Dear Journal friends,
Let me wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  What a year it has been, because I have been supported by your prayers and gifts.  I know that I could not continue to stay on without you.

Christmas happenings Each year Christmas gets more flashy in Japan. I heard that even some stores selling Buddhist altars and related goods had “Christmas Sale!” signs in the windows.  So with the outward trappings in place, as Christians we need to fill the hollowness.  I reminded our congregation at the Christmas Eve service that “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Not just on Christmas day, but every day whether we are in church, on our way to work, in the crowded trains, at the fruit stand, at school, in parliament, or in the Emperor’s Palace, “God is with us.” This Christmas I spent at home in Tokyo and had two guests over for the celebration.  One guest, a retired American school teacher came from Yokohama.  My other guest, who arrived on the 20th, is from Myanmar and is studying and working at the Asian Rural Institute in Ibaragi Prefecture.  We had a grand time together.  She taught me so much about Myanmar and her work there as a member of the “Red” Karen family group.  In turn, I taught her cooking and English pronunciation.  I guarantee that she’ll be returning to stay a night or two before returning to her country in June. So on Dec. 25th, while the rest of Japan went to work, we celebrated our Lord’s birth.

Celebration of New Life  I know at least one man who celebrated this Christmas a new person in Christ.  Mr. S. began coming to church about 14 months ago as the result of receiving a tract on the street from the pastor.  He was truly at the end of his rope.  Over a period of time I learned that he was a composer of music for pop singers in Japan.  For years he had been on the fast-track “pop” circuit and had a very busy, exciting night life of “wining and dining.”  But his body was now broken, and disease had robbed him of his ability to play the piano and even hold a pen without pain.  Twice he had been tricked out of large amounts of money.  And the rest he has lent to people who have not returned it.

Slowly we began to understand who he is, even though looks were deceiving.  He was adamant about wanting to be baptized, that Jesus had become his best friend.  The pre-baptism classes took time because both the pastor and I wanted to make sure his decision to be baptized was not just an effort to join a “loving club.”  After showing him both the “Jesus Film” and the “Passion of Christ” film, the discussions following each led me to believe that his decision was real.  He really is in love with Jesus.  In July, Pastor Hasegawa baptized Mr. S.

Recently, Mr. S has been laid up with a heavy cold and dizziness from Meniere’s disease, making it impossible for him to come to church.  To add insult to injury, he has lost his large-print Bible.  However, daily he sends messages to me and Mr. Tama (right) via his cell phone. And we continue to try to encourage him and answer his questions.

He just finished the legal process of “adopting” a pastor and family from Myanmar.  This pastor ministers to a Chin congregation which meets in the Suginami-Nakadori church Sunday afternoons.  It will allow the family to remain in Japan to minister to the numerous Burmese people here.  The children call him their loving grandfather and lavish Mr. S with love that he has missed over the years.  He’s so full of joy that he is just beside himself.  His new master is Jesus, he has helped a needy family, and they have in turn “adopted” him as a member of their family.

For him, however, many barriers remain.  Integrating into the congregation has been most difficult, and perhaps is as much, the congregation’s problem.  Pride knocks at his door and tells him that all of those in church should be referring to him as “sensei” just like the pastor, medical doctors, teachers in the congregation.  He has “deshi” or disciples he trains in the business.  But, sharing his background in a way that people will understand how famous he is, is a problem for him.  Most church members have little idea of what the pop music world is like, and who or who is not a “sensei.” Even among Christians, there are few chances to share intimately, but when it happens, it needs to be done in humility.  Just hours before I posted this journal, God provided a way for Mr. S. to share.  He got word a few days ago that two of his songs just came out on a CD.  I announced at church during our tea time that I had just bought Mr. S's new release!  With this announcement, for the first time he was able to share his good news with the mostly older members in a very natural way.  God provided that way.  I would appreciate your prayers for his continued integration and for a bit more humility for us all.

Volunteering in Japan  Following a year of tremendous opportunities experienced by 16 volunteers, we are beginning our recruitment for volunteers for 2009.  A Jr. High student who came with her family in the spring said, “I looked into the culture, the way the people lived, made memories, and met friends to last a life-time.”  Volunteer, Jeremy Cho said, “I'm glad I volunteered in Japan because it showed me that God's work is never finished and is not for one person alone to shoulder.  It began long before we came to Japan and will continue long after the end of our mission trip.”  

 Please do not hesitate to inquire about opportunities to become a volunteer.

In Christ, Roberta Stephens