JONATHAN AND VERLA SIMS CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS TO JAPAN
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others, II Timothy 2:2 VOLUME 15 FIRST QUARTER 1995 NUMBER 1 TRANSFER OF THE JOEL HOME Mr. Oka, the owner of the Joel Home, is getting up in years. Since his two daughters did not want to inherit the Joel Home, Mr. Oka decided to donate it to the Lx)rd's work. After he discussed the transfer with several churches, the Mejirodia church was chosen. But transfer is very complex, so it took about a year to complete all the paperwork. But on December 31, 1994, the transaction was completed. In order that people in the community realize that this home is actually a church, we are in the process of renaming the home. We have had many suggestions but have not come up with an appropriate name yet. But that will be decided soon. The congregation is also trying to think of innovative ways to attract people in the neighborhood to. join our services. Tracts are no longer successful as they are handed out in abundance, and people have grown tired of them. And since some groups such as Jehovah Witness have been very pushy, people are antagonistic toward door-to- door evangelism. YMCA ENGLISH RTRTE TTASS Although attendance has remained low in Jonathan's Saturday morning Bible class, those who come are asking deeper questions. Recently one of the class members mentioned that she has gotten more out of Jonathan's Bible class than former Bible classes. She felt that was due to the fact that he was bom in Japan so understands more fuUy the Japanese culture. Since textbooks are geared to American thinking, the Japanese don't understand many of the thoughts. Therefore, the class has challenged him to write his own textbook specifically answering many of their questions. Two weeks ago Mr. Wakabayashi, a businessman, joined the Bible class. He is married with three children, and is a very personable man. Jonathan and I were thrilled when we heard of his decision to quit his job and go into full- time ministry. Lord willing. Since education is much cheaper in the states, he is praying it be possible to study at a seminary in SpringjSeld, Missouri. When Mrs. Ozawa, a non-christian class member heard of his decision to leave a financially secure position, to uproot his family, to enter the ministry, she was totally astounded! So Mr. Wakabayashi's decision has been a testimony in itself, bringing much discussion. We ask for your prayers in this challenging decision of his. POSSIBLE CHURCH GROWTH Jonathan is presently teaching English to one of oxir neighbors, Mrs. Honda, who specifically stated she did not want to leam Bible. Although she still has not shown any interest in attending any of our Sunday morning worship services, she has attended our last two mini concerts. We were very happy when she informed us on March 23rd that her oldest daughter, 20 years old, would like to leam the songs in the Sanbika hymnal, but that she wants to leam them in English. Mrs. Honda likes my voice and asked Jonathan if I would sing the songs in English while the rest of the congregation sang them in Japanese. When Jonathan replied yes, she asked him if her daughter could sit next to me in order to learn the songs in that way. So we must never give up, even when situations seem hopeless, as God is always by our side. PRIVATE ENGLISH CLASSES Although two of Jonathan's English students discontinued classes at the end of 1994, we picked up a new student on March 7. Her name is Chisato, and she is 6 years old. Since she was bom and lived 5 1/2 years in the states, even attending the first grade there, her grandmother wanted her to continue learning English. When the class was first being arranged, the family asked that I be the teacher, as they felt their daughter would be more comfortable with a woman. But at that time, I was still experiencing morning sickness plus many migraines, so we said we'd only teach as a team. Although I was very nervous during the first class session, never having taught before, I soon was very comfortable with Chisato. We decided to have me listen to her read, correct her pronunciation if necessary, etc., and that Jonathan would do the workbook material. But I became so excited once I began, that I have almost totally taken over the class. But Jonathan told me that I was a natural teacher and not to feel bad. PERILS OF .TAPAN As most of you know, on January 17 a very devastating earthquake hit Kobe City and surrounding area. It killed around 5,000 people, injured approximately 25,000, and left about 300,000 homeless. Many churches as well as individuals, both here and abroad, came to the aid of these victims. It was very touching to see people dedicate hQurs of their time to help cook for, serve to, provide clothing and other supplies, etc. to these people. On March 20th another horrifying event took place in Japan. Several people planted poisonous chemicals in several passenger cars on the Hibiya subway line in the Tokyo area. The finnes were very toxic killing 10 people, leaving about 5,000 injured, and causing much panic. The police suspect that it was members from a religious sect. Several arrests were made after finding the chemical in branch offices of that religious organization. UPDATE ON VERLA>S PREGNANCY Unlike in the states where a doctor doesn't want to see a pregnant woman until the 11th week of her pregnancy, in Japan the doctor wants to see the woman as soon as she suspects she is pregnant. He then sees her every 3 weeks (taking a picture of the fetus at each visit) until the eighth month where the visits are every two weeks. During the ninth month the visits are weekly, of course. The doctors here also want to keep the woman's weight to a bare minimum with the understanding that the more you gain, the more difficult the delivery becomes. At my last visit I had a very good report. We guess that our nutritious eating habits have paid off, as our baby has a very strong heartbeat and is growing faster than normal, even for an American baby. I have surprisingjy kept my weight down, having only gained 4 lb at week 20. But we are sure that it will be increasing at a fast rate in the months to come. i:)ECREASE IN THE nPLLAR As the U.S. dollar continues to decrease, it is becoming harder and harder for missionaries to survive in Japan. At last report the value of the dollar was only 88 cents with reports that it may even drop as low as 80 cents. Although things will be pretty tight for us, especially with a baby on the way, we are confident that God will continue to meet all our needs. But we do ask for your continued prayers. Luke 12:29-31 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1126 Laurel Avenue Chesapeake, Virginia 23325 Address Correction Raqnested He bore the sinofmany made mtercessum ^ for the transgressors. Iscdah53-12 Jonathan and Verla Sims 4-17-30 Rokkakubashi Kanagawa ku Yokohama-shi 221 Japan Gloria Asbell Renee Sisson Forward Agents Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chesapeake, VA PERMIT NO. 48 HISSIOfIb SERVICES ASSOCIATION 50X li27 KNOXVILLE, IN 37901 CAJ REPORT JONATHAN AND VERLA SIMS CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS TO JAPAN And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliabU men^ho wtH also be qmlijied to teach others. II Timothy 2:2 NUMBER 2 VOLUME 15 SECOND QUARTER 1995 .ay the Lord direct your hearts into God's love. 2 TbetuIoniAiU 3: SARIN GAS INCIDENTS Many of you have been very concerned about our safety during the sarin gas incidents which took place here during March and April. The Japanese police, through many investigations, have determined that the AUM truth religion group ( a new cult) was responsible for randomly placing these harmful gas- producing chemicals in various subway trains, causing 10 deaths and 5,000 injuries plus upsetting many commuters. On May 15 the Japanese police raided the headquarters of this group and arrested the head leader who was hiding in a secret room between floors of a building there. Since then most of the 40 leaders have been arrested, charged, and are awaiting trial. EASTER SERVICES In April Japanese admire the beauty of cherry blossoms by going to parks for picnics. They like to drink alcohol and have fun. Japanese for the most part do not know anything about our Heavenly Father, who created everything for His glory. If we could somehow reach them with the Gospel, we are confident that churches would grow here. Many people must feel some void in their life, as new kinds of religious groups are expanding rapidly. But with all the news about the AUM group, the general public are now afraid of any religion. Please pray that people will open their hearts to Christianity. NEW YMCA TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES Since April is the start of the new school year in Japan, English teaching opportunities have opened for Jonathan at the Yokohama YMCA. Besides his English Bible class (which has increased), he is now teaching 1 English class at the Totsuka YMCA and 3 at the Nishi YMCA. This is an answer to prayer as it provides some yen income to offset the loss in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar. Pray that he will be able to plant some seeds for the Gospel through his teaching and life. JOEL HOME OUTREACH Since our attendance has remained low at the Joel Home, we have been trying to think of innovative ways to attract our neighbors. Mr. Oka came up with the idea of writing a short letter each month which explained a basic truth of Christianity. Jonathan then types the letter in Japanese on his word processor, and we make copies which we distribute in our neighborhood. Mr. Oka feels that wide distribution of ordinary tracts or flyers wouldn't work since they're overly used by merchants, and people are tired of them. On the other hand, a letter may perhaps be read and spark an interest in our Sunday morning worship. Please pray with us that people will be receptive to this new idea. PERSONAL ENGLISH CLASSES Three of Jonathan's private English classes ceased around the beginning of 1995 due to one reason or another. And the class that we were jointly teaching to Chisato (6-yr old girl) ended on June 1 due to her lack of interest, tiredness, and trying to establish new friendships after spending most of her life in the U.S. We are sorry that Chisato's class ended because we had just begun teaching her some Bible stories. Please pray that we had some influence on her during the time we spent with her. She still likes us very much, and when Jonathan called her family the middle of June, her dad said she can't wait to come see us again. PREGNANCY PROGRESS As of June 17, I was 8 months pregnant. As most pregnant women feel at this stage of pregnancy, I'm tired of it! Ha! I suppose not sleeping well at night any more has something to do with it. But I'm basically feeling good and getting plenty of exercise which should help in the birthing process. On June 14 and June 28 we attended the two preparation lectures offered through the clinic where I'm going. Jonathan was the only male at the first lecture (my interpreter), but another husband attended the second lecture. After the class we visited with the other couple and found out that their baby is due just two days before mine. We also visited with a woman who is due October 1. Although she can't speak English, she said that she wanted to be my friend, and we exchanged addresses. Praise the Lord for contacts. LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1126 Laurel Avenue Chesapeake, Virginia 23325 Address Correction Requested Romans 15:5,6 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gloria Asbell Renee Sisson Forwarding Agents Jonathan and Verla Sims 4-17-30 Rokkakubashi Kanagawa ku Yokohama-shi 221 Japan (Note: VERLA'S ANTICIPATED DUE "DATE IS 8/5795) Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chesapeake, VA PERMIT NO. 48 MISSIONS SERVICES ASSOCIATION BOX 2427 KNOXVILLE, IN 37901 CAT REPORT JONATHAN AND VERLA SIMS CHRIST'S AMBASSADORS TO JAPAN "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mindhas conceived what Godhaspreparedfor those who love Him." Isaiah 64:4 VOLUME 15 Third & Fourth Quarter 1995 r\SLjnnLG^ slneill calted (wlnicln mearLS, God is with ulsX' tvlatthew 1:23 1995 JOEL HOIVTE OUTREACH UPDATE Each month since May 1995, Mr. Oka has been writing a circular which includes ascripture verse, its meaning, plus personal note. After typing and making copies, Verla and I have been distributing them throughout our neighborhood. It is our prayer that it vrill be read and move someone enough to attend our Joel Home worship services. Although wehave seen no response todate, we pray seeds are being planted. YMCA TEACHING UPDATE I am very thankful that when the U.S. dollar declined so dmstically last spring. God answered our prayers by opening up several teaching positions for me at the YMCA. Up until April 1995,1 had only been teaching one English Bible class. But nowI am currently teaching four more classes, one at the TotsukaYMCA, andthree at the Nishi YMCA. Although these classes are strictly for teaching the English language, at times I have shared some oftheJoel Home happenings and have also invited my students toattend our worship services. Adthough people are friendly andat times act interested, none have attended thus far. But one young high school student was veiy willing to accept a Gideon Bible. Praise die Lord! PERSONAL UPDATE Verla's due date was August 6. But on August 14 she still had not gone into labor so her Dr. decided to give her a mildsolution of oxytccin, andwewere toldthat ourbabyprobably wouldn't arrive until thenext morning. But at 4:14 pm she gave birth to our beautiful son, BenjaminJon, who weight in at 8 lbs. 1oz. And was 20" long. He hadlots of dark hair, to Verla's delight. What a way to celebrate oursecond wedding anniversary. Yes, we had beenmarried exactly two years the day of his birth. Pretty neat anniversary gift huh?! BENJA^ON AT 3 WEEKS As of December 14, Benjamin turned four months old. We can not tell you how many people's hearts he has already touched withhis beautiftd smile, verbal expressions, andcuteactions. To Verla's surprise, she has let many people hold Benjamin, some even being strangers. Unlike his parents, Benjamin is quite the socializer, seemingly unafraid of almost anyone. With his personality, it is ourearnest prayer that he someday beable todo great things for our Lord Jesus Christ. THANKSGTVLNG The annual missionary Thanksgiving gathering was again held at my parents home in Mejirodai, Tokyo This is one of our largest-attended meetings. This year we believe there were 46 in attendance, 27 adults and 19 children. Aftera delicious potluck supper, including - - - ^ turkey and all the trimmings, we all assembled in the sanctuary where each of us, including wrmmmWi children, shared something we were thankful for. It was a wonderful way to share in each other's joys. MY BIG DECISION I knowthe following statement will beshocking news for most of you, but onNov. 181 made the decision for my family and I toreturn tothe states where I will beseeking some type of ministry-related work. After serving in Japan for 14 years, I'm sure you can imagine what agony I went through in making this momentous decision. Although many factors were involved, themain one was the lack of any church growth during a five-year span. Since now is the besttime tobegin searching for a ministry-related position, my fanuly andI will be leaving Japan onJanuary 9. Therefore, much work needs tobedone within the next few weeks. We have already secured our plane tickets from Japan toCalifornia (best route). We don't know where God will lead us, but we will begin our new endeavor in Ames, Iowa. BIG MOVING SALE In late November a representative from Nippon Express came to estimate ourmoving expense. Atthat time we were given arough estimate of$12,000. double that ofmoving here. So we decided to sell as much ofour furmture, etc., as possible. Ofcourse, we couldn't take our TYWCR, cassette recorder, orappliances anyway. As those items are made for use in Japan only. Since we didn'twant topay $200 (not a typo) for local newspaper advertising, I decided tojust put up some large posters in the neighborhood But toentice more customers, Verla decided tohave abake sale as well. So she spent hours before andduring the sale making dozens of muffins, bars, andcookies. As it turned out, few people came. But wedidmanage to sell a lot of little items, some larger ones, anda baked goods. .We were sorry ourbeddidn't sell but have decided to leave it here as it would cost S1800 toship. You're probably wondering what happened to all the left over baked goods. Well, I didn't get them all. Verla made many gift packs and gave some to our neighbors, sent some to fiiends, and froze the rest to use at our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service. h CHRISTMAS We've received many letters stating what a fun Christinas this year would be with little Benjamin to share it with. Althoughwe've sold our Christmastree, our spirits have not been dampened in the least because Christ remains in our home and hearts. We praise God daily for all the blessings He bestows on us! Since Dec. 24 falls on a Sunday this year, we have high hopes for a greater turnout at our annual Christmas Eve candlelight service. However, Verla and I regret that due to our big move, we won't have the time to present a musical selection this year. SPECIAL REQUEST Verla and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for so faithfully supporting our ministry throughout the years withyoursteadfast prayers and/or financial support, many love offerings, Christmas presents, etc. Your love has simply overwhelmedus so manytimes. That is whywe find it extremely difficult to make one final appeal to you. As youare aware, it maytake some time and financial resources before I can secure a permanent position, which probably means relocation for my family and I, plus another adjustment to a new environment Therefore, we covetyour prayers andaskthat youcontinue your financial supportfor us throughJune 1996. Although we will no longer be ministering in Japan, we want you to knowthat our love for you will never cease. We'd loveto keep in touch withyouand will informyouof our newaddress whensettled. My God's grace be with each ofyou during 1996. 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 HAPPY NEW YEAR LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1126 Laurel Avenue Chesapeake, VA 23325 Address Correction Requested mssioHS SERVICES associruon BOX 2427 KNOXVILIL Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Chesapeake, VA PERMENTNO. 48