Kavanah is the Jewish term for being intentionally attentive to God's presence in every aspect of living. For example, I always invite God to get on the bicycle with me when I go for a ride. I often sense his presence on the bike. I dialogue with him processing events as I drive in the car-and he often interjects comments or directives. We are not all gifted the same way. However, every believer has the Holy Spirit and can communicate with-and receive whispers from-the God who...
When my children were small, I often read the Chronicles of Narnia to them before they went to bed. It was a lot of fun for all of us and I can see the influence of those times even now. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuGUVkO0cRM was recently made into a movie and Mary Jo and I received a pass to a screening of the movie shortly before it was released. We...
The following are case studies of Japanese lay Christians who have multiplied through evangelism. I would enjoy feedback. Thanks!
1.) Ai (Office Worker): Marketplace Evangelism
I was born in Naha, the prefectural capital of Okinawa, Japan. I am the second of four daughters. My father is a carpenter and my mother is a housewife. Both are now believers so there was no problem giving up the family altar (butsudan) or any of the associated rituals...
A3 Advent Devotional • December 17, 2010
by Wendi Thomson
I don’t remember my first Christmas, being that I was only six weeks old. But it was one of significance for my family. And lately, as challenges have come my way, I’ve been recalling the lessons my family learned during that time.
Every year my parents would drive the 1000 miles from Seattle to Dinuba, California in the San Joaquin Valley to spend the holidays with relatives. The Christmas of 1966 was the first time I would meet my extended family and my grandmother, in particular, was looking forward to our arrival. Though she did not talk openly about it, Grandma knew she was dying of heart disease and exhibited great determination to see her youngest grandchild before passing on. She had a reason beyond the usual.
That year my parents had been building their “dream” house, working closely with the architect to think through every material, every detail. The house was just days from being finished and most belongings had been moved into the new home when a stranger with mental problems burned the house to the ground.
Of course my parents were stunned by this setback. They lost the house, many of their possessions (including photos), and were wrapped up in legal wranglings. Grandma feared for the health of my mom as she was five months pregnant at the time. She also worried that this trauma would somehow leave a mark on the baby. Hence, she determined to stay alive to see me with her own eyes, if she could.
As Christmas approaches, I turn to the story of the annunciation to read Mary’s response when the angel Gabriel reveals she will give birth to the Savior of the world. In an instant, Mary’s life path veers from any she might have imagined. And yet, when God intrudes into her life, Mary welcomes his coming with joy, calling herself blessed.
Again and again throughout her life, Mary’s faithfulness requires complete trust in a heavenly Father who is good and loving despite the pain obedience demands.
I see that same faith in my parents. They never talk about the house fire or other challenging times without mentioning the many blessings that followed. Grandma needn’t have worried. Foundational to their faith is the knowledge that our God can be trusted.
In my life, God has repeatedly proved himself good, loving, and merciful. He has never failed to provide every necessary thing, for he has great plans and nothing is impossible with him. Even when things are tough, when ministry doesn’t go as planned, when God changes the course of my plans, I have the rock-solid truth to stand on that God is Sovereign. And I can answer as Mary did, “Let it be with me just as you say.”
Two days after my grandmother first held me, she went to be with Jesus. I hope that as she looked upon me, she was assured that God is in control and He is worthy of our trust.
Wendi Thomson
Former A3 Missionary
Sanda, Japan
A3 Advent Devotional • November 30, 2010I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but when I was in high school my friends and I would plan how to find boyfriends in time for Christmas. We never really succeeded. I laugh about it now but at that time we were very serious about who to spend the holiday with and how we might find him...
- by Sue Takamoto -
Our family is preparing to come back to Sanda, Japan in a few days with many mixed emotions—how can it be otherwise? Tonight our oldest son Owen was listing all the places we could go upon our return; the friends we will be able to meet again; the Japanese food we can once again enjoy.
But there are always tears, as it means once again parting from loved ones. Those who know me or have read my blog (The Takameter) consistently know that this is the most difficult challenge for me in being a missionary…
Japan's Yen rate continues to climb, pressure missionaries
- by Jeff Johnston -
The Japanese Yen (¥) rate is approaching the strongest level in 15 years recently — hitting ¥85.33 to US$1 earlier this month.
According to Bloomberg's Alex Kowalski, the Yen rate has climbed 3% against all 16 major currencies this year. He writes:
"The yen typically strengthens in times of financial turmoil as Japan's trade surplus makes the currency attractive as it means the nation does not have to rely on overseas lenders."
Tokyo makes anime-style guide to boost tourism
By: Jeff Johnston (sources: AP & Kyodo)
Tokyo's metropolitan government has produced an anime short to highlight sightseeing spots around the city. The aim is to lure more tourists to the capital city of Japan.
The short entitled "Welcome to Tokyo" runs about 11 minutes and cost the city about ¥49 million (about US$ 575,000) to create. To make it more accessible to foreign tourists, they offer subtitled versions in English and six other languages. It has been posted Tokyo's English website (under the Tourism, Culture and Sports. Check it out here...
In his upcoming Time article entitled "A Clouded Outlook," (August 2, 2010) Michael Schuman writes a sobering view of Japan's malaise and dismal economic outlook for the future. The 4-page article helps to see the big picture of the economic reality, which has been stagnant since the bubble burst in the early 1990s...
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