13

(for camp)Mr, & Mrs, Kenneth EadeMr, & Mrs, Daniel SimsLinnwood Church of Christ

Mr, & Mrs, Hugh MeyerFirst Christian ChurchChristian Church Missions

Mrs, Hope SchmidtMiss Pam Bennett

First Christian Church

Mrs. Nancy RosenMrs, Edith SimpsonMrs, Ruth FogleRobert & Helen Sims

* Specially designated forFirst Union National BankTOTAL-

English, Ind,Rochester Hills, Mich,Lafayette, Ind,Greenwood, Ind,Munhall, Pa,Confluence, Pa,Kendallville, Pa,N, College Hill, OhioChicago,. Ill,Cincinnati, OhioGreentown, Ind,St, Petersburg, Fla,Shelbyville, Ky.retirement fund—their idea

Eustis, Fla, (Interest)

EXPENDITURES

Sent to STM in TokyoGeneral expense money for work—$900 monthlyLiving-link salary—$1300 monthlySpecial for purchase of new vanDesignated for Shinshu Bible CampDesignated Personal gift

10,800,0015,600,004,000.00

180,00100,00

D 2Sims Tokyo Mission Financial Report '90 P'

EXPENDITURES continuedPaid by forwarding agent from Eustis \Mission Services (printing and mailing Tokyo Christian) ?l,85b.Z

/o.ouPostage . , ^, 15 00Bank safe deposit box rent lo'sOOffice SuppliesInvested « ooa aaDesignated for Sims Retirement Fund J'occ'oqChurch Development Fund of Florida (8$ interest) 40^222*45 -40,222.45Balance on hand Dec. 31,1990

1,413.68

n FUNDS HANDLED BY HAROLD SIMS IN TOKYOBalance on hand Dec. 31, 1989 • 'RECEIPTS/INCOME1. From forwarding agent in Eustis «

(see above. Living-link is not in this report of Mission expenditures)2. Offerings sent directly to Japan for Sims Tokyo Mission

Mr. &Mrs. Charles Shultz Snithdale, Hiss. 400.00Mrs. Billa Siss ,Cincinnat.1, Ohio 500.00

(part of late mother s estate)Mr. &Mrs. Alex HaveUcsek Cottonso^, Ariz. 200.00Scott Lund and Scott Sha» Indiana &Illinois 100.00Scott Ewart and Nancy Swaller Bluffton, Ind. in'00Christian Military FellowshipPrimary, Westwood Cheviot Cincinnati, Ohio lu.uuMrs. Lora Lucas 10*OOMiss Mae Eckstein -n v 20*00Mr. Charles Meadows Charlottesville, Va. ZO.UORay and Carol Rice Augusta, Ga.Total receipts in # 2 1455.00

3. From Mejirodai Church i ^ i 'J'XQ AlHelp in purchase of new van often used for churchReimbursement for church use of Xerox (see large item pci? oc _ -

in expenditures below) *)d/.oo4. Various incomeSale of.Bibles and hymnals at church oco i?For preaching at other churches and meetings coo 9cReimbursement from riders in van for gas and toll ozz.zoReimbursement for train and plane fare several times Ma.zaFrom Pattons—interest on a bank account left here ,Total receipts in # 3,4 5,505.aa

Total to be accounted for:-Bal.+#l-4

EXPENDITURES , • . » i>i2*-!ltl ftfll( All in Japanese yen, changed into dollars at yearly average rate of 142¥-?1.00)(Following roughly the same order as last year's report.)1. Travel: By train, bus plane and taxi

By automobile—gasoline etc. Joa, ,0toll and parking (high in Japan) \,Lul,lcInsurance

Tax 300.70Purchase of new Toyota Town Ace (8 passenger light van)

2. Housing: repairs, mainly termite control 958.67Fire Insurance zJZ.oa

22,040.99

Sims Tokyo Mission Financial Report '90 P.3

EXPENDITURES continued

Conventions, conferences (both H.&L.) $849.71Travel expenses for special speaker at Shinshu Bible Camp 200.00Expenses for our lodging at 4 different camps during year 120.42Support of Japanese Camp Manager's living expenses 2,243.60Postage for year, including mailing Christmas letter 1,326.83Telephone 711.88Word-Processor Lease monthly payments 828.17Xerox usage fees and paper 796.40Xerox monthly lease mayments from April 348.16Stationery 110.72Church advertising 173,07Church supplies 183,53Video tapes for church use 275,00Upper Room for church members 234,93Literature and tracts for free distribution 279,44Printing 63,38Bibles and hymnals for sale at church 60,35Books for church library 98,59Membership in Miss. Organizations and Subs, to prof, journals 106,59Assistance to Japanese preachers 314.02Vacation Bible School 22.92Pictures for Tokyo Christian and other publicity 232.98Medical not covered by Ins.—mainly new glasses for H. 455.91TOTAL 29,551.84

BALANCE Dec. 31,1989 2,617,84Income during 1990 (above) #1 15,080,00

#2 1,455.00#3,4 5,505.99

24,658.83Expenditures during 1990 (above) 29,551.84

Balance on Dec. 31, 1990 deficit - 6,893,01*

♦This deficit is something less than what is still owed on the new car, and willbe paid off within the next 2 or 3 years. Other than the $14,000 paid for thecar, the expenses for the year were about average for the past few years. Wealready saved some automobile expense for repairs and inspection this year byhaving the new car.

Another rather large expense we didn't have last year was part of the livingexpenses for the Shinshuu camp manager. Some is already coming in designated forthe camp from former supporting churches of Buttrays and Pattons.

Tokyo Christian"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15)

Volume 90 April 1991 Number 2

SIMS' NEWS

SHINSHU SPRING CAMP

This year's spring camp was held March 25-28, in the earlypart of the 2 to 3 week vacation that all Japanese students have between school years. The next year of school always begins inApril. All feel free and happy, because they dont have homeworkas they usually do during the 40 day summer vacation, and theweather Is mild. This year we had 35 campers plus 2 missionarycouples and 2 Japanese preachers and the camp staff and somepart-time campers from the local area. Not the largest ever, but agood group of 6 Middle Schoolers, 7 or 8 High Schoolers andaround 20 College students.

The thing about this camp that was most impressive to everyone involved, and that we are most thankful for, was theleadership of some of the College age young people. This campbegins the 11th year of the Camp, and some of our young peoplefrom Mejirodai as well as some of the others have been at both thespring and summer camps for most of those years. They have hada lot of fun, done their share of mischief, some have been baptizedin the local river, and they have come to love the place, undei^stand the purpose, and get used to the way we cany out the program, keep the place clean, try to get enough sleep, etc.

This year Bro. Kensei Yokomizo of Yokosuka church wasasked to serve as Dean of the spring camp. But he asked 2 of theCollege Sophomores from Mejirodai to work with him in planningthe program and then in carrying it out. They of course decided atheme and asked Bro. Daiki Kishimoto from the Osaka area to

come as the main speaker each evening. He has served at thecamp for several years in a variety of jobs, and enjoys the workand the young people, and is very good at preaching easy to listento sermons at their level with some humor salted in. (His wife andMrs. Lisa Turner gave very diligent and appreciated service in thekitchen for eveiy meal, by the way.) But the young people did anexcellent job in keeping interest and enthusiasm high, having everything well-prepared, gaining everyone's cooperation and making it a happy and memorable experience for all - many of themnon-Christians and first-time campers. For example:

1. They prepared song-sheets of popular gospel choruses inJapanese that fit in with the theme "Are you really living? - Meeting Christ." This took hours of work at the Xerox machine in our

church office, and then binding, etc.2. Four of the college boys played guitars, and they prac

ticed several times beforehand and accompanied the singing. Mr.and Mrs. Kume, professional musicians who are members atMejirodai, led the music and played the keyboard.

3. The different young men presided at all sessions, madeall announcements at meals, led the 4 teams in all activities, etc.They had a several page printed program prepared, includingspaces for notes, rules of the camp, introductions of people on theprogram, and followed it well.

4. In order to prevent people from sitting at the same tableevery meal, as had been the custom, the young man in charge ofthat had everyone draw a number as they entered the dining hall,which decided the table, and provided for everyone to get to know

The mvsidana during one of the evening sessione

the others.

5. One trouble at camp is always getting the young peopleto go to sleep at night. From Lois' and my room we could hearthem up late at night, but we dldnt get up to scold them and try tosettle them down this time. The young leaders were up with them.But the good thing was that they also saw that everyone got up before 7 every morning and participated in stretching exercises asthe Japanese do and then in devotions. The absolute quiet thatprevailed in the main room during 30 minutes of devotional timewith everyone there together praying or reading the Word was almost unbelievable for that age group, but I saw it and was glad.

6. They rented the city gymnasium in the nearest city andspent 1 afternoon there playing basketball and volleyball betweenthe teams. Tim Turner and I spent all afternoon taking them overand bringing them back in our 2 8-passenger vans.

7. On the final night each team presented a Bible Drama inline with the theme, and they were very well done, with many kidsmemorizing their parts in the short time available. As a judge, itwas difficult deciding the best team, best actors, etc. Prizes wereawarded, and everyone was veiy happy. CThe leaders had alsomade preparations for the dramas ahead of time.)

We came back home during a foggy and rainy afternoon andthe car full of young people, including some of the leaders, slept

from happy fatigue most of the 4-hour trip, but this old man washappy to be carrying this load of good campers back after anothergood camp mostly led by people who were in Middle School 5 to 7years ago when they first went

BfUe drama

SOME OF OUR TOKYO PREACHERS

During the past Christmas and New Year season, several ofour Japanese preachers sent us family snap-shots along with theirgreeting cards. Lois suggested that we put tliese in this issue ofthe Tokvo Christian to help you get acquainted with our co-workers in the field here. Many people know only the missionarieshere, and worry about what will happen to tlie work of Christ whenwe retire, but while we need to keep praying for the Lord of Harvest to send workers into His field, we also should realize that themajority of our 60 some churches in Japan are presently beingserved by Japanese, and that there are some preparing to do thisevery year in the Osaka Bible Seminary, and be thankful for this.At this time we will briefly introduce 6 of these in the order inwhich they began their ministries in the Tokyo area.

1. Shigeru Akada grew up in Nakano, near the churchwhere the Simses worked from 1950-66, and was baptized therearound 1960. He stopped his studies at one of the Universities inTokyo and enrolled in Osaka Bible Seminary to prepare for theministry in 1961 and graduated from there in 1965. He beganworking with the A1 Hammond family at what is now called OntaChurch of Christ in Tokyo in 1967, and has continued there sincethe Hammonds returned to the United States not long after that.He married the daughter of one of our preachers in Okayama Pref.(now deceased) in 1967, and they have one son, Naoki, who is nowa Senior in High School.

/,jr; T'-il

2. Satoru Taninari grew up in the city of Akashi, south ofKobe along the coast of the Inland Sea and became a Christianthere. His father, who recently died suddenly, was a policeman.His home church hosted our annual Convention last August Hegraduated from the Osaka Bible Seminary in 1976, and preached

for several years in oneof the churches in

Osaka. He came to

Shinshu Bible Camp atthe invitation of the

Buttrays in 1981, andhas been the managerfor a good number ofyears, doing all kinds ofjobs from kitchen to financial records to ad

vertising of the campand, of course, a lot ofother tasks. He mar

ried a Christian kinder

garten teacher from another group in Tokyo in1984, and they have 3little boys that all thecampers like to playwith: Shuichi (6), Ko-taro (4) and Yu (2).

3. Keiichi Suzuki

grew up in the crowded,small industrial Arakar

wa Ward of NE Tolqro.He lived near the

Arakawa church where

he went to SundaySchool and eventuallybecame a Christian. He

went to Osaka Bible

Seminary while the Andrew Pattons were

working with thatchurch in 1976 and

graduated in 1980. In1983 he married a girlfrom a Presbyterian orReformed Church in an

other part of Tol^o whowas a Middle School

English teacher as wellas a very active SundaySchool teacher. He

himself immersed her

after she decided to do

this on her own. Theyhave 3 children: Keita

f7), Megumi (4), and Keisuke (2) and partially support themselvesby tutoring the neighborhood children in English, Math, etc., for asmall monthly fee. I neglected to say that he came back fromOsaka and took up the ministty at his home church. When Icalled to check on the children's ages, he told me they had 1baptism recently, and hope for another next month.

4. Akira Ishii al» ^ . , i #,. •so grew up in the ' vneighborhood of theabove-mentioned Arar ,kawa Church, and was f ^baptized there. He wasmarried in 1970. He

went to a school and i

studied drafting andwas working, and his «wife taught organ Ilessons to children. —m

Then they decided to gointo the ministiy. Hewent to the inter-

denominational TokyoChristian College, be- jm^F. ^B «cause they couldnt aX- ( ^Bford to give up their 1 |^B|B^»apartment and jobs and BBBB^g jmove to Osaka for

school. After he graduated from TCC in 1983, Bill and Betly Turner asked them to helpstart a new church in the Kotesashi area where they were living atthe time. Several churches and individuals helped with supportso the Ishiis could give full time to the work. The church is goingalong slowly, meeting in one of 2 adjoining small apartments thatare rented for their living space and the meetings. Bro. Ishii accepted the invitation of a company to work full time several yearsago, but is still having regular services weekly at their place withseveral faithful members. Their children are Ayako (10), Yuki (6),and Manae G3)-

5. Kensei Yoko-

mizo lived very near theYokosuka Church, andcame to the SundaySchool there as a small . .a .

boy. He became aChristian and was faith-

ful in the church duringschool days, includingregular college. Thenhe decided to become

the minister of his

home church and went

to Osaka to prepare forthat. Hehad seen many \ B^^lchanges of preachersand missionaries dur-

Ing years in the^ere, and a

number of troubles, andwanted to do what he

could to evangelize hisown family and neighborhood, so refused invitations to minister inother places in order to return to his home church. He graduatedfrom Osaka Bible Seminary in 1985, and that same year married ayoung lady who was a member of one of our Osaka area churchesand the nephew of a member of the Sayama church in our Tokyoarea. He supplements the small salary the little church there isable to pay him by delivering newspapers early every morning.Their children are Makoto (4). and Megumi (3).

6. Nishiyama Hitoshi first became acquainted with Christand the gospel through an English Bible Class taught by BillTurner in his University. After he graduated and got a job with asupermarket chain. Bill introduced him to the Isehara church,which was located nearest to his company dormitory. After someyears as an active member there, he decided to become a preacherand quit his job and enrolled in Osaka Bible Seminary. He graduated in 1990, and also got married last spring shortly before he became the assistant minister there, working with Paul and KathleenPratt. The girl he married is from one of our churches on ShikokuIsland, and she also graduated from Osaka Bible Seminary. They

were just blessed with a baby girl on April 6, so for obvious reasons, I was not able to get a recent picture of them.

KIMURA KEIKO'S

CANCER STORY

In the late summer of last year we heard that Mrs. Kimura,the wife of the preacher at Hirakata Church of Christ in Osaka hadbreast cancer, and that it had probably gone into her lymph glandsand that liquid was collecting in her lungs. So it was very serious,and the doctors had said an operation would be difficult and dangerous. She was going to take a new kind of treatment by a doctorin Yokohama which her sister had learned about and used because of a similar problem. The main problem was that the costwas extremely high and they were not covered by insurance forthat.

Soon we received a letter from the alumni association of Osaka Bible Seminary asking for the prayers of the brotherhood andalso for contributions to help the Kimuras during this time of financial crisis and need. We and our church sent a modestamount, along with most of the others.

Several months passed, and we heard that the special treatments in Yokohama over several different periods had been successful enough to very much surprise the doctors in Osaka whooriginally discovered it. It was decided that she was able to undergo surgery, which she did on Jan. 29 this year. The doctor toldher husband after the surgery that it had gone extremely well, andthere was no sign of cancer in any place but the part they removed, and from now on she would only have to go back for oncea month check-ups.

Lately we received a letter full of joy and thanks from bothMr. and Mrs. Kimura, and a complete financial report from thecommittee of their classmates from some years ago at OBS. Certainly it was an answer to the prayers of many, but I think youwould be interested that our brotherhood in Japan raised a total ofover 3.25 million yen or $25,000 during the 5 months from lastSeptember until February of this year.

NEWS ITEMS FROM

MEJIRODAI CHURCH

Having read of the "FRANtastic Sundays" programs in somechurch bulletins we receive, we decided to try that here this year.The first effort (Friend Day) was on Easter Sunday, March 31. Itwas a rainy day, and we were somewhat disappointed that only 2people managed to bring their friends to church with them, butwere thankful for those who were attending church for the firsttime in their lives. We had a total of 45 adults and 8 children,which is about 50% over our average.

Most of the 20 Protestant churches in our city of Hachioji inwestern Tokyo cooperate in a city-wide service on Easter Sundayafternoon. This was the i6th year we have done this. Because wecouldnt rent the city auditorium on March 31, we had the meetingthis year one week late on April 7. The special speaker was SteveFox who is the son of a former American serviceman and a

Japanese mother, and was very well-known 10 and more years agoas the bass guitarist of a group of young musicians on TV andstage known as Oo-Dai-Oo. He now ministers to a Japanesechurch in Hawaii. Joining him were Mr. and Mrs. Kume, who arealso well-known in the musical world of Japan and are members ofour church. Over 20 of our members joined about 500 people atthe auditorium on another rainy Sunday afternoon to proclaim thegospel in word and song to some who seldom hear iL

Makiko Tsuda, a second year student in a local High School,has beg^n teaching the preschool class in our Sunday School.She and her older sister, who graduated from High School inMarch and passed the entrance exams to enter a Junior Collegefor training Kindergarten teachers in April, attended a specialone-day study course offered by the Japan Sunday School Unionon March 21.

Our attendance at Sunday School hae been declining over thepast 7 or 8 years. One reason is that there are fewer children inthe neighborhood. Recently I noticed some statistics in our localcity news sheet. The city of Hachioji had a population of 370,000in 1080, and 450,000 in 1990, but among them the number of chil*dren 5*14 (those who receive compulsoiy education) declined from67,200,18.1% of population to 49,600,10.9% of population. Now theaverage couple in Japan has only 1.57 children. 2.2 is required tomaintain the present population.

Ito Takahiko passed the notoriously difficult entrance exami-nation for entrance to Tol^o University. All of our congregationwere pleased and offered their congratulations. The second boyalso got into the High School his older brother had attended,which has a g^od reputation for putting graduates into the betterUniversities. Mrs. Ito remarked that for this one year only shewould have one child in College, High School, Middle School andElementary. Our daughter, Hope, in Indiana can make the sameclaim this year for her 4 girls.

BRIEF NEWS FROM

OTHER PLACES

The wife of the preacher in Obihiro, Hokkaido (a graduate ofTokyo Bible Seminary over 30 years ago) suffered through 4 different operations for a detached retina and cataract on her eyeduring February and March.

Eleanor Hammond, who served with her husband and familyon Tanegashima Island and in Tokyo for over 10 years and hasbeen in San Jose, California for about 20 years, finished a longbattle with cancer on March 12 and went to be with her Lord.

Daniel Sims, on business with Chrysler Automobile Company,was in Japan for almost 3 weeks during March, and worshippedwith us on March 24 and 31.

From a letter received:

"It seems to me that time is flying very fast in little more than ayear since I came back home from Israel, but I have a good timestudying Greek NT and Hebrew OT and Ancient Near Eastern Textsand Israel History at my home and the library of Sophia University.My old brain works not so good, but my hobby is reading the Bible inthe original, and now I can read and somewhat understand them byreferring to dictionaries, but it wUl take a long time to attain proficiency in them. My wife has been doing very well, and visits the hospital to have her eyes and health checked twice a month. My son wastransferred to the Osaka office ofJAL this year, but he usually comeshome every weekend to Join his family. Your citation of II Cor. 11:28much impressed me, and I pray God's help upon your missionarywork."

-Tenihiko Kanamura

(Good friend of the Buttrays, and before retirement, for manyyears employed as a translator with U.S. Military Forces in Japan.Now an active member of Nakano church and also on the ShinshuCamp Cormnittee.)

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray (retired),RD. 2, Box 160, MeadviUe, PA 16335

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patten (retired), #6Tangelwood, Carl Junction, MO 84834. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Morford,R 2, Box 413, Knightstown, IN 46148

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7 Mejiro-dai. Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193 Japan. Forwarding Agent First Church of Christ, 315 E.Orange Avenue, Eustls, FL 32726-4194.

Two year donation $ .50Donation & Fiaming Torch $1.00

Published four times a year in Januaty,April, July, and November for the missionariesof the Church of Christ, Cunningham Mission,Tokyo, Japan by Mission Services Association,7525 Hodges Feny road, Knoxville, TN 37920-9731. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION SERVICESASSOCIATION, PO Box 2427, KnoxvUle, TN37901-2427.

Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy ofyour new address toMISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

Form 3579 Requested, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 3700141427.

Tokyo Christian"Goye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15)

Volume 80 July 1001 Number 3

SIMS" NEWS

YEARLY MEETINGS

Many organizations in Japan have their yearly meetingsin April because the iiscal year and school year both end onMarch 31. So it is always a busy time for us. as we must prepare reports and plans and work out schedules, etc.

This year the meeting of oiur Yotsuya Mission HoldingCorporation was held on April 9. We are now in a time ofgenerational change, with 3 younger men joining Lois and meas trustees of the properties and funds that began when theCunninghams started their work in Yotsuya 90 years ago.Walter Maxey, from Kagoshima, and David Hinson, fromWakayama, have to come a long distance to take part in thisonce-a-year meeting. But we appreciate their understandingof various situations and their contribution. In earlier issues

of the Tokyo Christian we have mentioned the loan fund administered by this Incorporated g^oup, and are happy to report that several loans have been paid back in full by missionaries and Japanese churches during the past 2 years.

i-i.

The Yotsuya Miesion trustees in front of the Sims' house.

The annual congregational meeting at Mejirodai was heldon Sunday afternoon April 21. The main item of discussionwas the budget because we are expecting the coming of ayoung Japanese couple to share in the ministry here nextJanuary, and that will mean a great increase in the monthlyexpenses. Also 2 or 3 ladies had made a survey of all themembers inquiring about what kind of service they would beinterested in and willing to do. and also about how muchInformation about church plans and activities they were getting and wanted. The congregation is growing more matureand effective in its activities each year, and we enjoy workingwith them and have great hopes for the future.

On April 22, the American Christian College opened Itssecond full year with over a dozen students, at least half ofwhom are Christians. Mark Maxey brought the message forthe occasion, and after the morning ceremony, a light lunch.

and time of fellowship, we had the annual board meetingduring the afternoon. Already 2 students have been able to goto the United States for further college studies, and one ishoping to enter Cincinnati Christian Seminary in August ofthis year if he can get the paper work done on time. So wefeel the school is accomplishing its purpose. It uses the second floor of the former Tokyo Bible Seminary. The Saku-rayama Church meets in the first floor and the preacher andfamily live there.

Mark Maxey preaching and Harold Sims translating at AmericanChristian College convocation April 22.

Audience at AC.C. opening.

PRAYER REQUEST

Stanley Buttray, 76 (retired from the missionwork at Shinshu Bible Camp in 1983 and now livingin Meadville, Pennsylvania), underwent heart by-passsurgery in Erie, Pennsylvania on July 1 because serious blockage of 2 main arteries to his heart was discovered. Early reports are that the surgery was successful and he is recovering normally. Flayers forhim and Mabel are requested.

CAMPS, RALLIES & MEETINGS

This spring has been busy with many activities among thechurches. I will list brieily some of those we have beendirectly involved in.

1. Golden Week Camp was held this year in the early partof that series of holiday - April 27-29. There were 12 camperseatnestly listening to sermons and participating in discue-sions about the Holy Spirit and enjoying walks in the area. Icould only attend the last half of the camp because of responsibilities at Mejirodai on Sunday a.m. and went by train because there was no one else attending from here to ride along.

Campers waiting tor the bus near the oamp. Rice paddice In thebackground.

2. On Sund£^ night. May 5 and Monday, the 6th, theMejirodai yoimg people and some of their friends from otherof our churches (total of 30) stayed at a small Youth Hostel inFuchu for a time of study and fellowship. They asked Mr.Kishimoto, presently the minister of Megumi Church of Christin Takarazuka city near Osaka, and Brother H. Saito, who isone of our members, and a section chief in the Toshiba Electric Co. in the same Fuchu City, to be the speakers. One college student from here who is not yet a Christian was persuaded to go and espressed to me how much she had gottenfrom the practical teaching as well as the good times in recreation. (The young people who have come to know each otherthrough the years at Shinshu spring and summer BibleCamps have fellowship meetings several times a year, andhave started up a little paper to keep each other informed andencouraged. One of these meetings was on April 21, after thespring camp.)

3. Also on Sunday, May 5, in the afternoon, the MachidaChurch of Christ celebrated 10 years since the dedication oftheir building and starting of regular services there. At thattime, Mark and lynn Pratt were there, but now Tim and LisaTurner are serving as ministers there as well as teaching part-time in the nearby Oberlin School and in American ChristianCollege. Paiil and Kathleen Pratt have helped a lot in finances and other ways from the start of this work in additionto the Isehara Church where they live. The local people hadprepared a nice book with meuiy pictures giving the history ofthe first 10 years, and a good number of those present stoodup as also present 10 years ago.

4. For Mother's

Day, our youngestson, Daniel, washere, and we sangspecial music during the service.

Daniel, Lois andHarold Sims singing atMejirodai on Mother'sDay.

"^3

Some of the church people with Daniel after church.

5. On Pentecost Sunday we usually have a barbecue in thesmall yard between our house and the church, and we didagain this year - in nice, warm weather. This was the secondspecial day of our FRAN series this year. We had a relativepresent from the U.S. (son Daniel) and only 1 other personbrought a relative, so the project is not doing so well, but wehad a good attendance nevertheless. We also had one baptism: a High School teacher of English who has been attending for some months. She accepted Christ as Savior at another church 19 years ago, but was immersed and became aregular member here that day.

Pictured are some who ware present at Mejirodai on Penteooet Sunday.

6. June 22 and 23 were special days at Joel Home in Yokohama, where Jonathan is preaching. They printed 3000handbills Inviting the neighbors to a Saturday night and Sunday morning meeting at which professional level special music would be performed by several people and then a messagefrom the Bible. The number of people who came as a result ofthe printed publicity was few, but there were 23 at the Saturday evening and 13 at the Sunday morning meeting, whichwas encouraging to the group that averages only 5 or 6. Ipreached on Sunday morning, and Jon came to Mejirodai topreach in my place. I also enjoyed the good music and getting to know people that Jon had mentioned in past conversations.

7. On Jime 30, the Fifth Sunday Rally was held in one ofthe gymnasiums at the Oberlin School in Machida. Thisschool was founded by a Christian man who attended a college of that name in Ohio many years ago, and they teach allthe way from kindergarten through college on one campus.Our youth group at Mejirodai did all of the planning and advertising and managing of this gathering and even put on ashort play as part of the program. There were 74 adults and 5children in attendance. Because it was the rainy season, theyused the gym and the young folks enjoyed games of basket-

ball, dodge ball, etc.. before the main program. Japaiiese«tylesupper was ordered from a nearby place.

8. By the time you receive this, the yearly Missionaiy andJapanese Conventione will be over. This year, the 42nd AllJapan Convention was held in Kochi on the island of ShikokuJuly 24-26. The missionaries are to met together on July 22-24,which saved a lot of travel expense for those of us whoattended both. Mr. and Mrs. Doncdd Bumey, who haveworked in that area for about 30 years, were actively involvedin planning for both gatherings.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS

1. On Saturday evening. April 20, the husband of one ofour members called to inform us that his pregnant wife hadbeen hospitalized that day because of toxemia and high bloodpressure, and she was asking for prayer at church the nextday because the baby was not due for 8 more weeks and itseemed to be serious. On April 24, we went to visit her andwere told that it was not visiting hours and that she was beingprepared for Caesarean section in about 30 minutes. I said Iwas a preacher and had come to have a brief prayer for her, sothey let her come out into the waiting room and we had a vetybrief time of prayer together. Lois meanwhile asked thenurses to let us know by phone what happened. So theycalled later that afternoon to say that a baby boy was bom,weighing less than 4 pounds, and was taken immediately to aspecial hospital for premature babies. She was not able to seethe baby for some time, but on Sunday, July 7. she brought thebaby to church. At that time he weighed 3 times his birthweight and is about normal for a baby that should have beenbom on June 13.

2. Mrs. Salto, wife of the minister at Goem Church in

Kochi, began hemorrhaging during the church service onJune 23. She was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance,but. when she arrived there, had lost about 5/6 of her blood.Appetkls went out by radio and telephone for blood donors,and, although her baby was lost, she seems to be recoveringnicely.

3. In late Januaiy, a daughter was bom to the son of oneof our members who works for a fading company in HongKong, and it was annoimced in church with great joy. Henamed her Joanna, which pleased her Pemvian mother, andis a Scriptural name, but also means a g^od sheep inJapanese (this is the year of the sheep in the Orient). In earlyApril, they discovered the baby had some serious heart trouble, and brought her to Japan for treatment. The doctors hereconfirmed that she had a hole between the parts of her heart.She lived just 105 days. The funeral was held in Mejirodaichurch on Sunday afternoon. May 26.

4. Mr. and Mrs. Ozawa had their fourth child and third

boy on June 2, and all was normal. I married them less than10 years ago.

5. On May 3, Keiichl, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Itagaki,minister of Nakano Church, was married to the daughter ofMr. and Mrs. Kishi, who minister in Hiroshima. We wereprivileged to attend this meaningful and joyful Christianwedding in one of the hotels in Tokyo, performed by Stephenlijima, who also married the parents over 30 years ago.

Mr. and Mn. Itagaki and KeilchL

The wedding reception. Bride and groom in center. go4>etween oou-pie on each aide of them (principal of school where Keiichl teaches) andMr. and Mrs. Kishi on the right side.

6. On June 7, Mrs. Mizukawa, age 97, passed easily fromthis life into the next and better one. She started coming tochurch late in life, and was baptized at age 72 in the bathtubat one of our Conventions. She was very faithful in attendance at worship in Nakano church, and was present in herusual place on the last Xx>rd's Day of our life, having walkedfrom her home. She was just as regular in coming to Lois'twice-a-month ladies' Bible study. Her funeral was held aspart of the morning worship service on June 9, which is probably what she would have wished, although it made it impossible for us to attend.

7. Mrs. Evelyn Clark, widow of Martin Clark, died on July9. She had suffered a stroke around the end of last year, andhad not been able to speak since, but had recovered enoughthat she was taken by airplane to Oregon so her daughtercould take care of her in her home where she cares for a few

other aged patients. She died just 25 months after her latehusband. On her kitchen waU is a note written in Mark

Maxey's large script, "They also serve who stand in thekitchen and bake apple pies." It well describes her typo andplace of service to Christ.

VISITORS

Though we live in the extreme western end of Tofayo, agood number of people come by to visit us. During the past 3months or so, we have enjoyed visiting the following:

1. Daniel, who came on Chrysler-Mitsubishi businessagain for about half of May. He was here for Mother's Day andPentecost, and at the end, overlapped with Velma Held whowas the babysitter for the older 4 of our children the day hewas bom.

2. Robert, who was here briefly in June on Ichikoh business, and spent just one night at home. We drove him out tothe airport in order to get some time for just talking.

S.Mr. Jeom Sang Park, preacher at the Nam Boo JongAng Christian Church in Seoul, Korea, visited us one Sunday.He came several times in 1988 and attended part of our TokyoConvention. A relative lives not far from here.

4. Mr. Issac B. Lubag, member of Crusada Church ofChrist in Manila, had been here several times. His brother,who recently graduated from Emmanuel Seminaxy, had senthim our address, and, with veiy limited Japanese language,he was able to find our place. He is working in Tokyo for aperiod of time and comes from the other side of town, spending about 2 hours one-way on the trains.

5. Miss Velma Held, known to many readers because ofher support of the Missionaxy Convention and general interest in missions, was in Japan for the last half of May, follow^ing some months of helping in India and a visit in the Philippines. She stayed here and visited some others in the area.She spent a number of years in Japan during the U.S. Occupation days as a teacher in the schools for military children,and is much loved by all.

6. Lester and Donna LeMay, from Tempe, Arizona, visitedour home in Mejirodai July 7-10. He preached for our eveningservice just after arriving, with jetrlag and ulcer problemsworking against him. Doxma was one of the girls in the dormitory we looked after during the school year of 1953-54.They have served in located ministries cmd also briefly onmission fields in South Africa and Nigeria. For the past 15years, they have been forwarding agents for the work of Bro.Yun Kwan Chae in Korea, and were on the way to take pic

tures and visit the work there for 10 days. They saw some ofthe work and perhaps too much of the traffic in the Tokyoarea, but we had a good time together.

CULTURAL NOTES

The Japanese government has become so rich that theynot only give orders to people to fix up their property, but offer to pay a percentage of the cost.

1. Right now, men are digging trenches in our yard for anew sewer to cany the water run-off from the roof into a separate sewer emptying into a small river down below here. Thecity is paying the whole cost of this.

2. The city of Yokosuka sent us a notice that we must fix acrack in the comer of the retaining wall that fronts along thestreet and is over 6 feet high. I was dreading the cost of that,but visited the city office with the local preacher and discovered the city was prepared to pay 40% of the cost if we mettheir specifications about type of wall, etc.

3. The Shinjuku Wecrd sent us a letter asking us to removethe cement wall from the street side of the properly whereMrs. Cuimingham used to live. They included colored pictures they had taken to prove it was cracked and leaning outward and stressed that we would be liable if it fell on anyoneeven during an earthquake. They added further that they aretxying to green-up the city, and if we would replace the oldprison-type fence with a row of trees or hedge, they would beglad to pay 30% of the cost of removing the old one, and aboutthe same for the new one. So we agreed to that, and it looksmuch better.

In June, Harold Sims donated 40 years of National Geographic Magazines to the local High School where he hadbeen teaching English Conversation one day a week for 10years.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanlsy Buttray (retired),RD. 2. Box 190. MeadviUe, PA 16335

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fatten (retired). #6Tangelwood. Carl Junction. MO 64834. Forwarding Agent Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Morford,R 2. Box 413. Knightstown. IN 46148

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims. 3-33-7 Mejirodai. Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 103 Japan. Forwarding Agent First Church of Christ, 315 E.Orange Avenue. Eustis, FL 32726-4194.

Two year donation $ .50Donation & Flaming Torch $1.00

Published four times a year in January,April, July, and November for the missionariesof the Church of Christ, Cunningham Mission,Tokyo, Japan by Mission Services Association,7525 Hodges Feny Road, Knoxville, TN 37920-S731. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION SERVICESASSOCIATION, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN37901-2427.

Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy of your new address toMISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION. PO Box 2427. Knoxville. TN 37901-2427.

Form 3570 Requested, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

13. 13

Christian"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every n^ature" (Mark 16:15)

Volume 90 November 1991 Number 4

SIMS' NEWS

SHIKOKU CONVENTIONS

Both our missionary convention and the Japaneseone were held this year on the island of Shikoku duringthe last full week of July. The missionary meeting wasplanned by Don and Norma Bumey who have servedChrist in that area for over 30 years. Their daughter,Rachel, was back home from Lincoln Christian Collegethis summer to help. We started on Monday evening,July 22, and ended Wednesday at noon in time to ride

'y n

" i/ >

The missionaries at the convention.

across town on the bus to the Japanese Convention.(Some of the missionaries only came for the English-speaking Convention because of financial or languageability reasons.)

Twelve missionaries from Tokyo went down on thesame airplane, and were met by 3 cars and taken to themodestly priced welfare center that had been reservedfor our use. It only had a capacity to house 40 people, sowe filled it up. In fact, 2 missionary families camped intents atagovemment-owned facility out along the Pacificcoast about a 35-40 minute drive from our meeting place,which saved them a lot of expenses, enabled attendanceat both conventions, and gave the children some goodfun times besides.

We missed some of the older ones: some gone on toheaven, some on furlough in the U.S. for the summer, andsome too sick to make it (including the regulars, Markand Pauline Maxey); but itwas a joyto see alot ofyoungerpeople and their small children present. We had not metsome of the newer Niigata-areatentmakersyet. We alsoenjoyed good messages by 4 of the middle-aged co-workers, some of whom we hadn't heard preach before. Ofcourse, the English language singing was wonderful asusual, and there was special music and other featuresthat we shared happily.

90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN

William D. and Emily B. Cunuingham arrived inJapan on October 1, 1901, and, within a month thefirst issue of their widely-oirculatod publicity organ,'*The Tokyo Christian," was published. So, with thisissue, we mark 90 years of this little paper's history.

For the first SO years, it was published monthly.Then, during the 1930's, as Mr. Cunningham's healthweakened, there were various troubles within theYotsuya Mission, the world-wide economic depression, and the Japan-China War, followed by WorldWar II — all resulting in many issues of "The TokyoChristian" being missed. During and shortly following WWII, Morris Book, of Orlando, Florica, published it under the name of "Christian Horizons," and

my name first appeared in one issue of 1945 as arecruit. So I have been directly connected with it forhalf of this time. In the post-war years, we (includingStanley and Mabel Buttray and Andrew and BettyFatton and some others) have continued to publish itquarterly, and have appreciated very much the posi

tive help and encouragement given by the staff ofMission Services and also by many readers. Articlesare written by the missionaries on the field, and theediting, printing and mailng is done in the UnitedStates, which is somewhat inconvenient, but the onlyreasonable and possible way to go.

Whon the retirement of Andrew and Betty Fattoncame, I wrote in the January, 1990 issue: "I plan tokeep the Tokyo Christian going at least until the fallofl991." We have now come to that point in time. But,while continuing takes some time and is somewhat ofa financial burden, wo do not foel right about stopping now. We ourselves are getting along in yearsand thinking about retirement. We certainly do notfeel it is possible to take responsibility for seeing it to100 years, but we plan to continue publishing 1 issuesa year for at least a couple more years.: We trust thatGod will guide us in this small matter as well as allthings, and ask your continuing prayers for all of tliework and workers here. ^

iSi

(•••I

Audrey Weat leading morning devotions.

The 42ndJapanese Convention began on Wednesdayafternoon, July 24, and ended on Friday, July 26. This wasthe third convention to be hosted by the 3 small churchesin Kochi prefecture, and it was very well planned andenjoyed by all of the almost 300 people who attendedfrom all over the country. Because the hotel could onlybe reserved on weekdays, some people could not get offwork to attend, but there were a good number of all agespresent. Since we go almost everyyear, there were manyfamiliar faces. The 3 main messages were brought by ayoung preacher, a middle-aged preacher, and an olderone. Short testimonies were given at each session bydifferent students at Osaka Bible Seminary. On Thursday evening, the annual banquet was held with a variedand entertaining program at which various news of interesting changes and developments among the churcheswere shared. We even had some exercises led by younghousewives from Ono Church to teach all of us how to

relax and improve digestion of the raw fish and otherlocal dishes that had been served in abundance. Itwas a

good time of fellowship and edfication.

The group attending the JapaneseConvention from Mejirodal Church.

The Noichi Church of Christ Don Bumey is standing by Uie door.

Morning devotion group on the putting green, wltti hotel in background.

The Saito femily, ministering to Oomen Church inShikoku. She is the lady who was mentioned in the lastissue of the Tokyo Christian. She had lost 5/6 of her blood inamiscarriage onlya month orso previous to the Convention.

One of 25 tables seating 10 people each at the banquet The man at leftis Bro. Hattori, preacher at Noichi Church and program chairman this year.The man and wife at centerare Mr. andMrs.Kishimoto. He preached the Qrstsermon and will be coming to Mejirodai early next year.

ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED TO

BUILD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

IN BANGLADESHMr. Yukio Oka (67) is an elder in Minato Church of

Christ. His working career was mostly with a privaterailroad company in the Yokohama area, and his mainprojects were building the large terminal building complex next to the National Railways having the third largest floor space of all buildings in Japan, and developingother shopping and living areas near stations along theline. After his retirement several years ago, he has become busier than ever, as he has been asked to serve onboards of a number of Christian organizations, such as

the Gideons, Yokohama YMCA, Christian Hospitals, WorldVision, etc. In connection with his responsibilities atWorld Vision, he made a trip to Bangladesh earlier thisyear, and was shocked at the poverty and many needsthere.

After he came back to Japan he called together anumber of his businessmen acquaintances, and theyorganized to try to help in a practical way. He had beeninformed by government officials while there that, ifJapan would furnish materials, the government wouldfurnish the land and the labor to build a number of ele

mentary schools. They recommended wooden one-storybuildings with strong concrete foundations that wouldhouse 500 students and could be used both day and nightfor education and as evacuation centers when cyclonesand floods occur. Mr. Oka said, "Food and medical aidare necessary, but I think educational aid is the most important in the long run."

The cost of one school is 3 million Japanese yen(about $24,000), and this group has set a goal of raisingmoney for at least 10 and possibly 20 schools. Thecampaign was launched about the end of June, andpublicity was given to the idea not only by Christiannewspapers and magazines, but the high-circulation majordaily papers. The office has been established at JoelHome, where Jonathan Sims lives and works with Mr.Oka in trying to start a new church in Yokohama. Jonathan also answers the office phone and does other jobsfor the project as well. Already funds for the first schoolhave been raised and sent. Daily offerings, large andsmall, are coming in.

This is not an appeal for funds. The Japanese brethren are doing this on their own. This is just for yourInformation.

SHINSHU BIBLE CAMPSThe annual summer young people's camp this time

was the first week of August. We had a capacity attendance ofover 60 people from 8 different churches, including some former campers from that area who are nowworking, but came in the evenings forthe messages. Themain speaker this time was Bro. Sawa, who is a HighSchool teacher and "Education Minister" at the Ono

Church. He knows how to talk to the young people. Theteam leaders were all college students who are veteransofmany years at camp and good workers. The music wasall modem gospel and led byMrs. Kume, from Mejirodai,and accompanied by 3 guitars and a keyboard, and was amajor attraction.

Several decisions were made at the camp, including2 from Mejirodai who are waiting for parents to agree totheir being baptized. One was baptized at camp: MiriamCole, daughter of David and granddaughter of Leone,both ofwhom have helped at the camp anumber ofyears.

This summer Mr. and Mrs. Ikarashi and their 3 chil

dren came to live at the camp and help in both kitchenwork and upkeep of buildings and grounds for the busyseason. It was good to see the boys helping energeticallyin setting the table, etc. They are from Niigataprefecture,and are attending Osaka Bible Seminary for 2 years andthen plan to return to their home prefecture to evangelize there.

For the past 5 years, we have had a camp for olderpeople in mid-September as the last camp of the season.This is partly because Japan has an "Honor the elderly"national holiday on September 15. Until this year wecalled it "Silver Camp," but this year the Japanese decided they like the English words "Senior Citizens* Camp"

1991 young people's camp.

Islfe'. . '9 4

Music leaders at camp.

Audience at night meeting.

better. This year, forthe second time, Mr. Kobayashi (74),an elder ofMinato Church, was the Dean and Bro. lijima,the preacher at Minato, who has just turned 70. was themain speaker.

We had 24 people there, including 3 besides me andLois from Mejirodai, from 4 or 5 different churches andwe all had a very good time in every way.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLSeveral different churches had VBS this summer.

Penny Boggs was busy helping with the one in Machidaand the one in Mejirodai, which was August 20-22. Asmany will remember, this was the very time when muchof the world was watching the news about Russia.

We had a total of 12 children enrolled. One of our

adult Sunday School teachers and 2 young girls now inCollege and High School were helpers, along with Loisand me. One of the attractions this year was staying

•>-r

VBS on final night.

college boys who came at his invitation for their firstexperience of "church." Not counting these, there wereat least 10 people who have been here before but have notyet made the all-important decision to accept Christ.Considering that our average SundayAM worship attendance last year was 33, this is not bad.

On Sunday afternoon at 4 PM we had an informalmeeting in the church's all-purpose room for people toget acquainted with and ask questions of the evangelist.Following that discussion time we had a light supper ofsandwiches before the final service.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 31 and September1, Harold Sims wenttoYokosuka to preach forthe specialevangelistic meeting they have everyyear to start the fallactivities. On Saturday evening they had a special musicprogram also to draw in some outside people if possible.There was a verygood attendance ofSOthatnight, including several people who were present for the first time,having been invited by the members. The next morningthere were fewer, but among those were 3 High Schoolgirls who were also in church forthe firattime. The localcityhad ordered the church to erect a newretaining wall,because the old one was badly cracked by the roots of alarge tree in the comer. The city paid 40®^ of the cost, thechurch paid what they could, and our Mission took careof the rest. The work was finished just before the meetingand looked nice.

BRIEF NEWS NOTES

* Tim and Lisa Turner became parents of a second baby' girl on Sept. 27.

I * Ruth Groover and herson,Joe, whoworks for DeltaAirlines, took advantage of some perks airline employeesenjoy and visited Japan for some days in August. I was"best man" at her wedding many years ago, and amashamed to admit that I had forgotten that small pointwhile well remembering the event itself. I was additionally surprised to leam for the first time that she hadseriously considered becoming a missionary while a

' student atAtlanta Christian College at the same time that' AndrewPatton and I accepted Mrs. Cunningham's invita

tion.

I * The Atlanta Christian College Faith Promise Rally^ placed a phone call to our home on the night of Septem

ber 3, Japan time, to communicate directly with us.

* For most of the month of September and half of October, we in Japan have had a rare "rainy season" duringwhat is usually the nicest time of the year. The reason isalongseries oftyphoons that have passed by and over theislands. There have been a lot of flood damage and some

I landslides in places not far from us, but we are thankfulto have had no damage, and overall, the winds have notbeen destructive.

overnight in the church —a first time experience for eachone. We borrowed sleeping mats from several churchfamilies and used all of ours and managed fine. It was areal excitinig time for the kids. On the following Sundaynight we had a program where the children sang songslearned and recited memorized verses and showed their

workbooks and handiwork to the parents. This wasattended by 14 children and 14 parents, bringing us to arecord summer high for evenings.

FIFTH SUNDAY RALLYOn September 29, almost 50 mostly young people

attended a rally at Machida Church. The program was apreaching contest. Three of the five entrants were fromMejirodai Church, all college students. They had verygood 10-minute messages, and one of them won anunexpected prize. It was a first-time experience for allconcerned, and we all enjoyed a meal together afterwards.

EVANGELISTIC MEETINGSMejirodai Church held their annual evangelistic

meeting September 20-22. The evangelist was Bro.Terakado from a non-instrumental Church of Christ in

the next Prefecture — about 30 miles from here. He also

took part in the Convention we hosted in Tokyo in 1988,and is a good friend. He brought 3 messages that werevery much appreciated by all of our people, as evidencedby the fact that over half of the average attendance werethere all 3 nights.

The members worked hard distributing 3,000 handbills door-to-door in our section of the city, making posters and inviting friends. We had attendances of 30, 34and 36 adults on the 3 nights, not counting afew childrenwhom Penny looked after in another room each night.One who came 3 nights was a non-Christian housewifefrom the neighborhood who had never been to churchbefore. Also we had 2 young men friends of one of our

Mr. and Mm. Stanley Buttray (retired), R.D. 2, Box 180, Meadville,PA 16335-

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton (retired), #6 Tangelwood, Carl Junction, MO 64834. Forwarding Agent Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Morford, Bt2, Box413,KnightBtown, IN 46148.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7 Mejirodaio, Hachioji-ehi, TokyoidSJapan. Forwarding Agent FirstChurch ofChrist, 315 E. OrangeAvenue, Eustis, FL 32726-4194.

Two year donation—$.50Donation i Flaming Torch—$1.00

Tokyo Cbriatlan (USPS 776-320)

Published four times a year in January, April, July, and Novemberfor the missionaries of the Church of Christ, Cunningham Mission.Tokyo, Japan by Mission Services Association, 7525 Hodges FenyRoad, Knoxville, TN 37920-9731. POSTMASTER; Send addresschanges to Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION, PO Bo* 2427, KnoxvUle, TN 37901-2427.

Before you move, pleoes send the mailing label with a copy of yournew address toMISSION SERVICBS ASSOCIATION, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

Form 3579 Requested, PO Box 2427, KnoxviUe, TN 37901-2427.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 1991

Dear Friends in both Japan and U.S.A.,As this year passes, it has now been 90 years since the Cunninghams began

their Mission in Tokyo, 50 years since Pearl Harbor, 44 years since we got toJapan and 21 years since we started the church here at Mejirodai. [Every yearpasses more quickly], used to be said only by oldsters like us, but it was thevery words of reaction by the youngsters in our Sunday School when we started

practicing a song for the Christmas Program. Ah, so!

We hope all who receive this are keeping up with the world news, the changesin diets and styles and most of the daily duties all of us have; keeping on with

personal prayer life and service for Christ and even in the times when you get

tired of the constant routine and rush; and keeping in good spirits, physicalcondition and contact with family and friends. May your Christmas and New Yearholiday season be a time of refreshing.

Our missionary work continues to provide daily challenges and rewards, andwe look forward to the remaining years God may grant us. Harold preached in

Mejirodai Church almost every Sunday, and also for 2 other short evangelisticmeetings in smaller churches in our area. There was not the increase we hopeand pray for, but there was steady attendance, unity among the believers and

some spiritual growth. We attended 4 different Camps in Shinshu, 2 conventions

and 4 Rallies and many business meetings—not only connected with the local

church work but for Votsuya Mission, American Christian College, Osaka Bible

Sotiiinary, and Japan Missionary Language Institute on which Harold is a board

member. During the spring and summer there were 3 new babies born to our

members, 1 baptism, 1 funeral. Lois and Harold teach 12 hours of Englishclasses to various age groups every week.

There have been only a few changes in our family,HOPE and Tom Schmidt have now expanded into growing pigs on their farm

outside of Kendallville, Indiana, and Hope is working full-time in a nearbytown to help with the cash-flow needs of a large family. Becky (20) is in herthird year at Ball State Univ. in Muncie. Mindy (16) is in High School, Heidi(12) is in Middle and Wendy (8) is in Elementary, Wendy was baptized in Junemaking the whole family active members of So, Milford Church of Christ.

SYLVIA and David Smith are nearly ready to move into the house they havebuilt with their own hands in Cumming, Iowa. They continue the ministry withChrist's Church in West Des Moines, and their whole family are also activemembers of the church there. Rachel (15) keeps busy talking on the phone, andhas some baby-sitting jobs, Joshua (13) played some on their school foot-ballteam this year, and Susie (11) takes care of the cats and other things,

JONATHAN continues his work in the Joel Home in Yokohama, preaching onalternate Sundays with Mr. Oka, an elder of Minato Church who started the work

there, and also teaching part-time in The American Christian College, He isalso serving as telephone answering service for a special project raising fundsfor building 10 elementary schools in Bangladesh to help that poor nationrecover from destruction caused by cyclones and floods that Mr, Oka is heading.He comes to visit us about once a month, and serves as Treasurer of YotsuyaMission, which is a lot of work and responsibility.

/3/5

ROBERT and Helen are in Shelbyville, Kentucky where Bob works for IchikohCorp. Joel (5) and Amanda (5) have been joined by Joanna, born Feb. 14 thisyear. They like to travel, and recently visited Arizona, including Lois* sisterand family who live in Cottonwood. They are active in the Shelby ChristianChurch, and are enjoying a new home and car on which they are paying monthly.

DANIEL and Jeanne are in the middle of a job and location change now. Hehas left Chrysler, and is working for Mitsubishi Motors in Southern California

already, but as of now they have not yet been able to sell the Michigan house.Lara (2) was given a playmate when Michelle was born last Christmas, and allare fine. Ironically he-may not get to Japan so often now as previously.

The new year will bring some important changes for us.Daiki and Masumi Kishimoto will be coming to minister with us in Mejirodai

about the middle of January. He was born and raised in Tanabe city, south ofOsaka, and became a Christian there as a High School boy. He graduated fromIbaraki Christian College about 100 km north of Tokyo (a college founded by thenon-instrumental churches of Christ) and has done about 3 years of graduatelevel study in Osaka Bible Seminary. During this time he has been working withGeorge and Ethel Beckman starting a new work called "Grace Church of Christ" in

Takarazuka city. He was married in Sept. 1990. Our people got interested incalling him as minister when he substituted for me while we made a trip to theU.S.A. in the summer of 1989. Another young graduate of OBS will take hisplace as minister of the Grace Church in the Osaka area.

Harold and Lois are planning a trip to the U.S. during Feb. and March.The Eustis Florida Church will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary during thelatter half of Feb., and we want to attend that and visit old friends there.Following that we plan brief visits in our children's homes and with our

brothers and sisters in scattered places. Also we plan to renew contacts withas many of our supporting churches as possible during the 7 week period.Wo know that snow-storms disrupt all kinds of travel during that season of l.hoyear and would ask your prayers for us as we make the many stops on the schedule.

Many people ask us about retirement plans, and we are trusting that Godwill give clear guidance as we contemplate time, place, type of activity andother matters related to that period of our lives which is approaching. But woplan to return to Japan in early April—in time for yearly business meetings ofthe local church and other organizations with which we have responsibilities,and to continue the work here for at least 2 or 3 more years. We ask you tojoin us in prayer to the Lord of the Harvest that He will send forth worthylaborers into His harvest fields.

Glory to God in the Highest

And on earth peace...

Harold and Lois Sims

M̂ 4^ //

MctW.i mmi mdAH