Japanese are very talented - Part 2.

This guy is amazing. I saw him play the same song with Tommy Immanuel on another you tube video. Enjoy....

From Emptiness to Fullness

Recently I felt compelled to write out my testimony in less than 100 words and make a gospel track so I could give it out to people when the opportunity arose.

Have you ever felt empty inside? I used to feel empty inside and wondered why I was the way I was. What was the point to my life? As a child I learnt about Jesus but I never knew Him. As a young person I felt insecure; I was shy and wouldn't say much. But one day ....

今までに心の中の虚しさを感じたことってある？僕は以前、自分の中に虚しさがあって、どうして僕はこんな風なんだ？って思ってた。僕の人生で大切なものって何だろう？子どもの頃イエス様のことを聞いたけど、よく分からなかった。若い頃は自信がなくて、恥ずかしがり屋で、口下手だった。でもある日･･･

I was told if I put my trust in jesus and followed Him, He would give me new life and make life better. I surrendered to Jesus and decided to follow Him. From that day I went from feeling empty to being full. I now have a purpose for my life. I have gone from being insecure to being secure in who I am.

もしイエス様を信じて従っていくなら、イエス様は僕に新しい命を与えてくださって、僕の人生は素晴らしいものになるって教えられたんだ。僕はイエス様に自分を委ねて、イエス様に従っていくことを決めたその日から、虚しい気持ちが消えて、心の中が満たされたんだ。今、僕の人生には意義がある。僕が僕であることに自信が持てるようになったんだ。

I have discovered we are all seperated from the God who created us because of sin and selfishness. We life our way.

罪や自己中心のせいで、僕たちはみんな創造主である神様から引き離されてしまったんだ。僕たちは、自分勝手に生きている。

We try many things to bridge this gap. Praying at shrines and temples, being a good person etc.

僕たちは、この溝を埋めるために、いろいろなことを試してみるんだ。神社やお寺にお参りしたり、良い人になってみたり･･･。

We try many things to fill the emptiness in our lives - more money, more shopping, relationships, gambling, and so on. But only a relationship with Jesus can fill our empitnessand help us cross to the God who created us.

僕たちは、人生の虚しさを埋めるためにも、いろいろなことを試してみる。お金、ショッピング、人間関係、ギャンブルなどなど。でも、イエス様との関係だけが、僕たちの虚しさを満たすことができ、僕たちを創造主である神様のところに行く手助けをしてくれるんだ。

Do you want to cross the gap? Do you want to have a fulfilled, purpose filled life?

きみは、この溝を越えたい？満ち足りた、意義のある人生を過ごしたい？

Without a relationship with Jesus you will remain seperated from God forever.

イエス様との関係がなければ、きみは永遠に神様から離れたままになる。

You can know Him today by praying to Him. "Jesus, help me know you. Forgive me of my sin and show me a fulfilled, purpose filled life. Amen"

さあ、お祈りを通してイエス様を知ることができるよ。「イエス様、どうかあなたのことをもっと知ることができるよう助けてください。私の罪を赦し、満ち足りた意義のある人生を示してください。」

Church Summer camp

August is Summer camp time in Kyoto Gospel Church. One week all the children and youth go away for camp and then the following week everyone can go to the summer camp conference which is held with a number of other churches.



We went to a place near Kobe called Sanda and we stayed in the New Hankyu Hotel. It was very nice.

Yuichi making some beats on an Electric kit. Hiroto is in the front watching, he loves drums.

Welcome team.

The girls led some awesome Praise and Worship. What a great meeting with God.

I suppose one other highlight was having our own room with our own shower, beds and a TV.

I was able to enjoy watching the Olympics. GO Australia.

We all need friends.

I have been preaching a series on Friendships recently. I have enjoyed this series as I have reflected on the many friendships I have had over my life. Friends are important. Some I wish I could spend more time with and some I wish I could get rid of. lol. :) I love you all and thank you for reading.

Here are some thoughts.

Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Nobody wants to be alone. We all have a desire for friendship. The truth is we were made for friendship and the bible is full of principles to help us have good friendships.

1. To keep your friends you have to be friendly.

If you don’t give to your friendships they will slowly weaken.
Matt 7:12 “Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” In friendship you have to sow what you want to reap. If you want friends to be there for you when you are in need; be there for them. If you want your friends to forgive you when you make mistakes; then forgive them. Be the friend you want others to be to you.

2. Be friendly first. I have heard many people say, “But I don’t have any friends.” Every time I hear this I point to this verse. You want friends? Be friendly yourself.

3. You need Sticky Friends. Notice it says, “…a friend who sticks…” We need friends that stick to us like honey, no matter what we go through. And if we want sticky friends then we have to be sticky friends as well.

4. Why does it say “But”? Because even when you’re not friendly, even when you’re ugly, even when you’ve made mistakes, even if all your friends have left you. You are not alone. There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Jesus is the stickiest friend; he is the best friend who is better than a brother. He will stick with you no matter what if you come into friendship with Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He sicks closer than a brother.

Japanese are very talented.

Every now and then I come across some really talented Japanese people.

Check out the video of this girl Koharu. She makes this thing come alive. Whatever Japanese people apply themselves to they go for excellence.

Korean Invasion

We had a team of Koreans from YWAM visit our church last week. They were a beautiful team of young people. They have a great heart to pray and reach out to Japan. They were traveling around Japan visiting different places and we were blessed to have them come here for one night.

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.