Accusations

Accusations. Over our 30-plus years in Japan, I’ve heard Christians and Christianity accused of many things. Years ago in Saga, in the late 1970s, an Irishman stormed out of an English speech contest in which we’d been invited to share because Bernie was telling of his faith in Jesus Christ. Never mind that he’d obtained permission beforehand from the contest organizers. Never mind that the Irishman was a judge and that his angry outburst and sudden departure left everyone shocked and embarrassed. His accusation was that Bernie didn’t respect Japanese culture because he was trying to import his own culture—Christianity—into this Buddhist and Shinto nation.

It was a sentiment repeated by some Brits we met while on a day hike in the Swiss Alps a few years later. “Why don’t you just appreciate the Japanese for who they are?” they asked, a little more politely than the Irishman had spoken. “Why do you think you have the right to force change on them?” Needless to say, we were stunned by these encounters with fellow westerners.

But we’ve also heard Japanese accusations. “Katai, kusai, kurai.” Inflexible, smelly, dark—not a few Japanese have used these adjectives to describe Christians. In other words, Christians are too serious, no fun, and they make people around them feel uncomfortable. Often times, Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me,” are cited as exemplifying an attitude that goes against one of the most valued Japanese character traits—not making waves so that you fit in at all costs. When one believes and follows Jesus’ teachings anyway, however politely, Japanese (and perhaps others as well) often feel uncomfortable.

Not usually—being a very polite people—but sometimes they even lash out. This was evident in recent comments by Katsuya Okada, the number two man in command of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). I have no idea who’d stepped on his toes, but something must have happened for him to accuse Christians of being self-righteous. In his comments, reported in the news after Okada visited a Buddhist temple, he said Buddhism was infinitely better than Christianity, and even Islam was preferable. (Interestingly, no one accused him in return of showing a lack of wisdom in trumpeting his opinion when he is such a public figure, but that’s a tangent I won’t pursue for now.)

Another newspaper article I read recently also was full of accusations, although surprisingly, they brought a smile to my face. Coming out of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the article accused women who’ve become involved in pink ribbon campaigns of being too cheerful! The writer groused that Christians wearing pink ribbons, pretending that they can overcome cancer with positive attitudes, are sickening and do a disservice to people who are suffering from the disease. I don’t know the history of the pink ribbon campaign—was it launched by a Christian, thereby inviting this attack? But in a world of grumpy, stressed people (especially with global economics being what they are), I for one appreciate those who are cheerful!

I can think of many accusations that have stung—like the words of India’s king of non-violent resistance, Mahatma Gandhi. A regular Bible reader, the diminutive Hindu once said that while he respected Jesus Christ and his teachings, he could never become a Christian. Why? Because so many Christians do not live by the teachings of the one they claim to follow, he explained. Ouch! We Christians ought to consider his accusation very carefully and personally.

But to be accused of being too cheerful? If that is the worst this particular journalist can sling at Christians . . . . Well, I hope one day I’ll face this accusation. I’ll respond without hesitation from the witness chair, “Guilty as charged.” And I trust that the broad smile on my face will be all the evidence required to convict me.

Thoughts at Thanksgiving

My birth family, for whom I give thanks:

(front from left) John, Cheryl, Don Deena

and our parents, Donald and Betty Jo

Not that we celebrate Thanksgiving in Japan—at least not the variety that remembers the Pilgrims and Indians while eating turkey and all the trimmings topped off with pumpkin pie and football games. Japan’s celebration is November 23, a national holiday called Labor Thanksgiving Day. In this time of global recession where the national unemployment rate in America has now topped 10% (Japan’s rate as of September was 5.3%), having work and being grateful to those whose labor supports and makes life easier for us is definitely something to celebrate.

But today I’m thinking less of work and more of sacrifice. At this holiday season when—at least for Americans—gathering with family is tradition (a tradition Japanese follow more at New Years), I’m remembering a colleague who has given up his family. Rather, I should say his family has given him up. Kicked him out. Disowned him. Disavowed ever giving birth to him. I can’t imagine it, but it happens with frightening regularity in countries where Christians are persecuted for the crime of following Christ as Lord of their lives. (There are many such countries in Asia, including China, Indonesia, Bhutan, India, and North Korea.)

Here’s what our colleague wrote:

“Today I am going to share with you about my very sad news. Last month, my family called me and said that if I do not go back to the monastery, they will never accept me as their family member. Not only that, but my parents said to me strongly, ‘This is the time to say good-bye. Don’t think that you have us here as your family and we also won't think that you are there as our son.’ This means they have totally rejected me. When I heard these things from them, I [was so troubled in my spirit]. But I believe God has a purpose for this and someday he will give me peace in my heart.

“Of course it is very painful for me to think about [my parents’ words], but I cannot do anything except pray. You know already how many years I have been suffering, but there is no end. I think God still wants me to suffer more . . . . It is very difficult to handle these kinds of situations, but I am still hoping that God will help lessen my burden.

“I am writing this letter to you with tears because I [must] make decisions for my future [while I am feeling like this]. Please pray for me to get more wisdom from God and also pray for me to have my own family—my future life partner.”

These are the words of someone who has sacrificed everything—family, country, personal safety, livelihood, and freedom—everything except his faith in Christ. Unfalteringly, he holds onto Jesus as tightly as a drowning man desperately clutches a life preserver to his chest while stormy waves crash over his head.

At this special season of the year, I am thankful for my family, always supporting and praying for me, always believing in me, and always encouraging me. But I also give thanks for this exemplary young man whose faith challenges me to withhold nothing from God. After all, it was he who first modeled sacrifice when he gave Jesus, his only son, to ransom my life.

All the Difference in the World

Little Ben learning who to trust

A year ago at this time, we were cheering Little Ben on when, at ten months old, he took his first steps. Although we weren’t visiting our daughter and her family at that time, we applauded our grandson’s baby steps through Skype. It was as though we were together in the very same room, encouraging him to find his wobbly way into our eager arms.

More than twenty-five years earlier, Big Ben (then the only Ben) had flung himself off a rock wall and into the outstretched arms of his father who had called up to him, “Jump!” Never mind that our son had a broken shoulder and was encased in a waist-up plaster cast that kept his left arm immobile and thrust out before him. Never mind that I was shaking with fear, imagining Ben falling and breaking the bone all over again. Our four-year-old son trusted his father completely, and when he jumped fearlessly, Bernie caught him—just as Ben knew he would.

Who you trust makes all the difference in the world. Scary baby steps can be conquered and jumping—even from high places—made easier when you trust the one who confidently holds his arms out wide before you.

Back in January, we prayed for a good hospital and doctor before we even imagined that I had cancer. Something was wrong; we had no doubt about that. But we didn’t know what. Not knowing can be a scary thing sometimes, but we were at peace as we prayed, and God answered—just as we knew he would.

More recently, I made a reservation to fly to the United States in October to consult with an oncologist. I wanted him to prescribe a round of the anti-cancer medication I’d started taking in Japan, knowing that the price in America is considerably cheaper. I bought the ticket before I was certain of the doctor’s appointment. A very busy man, he might refuse to see me because I cannot meet with him every six weeks—the expectation he has of all his cancer patients.

Whether or not I’d actually get the prescription was also in question. Yet I contacted a pharmacist to arrange for the medicine to be ready the night before I was scheduled to return to Japan, assuming the doctor would grant my request. (Most pharmacies do not normally stock Sutent.) After all, by then I had indeed received an appointment with him. While nothing else was for sure, I knew I must take those steps obediently. When I left the doctor’s office, prescription in hand, my smile was bigger than my face, although I wasn’t greatly surprised by the outcome. I’d stepped out in faith and God had responded faithfully—just as I knew he would.

I’d also made an appointment with the same oncologist for March and had his agreement to accept me as a regular patient when we are on home assignment next summer. Amazingly, I’d heard two nurses talking before the oncologist came in. Their conversation centered on his pending decision to stop accepting new patients as he approaches semi-retirement. And yet he took me. The Lord continues opening the doors for me to walk through—just as I know he will.

Who you trust makes all the difference in the world. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

What is in Your Hand?

A call to involvement
“Than the Lord said to [Moses], ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground …’” (Exodus 4:2-3, NIV).

When Susi Childers told God she didn’t think there was anything she could do for the cause of missions, God spoke to her as he did to Moses so many years ago, asking, “What is that in your hand?” “Only a camera,” she responded, feeling much like Moses must have. After all, it was the common instrument of photographer, much as Moses’ staff was the everyday tool of a shepherd. But when Moses gave that staff to God, it divided the Red Sea and led the children of Israel from out of slavery in Egypt. Likewise, when Susi surrendered her camera to God, “A Voice for the Voiceless” was born.

Today, the German photographer-turned-missionary heads an organization committed to helping the voiceless be heard in the world—particularly women and children trapped by such things as prostitution, sex slavery, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and abortion. And while being a voice calling for an end to these practices through legislation and social action, “A Voice for the Voiceless” also calls the church to pray and to seek God’s guidance in determining what is in its hands that God can use—if we are willing—to help bring an end to such exploitation and injustice. After all, the voiceless are also God’s children who cry out to him for deliverance that comes as we who have voices speak.

It was three years ago that Bernie first met Susi Childers and was introduced to “A Voice for the Voiceless.” God moved his heart in an unusual way, and he has not been the same since. Responding to the Lord’s call to involvement, Bernie has been instrumental in helping Tamagawa Seigakuin to be a venue on several occasions for the group to share in Tokyo. Additionally, last Sunday we were pleased to welcome Susi to Tamagawa Church to share about the work. Through her beautiful portraits, we were introduced to several of the voiceless of the world while hearing their stories.

As Susi challenged the congregation, we challenge you: Don’t turn away from the spiritually lost and the millions of suffering voiceless in the world. The Lord is calling you and asking what is in your hand that he can use to help bring deliverance. None of us was saved for our salvation alone, but to be the bridge others will cross on their path to Christ. We urge you to be a part of the answer the world is seeking.

Update on Cheryl
Thank you for your prayers for Cheryl. We have been aware of them as never before, and we are seeing answers to prayer in several ways. Blood work at the end of the first four weeks of medication showed some positive trends. On top of this, there are other encouraging signs: she no longer has daily fevers (they come now only when she’s overdone it and feels exhausted in the evening); her energy level has improved considerably (which is why she sometimes overdoes it); her weight loss has stabilized (and she needed to lose those seven pounds anyway); and more.

More than anything else, however, Cheryl is grateful for the many intimate conversations she’s had with God while learning to live with cancer. Surely God was speaking all along, but busy schedules have a definite way of drowning out God’s voice. Recently, with most of her typical schedule on hold, Cheryl’s hearing has improved considerably.

At the same time, we continue to need your prayers. Here are two specific prayer points: that a doctor in the United States will agree to prescribe the next round of medicine for Cheryl, something that will help the insurance picture greatly (pray for Cheryl’s meeting with this doctor on November 5 and his good favor); and that the two weeks of rest between medication (October 27-November 9) will provide enough relief for the kidney and liver, as well as an improvement in her platelet count, for her Japanese doctor to be confident that she can handle a second round of medication.

Some other prayers
►There will be a follow-up meeting on November 12 for students who attended July’s Bible Camp. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be evident in a mighty way, reminding girls about commitments they made and giving them courage to act upon those commitments;
►We will lead our fall missionary staff meeting/retreat here in Tokyo on November 21-22. Please pray that the fellowship will be rich and encouraging. Please also remember the various ministries of fellow staffers: Mike and Makiko Boyle (Hagiyama Church, Tokyo); Mike Wagner (Tamagawa Seigakuin, Tokyo); Don Deena Johnson (Nishi Kunitachi Church and Sei Ai Gakusha schools, Tokyo); Tyler Hobbs (Tarumi and Konike Churches, Kobe/Osaka); and Zonia Mitchell (Saga University, Saga).