Rainy season is coming to a close. I actually enjoyed the occasional rainstorms and, sometimes, the cooler breezes they would bring. However, there are also those days with super high humidity and now we start adding more and more heat to go along with the humidity. However, the rains have replenished the earth with moisture and kept the flowers and trees green, so it is something to be thankful for.
We have also been experiencing the rain of spiritual blessings in our ministry and we are so thankful for the refreshment and encouragement that brings! Mrs. H and Mrs. W, two older ladies, are making the transition from attending only Sunday morning services to studying the Bible in a biweekly Bible study. The course is "Foundations for Faith". They both are interested in learning more about what it means to get baptized so this is a key step to learning more about the Christian faith. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten their study as one mentioned the other day, "The Bible is really difficult, isn't it?". However, it is a joy to see them also starting to participate in serving. Mrs. W. always arrives early and eagerly puts out songbooks, or starts water for tea. Both ladies often stay after to help with anything that needs to be done.
In April, the Lord brought us a lovely young college student, M, who moved to Kobe to attend a nearby university. A fellow TEAM missionary from her hometown introduced her to our church and she has been faithfully attending. She is also very eager to do Bible study and learn more about her faith. She is training to become a preschool teacher so she is willing to help out with the children's story on occasion.
My knee surgery also presented the opening of new doors with two Mrs. Ms. From two days before the surgery to a month afterwards, I was in the hospital. I got to know two older ladies, my roommates, very well. One of them has had connection to an Episcopalian church in her past. During our stay I was able to share God's love with them on a number of different occasions. Two weeks ago I was very excited to see both of them again when I was back for my weekly rehab session. We had a very good visit and look forward to more. Mrs. M #1 is age 80 and is already back in the hospital for the surgery on her other knee. So now I get to see her weekly when I return for my rehab.
The recovery has been slower and harder than I imagined it would be, but I am still encouraged as the pain I have now is the aftereffect of the surgery and will eventually go away. Please pray that I will continue to be faithful with the daily exercises.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
New Source of Encouragement - (a website about Christian books)
Today I want to write about a Christian website that has become a new source of encouragement for me. www.bookfun.org This is a new kind of book club for the digital age, The Book Club Network, Inc. Fred (Phred) and Nora have become the ultimate book club discussion leaders. They spend hours researching new books and bringing new authors to the page to interact with the readers. This website is all about Christian books. An author friend of mine, Candace Calvert, introduced me to the site. After enjoying lots of stimulating conversation with Candace regarding her books and characters, I discovered that I could do that with both authors and other readers who enjoy some of the same kinds of books that I enjoy.
With very few other foreigners in our area to connect with regarding books, other reading material, sources of encouragement, etc, I discovered this wonderful place where I can do it online. Naturally, I don't have hours and hours to spend perusing all the wealth of material out there, so I really appreciate that Phred and Nora do so much of the previewing and bring the best of the best to our attention. When I say bring them to our attention, I mean they are digging and finding publishers that are willing to offer free books to readers. So when you interact on the site, you are receiving opportunities to win free books! I've already won three!! They've just added e-books, too, so that's a huge plus for those of us who live overseas.
Also, they are now publishing a FREE digital magazine featuring many books, interviews with authors and readers, and all sorts of interesting material. It's published online monthly and you can easily access it through the website. They also have a store where you can purchase books directly. I know that many of my friends who follow my blog are readers so I hope that you will check out this great new website.
Gotta start 'em young! This photo is my 2-year-old grandson in his reading chair.
What are your sources for encouragement? During my mom's recent visit, she discovered how very very important personal mail (letters or email) is to someone who is living overseas. So, I do receive lots of encouragement from email and letters. Is Christian fiction a valid source of encouragement or should I just stick to my Bible and nonfiction? Feel free to comment below with your views on the subject. I'll write my views in a later blog as well as share with you some of the other places where I find encouragement.
With very few other foreigners in our area to connect with regarding books, other reading material, sources of encouragement, etc, I discovered this wonderful place where I can do it online. Naturally, I don't have hours and hours to spend perusing all the wealth of material out there, so I really appreciate that Phred and Nora do so much of the previewing and bring the best of the best to our attention. When I say bring them to our attention, I mean they are digging and finding publishers that are willing to offer free books to readers. So when you interact on the site, you are receiving opportunities to win free books! I've already won three!! They've just added e-books, too, so that's a huge plus for those of us who live overseas.
Also, they are now publishing a FREE digital magazine featuring many books, interviews with authors and readers, and all sorts of interesting material. It's published online monthly and you can easily access it through the website. They also have a store where you can purchase books directly. I know that many of my friends who follow my blog are readers so I hope that you will check out this great new website.
Gotta start 'em young! This photo is my 2-year-old grandson in his reading chair.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Waiting isn't the easiest for me...
Happy Valentine's Day! Yes, it is already Valentine's Day here in Japan. And unlike the Japanese who have been coached by the chocolate society here that this is a day to give chocolate to the men in your life, I have been showering all those I love with special treats. Still working on some, but what a wonderful chance to share some extra love all around.
This past year has been a roller coaster for me; hence, the lack of posting on this site. Yet, looking back, it's hard to believe that an entire year has passed by.
Home Assignment was for three months this past summer. Yet, the preparations for Home Assignment start months in advance with scheduling itineraries, purchasing plane tickets, preparing for many different kinds of activities, communicating more frequently, not to mention organizing who will cover our ministry here while we are away. Whew! However, we had a wonderful time connecting with so many of our loved ones and supporters during our brief time in the United States. It was also a great chance to introduce our daughter-in-law, Manaka, and Josiah and her son, Leo to people in the USA as they joined us for several months of our time in the USA.
Upon our return to Japan in late August, (with Murray following in September), I sensed God speaking to me in a different way. I was energized and refreshed, eager to return to our existing ministries, but also praying about new ministry opportunities. Yet, the message I was receiving was "Wait." "Do what needs to be done immediately but do not start anything new." "Wait!"
I've never been good at waiting. I've always been eager to move to the next challenge; to jump in with both feet; to make a plan; to set goals and figure out needed steps to accomplish the goals. Over the years I've learned to keep a book at my side just to help me through the waiting times--at the red lights, sitting in traffic, waiting to pick up people at the station, standing in line. You can imagine my delight when e-books arrived on the scene. And now I can carry an entire library of books in my i-phone. (Just in case you're interested, I am currently reading a suspense novel called Red Tide, a debut novel by author Peg Brantley because I loved her second book, The Missings, so much.) [see it here]
Okay, I digress. Perhaps it's because I have been without my ADD meds for a few days. Yes, it's true, I am an officially diagnosed person with ADD. So if my blogs take off on wild tangents, now you can understand why.
So back to last fall-- I waited. And in mid-October when I received an email followed by phone calls from my mother in Kansas, I understood why God had been telling me to wait. My father had been admitted to the hospital. This was not the first time, nor did I really expect that it would be the last. But, in my heart, THIS TIME, God was sending me a very clear message. I needed to go back to the USA to be with my parents. There are many times in the last few years when my Dad has been close to death. And, yet, I never felt it pressed upon me that I should be making a trip to the USA those times. But, this time, God made it clear. So I went.
God gave me 10 precious days with my Dad during his hospitalization. I downloaded some of his favorite music onto my laptop to play for him. I read sports news to him. We listened to internet radio. And we talked. We talked about the past, the present and the future. We talked about heaven. He quoted his favorite Scriptures to me. We talked about songs, family, and friends. And God gave me one final chance to serve and love on my dad during his final illness. I also got to spend wonderful time with both my mom and my daughter, more gifts from God. And after my Dad went to be with the Lord, I was able to spend precious days with family members plus several weeks helping my mother with the bulk of the business details that needed to be cared for.
And then came another surprise!! My mother decided to come to Japan for an extended visit when I returned at the end of November. Her first visit! After all these years, her dream was finally going to come true. Was it perfect timing that she would arrive at the end of November, just when our preparations for the rush of Christmas events would be upon us?! Absolutely. Had God gifted her in such a way that she would be a blessing to both the ministry as well as to the many Japanese people that she would come into contact with?! Absolutely. Have I been extra busy these last months?! Absolutely. But, I could never have created a scenario with the timing of each event of the last six months like God did. And for that, I praise Him!
My mother just arrived back in Kansas, ready to serve and follow God's plan for the next years of her life. She has always been an example to me and I continue to learn from her how to walk in the paths of righteousness.
So, I apologize for my silence. I pray that my silence has not prevented you from remembering to pray for the Japanese people and their need of Jesus.
Looking forward to reinvigorating my updates!
Kathy T
This past year has been a roller coaster for me; hence, the lack of posting on this site. Yet, looking back, it's hard to believe that an entire year has passed by.
Home Assignment was for three months this past summer. Yet, the preparations for Home Assignment start months in advance with scheduling itineraries, purchasing plane tickets, preparing for many different kinds of activities, communicating more frequently, not to mention organizing who will cover our ministry here while we are away. Whew! However, we had a wonderful time connecting with so many of our loved ones and supporters during our brief time in the United States. It was also a great chance to introduce our daughter-in-law, Manaka, and Josiah and her son, Leo to people in the USA as they joined us for several months of our time in the USA.
Upon our return to Japan in late August, (with Murray following in September), I sensed God speaking to me in a different way. I was energized and refreshed, eager to return to our existing ministries, but also praying about new ministry opportunities. Yet, the message I was receiving was "Wait." "Do what needs to be done immediately but do not start anything new." "Wait!"
I've never been good at waiting. I've always been eager to move to the next challenge; to jump in with both feet; to make a plan; to set goals and figure out needed steps to accomplish the goals. Over the years I've learned to keep a book at my side just to help me through the waiting times--at the red lights, sitting in traffic, waiting to pick up people at the station, standing in line. You can imagine my delight when e-books arrived on the scene. And now I can carry an entire library of books in my i-phone. (Just in case you're interested, I am currently reading a suspense novel called Red Tide, a debut novel by author Peg Brantley because I loved her second book, The Missings, so much.) [see it here]
Okay, I digress. Perhaps it's because I have been without my ADD meds for a few days. Yes, it's true, I am an officially diagnosed person with ADD. So if my blogs take off on wild tangents, now you can understand why.
So back to last fall-- I waited. And in mid-October when I received an email followed by phone calls from my mother in Kansas, I understood why God had been telling me to wait. My father had been admitted to the hospital. This was not the first time, nor did I really expect that it would be the last. But, in my heart, THIS TIME, God was sending me a very clear message. I needed to go back to the USA to be with my parents. There are many times in the last few years when my Dad has been close to death. And, yet, I never felt it pressed upon me that I should be making a trip to the USA those times. But, this time, God made it clear. So I went.
God gave me 10 precious days with my Dad during his hospitalization. I downloaded some of his favorite music onto my laptop to play for him. I read sports news to him. We listened to internet radio. And we talked. We talked about the past, the present and the future. We talked about heaven. He quoted his favorite Scriptures to me. We talked about songs, family, and friends. And God gave me one final chance to serve and love on my dad during his final illness. I also got to spend wonderful time with both my mom and my daughter, more gifts from God. And after my Dad went to be with the Lord, I was able to spend precious days with family members plus several weeks helping my mother with the bulk of the business details that needed to be cared for.
And then came another surprise!! My mother decided to come to Japan for an extended visit when I returned at the end of November. Her first visit! After all these years, her dream was finally going to come true. Was it perfect timing that she would arrive at the end of November, just when our preparations for the rush of Christmas events would be upon us?! Absolutely. Had God gifted her in such a way that she would be a blessing to both the ministry as well as to the many Japanese people that she would come into contact with?! Absolutely. Have I been extra busy these last months?! Absolutely. But, I could never have created a scenario with the timing of each event of the last six months like God did. And for that, I praise Him!
My mother just arrived back in Kansas, ready to serve and follow God's plan for the next years of her life. She has always been an example to me and I continue to learn from her how to walk in the paths of righteousness.
So, I apologize for my silence. I pray that my silence has not prevented you from remembering to pray for the Japanese people and their need of Jesus.
Looking forward to reinvigorating my updates!
Kathy T
Monday, September 5, 2011
A busy summer
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| Nick visiting with some ladies at the July English Cafe |
Monday, August 29, 2011
Day of Celebration
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| Mr. Tsuchiya sharing how reading the Bible and trusting Jesus for his salvation changed his life. |
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| Mt. Fuji on a slide in the background because Mr. Tsuchiya wanted to be able to see Mt. Fuji when he was baptized. |
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| Murray baptizing Mr. Tsuchiya |
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| Receiving gifts in celebration of his baptism |
In the November 2, 2009 blog about the Night of the Arts and Music event hosted at Agape, I wrote about a man we met in our neighborhood, Mr. Sadao Tsuchiya. His self-portrait painting that was on display is featured in that blog. Mr. Tsuchiya, age 79 at that time, was the head of the local senior citizen's painting group in our neighborhood and his group along with the photography group had hosted a dinner to welcome us to the community when we first moved in because we were foreigners. Mr. Tsuchiya was interested in English and some months later, he and several other seniors started attending Agape's monthly English Cafe. Mr. Tsuchiya found Murray's talks about the Bible to be very intriguing and wanted to learn more so he requested a Bible. It was Mr. Tsuchiya's very first time to open a Bible and to read it for himself. Then he asked Murray if he could meet with him for Bible study. Mr. Tsuchiya was so hungry to learn more of God's Word that once a week wasn't enough, he wanted to meet TWICE a week and probably would have been happy for more.
Mr. Tsuchiya lives about a 10 minute walk from our house, and despite numerous health issues and pain in his back and legs, he often wanted to walk rather than receive a ride. As our relationship strengthened, however, he was more receptive to receiving rides. He started attending Sunday worship faithfully as well. The work of the Holy Spirit drawing him towards God was very evident, because after a few months of study, it became clear that he accepted the words of the Bible as Truth. In January of this year, he made it clear that he was trusting in Jesus for his salvation and asked to be baptized. Interestingly, his request included his desire to be baptized somewhere near Mt. Fuji. Well, that request was impossible to fulfill, but, on June 19th, we did our best and prepared a slide of Mt. Fuji that we displayed on the wall between the baptistry during his baptismal service. Mr. Tsuchiya shared his testimony before his baptism. He has no family, except for a daughter who lives in a special care home because of mental health issues. Finding the Lord as his constant companion as brought so much joy and peace into his life. He loves listening to Christian music CDs that we had shared with him, so he was delighted that in commemoration of his baptism Agape's gift to him was a 5-CD set of Christian music which includes many of the songs that we sing at church on Sundays. Pray that his passion to know God more will not subside, and that the glow on his face from the joy welling up inside will impact his friends in the community.
It is rare that a Japanese person moves from no knowledge of Christianity or the Bible to complete belief in less than two years and yet, in Mr. Tsuchiya's case, the soil of his heart was prepared and the seed was able to fall on fertile ground, take root and grow up into a strong faith. We praise God that He led us into a relationship with Mr. Tsuchiya and each day we pray that God will lead us to others whose hearts are soft and ready to receive words of truth. Pray for the many Japanese for whom it will take much longer for the seeds to grow and take root, but ARE in the process of learning more and seeking to know God. Pray that we will be faithful in teaching the word of God, in season and out...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
One of my favorite devotional authors is Ruth Myers!
Just discovered a new book by Ruth Myers is available for FREE download for Amazon's KINDLE! Find it here!
Kindle
see the KINDLE here! I ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ my Kindle! Need I say more?! Okay, some of you out there have no idea what a Kindle is, so let me explain. Technology has allowed various companies to develop small compact devices that a person can use for reading electronic (e-books) books. Amazon was one of the premier developers and designed the Kindle. I even love the name since reading books makes me want to read more and my love for reading is constantly being re-kindled!! My preference is the less expensive version which requires downloading to computer first and then transferring to the Kindle. Why, you ask? Isn't it more convenient to pay with a credit card and have your books instantly downloaded into the Kindle? Well, yes. It is. But, we must pay for all that convenience. And to be completely honest...I am an impulse shopper. And sometimes, I'll see a book I THINK I will like. So sometimes instead of just buying and downloading the one, I'll buy the entire series before knowing if I really will like it, leading to...great disappointment. I just find that for me, it is better to think carefully before I purchase, read the reviews, and make an investment I know I won't regret. That being said, however, I think the KINDLE itself is a most amazing investment. Now that I'm overseas, I find it difficult to locate the books I want to read in English. Plus, the high cost of shipping books is a strong deterrent to buying more books. Insert: the kindle. It is great, because there is no shipping cost for books. It stores hundreds of books in one small lightweight device. It is incredibly handy to slip into your bag and carry it with you everywhere you go. I bought myself a really sweet pink floral zipper bag from Laura Ashley and it is perfect for keeping my Kindle in the main pocket, and my connecting cords and charger in the outside pocket. (I only take the charger when I'm traveling away from home for longer than a day, because the battery lasts soooooooo long when you don't use the wireless function for downloading!) I usually only have to recharge my Kindle about once a week and I read a lot!!! So, that's another great thing! It has a super long-lasting rechargeable battery! So, no extra money going for battery purchases.
Another great thing about the KINDLE is that it is created by Amazon! Seriously, what better place to find a great selection of books with reviews, etc. In the Kindle store, they have rankings to you can see what other people are downloading. Plus, every month, they have dozens of e-books that you can download for FREE!!!! I wouldn't recommend all of the free ones, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how good some of the free books are. And it has helped me find some new authors that I really like. Of course, now and then, I also buy books by my favorite authors. But, that's the cool thing. Now I have access to all of these great books at my fingertips.
Did I mention how much I really hate to WAIT? Anywhere. Anytime. Waiting is the bane of my existence. Since the purchase of my KINDLE, though, I've learned to relax more while waiting. Sometimes when I'm at the climax of a good book, I'm even begging the traffic to get backed up or my husband to be late to pick me up. I just pull out my KINDLE and read another page or two while standing in line or sitting and waiting somewhere.
I also love the fact that if I delete something I've read, I can always go back to my home page on the server and download it again. I never have to pay twice for the same book. Whereas with real books, I'll lend it out or give it away, and then down the road I want to read it again. So then I have to buy another copy. Kindle has even added a lending service so that you can lend books that you have to other Kindle readers.
Overall, I just want to say that I am really IMPRESSED with the KINDLE experience. I hope you'll give it a try, because, believe me, it's not just the wave of the future, it's the here and now best reality for avid readers!
Another great thing about the KINDLE is that it is created by Amazon! Seriously, what better place to find a great selection of books with reviews, etc. In the Kindle store, they have rankings to you can see what other people are downloading. Plus, every month, they have dozens of e-books that you can download for FREE!!!! I wouldn't recommend all of the free ones, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how good some of the free books are. And it has helped me find some new authors that I really like. Of course, now and then, I also buy books by my favorite authors. But, that's the cool thing. Now I have access to all of these great books at my fingertips.
Did I mention how much I really hate to WAIT? Anywhere. Anytime. Waiting is the bane of my existence. Since the purchase of my KINDLE, though, I've learned to relax more while waiting. Sometimes when I'm at the climax of a good book, I'm even begging the traffic to get backed up or my husband to be late to pick me up. I just pull out my KINDLE and read another page or two while standing in line or sitting and waiting somewhere.
I also love the fact that if I delete something I've read, I can always go back to my home page on the server and download it again. I never have to pay twice for the same book. Whereas with real books, I'll lend it out or give it away, and then down the road I want to read it again. So then I have to buy another copy. Kindle has even added a lending service so that you can lend books that you have to other Kindle readers.
Overall, I just want to say that I am really IMPRESSED with the KINDLE experience. I hope you'll give it a try, because, believe me, it's not just the wave of the future, it's the here and now best reality for avid readers!
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