hikikomori - shut in's

I have wanted to right about this for some time. I have been reading about a problem that is amongst some young Japanese people. One leading Pscyhiatrist went as far to say there was as many as 1 million people who suffer from this. 1% of the population.

"a problem known in Japan as hikikomori, which translates as "withdrawal" and refers to a person sequestered in his room for six months or longer with no social life beyond his home. (The word is a noun that describes both the problem and the person suffering from it and is also an adjective, like "alcoholic.") Some hikikomori do occasionally emerge from their rooms for meals with their parents, late-night runs to convenience stores or, in Takeshi's case, once-a-month trips to buy CD's. And though female hikikomori exist and may be undercounted, experts estimate that about 80 percent of the hikikomori are male, some as young as 13 or 14 and some who live in their rooms for 15 years or more."

This is from an interesting article by a journalist who visited some shut in's.

NY Times - Shutting Themselves in

Another issue that faces Japan is suicide. Last year around 30,000 people comitted suicide in Japan. That is an enourmous amount of people who have struggled with live to the point that they have given up. Not to count those who continue to struggle through life with out any saving hope or a way out; wishing they could die.

Everyday that we are here I pray that we might have an opportunity to share the Grace and Love of Jesus with people. Grace that says "You don't have to work hard to get life, just believe and recieve." Love that says, "I love you as you are."

Pray for us as we position ourselves as light in this country and pray for Japan that they may see God's love for them.

Out of Darkness

Have you ever been in such darkness it scared you? When I was 18yrs I went to work in a coal mine. About 1.5 kilometres underground. We had to wear these helmets with a little light on the front so we could see.
My first day of doing this was training day. We went down in an underground car. It was like riding on a roller coaster in the dark. Because the roof was low it felt like we were going really fast. We would be turning right and left, and over little dips. It was great. Eventually we stopped and had to get out. The car drove off and we stood there with our lights on. Then we were told. “Now turn your lights off.” It was pitch black. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. My heart was pounding. It felt like eternity before we were told, “OK, turn on your lights. Your light is important take care of it.” Wow. I came to appreciate light through that experience. We cannot live without light or we will go crazy and eventually we will die.

Is 59:9b–10a and 60:1-2. This was written more than 2000 yrs ago. The nation of Israel had heard from God many times in the past but because of their sin He was silent and mankind was living in darkness. Waiting in hope that one day their Messiah would come and bring light.

When Jesus came, He brought light. John 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” People gathered to the light; wherever Jesus went, people gathered to see and hear Him.

Spiritually we are all in darkness and we need Jesus to bring light to our lives. The light of understanding that will cause us to respond; “Oh, that’s why I am here. That’s my purpose. You love me.” You have a purpose for being here. You are not just here just to exist, eat food, sleep, go shopping, make babies, eat more food, sleep and then die. You have a purpose.

Japan is a nation with so much light- neon signs everywhere. Yet as a people – there is so much darkness. People are lost in the darkness, crying out, “Help me. Is there more to life? Why am I here? Won’t someone notice me?”

Last Monday night I went out to a Sushi train restaurant. Afterward we walked around 3rd Planet at BiVi; it’s an entertainment centre with lots of computer games. We were both amazed. It was a Monday night and there were so many people out. Most of them were playing games alone. “Wow, look at these people, they are adults, not kids.” Most people were in their 30’s. “They are lonely and bored.” The truth is they are in the darkness and not sure how to get out so they are trying to escape by playing a computer game.

We are all in darkness until we meet Jesus. Then He sends us to be the light of the world. Matt 5:14.
Yet sometimes as Christians we can feel like we are alone in darkness. Sometimes it feels like Jesus is far off. “He’s not answering my prayer. I don’t know what to do next with my life. I want to get married but he hasn’t brought my partner to me yet. My family isn’t saved. My friends won’t listen. God are you there?”

No matter what is happening in your life, you are not alone; He is always with you. His word is a light to your feet, a lamp unto your path. He is the light within you. Though you walk through the valley of shadow of death – He is with you. The valley of darkness, the valley of singleness, the valley of feeling like a failure, the valley of loneliness. Whatever your valley is – you’re not alone.
Sometimes we can feel like we are on a YAMA with KAMI SAMA. Other times it may feel like a dark valley. But He is walking with you, lighting the way. He is calling you to trust Him.

Is 59:9b–10a and 60:1-2.

59:9b We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness!
59:10a We grope for the wall like the blind, And we grope as if we had no eyes;

60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

60:2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

Matt 5:14
14 “You are the light of the world.”

Sushi is growing on me.

My first experience of sashimi (raw fish) was enough to make me want to vomit (it was a cheap and nasty meal.) But I have had 4 opportunities to eat sushi in the last 4 months and have enjoyed the food and the experience.

My favourite, Hamburger sushi.

Next there was the raw salmon.


Kaiten zushi is what the Japanese call this style of restaurant. They find it funny that we refer to it in the west as a sushi train restaurant. The place we went to costs $1.00 per plate. So the locals really throw down a few plates worth. We waited 2 hours to get a table (it was a public holiday though.)

First time we went was with one of our English classes. You can see Sharon and I looking through from the other side.



The second time I went was with a Japanese pastor from America. He left Japan when he was 15 yrs old and has been living in Texas for the last 16 years. He has a very strong Texan accent and a great appetite for sushi. I had a great time eating and talking with him.



Third time we went for sushi was with our Pastor and his wife. What a great couple they are.
He likes the expensive $2.00 plates.



And the forth time of eating sushi this month was at a sushi party. We had to roll our own sushi. I tried eveything, salmon, eel, octopus, suid, and mince. lol.



But, you can't beat a BBQ Japanese style with Aussie beef. We were told they had too much meat and didn't want to keep it so we had to eat it all. I said, "No problem, I need to catch up on my meat eating." Delicious..........

Awesome Violin Concert

Last Thursday we had a summer concert with a violinist from the USA. I'm not a great fan of the violin but this guy made that little instrument come alive. There was an awesome presence of God as he played.

The church was packed as Japanese people love concerts and especially professional players. We had 5 students come and they brought their families. It was great to see so many people in church, to be enjoying the presence of God and to hear the word. He preached a great message. He made a comment that we can be such polite people on the outside but also be wearing a mask that hides the true person inside. Sadly many Japanese wear a mask because they feel they need to conform. They are too scared to come out and be themselves. Only Jesus can set us free from this bondage.

Church is a great place to find freedom.

Does Facebook blog really work?

I am testing my facebook blog to see if it works.

True love not in a Karaoke Song

John 15:9-14 Recently we went to Karaoke with some of our students. I found the gospel section. “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” I was singing about the magnificent God we serve.
We were given a thick book full of songs and I noticed there were so many love songs. A lot of songs are written by a person to express their love to another person or by a person desiring love. “When I fall in love.” “I want to know what love is; I want you to show me.”

Everybody desires love. We need to know we are loved, that we are wanted. In John 3:16 Jesus said, “God so loved the world.” God loves this crazy world we live in and he loves you. The God that made you loves you. He hasn’t abandoned you to just worship an idol or at a shrine. He wants to have a relationship with you. He wants you to know him. Many people go to the shrine or temple and have no real connection with anything, just a superstition that tells them if you come here and pray you may get blessed. Well in Jesus we have love and purpose of life.

John 15:13 This is the greatest form of love; to sacrifice oneself for another. And Jesus has done this. Though he was despised and rejected by this world He loved this world and gave Himself for it.

Do you want to know great love? It’s not in a Karaoke song. It’s not in having a boy say, “I love you” and giving you flowers or a girl saying “I love you” and giving you chocolates. It’s in laying your life down for another. He has shown you the highest form of love.

If you don’t know Jesus he is calling to you; He wants you to know Him. He wants to give you hope in your life. He loves you and wants you to have a fulfilled life.

Karaoke Night

What an enjoyable experience. Some of our students were keen to go out singing and show us how the Japanese do it. We went to place that was having it's 2nd anniversary, so the rooms were newer. We paid for the premium room, we thought we might as well experience the best of Karaoke. About $18.00 each for 2 hours.

I was first up singing "I believe I can fly." Then came ABBA from the girls, the beatles and so on.


With free soft drink the 2 hours went past very quick.



After our experience we discovered you can pay around $9.00 during the weekday and stay as long as you like until 6pm. So Sharon and I have plans to go again.



Later we were told by one of our sudents who is a businessman that it is common for office workers, businessmen and women to go for drinks after work and then go to Karaoke once their walls are down. He said it is a great way to build community amongst your work collegues. I must agree, even in our short time together our students seemed more open toward us later. We finished the night off at McDonalds.

Coming soon - Our first experience of Karaoke

Tragedy in Japan

Yesterday on the news I read about the young man that went on a stabbing frenzy in downtown Tokyo. yahoo newsWhat a tragedy. The thing I heard through the report was the young man claimed he didn't want to live. What sadness that others had to die for his lack of desire to live.

My heart now goes out for those who are mourning from this; but this also brings me to think, how many other young men are on the edge? Fustrated with life, having no meaning and no purpose in their life has to come to an edge at some point. Many suffer in silence whilst some choose other ways to release their pain.

For Japan the issues aren't seen untill a tradegy like this surfaces. This just highlights to me the need for a Saviour. Not one out of a Manga magazine but the creator of our lives.

Despite this incident there is great things happening in Japan. Through our church here in Kyoto and other great church's
jesuslifehouse jhouse

If anyone is looking to serve in Japan these are three great church's to consider.

May the light of Jesus rise and bring hope to this nation.

Japan - A nation in need of Jesus

My other purpose for writting this blog is to bring attention to some of the issues that I see or hear about in Japan. Just as I was inspired and challenged to come to Japan by a number of blogs being written by people living in Japan, I want to also inspire more Young people to come to Japan. Blogs that inspired me:
izumi's blog

daveandnat

Today I came across a sad article about babies being dumped off at a hospital.
The associated press

A least the babies are well cared for. I just find it sad to hear about this stories. This is just one place that recieves babies; It would be interesting to know if this was a big problem.

I found another article from last year;
Japan baby drop box abused

Adventure World

During Golden week our good friends Yuichi and Tomomi took us to Wakayama.

We visited Adventure world. The home of the Panda Bear.

Everyone wants to be a Panda.

Kawai ne. Aren't they cute?

That's not all though. How about a kiss from the camel?

Or a lick from a giraffe?

Many cool animals. It is really amazing to think how creative God is. There are so many peculiar looking animals. God must have had a good time making all these weird animals and then he lets Adam name them. Adam must have been smart. I don't think Charles Darwin was all that smart. How could he think all these creatures came form on singular cell/slime. Sorry he missed the point I think he just couldn't accept that someone smater then him created them all and us.

We were made by a creative God who loves us all immensely.

The Kiss of Aslan

I have been preaching a lot about Grace and I am using a story that Jesus told about a son who asked his father for his inheritance and than the son goes to a far land and spends it all. When he comes to himself he decides to return to the father and ask for forgiveness. The response from the father is amazing. Luke 15:11- 32

Many people would think the father would attack the son with abuse or pull out a samurai sword and hack him to pieces. But the father runs to the son, and hugs and kisses him. Instead of anger the father shows grace. Just like this lion instead of attacking her he kisses her.

God doesn't want to judge and condemn you he wants to kiss you which means to accept you as his son / daughter.

When I preached this at Church I said, "Tonight we are going to focus on the kiss of the father. For you to fully understand this message I need for you to experience a kiss. SO everybody please stand." One girl shot to her feet while every one was looking around nervously. "Is he for real?" Then I said, "jordan desu." (Just kidding.) The pastor said to me, "Japanese are too reserved for that." I replied, "Don't worry I was just kidding." The funniest thing was the girl who jumped up. She really wanted a kiss. lol

Grace that runs to me.

I have been inspired by the story of the prodigal Luke 15. It is a great story from Jesus to the pharisees of why he hangs out with sinners. We can learn so much from this for our own lives and our attitude to reaching lost people with God's grace.

But first we need to experience grace. How do most Christians respond to grace? I have met so many that still feel bad for the things they did many years ago. Or they made a few mistakes through the week and now wonder what does God think of me? Would Jesus want to hang out with me now?

Through this story I see that through Grace, God the father runs to us just like the father did in this story. He hugs us with an embrace that accepts us no matter what we've done. While preparing these messages I came across the free hugs video.

We watched this video in church the night I preached about the hug. I think you need to experience a hug to relate to Grace hugging you.

In Japanese culture hugging is kind of a thing that is not done and is even considered childish. The bow is all about respect but no hugging is carried on in the general culture. I have heard many responses to this but I will write more later.

The night I preached on hugging it was good to see the church embracing each other and showing acceptance to each other.

The grace of God wants to run and embrace you, to give you big bear hug.

Purikura

We had an experience of Purikura (print club) last year with some friends last year. Japanese girls just love them. I remember our home stay from Japan in 2006 had a book full of pictures of herslf and her friends.

We decided to make one of the items that people had to get for Nexus pictures from a purikura machine.

When we planned the night we didn't know that only girls were allowed into the building where all the machines were; unless they were with a girl. This created a problem for my team as we were all boys and they didn't want to go in. I couldn't read the signs so I was wondering what's wrong with these guys. Eventually one of the guys sister came with us while we took our pic's.

Highlights from April

Well for anyone who remembered it was my birthday. I love having a birthday here in Japan. Not sure if it's a Japanese thing or just that our friends and English students here are so thoughtful and caring. Recieved presents, cards and letters so happy birthday. And 4 birthday cakes at different times.

We did a lot of sightseeing with our friend Beccy. See previous post.

April was the first night of nexus for this year. For more info on what we do at Nexus click on the link http://www.nexuskyoto.blogspot.com/

More Sakura pic's

Just thought I'd add some more pic's of Sakura. You can see how beautiful Japan can be.

These pic's are from Kiyomizu dera (Temple)

Jumper

I enjoyed this movie. It thought it had some interesting idea's. Some of which I shared at a special Sunday Youth service at Kyoto Gospel Church.

"Jumper” is a movie about a boy whose mother left him when he was 5 yrs old. His dad was an alcoholic and at school he was teased. One day everything changed when he fell through a layer of ice on a river. He went under the ice, into the water and was drowning. No one could save him.

Suddenly he is in the town library. He is lying on the floor amongst all these books, water was everywhere. He soon discover's that he can jump through time. (Not a true story.)
Because he hates the life he is in, he choses to escape by jumping to another place; to start a new life. He steals money from banks and lives life the way he wants to. He thinks he is free.
But by the end of the movie he finds out there were consequences for his free lifestyle and because of his ability.

There are many people who would love to jump out of the life they are in and find a new life. Some Westerners think, “I will move to Japan to find the peace that the Japanese have.” But I have come to see even Japanese want to jump out of this life. They do this by leaving Japan, by wearing strange clothes and having strange hair styles. They want to break away from the life they have known, they don’t want to conform. Some even try jumping out of life through suicide. So tragic.

Ecclesiastics 11:9-12:1

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth are vanity. Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say,

If you could jump to another place – my question is, would it bring you lasting happiness? Or only more emptiness? Would it bring honor to the God who made you? There is a God who made you and one day you will have to give an account for how you have lived your life.

Verse 10 “Remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh.” How do I do that? “I keep doing wrong. I keep making mistakes.” The God, who created you, loves you so much that he sent His son, Jesus to jumped through time to take away our sorrow and the judgement for our evil. One day when I stand before God, I know I won’t have to fear judgement for my life, because I have confidence that Jesus has taken all my sin, shame and selfishness. Do you know this too?

Matt 11:28 Jesus once said, “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” What he is saying is, “If you want to jump out of this life; come to me and I will take your struggles and give you rest.” Jesus can give you life.

Cherry blossom Sakura

Another beautiful year of seeing the Cherry blossom. I remember Ken Watanabe's words in "The Last Samurai."

"The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life."

We have now seen two perfect blossoms. This time we were able to share it with Beccy Hill. our friend from Ipswich Australia.

WOW 1 month past already.

Wow, we have been back one month already. Our English classes are had a decline in numbers at the beginning of the year but now that we are back and have advertised and we are picking up new students.

All our students are great value. We love teaching, spending time with them and sharing our lives with them.

Today is our day off, (yasumi). Sharon has gone out with one student and I am about to go out with another student, to the movies.

The thing I love about being in Japan is bein able to spend time with people who don't know Jesus and being able to spend time with them.

We are back.

Ipswich City Christian Church

We have been back in Kyoto over a week now. We had a great time back in Australia for a month holiday. It was soooooooooo good to see our family and friends and visit our great church family in Ipswich. If you are in the Ipswich area try Ipswich City Christian Church.

We have a great year planned ahead in Kyoto. Check out our Nexus blog or wait till I have time to update here.

Nice big juicy steak.

Fish and Chips.

Time with family.

Swimming in flooded rivers.