Burney Donald Norma 1959 Japan

^ ^05 Myoken, Kachomura5*f- /, y A'^^ ^Hagaokagun, KochikenV Shikoku, Japan

^ ly J ^ 6, 1959Dear Christian Friends, March

In the two months since I wrote last, there have been many, many causesto rejoice, and a few sorrows, but we consider it a very important timein the growth of individual Christians, and the Strengthening of the church.It seems that the forces of Satan are always xmloosed upon the young inChrist, and upon any work which seems to be taking people away from Satan'scontrol and leading them into the protection of the Lord God. The effectof the difficulties we have encountered upon the infant church in Myokenis, I think, that that first exhuberant happiness they had found in Christis gone, and in its place a more mature, sober peace in Him, and a determination that Christ SHALL be shov;n to the coimmmity.

Quite frankly, we have discussed at length the question of whether to talkover our troubles with you. If the Christians of America understand thatall does not go smoothly on the foreign field, will it destroy their "Faithin Missions"? (Just what "faith in missions" means is subject to debate,I think I can tell you what it is NOT, however. A "faith in missions"Tidiioh'oan be"destroyed" CANNOT refer to faith in the necessity of, theScriptural teaching for, evangelism--else would my faith in God's Word bedestroyed by puny man's insufficiency and imperfection.) We decided that ifwe were to tell you only the victories, and nothing of the small defeats,that it would be impossible for you to understand the conditions under "vhic^hevangelism must be done in this community and in Japan, and more than that,you would be unable to pray intelligently and effectively for us,

Our biggest long-range problem, in this community was carused bygossip J (Did you thlnic it was found only in your community?) It happenedthat a Christian, in describing how Christ can change lives, told of thekind of person he had been before he met Christ, From this the gossipspread through the community--"If that is the kind of people Christians are,then I don't want anything to do with Christianity." Of course, you willsay, they didn't tinderstand that that life is different now. How to makethem understand? What can travel as far as godsip travels? Hovf can onefight gossip? It will be harder to evangelize this section now. Some whowere attending have stopped, and friends have even come to some of theChristians advising them to have nothing more to do with Christianity!Never before has it been so apparent that gossip is the tool of the devil.We and the Christians must try to live unreproachable lives, spread theGospel as far as we can, and pray for the community. If you will join usin prayer, then perhaps there IS something that will travel as far as gossip!

There was another problem v/hich affected the church itself more seriously.There has been an internal problem nhich could have hurt the infant-church,but by God's grace did not. One of those who was numberfd with the Christianswas proven to be an evil man, and in search of money. Mr. Katto--and^it iswith regret that I feel I must mention his name since the things mentionedabout bVffl in a previous letter have been proven to be lies, Mr. Katto liedeven v/hile making his "good confession," recoiinting his false version of hispast life, and after that so many times that now no one believes anything heever said. He seems to have loved money and lies above all else. When finallyfaced with his lies by Satoru Matsumura and two other Christians, and myself(all of whom had thoroughly investigated the taruth beforehand) he admitted them,and then told new ones. He finally said that he did not believe in Christ,He was one who thought godliness a way of gain." The chiirch decided to con-

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side-t as one outside the fellowship--in other words, as one to fee won forGhri'-5te Pray with us that he will repent, "show fruits worthy of repentance",and "become a Christian. Pray also, that this man*s sinfulness will not mean

_ a further set-back in the growth of the Lord's church.

The Christians of the Myoken Church of Christ have been strengthened ratherthan weakened. Let me tell you about a few of them. Satoru (Sa-to'doo)Matsumura (Ma-1soo-moo'da), whom we have mentioned many times,is growingto the place that he is filling a real place of service for the Christ. This"Hew Years Message" which he wrote for publication in our weekly bulletinwill be interesting to you, and humbling, as an evidence of his faith. ^"Congratulations upon having entered the Hew Year I Since this is the firsttims for me to face a new year as a Christian, I have also a new goal.^ Thatgoa; is to show forth the glory of God by living in obedience to the Bible.In trder to do that I must study the Bible more and more. Last year I sijanedin "Various things and small problems upset me. However, this year I wantto 'iave the love shown in the Bible in all things. I want to avoid grievingChr'.st; rather may I obey Christ in everything and waJLk hand in hand with God."

Anojher story we would like to share with you is that of a woman in her mid-f0^Ues, Mrs. Kusenose (Koo-se-no'se). Her home being near

. ^eonly airport in this province, during the early days of the Occupationshe got a job working for the forces stationed there. She saidshe eirst heard about Christ from a young British serviceman^enough that shewanted to learn more. Several years later she saw an announcement of ourmeeting in the newspaper and came. When after listening for four nights,the iivitation was offered for the first time, she was among those whoaccepVed. She continues faithful in her attendance at church and Bible Study,even though it means an hour's walk after she gets off the street car beforeshe reaches home. The testimony and teaching of some unknown serviceman andthe firther teaching of the evangelist has borne eteral fruit. The churchhas aiblg joke on her. One ni^t she stayed after church to talkchurch,whichistarte at 7:00 p.m., and talk often last until 11:00 p.m. and whenshe g

Dear Gliristian Prionds,

30? Myoken, KachomixraHagaolragnn^ KochllconShikoiru, JapanMay 2, 1959

Oi;^ third ovan.-oli3tic meeting (April 7-April 12) ended a weeh ago, wehave auite a hit ornews'for you. Our evangelist this tirae was Mr, Oda (Don'toonfuso hh-a with Mr; Ota, who is the youiig man Yfho preaches at Myolcen every-,other weekend.) Mr. OcTa, our evangelist for the meeting, is the Greek professorat Osal

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noocls Vfhlch is ^ollowed^by'anoro^dotailod'' aM^ financialin tho order in v/hich thov r.raat bo acc-.-nH^:;^ ar.A-x. t a jiiux'o aoi:axi.ca oxpiarixii tho ordor xn v/hxch they r.tast bo accoiiiplishod,

X, BuiXding fund bo covcn pu3?ch.asG' of Xand fop blio Myokon cbupch. r'/^z-v

. 2. BuiXding fund bo covor buiXdirn-'of * ' .|X,500.a chiipoh bulXding ^

3, FurXough Fund (TravoX and pelabod^ ^ ?P500.00, expenses of comins W in I9&).. . . . . ,$2,000.00

lijim oS'ot s'lSj S'af;4nSi.SSvS!~'schedule, I suppose''l Ly^TC'dllld0aT?^ln tov'or^Jluadc any Serious plans. If soMethiro- hacocns d^d fd" ^J960, Wo havdnv/arrent it, wo would be willinr/to" staV 00 ^ months toto-have the family settled in the States bv Selto^lJd^'' ^a:grade-school. May i960 is only one year

ohurchLdSnS WiU aaeXf,-prayer bo G-od concoi^l2io'"bhis'nood wnii you can do y(Mynkon -Ohrisbian-a, Wxbh^li^aorvLol sbSw ^or^i

extra- oxpenso^ We neod the,er;-why -not^dltdus' a^porsona^^^^ activities, etc., your bulletin

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.Xour liixnisbspG an Japanj

P.'S,Mr. Mabsujiiura (Ma-bsoo-mooMa)bbd 4- v00 much in the Lord, that it is unboliovabld A-fo,r has gr KochilcGn

'Shikoloi,, Japan

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Our Porvfardl^ Secretary; (For funds)Garland Potby ^590 Wosb XXbhSbroeb 'Boru, Indiana

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Ddar Frlendg In Christi

Our Ministers In Japan Don and Normii Burney# wio hav#worked so diligently the past 4 years, planting theword of God, in southern Japan, tell us they have anopportunity to build a House of Worship in Gomen, pro*viding they ban secure the finances neoesaary to complete this project* Their most urgent need at this tineis $1500*00 to purchase land, and an additional $1500.00to purchase materialj such as cement blocks, lumber,etc*, with the labor being furnished by enthused natives*Don and Horma tell us, "The Time Is Now*" As land isincreasing in price every day, as^Ts material, and in asmuch as the opportunity and desires are there, plus theland and the labor, wo hero at home also realise - "TheTime la Mow*"

Therefore some of the churches who are supporting theseMinisters In Japan, namelyi Treaty, Bachelor Creek, Maoy,Onward and Salem, feel we are obligated to answer thisurgent appeal for funds to open this new field, thus weare appealing to you as a brother we can look forwardto in time of need for a donation of Just $1*00 (onedollar)* naturally if you care or can give more. Itwill be deeply appreciated and accepted* Do not delay "The Time Is Mow" for you to Give* Please accept thisas yo\ir Mii^ionary obligation today*DQM'T WAIT - GIVE MOW - for "The Time Is Now*"

With your help and prayers in this A new Churchcan be planted on the Island of Shlkoku and Christcan be glorified and souls may be saved for eternity*

May His blessings be upon you now and forever*

In His service.

Elders of t SalemBachelor Creek

Trea-tyOnward

Maoy

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P*S* As you send your offering to Mr. Garland Petty,59S West 11th Street, Peru, Ind. , please designate it asan offering for the building fund*

Removing ruat from girder

5pOSPbtain ^

The Building Committee

THANK TON LORD - For this important step fomrnrd in makingit possible for us to obtain a 20 ft. x 48 ft. quonsetbuilding from the U.S. Armed Foroes abandoned camp in Tokyo.Our only expense being $210.00 for dismantling and transportation charges from Tokyo to Myoken. It will now becomethe futiare house of worship of the Myoken Church of Christ.

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ipainting the girder

lAND CAN NOW DE PURCHASEDTHANK YOU CHRISTIAN FRIENDS - For another important step

forward in making it possible, through your giving, to havethe $1500.00 to purchase the land for Vyoken house of worship. OxjT need now is for an additional $1500.00 to remodeland convert the above building into a house of worship atVyoken. We pray you will ansTrer our plea for this extra donation, that re might continue to build His Kingdom on earth.

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May HiiLJjleesing be upon you, now and forever, in His service, fjElders:

Salem

Bachelor Creek

TreatyOnward

Macy