-
A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxev famll
to the friends of the Kyushu Christian MissionKanoya, Kagoahima
893, Japan - Box 49, North Vernon, Ind. 47269
Linkletter No. 191 January, 1970
Dear Christian friends,
Were you born in 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946 or 1958? If so,this is
your year - the Year of the Dog. You are loyal, honest,friendly and
inspire confidence. On the other hand you may sinkyour teeth into
causes and people you don't like. In any case,you can like yourself
for most people like you, too. The firststamp of the year in Japan
always honors the animal of that year.We are off to good start with
dogs at our house. Last fall Hopeacquired a dog, the dog acquired
two puppies which now look liketwo Huskies from Alaska. We are
enjoying them.
During much of 1969 it seemed 1970 would be a year toendure and
wait for a better season to roll around. Now I have amuch brighter
view. The Nixon-Sato announcement of the reversionof Okinawa in
1972 brought a definite change of air in Japan.National elections
here in December confirmed continued closeties between the U.S. and
Japan. Revolution had seemed possible.Now the police have forcibly
removed the barricades at most ofJapan's 852 universities and
education has begun again after alapse of over a year.
Japan's economic progress has been praised world-widebut an
editorial in The Japan Times questions that: "No one hasanswered to
our satisfaction the question of why a people with aper capita
income ranking 21st in the world are paying the world'shighest
prices for many items in terms of real quality - for ihousing, in
many areas of food and services, and for utili- Sties. Or why, in
some cases, we are being charged more for HJapan-made products than
those same goods are bringing on Hthe retail market on the other
side of the globe...It is time flthat we, as individuals, took
stock of ourselves. We have Vbeen labeled 'economic animals' and
with justification. There Mmust be a moral reawakening, the revival
of moral conscience.' Ifl
We have had positive examples of moral reawakening jHthrough
Jesus Christ recently. 8 years ago Mr. Tsuchimochi Hbrought his
wife to me so she could become a Christian. WkStrangely, he was the
one to embrace the Gospel while his Hwife resisted it. He was
faithful at church bringing his ^children. Recently they moved to
Koyama. When I went to call, mnot only the mother but the two
oldest daughters confessed HChrist also. I baptized them December
14.
't.
NEW YEAR'S STAMP
ii-l2^
HOPE AND HER PUPPIES
1*1
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
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Sunday morning, December 21, everybody took communion at
Kagoshima church but Reiko Motoyoshi. After service, Iasked her why
she wasn't a Christian. She said she was 'tryingto get ready' to
become one. I said that was like 'trying toget well' before going
to see the doctor. On Christmas Day, Iwent to Kagoshima and
baptized her in the Japanese bath of Mrs.Motomura, one of the first
members of the church. It would behard to spend a happier Christmas
Day than that.
A year ago I noticed an unusually perceptive youngman in my
English Bible class at Kagoshima. When he asked meabout a good
commentary, I suggested R.C. Foster's three volume Life of Christ
which he promptly bought and began to study.On December 1st,
Hiroshi Morioka wrote me: I want to devotemy life to the study of
the Bible, giving up my school. It isvery difficult for me to study
both medicine and the Bible. I think I must cast away medicinewith
comfort life. How do you think of my thought? I would like to hear
your opinion on next Saturday. Erasmus said, 'I am firmly resolved
to die in the Study of the Scriptures; in them are allmy joy and
all my peace.''"
On Saturday he told me he had finished three years of medical
training, had threeto go and that his parents supported him
generously at school but they had no interest in religion. The next
thing was to tell them of his decision. On December 22 he wrote
again: "1^ fatherana~mother allowed me "to" go to Bible"Seminary,
but they don't help me. I must go for myself. Imust work to eat
hereafter. Please pray for my parents. They have lost their only
son. Only Godwould comfort them." We wrote immediately to encourage
him and to share our Christmas money withhim. The next Sunday he
told the Kagoshima church of his decision and of the sorrow he had
hadwith his family. The Christians immediately gathered around him
to pray. It was a joyous spiritual experience. He had been
sprinkled previously but requested immersion. This was set for
thenext Sunday, January 4. Bro Motoyoshi had been saying that the
church needed a baptistry. Assoon as the service was over he put on
his hat and set off to find one. It was in place for thenext
Sunday. Since I was sick in bed, Bro. Motoyoshi was the first one
to use it as he baptizedBro. Morioka into Christ. On January 5,
Morioka San was on his way to Osaka Bible Seminary withthe
blessings and farewells of the church. Pres. Clark and the faculty
had agreed to admit himat the beginning of the winter term.
Remember that name: MORIOKA. You will hear of him again.
It was wonderful to have Greg and Faith home for two whole
weeks. They enjoyed beingable to sleep late and eat their fill of
Mother's good cooking. We had a good Christmas day, allwent out to
supp.^r together to celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary and on
December 30 we hadGreg's 18th birthday party at home. The day after
the kids went back to school, Hope lay in herbed and cried her
heart out in lonliness. We know just how she felt.
The combination of 14 consecutive Christmas gatherings,,
numerous guests and outsideobligations, plus much time spent
preparing a paper on the Relationship of Church and State inthe New
Testament to be given at a seminar near Tokyo January 6 proved too
much. The flu bug gotto me December 31 and I wasn't able to get out
for 11 days. It was a lousy way to begin the year.
We have been blessed by-your -ca-r-d-s, Ict-t-er-s and
remembrances.-Thank vou. It-means--morethan we can say to know that
we are in your thoughts and prayer^,.--"""'' '
IN HIS SERVICI,''LINKLETTER
Monthly Publication ofKYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSION
Box 49, North Vernon,Indiana 47265
RETURN REQUESTED
.'lission SaervicesBox 968Joliet Illinois 6043^
MARRIED 28 YEARS
Non-JRrofit Organization,U.S.POSTAGE
PAIDLouisville, Kentucky
Permit No.537
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A monthly rtpere by th Mark G. Maxav famtl
to th friends of the Kyushu Christian MissionKanoya, Kagoahlma
893, Japan > Box 49, North Vemon, Ind. 47269
Linkletter No. 192
Dear Christian friends,
1 February, 1970
Kanoya is not only south of Tokyo, it is also 500miles west of
that city. This means that the clock hereshould read about 45
minutes later than Tokyo time but itdoesn't. Japan has the same
time for the entire nation and MARTIN CLARK: QUESTIONS
ANSWEREDthere is no daylight savings time in the summer. In
January, the sun rises in Kanoya dsout 7 A.M.and by 5:45 P.M. it is
dark and the evening chill has set in. The days are short, the
holidaysare over and the only thing left is to hope for spring.
This makes a good time for a session ofintensive Bible study,
something we have done in January for a good many years. The plan
isfor the outlying churches to have a condensed four hour session
with a meal together in betweenand then one full week at the
Christian Center in Kanoya.
Our lecturer this year was Martin B Clark, President of Osaka
Bible Seminary for thepast 20 years. His subject; "Patterns of the
Church in the Book of Acts." Since he has taught thisbook 15 times
at the Seminary, he was full of his subject. This made for good
listening and goodstudy. Our schedule went as follows: Saturday,
Jan. 24, Kushikino, 5-10 p.m.; Sunday, Kagoshima,10 till 2 p.m.
with Bro. Motoyoshi assisting; Sunday afternoon, 4-8 p.m. Tarumizu
with Bro. YoshiLinterpreting then and the rest of the week;
Monday-Friday, 7-9 p.m., Christian Center (Hope attended faithfully
and was one of 7 who got a certificate out of the 22 who attended);
Thursday,1-2.30 p.m.. Leper Colony; Sunday, Feb. 1, 10-2 p.m.,
Suevoshi; Sunday afternoon, 4-8 p.m.,Kajiki and Monday, 5-9 p.m,
Nishinomote church on the next island south. This was a total of30
hours of teaching to 142 people in 8 different places plus 17 or
more hours of travel timein between. This was a rugged schedule but
Bro. Clark took in in good grace while fighting offa cold at the
same time. His concluding challenge was that a passion for souls
was the most important pattern of the early church. We must
duplicate that pattern today if we would win Japan.Martin will be
in the U.S. from April thru November. Write him at Bok 696, San
Jose, CA 95106.
i
1
AT THE LEPER COLONY - 5 MILES FROM KANOYA AT KUSHIKINO - BRO.
TANIJIRI, MINISTER
1"^ ' 'Mm
BRO.YOSHII AT TARUMIZU LAST NIGHT AT CHRISTIAN CENTER WITH
BRO.MOTOYOSHII - KAGOSHIMA
-
OSAKA BIBLE SEMINARY
Mr. and Mrs Martin B. Clark
APR 1 11370
USA Address.Box 696San. Jose, CA 95106
Japan Address31-6 chome, Nakamiya-cho
Asahi-ku, Osaka 535,Japan
Dear Friends in Christ:
I know you are anxious to hear about Expo '70. We did goand so
did 420,000other people all on Monday March 30. It was the largest
attendance yet and wethought Mondays would be the least. The U.S.A.
pavilion is the greatest attraction v/ith people lined up almost a
mile waiting 4-6 hours to see the moonstones* Every pavilion is
packed.
Graduation saw our first five year degrees given to two young
men. Two youngladies received their Christian Education
Certificates. A special acknowledgement was given to one student
from Okinawa following our joint plan with Okinawa Christians in
Bible College work. Mark Maxey gave the first I4aude MaxeyElrod
award to one of the young ladies for outstanding initiative in
evangelism,
One of the graduating young men and one of the young ladies who
graduated lastyear were married the day after graduation. The most
beautiful part is that wenow have another splendid Christian home
for Japan.
The February 28 issue of Christian Standard carries an article
by Paul Ceciltitled "All-out Venture." This article concerns the
new work into v/hich ourson, Paul, and his family will be entering
as of the first of June. Pray forthem. We think it is a tremendous
project.You probably have the latest issue of "Sparks" by now,about
it, please.
If not write to us
The February issue of National Geographic carried an article on
agriculture.The double .picture on pages 17^ and 175 is where
Pauline's husband works. Heis in cTiarge of the elevator for
feeding the 125,000 head of Montfort beef.Incidently Pauline is
recovered, although the cause of her fever is still unknowns
Evelyn and I will be on the V/est Coast for most of our short
furlough. Ofcourse the families will see us for some of this time.
In case you write tous the address is Box 696, San Jose, California
95106.
Our budget for this year has increased another ten percent over
last year.We are in serious need of added supporters to take up the
increase which ourfaithful "regulars" cannot be expected to do, I
realize everyone is sayingthe same thing, but your prayers and
concern are needed urgently.
I am asking my faithful partner here in the office to write
letters to youin ray absence. VJhen you see Yoshiko Kuyama's
signature on the dotted lineyou will know what a wonderful helper I
have.
May God bless you.
In Christ,Martin B. Clark
-
A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey famll^
to the friends of the Kyushu Christian MissionKanoya, Kagoshima
893, Japan - Box 49, North Vernon, Ind. 47269
Linkletter No. 193 March, 1970 M ill.NAMPu 'Dear Christian
friends,
Take the Japanese character for a cloud full of rain: ^. Combine
it with the character for lightning: % . Now you
have the Japanese for electricity: W. > It is pronounced:
"denki."Take the character for mouth: P . Plus the character for
words: NAMPU = SOUTH WIND
a . Add the character for tongue: g . This is the Japanese With
the coldest spring in 30word for speaking: IS It is pronounced:
"wa." Put electricity years now in progress here, I(den) and
speaking (wa) together and you have the word: ^ Or wish some would
blow this way,"Denwa". Literally, "electric speaking." That is the
Japanese wordfor the telephone. We have one at our house (Number
2-2374) andits jingle-jangle can be heard at all hours. I can't
decide if it is a curse or blessing. Itdepends on the hour of the
night or how tired I am. Here are some recent conversations:March
5. Kanova. 3 p.m. Policeman: "Do you have a man at the Christian
Center named Mr. limure?"'^es, I do but he's gone to the post
office just now." Well, he has just had an accident soyou'd better
come to the hospital as soon as possible."
On his way to the post office on a motorcyle, Mr. limure was
brushed from behind bya passing car. He crashed into a parked car,
fracturing his skull in two places. He will be inthe hospital for
several months. The prayers of the church have been offered for him
and he ismaking better progress than expected. In time, he will
recover his full facilities we believe.Meanwhile, I am picking up
his Sunday preaching duties as much as possible and also trying
todo some of his work at the Christian Center Book Store. Since Mr.
limure also mailed out theLINKLETTER eacli month there may be some
delays in the next few issues.February 27 Nishinomiya City, Mrs.
George Beckman: "Have you heard anything from MatsumotoSan?" "No, I
haven't!""He has quit his job, didn't collect his pay, sent his
bedding home andleft his lodging two weeks ago. Nobody has heard
from him since."
Matsumoto San is from Koyama, just a few miles away. He had
dropped out of OsakaBible Seminary and was working to earn enough
money to go to the U.S. Now it has been six weeksand nobody has
heard anything yet. In that time his Grandmother has died, his
Father has becomeill, and his Mother has become haggard with worry
and the work of keeping their shoe shop open.His hopes and the
hopes of those who loved him have dimmed. The eldest son has
disappeared. Theprayers of all of us seek him out wherever he
is.
March 3. Kanoya. Hideo Yoshii: "Did you hear about the fire the
other night?" "I heard the sirens but I don't know where the fire
was." "It was at Takasu. Several houses were burnt down,including
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yamashita. They lost everything they had
but their bedding.The Kanoya church is taking an offering to help
them. I thought you would like to know. Wouldyou tell the other
churches where you preach this Sunday?"
Bro. Yamashita has been crippled by a wasting disease. He can
not use his legs noreven sit up without help. A neighbor boy
carried him to safety. He has a wife and small son.Pauline found
some warm clothes for the family and we added our offerings to that
of the otherChristians of the area. The Yamashita's owned a very
small house on rented land. After a firethe landowner need not rent
to them again. They must look for another piece of land and try
tobuild again.
March 18, 9 p.m. Kanoya Naval Air Station Base Operations: "Mr.
Maxey, this is Lt. Vitosky speaking. We are on the way from Okinawa
to Yokota Air Base with three helicopters and a crew of tenmen. We
must spend the night in Kanoya. We need supper and a place to spend
the night. Can youhelp us?" "Hang up and I'll call you back in a
few minutes." The owner of the Heki-sui Kantells me he has. room
for ten but it is too late to feed them. I help the men get settled
atthe hotel and walk across town with them to a good restaurant
that stays open late. The heatershad been taken out of the
helicopters in Viet Nam. The men are miserable with cold. Warm
foodrevives their spirits and we have a good visit while they
eat.
-
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March 19> 7.15 a.m. Uchinoura Post Office: "This is Mr.
Murayama speaking. i have a letterfrom America that I can not
understand. I will read it to you. Please write it all down.
Thentell me what it means. Do you have time?"
For anybody that calls that early in the morning, I have the
time. He reads a longletter from a man in New York who sells
commemorative envelopes. He wants the Uchinoura P.O.to make an
exclusive contract with himself to make special covers every time
there is a successful launching of a satellite from Uchinoura. He
states the terms he will give. I give theletter back to Murayama
San. He is amazed at the man's request. He says he will write a
replyin Japanese and call me again to have it put into English. I
agree to do that. It is 8.15 a.m.Time for morning devotions.
(The peninsula where, we are located is called Osumi
(oh-sue-me). Uchinoura is a smalltown 25 miles southeast of Kanoya
where Tokyo University has built a rocket base. The fame ofthis
base has put our area on the map. After four failures with the Mu-4
rocket, the February11 launching was the last chance to save the
program. With Capt. and Mrs. Swanson of theCoast and Geodetic
Survey, we were on hand to watch the satellite swoosh off into
space. Minuteslater we joined in the cheers when we heard it was in
orbit. Naturally we were proud alsowhen it was named "Osumi" (also
"Ohsumi) after our peninsula. The rest of the world,
however,cheered the event more than we did. It has been ten years
since the rocket base was built butthe only road that takes one to
that area is not yet paved. That may explain the four
failures.)Friday. February 27. American Embassy, Tokyo. Ass't.
Scientific Attache'; "The U.S. Coastand Geodetic Survey is sending
a team of men to Kanoya to finish their work on the
SatelliteTriangulation Program. They will arrive at the Kanoya
Naval Air Station at 1230 Monday in aa mat's C-130. Will you meet
them and help them get squared away?" I will!
Mondy is the best possible day as far as my schedule is
concerned. My old Chev truckis quite a contrast to the big air
transport when it arrives. My truck surprises me. It pullsthe
team's twelve ton trailer up the long hill and out to the site
without a sputter. Paulinehas the four men to supper. The telephone
gets a good workout arranging for all the servicesneeded. Gerry
McGill of Fern Creek, Ky. and Don Simmons of York, Pa. will remain
in Kanoyatill the end of June taking pictures of the satellite
PAGEOS every night that the weather isgood. We are enjoying our
frequent visits together.
I have made one trip to Tokyo. That night I invited all former
Christians from ourarea now living in Tokyo for supper at the Tokyo
YMCA. 16 were able to come. Each was askedto give a five minute
greeting but all found they had more to say than they thought.They
werehungry for fellowship with each other and to be encouraged in
their faith. The next day I wasable to meet all the missionaries in
Tokyo at a prayer service and lunch at Exie Fultz' home.Harold Sims
cheefully provided the irfieels for my Tokyo travels.
Pauline and Hope went with me to attend trustees meeting at
Osaka Bible Seminary.Before the meeting we had a meal together with
Homori-san and Morioka-san, the two Kyushu students. After the
meeting, we went to Kobe and took Greg and Faith out to supper. We
had ourlast visitwith the Clarks before their furlough. Pauline
went on to Kyoto Baptist Hospital foran overnight "test and then on
to Nagoya for" a one day visit witli Kiy^o,PauIa~an^" MegumiT
Hopeand I came on home ahead.
The demands on our time the last few weeks have been the
severest of our years here.Every minute has had to be budgeted.
Busy? Yes! Complaining? No! Bored? Never! Thank you fopkeeping us
here and praying for us often. Continue to do that, please. IN HIS
SERVICE
LINKLETTERMonthly Publication of
KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONBox 49, North Vernon,
Indiana 47265
RETURN REQUESTED'AiBStoQ. servicesBox 96H
f:'.-
f
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S.POSTAGE
PAIDLouisville, Kentucky
Permit No.537
Services
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A MONTHLY REPORT BY THE MARK G. MAXEY FAMILY
ruNKLerreRiTO THE FRIENDS OF THE KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSION
KANOYA, KAGOSHIMA 893, JAPAN - BOX 49, NORTH VERNON, IND.
47265
Linkletter No. 194 May, 197.0Dear Christian friends,
"Shibaraku deshita!" That's Japanese for, "It's been sometime
since we last met. We have good news to report:
Bro. limure hs completed 2% months in the hospital, is
makingfine progress and expects to be discharged fit and well about
the middleof June. Ryoichi Matsumoto has returned home after a long
absence. Hehad been working in a restaurant in northern Kyushu. He
is going to helpme at the Christian Center Book Store for a couple
of months. Mr. anHMrs. Yamashita of Takasu have a new house to
replace the one lost in afire. It is very small but they are
grateful. Help from their village,Kanoya church, other Christians,
the Nagoya convention and a reader ofthe LINKLETTER have made it
possible. This is true fellowship.i baptizedMrs. Ishigami at the
Kagoshima church on Resurrection Day. A talk byPauline at their
monthly women's meeting had inspired her to make thisdecision. Miss
Tsuruda made her confession of faith at Sueyoshi twoweeks later. We
went to the riverside the same hour for her baptism.Earlier, Bro.
Kikkawa, minister of the Ono church, Hyogo ken held a week'smeeting
there. His preaching and counseling helped her decide after overa
year of struggle.
When Mother died she left a legacy of a little over $500.
Sinceshe had spent three years in Japan and loved this country, I
decided todeposit the money in her name and use the interest for a
MAUDE MAXEYELROD EVANGELISM AWARD at graduation time each year to
an Osaka BibleSeminary student. It was a pleasure to present the
first award to MissMichiko Fukoe of Shikoku as the one who had best
exemplified the spiritof evangelism on her own initiative by
teaching the neighborhood children around the Seminary each week on
her own time and at her own expense.She was pleased to receive the
award but shocked that she should receivea cash gift for doing what
she loved to do. After Pres. Clark talked toher, she decided to use
the money to buy a projector to use in her work.
For a hard-to-get-to place we enjoy frequent visitors, somefrom
far away places: Johannes Eidt. lithographic artist from
Osnabruck,West Germany. He had visited us as a budding artist over
ten years ago.Terry Varvel of Gardena (Calif.) Christian church.
Bro. Yoshii had him 1speak at Kanoya church. Miss Susie Thomas, our
nearest missionary neigh-
MRS. ISHIGAMI & PAULINE
MISS TSURUDA OF SUEYOSHI
MICHIKO FUKOE & AWARD
70^^^5
mMuiPIU
KYUSHU GROUP - PAST & PRESENT - AT THE CONVENTION PROF. ODA
SPEAK
-
bor. She is writing a book of her life in a concentration camp
and we have been able to help inediting and proof reading. Mr.
& Mrs, Zensuke Higa. on their way back to Nago, Okinawa where
heministers after attending the Nagoya convention. Six Business Men
from Illinois on a 70 day studytour of Japan sponsored by Rotary
International Foundation. With Bro. Yoshii as interpreter,
theKanoya club hosted a day's trip around our area. They said it
was their best day in Japan so far.Their visit ended with coffee
and cake at our house. When Pauline asked what else she could do
forthem, one man said, "Here's my itinerary. Send me some of these
chocolate cupcakes often." Mrs.Leona Pratt of Whiting, Iowa. We met
the Pratts 21 years ago while preparing to come to Japan.They have
been faithful friends of this work ever since. Mrs. Pratt lost her
husband and daughterin an airplane accident four years ago. She
herself had bones broken in 52 places and was expectedto die. After
eight months in a cast and extensive surgery she is able to walk
again. Her cheerful,overcoming faith has been a blessing to us. She
has two fine, grown sons, Steve and Mike.
The annual convention of churches of Christ in Japan, No, 21,
was held in Nagoya (abouthalf-way between Osaka and Tokyo) May 2-5.
We always go. An added incentive this year was thefact that Nagoya
is where Paula and Kiyoto live. Mrs. Pratt went with us. We drove
to Oita in northeast Kyushu, took an overnight car ferry to Kobe,
picked up Faith and her friend, Debbie Gurney,at Canadian Academy
and arrived Saturday in time for lunch with the Yanagimotos. While
we atewe got re-acquainted with grandaughter, Megumi Pauline. Mo6t
of the convention planning and preparation fell on Mr, Yuse,
minister of the Nagoya church where Paula and Kiyoto belong. He
stagedone of the best.
The convention was held in a Japanese inn. The only chair there
was one we brought forMrs. Pratt. I had a bad cold when we started
and it got worse on the trip. I had to rest oftento keep going.
Since there were no beds in the hotel, one spot on the floor was as
good as another.On Sunday afternoon we could not resist a touch of
family pride as Kiyoto led the men's meeting inone section of the
hotel while Paula led the women's meeting in the other. Bro. Yuse
had asked meto bring the closing message Tuesday morning on
"Christian Life in the 70's." I had prepared thesermon in English
and sent it to Bro, Oda of Osaka Bible Seminary v^o prepared it in
Japanese. Wepreached it together and the Spirit blessed the
cooperative effort. A kindergarten teacher fromTanabe, Miss Oshima,
confessed her faith in Christ at the end of the message. It was a
moving moment and brought the convention to a close on a note of
victory.
Paula and Megumi returned as far as Osaka with us. Greg and
Faith joined us for four delightful hours at EXPO '70. The next day
Paula and I went to Japan Baptist Hospital. For Paula itwas in
preparation for the arrival of a new grandchild in August, For rae
it was to check up onchest pains I have been having. My friend. Dr.
Kinkawa of Kanoya, had diagnosed it as angina pector-is. The
hospital confirmed this but said I had no heart damage as yet. The
doctor gave me pillsto take three times a day for three months and
told me to get adequate rest, not to upset myselfwith worry and to
quit drinking coffee. Now why did he mess up a good prescription
with that business about coffee? Especially when there are two or
three unopened cans still in the pantry! Anyhow, we have had our
middle-aged reminder of mortality. Life is short. Make it count for
God andfor good!
Since I could find no white carnation in Kanoya to wear in
memory of my own Mother, Idecided to wear a red one on Mother's
Day.in honor of Pauline. When-I-explained this-to the groupin
Kushira where I preached that Sunday they burst into applause. I
wanted to cheer, too, butI had a lump in my throat . IN HIS
SERVICE, ^ ^STILL TIME TO ORDER YOUR DVBS MISSION STUDY PACKET.
$5.00 POSTPAID. BOX 49, NORTH VERNON. INDIANA
LINKLETTERMonthly Publication of
KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONBox 49, North Vernon,
Indiana 47265
RETURN REQUESTEDMission ServicesBox 698Joliet, ZI. 60434
Non-profit OrganizationU.S.POSTAGE
PAIDLouisville, Kentucky
Permit No.537
JUN 2197
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A MONTHLY REPORT BY THE MARK G. MAXEY FAMILY
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONKANOYA, KAGOSHIMA
893, JAPAN - BOX 49. NORTH VERNON, IND. 47265
Linkletter No. 195
Dear Christian friends,
July, 1970
GREGORY ALLEN MAXEY - 18
MARY AND WALTER MAXEY
We missed a letter to you in June. The spirit was willingbut the
flesh was weak. We have had six weeks of rain. On the very fewdays
when the sun has pierced the gloom, one can appreciate why theearly
Japanese began to worship the sun.
The last week in May, women from all the churches gatheredin
Kanoya to hear Leona Pratt tell how God had helped her turn
tragedyto triumph . It was one of the finest meetings ever held in
this area.Its effect was seen in the afternoon session when every
woman presentgave a personal testimony of God's working in their
lives and expressedthe desire to bear their trials more joyfully
and to commit their livesmore completely to God.
We said a reluctant farewell to Mrs. Pratt on May 25 asshe
returned to the U.S. We were almost home from the airport late
thatnight when a car shot around a curve on the wrong side of the
road andhit us head on, Hope was on the back seat and rolled to the
floor. Pauline and I were belted in and suffered only bruised
knees. The other driver also escaped injury but I don't
know,how.His car will never run again.He had been to a drinking
party three hours before. It was an expensiveparty. He had to
borrow $500 to repair our car and postpone his marriage.
-We are glad our lives were spared. God has some use for us
yet.
Spring time is graduation time. In May, WalterMark completed two
years of graduate work at CincinnatiBible Seminary for the Master
of Arts Degree. He wrot^his
^.thesis on "The Gap Theory of Genesis 1:1-2." His Mary,received
a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Educative at thesame ceremony. Mary
received a full scholarslufp at Xavier BiUniversity in Cincinnati
for one year of gradate study. "CWalter will continue another year
at Csfe f^ the Bachelor
,of Divinity degree. They are looking for>#Crd to returningto
Japan as missionaries next summer ^971). Churches who Vare looking
for a couple to support in the vital Japanfield should contact them
now.
'Mlt: I
We started out June 11 for Greg's graduation.I left home with a
fever and it got worse before we reached Kobe 24 hours later. It
turned out to be a urinary in- CONGRATULATING NEXT ROTARY
PRESIDENT
h
-
fection. Three visits to the hospital, strong medicine and many
hours in bed helped me turn thecorner. George and Ethel Beckman
opened their house to our family. How grateful we were for
that.
Pauline went to the Senior Banquet as Greg's guest of honor. He
wrote and read theclass prophecy. On Monday, the 15th, I was able
to attend the graduation service and offer prayer.Afterward we
helped Greg get his things packed and off to the U.S. It was quite
a struggle keepingboth the freight and ourselves dry in the driving
rain. Later in the week we visited Expo 70 (alsoin the rain,)
toured some of the historic spots in Nara and Kyoto before going to
the annual missionary convention held in Ono, June 19-22. Our
thanks to the Osaka missionaries for planning agood program and to
Harold ^nd Leone Cole for the local arrangements. Two highlights of
the convention were the messages by Bob Lillie (Colorado) on the
Second Coming and the inspiration of theOHIO SINGERS, a group of
eleven young people from Cincinnati Bible Seminary spending the
summer inJapan under the sponsorship of Paul and Kathleen Pratt. I
gave a Bible Study on Colossians, ChapterOne and led the singing
for an evening session. Between sessions I laid down and
rested.
We got home June 23, just in time to conduct the final meeting
of the Kanoya RotaryClub before turning over the gavel to the new
President, Mr. Komasa on July 1. As far as is known,I aF the first
foreigner ever to serve as President of a Rotary Club in Japan. It
was a challengeand an opportunity. Also a lot of hard work, I am
glad it is over. My sentiments echo those ofthe man who was ridden
out of town on a rail. His complaint was, "If it wasn't for the
honor ofthe thing, I would jus^ as soon have walked."
July 4 was Greg's departure date. Pauline prepared all his
favorite foods she couldthe last week. The Kanoya church had a
farewell meeting for him. Many friends came to our houseto say
farewell. Christians gathered in our driveway and offered prayers
in his behalf before weleft for the airport. Greg was born and
reared in Japan and a child of Japan he will always be.The family
said farewell at Kagoshima but I flew to Fukuoka (northern Kyushu)
with him to see himsafely off on the next leg of his journey to
Tokyo, to Honolulu, to Los Angeles, to Cincinnati,Ohio where he
will enter Cincinnati Bible Seminary to prepare for a ministry with
youth.
You think you will have a lot to say to each other in the last
few moments but this isnot so. The sadness of parting and the
thought of the miles and the years that will keep us frommeeting
again keep the tongue from saying what the heart feels. At last the
plane is called. Afirm handshake, a break in the voice as you try
to say a brave good-by, and the second son disappears down the
ramp. Another bird has left the nest to try his wings for himself.
We are gladthat Walter and Mary will be in Cincinnati for another
year so they can be together for that time.
The Newtown Church of Christ, Battle Creek, Michigan has been
Greg's living link churchfor over 15 years. They also will assist
him as he prepares for the ministry. We are grateful tothem. Also
special thanks are due those who have assisted in his educational
expenses in Japan:Kay Hoist of Pierre, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. John Neal
of Anthon, Iowa; the Loyal Berean Class ofNorth Vernon and the
Senior High II Class of Shively, Kentucky. God bless you all!
We still have two more at home. Hope will continue to study at
home with her Motherbeginning the 4th grade this fall. Faith has
three more years in Canadian Academy. Wlien she graduates in June,
1973 it will be time for our next furlough. That seems too far away
to think aboutnow. Meanwhile, we are-grate-fxrl" for every day God
gives us to live. Our prayer is that He willgive the spiritual and
physical strength to make each of those d^s one of service to Him.
Wewish the same for you. In His Service, ' - ^
7'
NOTE: WITHOUT OUR KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT THE POST OFFICE CANCELLED
BOX 49 AND GAVE US BLINKLETTER
Monthly Publication ofKYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONBox 417, North
Vemon,
)X 4i
Indiana 47265 AUGl 51970
Mission S>2rvicesBox 698Joliet, IL 60434
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDLouisville, Kentucky
Permit No. 537
NOTE:
-
A MONTHLY REPORT BY THE MARK G. MAXEY FAMILY
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONKANOYA, KAGOSHIMA
893, JAPAN - BOX 49, NORTH VcRNON, IND. 4726S
Linkletter No. 196
Dear Christian friends,
August, 1970
relaxing WITH PAUL PRATT
Mi
SINGING AT THE SCHOOLS
Pauline and I have two kinds of months - busy and busier.July
was busier. Every bed has been slept in many ~ ^times over and the
kitchen stove has sung merrilyall the day and some of the nights.
j
July 14-20 it was our pleasure to host the |}| ^OHIO SINGERS:
ten young people from Cincinnati Bible \ Hi"Seminary, one from
Ozark Bible College plus three Japanese Christian young men and
Paul Pratt.
Before they came I asked Paul how manytimes a day they could
sing. He said, "As many aspossible." Or something like that. I took
him athis word. In 7 days here the group put on 23 gospel concerts
at 8 schools, 4 churches, 4 town halls, f B''3 Rotary clubs, 1
college, 1 orphanage, 1 kindergar-ten and at the leper colony.
Total audience: 7000. ^Every church and every minister and every
Christian worked wholeheartedly to welcome them and rejoiced '
'V
in the testimony they gave in each community. '
The Singers were real troupers. Friday, the 17th they gave their
first concert at 10 a.m.When they gave their sixth program of the
day at 8p.m. that night, they could still sing, "I Woke UpThis
Morning Feeling Fine" with smiles that were SINGING AND Bigenuine.
The same night they had a 1% hour "talk" session with the Tarumizu
Young People and then wentfor a midnight swim in the ocean on the
way home. mAh, to be young again!
For me, the most touching moments were atthe leper colony. After
the 11 OHIO SINGERS had sungthere,a leper choir, also of 11 voices,
sang to themin return. Mr. Minami thanked the Singers withtears for
their coming. As we left, all the lepers || 1gathered outside to
sing, "God Be With You Till WeMeet Again." There were few dry eyes
among us. J
Thanks for coming Ohio Singers. You gave TALKINGus a blessing
and we hope you received one in return(Each of the Singers raised
the money for their ownround trip ticket to Japan.) Special thanks
go toPaul and Kathleen Pratt for sponsoring this groupand for
giving mightily of themselves and theirmeans to make their coming
possible.
The high point of every summer is the KA'GOSHIMA CHRISTIAN
SERVICE CAMP held right here inthe Christian Center and in our own
back yard. We.began this camp 20 years ago and it has been held
"every year since that time. It may be the oldest^, V *camp of its
kind in Japan since the war. This- ^ 3myear it was my turn to be
camp manager again. All fagreed it was the best camp that we have
ever had
-A
r^h
SINGING AND BEING SUNG TO AT THE LEPER COLONY
t4
TALKING TO YOUNG PEOPLE AT TARUMIZU
OHIO SINGERS - NOT SINGING, JUST SMILING
-
STUNT NIGHT CAMP FACULTY EXPOUNDING THE CAMP THEME
FIFTEEN CONFESSIONS OF FAITHr.
41
DAVID SIZEMORE, CAMP SPEAKER & 5 LIFE RECRUITSNOTE: IF YOU
WROTE US A LETTER THE WEEK OF .TITNF fi-
LINKLETTERMonthly Publication of
KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONBox 417, North Vernon,
Indiana 47265
but that was not due to me. It was due to the active
participation of every ministei+Koichi Ho-mori and Hiroshi Morioka
from Osaka Bible Semin-
the solid evening messages given byDavid Sizemore, Senior at
Lincoln Christian College. (Spending the summer with Bill
Turners,Osaka)
We had a total of 77 registered campersplus many evening and
Sunday visitors. Of thisgroup, 15 made a public committment to
Christ and5 promised to spend their lives in His service.Two of
these will enter Osaka Bible Seminary nextspring.
All the campers were divided into groupsnamed after the cities
to which Paul wrote lettersRomans, Corinthians, Thessalonians,
PhilippiansEphesians and Colossians. Each group prayed together
morning and night, worked together on campclean-up tasks, played
together in the afternoonand on the final night put on a play
together.
All preaching and teaching centered on thetheme: WE ARE GOD'S (I
Corinthians 3: 8-23).At theend of the week we were all closer to
Him than wehad been before. One important fact: 24 of thesecampers
were second generations believers. Inother words a signifigant
Christian community isbeing formed in this area.
A week like this week makes the wholeyear seem worthwhile. IN
HIS SERVICE
15 IT MAY HAVE BEEN LOST.Non-Prcfit Organization
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
Louisville, KentuckyPermit No. 537
.GAIN. NO^E
Klssion ServicesBox 698Jollet, XL 60434
1, ^
-"S
-
A MONTHLY REPORT BY THE MARK G. MAXEY FAMILY
iUNKLerreR ri rTO THE FRIENDS OF THE KYUSHU CHRISTIAN
MISSION
KANOYA, KAGOSHIMA 893, JAPAN-BOX 417, NORTH VERNON, IND.
47265Linkletter No. 197
Dear Christian friends,
When the troopship I was on sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge
for the Philippine Islands inJuly, 1945, it never occurred to me
that I was setting sail for my life's work. Pauline and I have
returned to the U.S. in 1948, 1955, 1962 and 1967 but most of our
life has been in Asia the past 25 years.
As I recall, I had two thoughts as the ground swells off the
California coast began to giveour ship, and most of the passengers,
the heaves. One thought was, "Will I ever get back to Paulineagain?
The other was, "Will I have the courage to carry on my work under
battle conditions?" I stilldo not know the answer to that question.
The war ended before our ship slowly zig-zagged its way intoManila
harbor five weeks later. As to the first question, it was two years
before I saw Pauline again.That was June, 1947 when she arrived in
Yokohama with Paula and an 18 month old son I had never seenWalter
Mark.
I had written a 'History of the Christian Mission in the
Philippine Islands" for my B.D. thesisin 1943. Thus these islands
and its missionary work had a special interest for me. During
chaplain assignments in Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan, I made a point
of visiting mission stations. During my 18months I spent time with
the Ray Carlsons in Cebu, Mrs. Leslie Wolfe and the Ben Allisons in
Manila andattended an annual convention of the Philippine Churches
of Christ, then and now, one of the great gatherings of our people.
It seemed natural that my committment would be to the Philippines.
The interestwas there and the invitation to come was there. Still
God had other plans for Pauline and me.
When it became evident that Pauline would not be able to join me
in Baguio, I requested a transfer to Japan. This came through in
December, 1946. Harlan Woodruff, long-time missionary in
Okinawa,was my traveling companion on the flight to Tokyo. Japan
was not much to see in those days. I rememberdriving a jeep across
miles of nothingness to visit the Owen Stills in Tokyo. And the
same thing in Osakadriving out to the rubble that used to be Osaka
Bible Seminary with Harold Cole. Our occupation troopshad warm
clothing, good food .and free trains to use. The Japanese had none
of these. Life was bitter. Ifelt strangely attracted to this people
who were bringing their country to life again without complaining.
Everything was precious then. Gadgets, toys, even camera bodies
were made out of the beer cans ourtroops threw away.
I was assigned as Regimental Chaplain of the 35th Infantry
stationed on Lake Biwa, not far fromKyoto end Osaka. Pauline and
the two children joined me there seven months later. Our family was
together, we had a new house, a beautiful view of the lake and the
mountains and a wonderful group of men towork with. (Some of them
are still in touch and will read this letter.) Life was good. I
took the family with me on an unforgetable jeep trip to the
Military Government groups I visited monthly in Fukui,Kanazawa and
Toyama prefectures on the Japan Sea facing Korea.
In August I went with the troops on maneuvers. We made an all
night march back home. Paulinehad grim news for me. Paula, not yet
four, had been taken to the hospital with polio. She was the
onlyvictim in our camp, a strange fact I have often thought about.
Even after her 30 day isolation was overwe could only visit her
once a week at her hospital in Osaka. It was an overnight trip even
then. Aftersix months, I asked for a compassionate assignment in
the U.S. where she would have advanced treatment.That assignment
brought us to Percy Jones General Hospital in Battle Creek,
Michigan, February, 1948
Pauline and I had made the most of our stay in Japan. Pauline
bad taught a Bible class of college students at the chapel. We had
visited the churches and institutions of the famed Omi
Brotherhoodaround Lake Biwa as well as our own work in Tokyo and
Osaka. Now we had many chances to talk about Japan in the Michigan
churches. One very hot August night in 1948 I was talking about
Japan at the MemorialChurch of Christ, Detroit. I said without
previous thought, "And my wife and I are going to Japan ourselves."
I paused while I found Pauline's eye;were on the same wave length.
So thechoice was made. It seemed a completely natural resultthat we
had seen and done in previousmonths. , - V
ine next twelve months were busy ones of preparation and
speaking week nights to churches allover Michigan in addition to my
regular duties. A second sadness came to us when our third child,
CharlesGregory, was born dead July 8, 1949. I sent in my
application for release from the Army. The supervisorychaplain
said, "What will you do if they don't grant it?" I replied, "I am
making my plans as if they
Yew &{, Sewicc tfr Jajm 1950-70
September, 1970
-
MISS NAKAMURANEW CHRISTIAN AT SUEYOSHI FAITH, NORIKO KUSUMOTO
AND V.B.S. STUDENTS TEMUJIN,PAULA,KIYOTO & MEGUMIwill." He
laughed. It was approved and we left the Army August 31, 1949 after
five years of service.
LINKLETTER NO. 1, dated October 3 begins this way: "Ihis is the
first in a series of monthlyletters which we will write to keep our
supporters appraised of our doings. The final days of August
inBattle Creek, Michigan were hectic as we sold some things, stored
others, and crowded the rest into ournew irohwood holiTe
trailer.~The Faith Mission Group of Central" Christian" Church,
Battle Creek, gave usa shower of many lovely and useful gifts to
use both here and abroad. There was a farewell picnic atDickman
Road Chapel, Fort Custer, Michigan, as we wound up our Army work
and said good-bye to our manyfriends there. The good people st the
Vandalia (Michigan) Church of Christ where we had been preachingon
Sunday evenings for over a year had a chicken supper for us and
made a substantial gift to the missionwork. At our final service
there, two made the good confession and we went to a nearby lake
after theservice and they were baptized 'the same hour of the
night.'" We visited the churches for a year.
We sailed from San Francisco the last day of August, 1950,
arrived in Yokohama, September12 and on September 30, Harold Cole
and I arrived in Kanoya after a five day jeep trip from Osaka.I
went back to get my family and we arrived in Kanoya on Friday,
October 20 - twenty years ago. Of thosedays we will say more later.
For now, we must leave the past in favor of the present.
It has been a busy summer. The extra leaf has been in the dining
room table for three monthsstraight. We have had many guests from
many parts of the world. One of the nicest was our new
grandson,Temujin Mason Yanagimoto, born in Kyoto July 23.
("Temujin" was the name of Genghis before he becameKhan.)
Grandaughter, Megumi Pauline, came early in July before her Mother
went to the hospital. ThenPaula brought the baby down. Later, her
husband, Kiyoto, came for a week's vacation from his duties
withJapan Air Lines. What a wonderful time we had together. Megumi,
Pauline and I all became a year olderin August. At my birthday
supper, Don Simmons and Gerry McGill of the Geodetic Satellite Team
here gaveme an envelope "for my work." It contained $444.44, the
first of 115 gifts of equal amount I am askingfriends of this work
to give to build a new church and center in Kagoshima. Thanks Don
and Gerry forbeing No. 1. It was a birthday present hard to beat.
Now for the next 114.
Faith and her friend, Noriko Kusumoto, spent a week holding
Vacation Bible School at the orphanage . They prepared well and did
a fine job. I was proud of them. I baptized two at the Kagoshima
church
-and Miss -Nakamura in the river near..Sueyoshi. church-. Those
were happy occasions. A typhoon came up andveered west. Another
came up and veered east. Lots of rain and wind but, gratefully, no
damage.
to Canadian Academy to begin the 10th grade. Hope has gone to
visit Paulaine and I are visiting missionaries in southeast Asia en
route to the 8thof Christ in Adelaide, Australia. We are expecting
spiritual and physicalfor the special gifts of friends and for the
special fares on Japan AirKiyoto that has made this trip possible.
We will tell you all about it in
IN HIS
Faith has returnedand Kiyoto in Nagoya. PaulWorld Convention of
Churchesrefreshment. We are gratefulLines made available throughthe
next letter.
LINKLETTERMonthly Publication ofKYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONBox
417North Vernon, Indiana 47265
SERVICE,
Hlsslon SoirvlcesBox 698Joliet, IL 60434
Non-Profit OrganizationU. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Louisville, KentuckyPermit No. 537
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LinkletCer No. 198
iA MONTHLY REPORT BY THE MARK G. MAXEY FAMILY
uNKLerreR rrTO THE FRIENDS OF THE KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSION
KANOYA, KAGOSHIMA 893, JAPAN-BOX 417, NORTH VERNON, IND.
47265November, 1970
Dear Christian friends,
When we committed ourselves to Japan, we chose as our motto the
words of Paul, "He made of one every nation of men...that they
should seek God and...find Him." (Acts 17.26-27. As we journeyed to
other countries and other peoples recentlywe learned again how the
Good News of Christ truly makes us one people.
Leaving Kanoya on September 1, we flew to Nagoya where we left
Hope with Kiyoto and Paula Yanagimoto (her elder sister.) To TAIWAN
where we stayed with my older sister, Mrs. Isabel Dittemore. She
helped me produce a Chinese edition ofmy Advanced Course for
English Bible Classes. It is now on sale in Taipei and Hongkong.
Alan Bemo took me skin divingand Sunday morning at 9 a.m. preached
to English services of the missionaries including M/M Ted Skiles,
M/M Sam Hazelwood,and M/M Charles Johnston. By 9 P.M. that night we
were preaching in HONGKONG to English speaking Chinese. Wayfull
andHelen Jew took good care of us and we enjoyed the fellowship of
Che Bill Rees family. VIET NAM was next where Pauline gotto visit
her brother, Guy Pethtel, working with a large construction firm in
Saigon. Chaplain (Col.) Frank Gosser took mein tow for two days
seeing that I was briefed both verbally and visually on the morale
and activities of the troops inthe field, humanitarian works, and
reconstruction projects sponsored by our government. "The other
side of the war," Frankcalled it. Revealing and encouraging it was.
THAILAND: Heavy rains prevented us from visiting the mission
stations tothe north, but Mrs. Lois Callaway and daughter Joyce
took us to the Evangelical church in Bangkok on Sunday and gave usa
memorable sample of the sights and sounds of that fascinating city.
MALAYSIA; We rode a train the entire length ofthe Malaysian
peninsula. Two days and three nights with visits to Penang and
Kuala Lampur and terminating in SINGAPORE.Missionaries, Carl and
Grace Fish, now of Indonesia, welcomed us as members of the family
and showed us this unique city-state. Carl and I went to see a
full-length color, propaganda film produced in Red China. Afterward
we felt mingled wonder and dread. INDONESIA. A brief flight across
the equator brought us to Djakarta Saturday night. Lew Cass took
usto Bandung by train early Sunday in time for the service. He
interpreted for my sermon.A happy day with he and Vida andtheir
five children. Another day's ride across Java, an island of
surprising beauty and promise. By plane to Bali. Atourists' delight
but the Hindu idolatry there is a sadness to the Christian. Back at
Djakarta, Bill and Barbara Myerstook care of us for a badly needed
day of rest. NEW ZEALAND: From the burning tropics to the snows of
South Island ina very short time. A beautiful, green, friendly
country. Sunday, October 4, preached for the Dominion Road Church
of
Christ in Auckland. The Browne family provided Christian
hospitality.AUSTRALIA: Rex and Verley Ellis welcomed us at
Brisbane.Rex
is professor at Kenmore Christian College. Through his kindness
wehad many opportunities to speak in Australia. Two times at the
college; to the ministers of Churches of Christ of Brisbane;
(Paulinespoke to the wives.) At Southport Church of Christ on the
Gold Coast,Ted Watson, minister. Then all day by bus across the
border fromQueensland into New South Wales to Che delightful city
of InvereU.I spoke four nights to the missionary convention of the
Church ofChrist and on Sunday morning at the local Presbyterian
church. Paulinespoke to a tea of the ladies of the city. M/M Tom
Stone were our gracious hosts. Bro- Russell Craig, minister, and
Bill Bolind showed usgenerous portions of the countryside-The
wide-open spaces, the Christian hospitality, the great group of
young people, the number of peopledetermined to make their lives
witness to their faith - all were goodfor Che soul. Geoff Higgins
showed us the Christian witness amorg theAborigines at Moree An all
night train brought us to Sydney and amemorable evening at the
Burwood Church of Christ, Maurie Pieper,minister. Ian Borham and
Trevor Kallmier, students at Woolwich BibleCollege, set aside a day
to show us the college, the harbor and thezoo. Twenty-seven hours
by train making a great circle through the'outback' brought us to
Adelaide, South Australia. The Cemperaturewas cool but the welcome
was warm. (Remember, 'down under' the furthersouth you go the
cooler it gets.) On Saturday, presented a paper andled a discussion
on "Church Growth - Resistant Fields vs. ReceptiveFields" to the
(overseas Missionary Consultation. This was a part ofChe biennial
meeting of the Churches of Christ in Australia. Reunionwith college
classmate, Max Randall, at this meeting and good fellowship
throughout the week. Sunday night, preached at Magill Church
ofChrist, Bob Clymer, Minister and had a happy fellowship with his
family.
The 8ch World Convencion of Churches of Christ began on Tuesday
night. I participated by leading a study group each morning at8
a.m. on the theme: "The Gospel: In Procl?.mation and World
Mission."M/M Vernley Ilium and M/M-''Gal"^ CiaPl^^n of Storm Lake
Iowa v'-ef;atreasured members of the groug%^ SbsS represented Korea
at the open
ing Flag Ceremony and by a onerminute summary at the
All-NationsBanquet. It was a s^rftTuaX satisfaction to be part of
7O0Cobserving the Lord's Supper together at the closing
serviceSunday night. My judgment is that the total posicive
impactof the convention was due to the thorough preparation of
theAustralian brethren and to their stalwart faith in the
Gospelrather Chan co anything we brought Co ic from other countrie
;After the convention, a day at MeIbourne and a visit to GlenIris
College of the Bible, our third college in Auscralia. Aday at
Canberra. the delightful capitol city and a final dayat Sydney. We
were welcomed by M/M David Jose and spoke to theNew Tribes Missions
Training College of which they are a part.
l^00NE5IA
SliriarHILIPPINES
AI^STfW
(0
PACIFIC
fantMri
OCEAN
COHM.
i
WlEY
-
Esma Harris formerly of Japan Wad'Us'for'teW'and sVowfed "aS
"her worlve us': a goodt;br^^^^nd we were ready for a tripdowntown
by jeepney ab '^lbusi. ftani-lfa, has'diapged, since :i
-wa:''a^so:Idl^,s'liere |g.ked to the Seminary studentsagain at
night. On Friday fl>w"sputh'-and^^sp^nt the day wi'tK Ray/an.d
ImSgede* and wife Susan at theCebu Bible Seminary. LoWiy ^i^in^
at-the Vfteriiox)ri'. chapbi .to.threehours to talk atthe airport
when the plane was delayedEven ,.so-a good number of young people
were still waiting at 10 p.m. to hearus at Cruzada Church of
Chr-ist, ,Manila where Difs^go. Rbmulo ministers. . Five sei^idea^a
^Sunday at this church. Mr. andMrs. Hale were from Oregon and Idaho
'so we'had a lot of tales' to" swap of
that'CoU'rft^y'V'f'gebe^ation ago.
"JAPAN: Our returning plane flew directly over our home only
five miles up. What a beautiful sight. We.wanted.tojump out right
there. Faith came to Tokyo to meet us. Paul and Kathleen Pratt took
us out to see Harold and Lois Simsin their new home and church the
first day - then to the Bullet Train for Nagoya. Hope held up a
"Welcome Home" signas ,the train pulled 'in. Kiybtb and Paula and
the grandchildren were there, too. What a thrill to enfold the
family-again.Lots of things to talk about before another plane and
car ride brought us to Kanoya again on Monday night, November 2j
,Bro. Yoshii, wife and friends of the Kanoya church had prepared
warm food for us. It-was" a blessed; journey, but home; isgood.
Tuesday, November 3, the annualconvention of the Kagoshima Churches
of Christ was heW in the newly re-modeledChristian Center building.
In the morning I preached on Che convention.theme, "Holding. Fast
the Word of Life." In theafternoon, Pauline and I were honored for
our 20 years of service here. Members of the churches recalled
beginning daysand thanked us for the contribution we had made. We
were given a large plaque and fine,.wool kimonos. We were guestsfor
supper of the area ministers that night. The following Monday 45
believers from the leper colony honored us withan all day picnic,
testimonials and gifts for both of us. These two days we will
never.forgetBeing human, we need toknow when our lives and witness
has made an impact for Christ on the lives of others,. We
are.enco.uraged to continue.
m HIS SERVICE
it
LINKLETTERMonthly Publication of
KYUSHU CHRISTIAN MISSIONBox 417, North Vernon,
Indiana 47265I.
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Mission ServleeaBox 698Joliec, XL 60434
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/DEC 21
M
ANNUAL CONVENTION "HONORING OUR 20th YEAR
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDLouisville, Kentucky
Permit No. 5374