W. E.

KcGiLvrey
^4^0^-^adison Ave.
jji^-Pointi N. C.
/0
^EB 1'S57
Tokyo
'ol 56
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Kimherlin Heights, Tennessee, Winter, 1957
Number 3
v\inato Church Becomes Independent Seminary NcWS
The Japanese Education Ministry permit
T the establishment of the Minato Chuch
i Christ as a tax-free, independent religious
corporation was granted in December. We
ijere very relieved to see this happy con-
usion to many weeks of difficult and
implicated work. The deeds for the land
md building were handed over to the officers
)f the church by the Yotsuya Mission Cor-
'oration a few days before the end of the
ear.
Minato Church of Christ
Tokyo, Japan
This is the second church to which we
lave turned over the property in accordance
vith the policy announced earlier of making
;ach local church completely independent
vhen they are financially and spiritually cap-
ible of managing it. Some people seem to look
ipon this as "destruction of the Mission",
)ut we prefer to think of it as "fulfillment of
)ur mission."
The story of the ten year history of this
dinato church is well told in another article
n this issue by Stephen lijima, the minister
.here.
:o:
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Downey, mission-
ries to Okinawa, have moved up to Tokyo
or their Japanese language study. They
re renting the Wakaba-cho house from the
Jission and we are glad to have their fellow-
hip here in our fair city.
Most of the missionaries were present
t a bip carry-in dinner on Thanksgiving Day
t the home of the Fattens. This meeting
Iso served as a welcome for the Alex Bills
amily who had arrived in Japan the day
lefore on their way to Korea.
Tokyo Bible Seminary began its second
semester of the school year with ten students,
four teachers and one lecturer. November
third and twenty-third being national holidays,
the school recessed for those two days. Just
a few days before the Christmas recess an
epidemic of influenza prevailed in Tokyo and
the students who contracted the germ were
confined to bed for several days.
The Christmas party for the Seminary
was held at the home of Harold Sims on the
evening of December 19th. Both teachers
and students participated in games, exchanged
presents, and enjoyed the delicious refresh
ments which had been prepared by Lois Sims.
The Semi^ry teachers, in addition to
eir teaching Schedules, have been busy with
itional activities. Mr. Muto, after moving
the Semin^ campus in the fall, began
'ekly meetia in a rented hall in Nakano
'ard with .tl^view of establishing a hew
church. He rflwe.a trip to Osaka in Decem
ber where ,he*,lid several conferences with
the teachers and students of Osaka Bible
Seminary and the church leaders in the Osaka
area. Mr. lijima has been busy with the
endless legal requirements involved in form
ing the Minato Church, where he preaches, into
a religious corporation and registering it with
the government. After all the papers were
completed, the government recognized the
Minato church as an independent, tax-free
organization, and the property was entrusted
to the church and its representatives at the
end of 1956. Mr. lijima's health has not been
good recently. Doctors have told him that
he has a weak heart. Besides that he has
suffered the last few days with an abscessed
tooth. Next week he will undergo te first
of a series of radium treatments for a growth
on each of his eye lids which the doctor diag
nosed as yellow cancer. Mr. Sims is serving
as minister of the Nakano Church, located next
door to his house, until the church locates
and calls a Japanese minister.
Yuiiro Ito, a student who withdrew from
the Seminary about two years ago to enter
Tovko Theological Seminary, returned to
Tokyo Bible Seminary at the beginning of the
second semester as a Junior. Chozo Ishimine
rf Okinawa, a Junior, underwent an appendec
tomy at a hospital located in the neighorhood
of the Seminary in the early part of Decem
ber. Hideo Fukuda, a Sophomore who re-
entered the Seminary in April 1956 after
recovery from tuberculosis, has been inform
ed by his doctor that he is again in a danger
ous physical condition which could possibly
turn into tuberculosis. The other students
.are well and are zealously studying the Word
of God in preparation for a life of service.
(Continued on Page 2)
Noel Ray Patton
Noel Ray Patton
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton of Tokyo,
Japan announce the birth of a son, Noel Ray
born December 22, 1956 at Tokyo Sanitarium
Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Noel Ray is the first
son, second child of the Fattens. He weighed
7 pounds 10 ounces at Birth. Since his parents
considered him the very best gift from our
Heavenly Father at Christmas, they named
him Noel. He was given his middle name
in honor of his grandfather Armstrong.
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Kamiuma Church
The Kamiuma Church of Tokyo spon
sored a series a evangelistic meetings Novem
ber 4-11, 1956. Harold Sims and Andrew
Patton served as evangelists. The maximum
attendance during the week was forty-three.
The fine way in which the members of the
church co-operated in advertising and carry
ing out the program helped to make the meet
ings successful. One happy result of the
meeting was the conversion of a young lady
who works as a typist for a foreign firm in
Japan. She was baptized at the close of the
meeting and since that time has been rejoic
ing in the salvation of the Lord. This revival
meeting was a means of strengthening the
church at a time when it stood most in need
of itjust before the traditional slump which
occurs in the churches in Japan at the time
of the celebration of Now Years
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We are plannng on selling our car as
soon as possible in order to finance the print
ing project which I have mentioned before.
Almost half of the first book. "The Christian
System" has been translated and other books
will be started as soon as possible
Stanley Buttray
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
Published quarteriy by the Ifissiona^ of the
Church of Christ Cunningham Wssion, Tokyo, Japcm,
for the information and inspinjtion of every C^tiem
whose heart is open to the ccdl of Christ^d who m
willing to help in the supreme task of cornea out me
Great Commission of Christ: Matthew 28:19, 20.
Entered as second class matter in fee
Tenn., Postoffice under the act of March 3,
Two-Year Stibscription twu-ioui r-77-
Subscription and Flaming Torch
J50 cents
-$1.00
MISSION STAFF
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 575 2rChome, Kam-
iochiai, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo. lapan.
Forwarding agent: Mrs. Homer Anderson, n. u. 1.
Meadville, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 27 Sakurayama, Na-
kano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding ^ent: Mr. or
Mrs. Ray Armstrong, Rt. 3, Box 310, Piqua, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Stos, 450 Ar^
Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwardmg agent: A. E. Sims, 31U
Brown Ave., Turtle Creek, Pa.
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sakurayama, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
TRUSTEES , ...
Mr. T. O. Hathcock, Chairman, Lawrence Bain, Miss
Eva Green, Orvel C. Crowder, J. E. Lipscombo, Mrs. E.
G. Nabell, Alfred E. Sims.
Packages for Japan should be sent direcrt by porj^
nost to one of the missionaries whose addresses me
shown above. Consult your lo<^ postoffice coimemmg
mailing rules and limitations of size and weight.
II you change your addr^s please nottjyJH. L.
Hamilton, Kimberlin Heights, Termessee, ?wi^
S old andyour new address. If ywi mcAe tm offer-
toa of $1.00 or more you are entitled to recede t^
S^er if you so request. Churches or grouM makmg <m
Offering of $10.00 or more may request a bundle of 10
copies for distribution.
Seminary News
(Continued from Page 1)
Tokyo Bible Seminary congratulates each
of our readers on his entrance into the New
Year. This is also an appropriate occasion
to thank all who have encouraged and support
ed the work of the Seminary in any way
throughout the past year. God has blessed
us beyond our highest expectations. So we
thank our heavenly Father and you his ser
vants for the manifold blessings which the
Seminary has enjoyed throughout the year.
We pray that we shall be worthy of your
support through the new year into which
we have already been ushered.
-Andrew Patton
-:o:-
Tokyo Christian
Questons & Answers
1. What steps should be taken to prepare
for the mission field? What can I do while
I am in Bible College? You should have at
least a general Bible college education. How
ever, in many fields today, a minimum M. A.
degree or its equivalent would be of greater
value, if, in the process the fire of a Chris
tian's first love is not dampered into mere
embers. ; While in college, and a field has
been chosen, effort should be made to learn
as much as possible of the native people. Such
as, their thinking in relation to custom and
religion. Allow me again to return to the
thought above as it is relatively important.
In viewof what the Church of Christ has come
from (denominations just over a century
ago), and the fact that it is already divided
into three ajor divisions, with the Disciples
jumping off into liberal denominationalism,
has only added fuel to the fire by re-emphas
izing the historic stand of Campbell, Scott,
and Stone as they fought for the Whole Bible
versus the abreviated-liberal doctrine of de
nominationalism. Thus the faithful Churches
thatremain today are engrossed in a battle
for the true teachings of Jesus Christ (which
happens to be legal rather than spiritual).
If such a trend is allowedto run its full course,
the end might well be Pharisaism. To this
end I believe Jesus spoke the words found
in John 4:24 and Matthew 23:23 when He
said: "God is spirit, and those who worship
him must worship in spirt and truth.", ". . . . r
these you ought to have done, without neglect
ing the others."
2. What preparations must be made with
the government to obtain passports? First,
allow about three months to obtain passport
and visas permission. Apply to Washington
for your American passport to the chosen
field (country). Second, apply to the nearest
Japanese foreign office (San Francisco) for
permission to enter Japan as a missionary.
About the time you are ready to leave, four
years from now, requirements may be strict
er. In 1956, when we returned to Japan, we
were required to have a personal letter stat
ing our desires and purpose for entering
Japan. Up to date pictures (as for passport),
certain napers from the Japanese Embassy
to be filled out in duplicate, and a letter of
recommendation from your sponsoring or
ganization in Japan.
3. What special training will help me
- most?- This-wilk vary-according to- the field
and person. If you plan to teach in a Bible
Seminary, hieher education is important.
Personally, I think the well rounded educa
tion is of greater value. Unless you are asked
to work with someone and they want you
to specialize in some particular subject or
phase of Christian work. Radio, T.V., music,
and art should be considered.
Page 2
5. How much living link support will be
needed for a family? At least $2,500.00
dollars for husband and wife. However, due
to the high cost of living in some fields
$3,000.00 is advisable. And $400.00 dollars
for each child. p
6. What are some of the physical require
ments you feel it is needful to have in ordei
to be an effective missionary? No special
requirements. Just so you are in good healtb^^
7. Should I have experience here befort
attempting to come overseas? No. But it is
only logical, the more experience one has
the more able he will be to meet problem^
when they arise. However, let us take .
Timothy 2:2, 15 as the guide for this qualifi
cation, as well as the will to put His wiU)
above your own will. r
8. What is the Japanese attitude towan
the age of the missionary? Do they respect
young missionaries? Due to Japanese cu^
torn, the greater the age the more respecf
you receive. Because of their fanatical eleva
tion of education and degrees above every
thing else, it does seem advantageous for the
young missionary to have degrees behind hir
name to give him prestige. However, I b(
lieve that this point is already over-emphasizet
in most of our Bible Colleges and Churches
because of the trend of these days, and th^i
we should get back to preaching the Won
in demonstration of the Spirit and powei
and not with man's wisdom. 1 Corinthians
1:27-28. J
9. What are the most difficult duties t
perform? Learning the language is one 0.
the most difficult tasks which you will face.
Of course this depends on the individual
person, but the majority find it to be thi
most trying. Because of extreme disappoint
ments, it will be difficult to overcome the
"what's the use" attitude. i
10. Should we study the language her
or come to the field to study? On the fiek
is best for language study, as accent anc
pronunciation is that much different off th|
field. As well as a possible difference i
dialect. However, a basic knowledge of gran
mar would be of value as the language is sc
completely different, thus difficult.
11. Would a knowledge of medicine b
advisable? A knowledge of medicine s nc.
necessary as Japan has enough doctors to even
reach the most rmot placs. r
12. Is it advisable to attempt to live 0
the level of the^people on the field? (Is ii
physically possible?) The answer is no. II
is practically impossible to adjust oneself r
Japanese living in a short length of timt
Over a period of years of gradual adjustment,
it can be done. But in most cases it is nol
advisable, especially with a family as it
difficult to impose on others, what you alon
m y th'nk is necessary.
At the last prayer meeting of the mission
aries here in Tokyo on January 12th it was
decided to have a retreat this year in place
of the all-Japan Convention^Last year because
of various problems and divisions, there was
no convention held. And for the same rea
sons, the wisdom of having one this year was
seriously questioned. After much discussion
it was decided to have a retreat instead of a
convention. It is to be held in a neutral
place at the usual "cherry blossom viewing
time", April 2nd to the 4th. It was also
decided to invite all of the Japanese leaders
(preachers) to be our guest for the first day
of the retreat in an effort to bring about fur-
therreconciliation, understanding, and fellow
ship among themselves, as well as the miss
ionaries. Pray for God's blessing and anoint
ing in this meeting and for a great victory
over the forces of Satan.
Stanley Buttray
4. How much money will I need to get
to the field and begin work? The amount
will vary depending on your plans. Perhaps
the mininum for a married couple would
be about $4,000.00 dollars. This does not
include a car. In breaking this amount
down, $1,000.00 for personal fare (depending
on the field). $2,000.00 for general supplies,
and $1,000.00 for freight.
13. Is adjustment difficult to make? No
adjustment is not difficult to make as mosi
missionaries have unconsciously preparec
themselves for such changes. Of course, then
are exceptions, but as a rule, missionarie:
that are consecrated and trying to follow th
Lord's leading have little trouble in payinj
the "price", whatever it might be.
Page 3
14. What equipment should we plan to
bring? What is needed most on the field?
This answer depends on the type of evange
lism you plan to do. However, in most cases
the following is generally advisable: slide
projector, slides, and equipment; flannel
graph; tape recorder; P. A. sound system,
mimeograph machine; movie projector (if
possible); typewriter; car (if possible); your
personal library; and camera. Perhaps the
greatest need, is a spiritfilled, dedicated life,
filled with the love and compassion of Jesus
for the lost. Romans 12:1
15. What fields of evangelism are neg
lected most there? Due to circumstances
(effects of defeat by Americans), and many
varied customs that go back thousands of years,
there has been in these late postwar years
an increase in the problem of evangelism in
general. Therefore, it is not a question of
which field is most neglected, but under the
circumstances, which field is workable and
the most fruitful. Though there have been
an average of two thousand missionaries in
Japan in these post-war years, yet there has
not been an increase in the number of Chris
tians. And the total number of Christians
is only about % of 1 per cent of the 89,000,000
million people. This is evidence of the great
need of evangelism by any means possible.
16. What locality is in the greatest need
of the gospel there? Where is the greatest
oppunity to teach? From the New Testament
Church of Christ point of view and the fact
that God is no respector of persons and that
Christ commanded that we preach the gospel
to every creature, need we say anymore!
Literally, every village, town, and city in
every section of Japan is an open field wait
ing to be plowed and sown by the faithful
servants of God. Our greatest opportunity
to teach has been and still is, among the
children and youth. But even these opport-
unties are being lessened as the rise of na
tionalism and worshiping of the Emperor
increases. Also, the report is, that all kind
ergartens (including Christian) will, within
five years be taken over by the government.
The fields of Japan are described very
clearly in Romans 1:20-28. For thousands
of years they have prevailed in keeping God
out of their lives. There has been no sun
light of God's love to warm their lives, no
true Light to lighten their lives, no breath
of air from God to refresh them, and no
rain of God's Spirit to cause them to grow.
The ideology of Communism could not more
thoroghly have destroyed every true concept
of God.
As I think of these people I am reminded
of my three year endeavor to have a garden.
Before the war on the back-side of this pro
perly on which I live there stood a Japanese
parsonage This was the spot I chose for a
garden. Lend that had lain idle for many
years underneath the house whore it was
cold, dai'k, dry and without light. Also, being
cluttered up with war debris, it took much
time and work before I could even begin to
work the ground and fertilize it.
The efforts of that first year resulted in
very little worthwhile fruit. The pUnts that
did grow were stunted and the fruit was either
sour, twisted, stunted, or blighted and was
soon destroyed by the abundance of worms.
Tokyo Christian
bugs, or some disease. The second year with
added fertilizer, lime, work, and perseverance,
the result was not much better. The third
year using a chemical in addition to the fert
ilizer and lime, plus hard work, patience, and
time, the result was a little better than the
second year. But not nearly average nor
normal.
This pictures the gospel as it has been
sown here in Japan. A picture that challeng
es the very depths of our feeble faith. But
as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, wo are to be
like those that Tennyson wrote about in his
immortal poem. Charge the Light Brigade.
"Theirs not to make reply.
Theirs not to reason why.
Theirs but to do and die. . . ."
Thus we are to trustingly follow the command
ment of our captain Jesus Christ. And when
He commands! There can be no reply, nor
any right to reason why, but, unfalteringly Do
and Die.
Stanley Buttray
A Visit To Meiji Shrine
On New Year's day I made a trip over
to the Meiji Shrine in the center of Tokyo
not to worship, nor to be seen, nor to follow
custom, but to see the crowds and the worship
about which I had hard so much The half
had not been told me. It is impossible to
describe the crowd. Only those who have
seen, heard and felt it can understand the
impression it leaves on one. The wide street
and area in front of the gate was covered by
an immense, milling throng. There were
dozens of shoeshine boys, little stalls selling
milk, cookies, camera film, plastic toys, cheap
and highly colored mementos depicting the
year of the chicken and other superstitions,
policemen, Christian students passing out
tracts, families eating lunch, young amateurs
taking pictures of the ladies dressed up in
kimono etc. etc. The 8-car commuter train
disgorged a load of passengers into the mass
every 3 minutes and taxis and buses were lined
up on the perimeter.
I finally worked my way over to the great
towering torii gate and entered the shrine
precints with the human scream, (see pic
ture). The main building is approached by
,a long, winding graveled walk wide enough
to accomodate about 20 or 25 abreast and it
was packed as far as I could see with a con
stantly moving mfss. The order of the whole
thing was amazing. All talking was subdued
and there was only the solid, steady crunch
of thousands of feet moving steadily forward
without pushing or jostling. As we got nearer
the shrine we could see the horde leaving
by two exits, and that group was just as large
and orderly. Finally we were at the gate
of the inner court, which was walled, and
entered through a massive unpainted wooden
gate. Just outside the gate there was a large
tank of running water at which the faithful
washed out their mouths and their hands.
Also all along the outside of the wall there
were giant stacks of rice, wine and other
things that had been donated by various peo
ple and companies as offerings to take care
of the priests. I went on into the court to
take some more pictures. It was packed with
people who followed a simple ritual: the
hands were clapped together and head bowed
very briefly and then an offering was thrown
toward a small building. The average offer
ing was 10 yen or 2.7 cents. Since the great
majority of the people could not get near
enough to put their offering into any box a
very large sheet of canvas had been spread
out and money was thrown into itsome hav
ing to throw from 20 yards or so back. There
was consequently a real hail of money and
I got hit by 2 or 3 pieces while taking pictures,
although I was way out of the line of fire.
Money was all over the roof of the building
and all over the ground but no one picked
up any. All of this prayer and offering was
done under the loud blare of police loud
speakers keeping traffic on the move and
trying to fill the exits. It was really an un
forgettable sight.
All types were there. Old ladies with
bent, backs. ,fat successful business men,
laborers, young girls with kimono of all bright
shades, babies crying with fear, devout old
men, and cynical aloha shirt juvenile delin-
quints. :
In the inner-court there were several
tents where the priests were selling good-
luck charms.
I came away with 2 feelings. First, I had
seen something that might have been in some
ways similar to the joyous temple worship
of the Israelites in the -time of David and
Solomon, and perhaps gained a little insight
into the emations behind some of the Psalms
and 0. T. Scriptures. There is much that
can bo compared. There was the laver, the
inner court, the makers of merchandise, the
offerings, the priests, the crowds etc. Second
there was the terribly oppressive knowledge
that this great mass of people is without the
srving knowledge of Jesus Christ. How over-
whelmins the task. A practical man would
give I'D in despair. But with God nothing is
impossible.
-Harold Sims
The annual Christmas meeting of all our
missionaries in Tokyo was held on December
22 at the home of Sgt. and Mrs. Leo Greear
on Yokota Air Base. The Greear family are
members of the Englewood Christian Church
in Colorado and we appreciate their fellowship
and interest in the work. That day we also
appreciated some American refreshments
such as rare orange-slice candy, potato chips
with cheeze dip, hard candy and other things.
Betty Patton was unable to attend because
she was busy giving birth to a son that day.
Presents were exchanged, carols sung and
everyone had a wonderful time.
Tokyo Christian
Love: The Stills were, above all, miss
ionaries of love. And their loving spirit lived
thru' these years in the church. Blessed
are those who were touched first by Christian
love before being forced to put their head
into the jungle of creed and doctrine. Thus
they go to love, before sitting to discuss on
theological love.
Tithing: They learn to tithe not after
they were persuaded doctrinally, but only
thru' love. They love their sick brethren in
the congregation, their minister and his
family and every other church and brave
preachers fighting for the Gospel. Such love
never falls to be the best teacher to train
good Christian stewardship.
Poor people: Here in this church I see
that poor people offer much more than the
rich. The place which God chose for us to
begin the work is one of the well known
districts in Tokyo for its poverty and immoral
ity. One of the Japanese Seminary teachers
iadvised me that this place did not deserve my
ability. A barber near here told me in wonder
when I first visited his shop, "You chose the
most terrible place to begin religious bus^
ness!" But indeed God betrayed every human
expectation. What a blessed experience it is
for a young preacher to know at the outset
of his ministry why Christ loved the poor,
ones. How often I have found some kind
of food in some part of the little church
building secretly slipped for me by someone.
Workers: These people brought forth
Christ's workers during these ten years. A
boy dedicated himself and went to preach in
Okinawa after graduating from the Tokyo
Bible Seminary. A young girl decided to
be a preacher's wife and is helping her hus
band's brave work for the Lord.
Family of Christ: In this congregation
we have now thirteen families which includes
more than half of the entire membership of
the church. As the effect of this, a home
like atmosphere is naturally predominant in
the meeting. Many children are always play
ing around the pulpit; they can not be kept
silent except when they are singing with their
parents. But we know that these children
have helped us not to forget that the church
IS Christ's Family. This family feeling and
home like atmosphere was the very cause
of all above mentioned characteristics of this
church, and I believe that it is worth while
keeping even at the sacrifice of ritual and
solemn atmosphere.
Home meeting: This church has its origin
in the home meeting at Tsujio's home. Once
the poor floor of her house was broken when
the room was full, and we had to meet at
'Brother Kobayashi's home till Mrs Tsujio had
the floor repaired. This event gave opport
unity to win another home to Christ. Thus
the church went from home to home, while
for us Home and Church became undivisible.
They often invite preacher and his family to
their birthday meetings or some other kind
of meeting so that they may enjoy home meet
ing and join their homes to the church.
This is only a short review by a fortunate
preacher. But I always pray that this little
church may have another ten years of spirit
ual growth and it may be an encouragement to
other fellow churches in this country.
" I planted, Apollos watered: but God
gave the increase." (I Cor. 3:6)
he Story of Minato Church
Stephen lijima, Minister
God used the Christians dispersed from
'erusalem by persecution, and started many
jospel centers beyond the expectaton of the
)ersecutors, and even today we can see the
;ame example wrought by the Lord's Hand.
Not long after the Pacific War, an old
nissionary flew to Japan. When Mr. Owen
Still stood on the street of Tokyo, nature
Tied to hide the burnt desert from this old
Christian with a white veil. But under this
unexpected snow he was to see a new start,
as Jeremiah the Prophet saw the almond-tree
that is said to be the first to wake into new
life after the long sleep of winter. His miss
ion was to restore the Lord's churches which
were destroyed by war. Now with his arrival
many new lives were coming up thru tne
snow. .. ,
The Lord was working alone in otner
fields of this country; a middle-aged Chris
tian lady and ayoung boy were bmng c^led
to His service by that tune. Mrs. S^n
Tsujio was a faithful member of the Yocho-
machi Church of Christ before the war. But
during the war she had to leave her church
and home because of the fierce fire caused
bv air raids. After several dangerous escapes
she finally stopped at Minato withJour little
children and her depressed husband when
the war ended. x -
The same fire of Tokyo was threatening
every night a young Japanese soldier station
ed near the city. As soon as Tokyo was
deduced to ashes, he moved to Niigata Camp.
Before the war separated himfrom the Stills,
he was happy in the church and Bible Class;
and even under the burning sky he could
dream of the happy days before; Stephen
liiima was a dreamer. Who can be a realist
in time of war when every thing is so dark
and hopeless! But Stephen never dreamed
of meeting Still's oldfriend among the enemy
soldiers! To his great surprise the command
er of the occupation army asked him to help
as interpreter. And within the week of his
new start and new experience, he met Cha
plain Marier. Where did you learn English?
^this first question of Chaplain was the
clue to future communication. His trust
on the Lord was encouraged and his joyful
letter was forwarded to the Stills in the States.
Mrs. Tsujio opened her home for Christian
meetings. Thus she became the mother of
the present Minato church. Mr. and Mrs.
Still led the meetings and visited the neigh
bors around the new- teaching spot. Their
faith and love put the founation of the
church. Because of Mrs. Still's weak health
they had to leave Japan before the church
was established. But by this time, Stephen
was receiving in the Tokyo Bible Seminary the
training to be Christ's soldier. Mother Still
introduced her son in Christ to the people,
and they chose their first preacher.
It is ten years since we started our meet
ing at the Tsujio home. The church is still
young, but it has grown up to an independent
self supporting church. Of course it is only
Christ's Name and His glory that should be
exalted: but when I look back in thanks over
these first ten years, I can not help remem
bering some loyal Christians who helped the
church in its growth and led it to the present
Page 4
Mr. Kim Bong Hak, a member of the
Mikawashima Church of Christ, operates a
small plastics products factory in that in
dustrial "lower town" section of Tokyo. The
raw materials and machines all come from
America, and it has been a long-continued
dream of his to take a trip to "rice-country"
(Chinese ideographs fro U. S. A.).
Since his business has been doing well for
the past year he was finally able to round
up sufficient funds and obtain his visa this
spring. He left Tokyo by air on May 3 and
spent one month in the wide and wonderful
United States, combining sight-seeing with
visits to various plastics factories, exhibitions
and business offices. Among his other activi
ties he also addressed a meeting of an or
ganization of Koreans presently residing in
America who are helping in various ways to
evangelize their home country.
After his return he spoke to the congre
gation at Mikawashima about his experiences
and various things he had observed and
learned. The two things that seemed to im
press him most deeply were: (1) the air-
conditioned Greyhound buses on which he
crossed the continent, and how fast they
traveled and (2) how hard the Americans
work. The two things he criticized (in case
you are interested) were: (1) racial segre
gation and (2) the bright colored clothes
worn by men.
-:o:-
Tokyo Bible Seminary
Holding forth the Word of Life
Serving Churches of Christ
in Japan
God-fearing faculty
Conscientious in stewardship
your mission project in Japan
Where a Little investment
Pays Big Dividends In
Trained Youth
Address correspondence to: '
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sokurayoma Mochi
Nokono Ku, Tokyo, Japan
or to:
Any Missionary forwarding agent
listed above (page two)
JUN 4 1957
Tokyo
Christian
Vol. 56
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Kimherlin Heights, Tennessee, Spring, 1957
Number h-
TRUSTEES MEETING
The meeting was called by T. 0. Hath-
cock, president of the trustees of the Church
of Christ Cunningham Mission, Inc. "for the
purpose of considering the disposition of the
funds. . .and to consider the dissolution or
continuance of this corporation, and for such
other business that may come before the
meeting."
The meeting was held in the Atlanta, Ga.
Y.M.C.A. at 2:00 P.M. April 23, 1957. Omitt
ing details of the lengthy discussions, it was
voted 5 to 2, "That we turn over the funds
and interest to the ZAIDAN, according to the
propos.l of the missionaries, Sims, Patton,
Buttray, and their wives, in a letter dated
April 11, 1957."
This amounted to a vote of confidence in
the missionaries, all of whom had been chosen
and appointed to work with this mission, by
Mrs. Cunningham, during the last 10 years
of her life. It was also a vote of confidence in
the ability of Mrs. Cunningham to select men
and women of integrity, consecration and
loyalty to the Word of God.
Porhaps-il should be explained that the
ZAIDAN is what we in this country might
call a "holding corporation." It holds the
deeds to the mission properties in Japan, and
is responsible for paying the taxes, up-keep,
repairs etc. They pUn to ultimately turn the
deeds to the church buildings over to the
churches, when they have met the qualifica
tions and legal requirements. One or two of
the churches have already met the require
ments and received their deeds. The Zaidan
is recognized by the Japanese government
in all legal matters pertaining to the Mission
properties. The missionaries have the cont
rolling vote in the Zaidan. Again we see the
wisdom of Mrs. Cunningham, in reorginzing
the Zaidan so as to give the missionaries
control, with one Japanese minister and six
missionaries as the trustees.
It was also voted 5 to 2 that "After the
funds are disposed of in the manner in the
above motion, and such expenses incident to
dissolution of the Church of Christ Cunning-
h:m Mission, Inc., that such corporation be
dissolved."
The resignations of Mrs. Virginia Bragg,
Secretary-treasurer, and T. 0. Hathcock,
President, were presented at the close of this
meeting, and accepted with regret.
At a later called meeting, J. E. Lipscombe
was elected as president, A. E. Sims, vice-
president and Miss Eva D. Green, secretary-
treasurer.
P.S. The above was written by Bro. A. E. Sims.
J. E. Lipscombe, President
A. E. Sims, Vive-president
:o:
Hope Joyce (age 9) and Sylvia Jean
(age 7) Sims were baptized into Christ at the
Nakano church during the morning service
on April 28.
GRADUATION
The annual commencement exercises of
the Tokyo Bible Seminary were held at the
Seminary on March 25, 1957. This year the
valedictory address was delivered by Namio
Kamada. Yukiya Mikami, being a musician,
rendered a song in English. At the conclusion
of the service a delicious 'sukiyaki' feast was
prepared for the visitors, faculty and students.
The Bachelor of Theology degree was
granted by the Seminary to Namio Kamada.
Mr. Yukiya Mikami and Mrs. Chieko Kamada
received certificates in Religious Education.
The former represents four years of study
and the writing of a thesis; the latter two
years of study.
GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 1957
(L. to R.Mr. Mikami, Mrs. Kamada
and Mr. Kamada)
Namio Kamada was born on June 15, 1930
at Amami Oshima, Ryukyu Islands, located
between the southern tip of Kyushu and Okin
awa. Namio spent six years in elementary
school near his home. After having attended
high school for only two years, his family
moved to Manchuria. This was near the end
of the war and only two months after Namio
entered high school, the war ended. Then
they were forced to return to their former
home. This ended Namio's high school career.
Ho spent the next two years in a telegraphy
school which qualified him for a position with
the Fukuoka Central Telegraph Office, loc
ated in Northern Kyushu. After he had work
ed there for three years he met with a mis
fortune which changed the whole course of
his life. He fell ill with a liver disease and was
hospitalized. The sickness brought him face
to face with the basic problems of his life
and gave him time to think and to talk. Por-
tun:tely, while he was in the hospital he form
ed an acquaintance with a Christian who
preached Christ to him. Namio believed the
message and received Christ as his Saviour.
Soon his health improved and he returned
to Oshima for further rest. At that time Har-
lan Woodruff, missionary to Okinawa, was
making an evangelistic tour of the island and
while lodging in the home of the Kamadas,
he talked to Namio about the ministry of the
Word. Namio entered Tokyo Bible Seminary
April 1953. In December 1954 he was united
in marriage to Miss Chieko Nose, also of
Amami Oshima. After receiving his diploma,
he and his wife departed for Okinawa to teach
in the Okinawa Bible Seminary and to min
ister to the Yabu church, located near the
school.
Yukiya Mikami was born in Akita Pre
fecture, northern Honshu, on November 15,
1930. After attending Elementary school for
six years and high school for five years he
taught three years in an elementary school.
During the next two years he served as as
sistant minister of music at the Tokyo Chapel
Center, U. S. Armed forces. He desired to
study one or two years in a seminary to help
qualify him for his chosen field of work, that
of being a Christian musician. Therefore, he
entered Tokyo Bible Seminary. His home
church is a remnant of the old work which
the Disciples were carrying on many years
ago. There Yukiya believed and was immersed.
Before the completion of his studies, he had
to withdraw from school for a few months
because of a dangerously weak physical condi
tion, but later returned to finish his two-year
co'ir.se. Upon receiving his certificate from
the Seminary, Yukiya accepted a position as
teacher of music at the Yokohama Christian
School for Blind Children. Another activity
in which he will participate is that of radio
musician for Avaco of Tokyo for religious
broadcasts and tape recordings.
Mrs. Chieko Kamada was born in Amami
Oshima, Ryukyu Islands, on March 26, 1931.
After attending elementary school for four
years, her family moved to Manchuria where
she finished elementary school. After she
completed her third year of school, the war
ended and she and her family were forced
to return to the Ryukus. Having finished high
school Chieko worked for six years as a clerk
for an Agricultural association. At that time
Chieko's finance. Namio Kamada. was study
ing in Tokyo Bible Seminary. Arrangements
were made and she entered the Seminary in
April 1954. After she and Namio were marr
ied, they rented a room which they called
home until their graduation. Then they pack
ed up their belongings and set their face
toward Okinawa and now have already taken
up the work which they have prepared them
selves to do.
This is not a large group of graduates
but that does not make us less happy about
their graduation. We who have spent so many
hours in teaching these young people must
now take the position of interested spectators,
anxiously desiring to know just how the Lord
will use each of them. There is bound to be
rough seas and tempests ahead for these
young hearts, but God is a majority under
any circumstance. "He that observeth the
wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the
clouds shall not reap." (Eccl. 11:4)
Andrew Patton
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
Published quorterly by the Missionaries oi the
-,Ohurch of Christ Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan,
for the information and inspiration of every Christian
whose heart is open to the call of Christ, and who is
willing to help in the supreme task of carrying out the
Great Commission of Christ: Matthew 28:19, 20.
Entered as second class matter in the Knojwillo,
Tenn., Postoffico under the act of March 3, 1879.
Two-Year Subscription
Subscription and "Haming Torch"
_50 cents
$1.00
MISSION STAFF
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 575 2-Chomo, Kam-
iochiai, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. *, r\ i
Forwarding agent: Mrs. Homer Anderson, R. D. l,
Meadville, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 27 Sakurayama, Na-
kano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding agent: Mr. or
Mrs. Roy Armstrong, Rt. 3, Box 310, Piqua, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 450 Aral Machi, Nakanc^
Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding agent: A. E. Sims, 310
Brown Ave., Turtle Creek, Pa.
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sakurayama, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
TRUSTEES
Mr. T. O. Hathcock, Chairman, Lawrence Bain, Miss
Eva Green, Orvel C. Crowder, J. E. Lipscombe, Mrs. E.
G. Nabell, Alfred E. Sims.
Packages for Japan should be sent direct by parcel
post to one of the missionaries whoso addresses are
shown above. Consult your local postoffice concerning
mailing rules and limitations of size and weight.
If you change your address please notify H. L.
Hamilton, Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, giving ^th
your old and your new address. If you make an offer
ing of $1.00 or more you are entitled to receive this
paper if you so request. Churches or groups making m
offering of $10.00 or more may request a bundle of 10
copies for distribution.
RELIGIOUS TRENDS
Rise of Shintoism or worship of the Emp
eror as God. is. on the.march- In .the past few.
days we received a hand bill or pamphlet in
our mail box as well as did all of the Jap
anese homes. Upon reading it, Machi san, the
girl who works for us shook her head and a
number of times said to Mrs. Buttray, "Why
are they doing it This is what they did before
the war." What would there be in a hand bill
that would cause her to be so perturbed? It
was an exhortation and reminder not to for
get the God of Shintoism, or else! It is like
a policeman swinging his night stick as he
passes by a group of teenagers, who evidently
are up to no good, or the teacher silently
facing her students, yardstick in hand. How
ever, Machi sans' reactions were, "This kami
sama (god) is not good." This attitude no
doubt represents many who no longer believe
in Shintoism.
Then, there is Prime Minister Kishi who
just returned from reporting the fact of his
appointment to premiership, to the Grand
Shrine at Ise. (Shintoism) Another step to
wards militant Shintoism is the personal visit
of the Emperor and Empress on April 23,
to the Yasukuni Shrine where "war gods
repose", supposedly. This is an integral part
of Shintoism and that is why it is again being
quietly, but persistently reemphasized by these
highly respected leaders of the nation.
Then to quote from Kiyoaki Murata's
article in the Japan Times newspaper, "Meet
Me At Kudan," in which he sees an interest
being revived in Yasukuni Shrine Worship,
"The Yasukuni Shrine at Kudan, Tokyo, ap
pears on the surface to be just another Shinto
shrine. But it is apart from all other similiar
establishments in Japan. As a symol of nation
al worship for war dead, too, the shrine is
distinctly Japanese without parallel in the
world. . . It was founded on June 29, 1869
Tokyo Christian
. . .by the personal wish. . .of Emperor
Meiji. . . it was designed to serve as a place
of repose for 3,588 who had died for the
Imperial cause in the preceding years of
turbulence. . . Ever since then, after each
war and any other armed conflict, more names
were added to the roster of the dead and
deified at Yasukuni. . . A father prepared to
die as a heroic soldier would leave these words
for his children as he departed for the front:
Tf you would miss me come to Kudan.'
Sometimes, student draftees in war years
paid respect to the Yasukuni Shrine in groups
and pledged for a reunion there as gods. . .
Many of the aged Japanese who lost their
sons in the war make a life-long wish of
coming to Yasukuni to meet their deceased
after they are duly deified. . . Many of the
pilgrims from the country bring with them
bottles of water from their family wells and
the kinds of food their deceased sons were
fond of. Reaching the dimly-lit interiors of
the shrine means to many of these visitors
fulfillment of their last desire on earth. . .
Many of the recent pilgrims to the Yasukuni
Shrine are boys and girls of junior high
school years. Too young to remember their
fathers, they come to the shrine as though
they are on a picnic. After such a group left
the hall of worship one day, shrine officials
found a piece of paper with the following
written on it: "Dear Daddy, How are you?
I am very well. I have your picture in my
room at home. But now that I am here, I
feel you are really living in this shrine. Don't
worry about mother. She is fine. I do want
to come back here again. Good bye, Yoshio."
Another teen-age visitor had a more urgent
message: "Dear Father,"Mother is sick, and
we don't know what to do. You are a god.
You must be able to help her."
Thus can be seen the gradual tightening
of Governmental reign on the family and
individual religious life.
Finally, to give a picture of the sum total
permit me to quote from the Japan Times
newspaper once again from a letter sent to
the Reader's in Council column which was
signed, "A Voice in the Wilderness: "It is
so pitiful to hear a graduate of the Imperial
University expound on the purpose of this
life. He knows practically nothing about God
or this life. He is taught the materialistic
path of this world and stores up the treasures
of this world where 'it is stolen and or eaten
away by the moths.' When asked on one
occasion what happened after death, the grad
uate looked stunned and answered, 'Nothing,
of course.' There is a dire necessity of teach
ing the young children of this great nation
while they are living, the real purpose of this
life."
After reading the above, pray for us
that the Light of Christ may shine unhinder
ed through us to the salvation of these people.
Stanley Buttray
-:o:-
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The forwarding agent of Mr. and Mrs.
Harold Sims, Alfred E. Sims, of 310 Brown
Ave., Turtle Creek, Pa. will change his address
after June 1st, From the above TO: Alexand
ria, Ky. All offerings for the Harold Sims
family, or other correspondence, after June
1st should be sent c/o Alfred E. Sims or A.
E. Sims, Alexandria, Ky.
Page 2
THE TRIUMPHANT LIFE
When we hear the word, "Triumph",
perhaps the first thought that comes to mind
is that of War, or perhaps that of Athletic
Contests. We think of a Victory that has been
won. Usually the Triumphal Procession is
something that comes only after Victory!
But in 2 Cor. 2:14 Paul speaks of "tri
umph in Christ." This too denotes VICTORY.
That is characteristic of the Christian Life.
Notice especially the use of the word, "al
ways." He gives thanfe to God who "ALWAYS
leadeth us in triumph in Christ." Are you
conscious of that continuous triumph in your
life? Is it not too true that we often get dis
couraged and feel as though we have been
defeated, or are about to be defeated? Why
is this? Has Christ ever been defeated? Oh
yes. His enemies thought they had defeated
Him when they had nailed Him to the cross
and gloated over His dying body. How wrong
they were! It was actually there at the Cross
of Calvary that His supreme triumph was
achieved! So! whenever we get to feeling
defeated or fearful of defeat, that is the
signal for us to re-examine our standing in
Christ. We can not be defeated so long as
we are in Christ, because He can not be
defeated! He never has and He never will be
defeated, and neither will we, so long as
we are abiding faithfully in Him!
Of course the tempter will tempt us.
He even tempted Christ. We can certainly
expect him to tempt us. He would like to
cause us to doubt. He would like to destroy or
steal away our faith and trust in Christ, so
that we could then be defeated. But satan
knows that he can not defeat so long as we
are in Christ. All kinds of problems and trials
will come to us. Satan will see to it that they
do, even as he tried and tempted Christ. But:
"THANKS BE UNTO GOD WHO ALWAYS
LEADETH US IN TRIUMPH IN CHRIST."
Now, our missionaries have had many
great and trying problems to deal withso
many more than most of us here in the home
land. Many of us have been praying for them,
that God would sustain them and guide them
and show them His own way, and bless them.
And now let us praise God that it is not in
vain that we have prayed. Let us thank God
for those faithful ones, who have not forsaken
Him. But let us continue to pray: both for
the missionaries and for the faithful Japanese
Christians, that God may use them to convert
a great host of lost souls in spiritually needy
Japan. _a. E. Sims
-:o:-
The Minato church of Christ held
special service on the afternoon of April 2
to commemorate the tenth anniversary of th
congregation. This work was started by Mi
and Mrs. Owen Still in the home of one c
the pre-war Christian women very soon afte
they returned to Japan following the wa:
The first chapter of I Corinthians was rea
and the preacher challenged the congregatio
to boast only in the Lord and not in any hi
man achievement. This meeting was followe
by several days of special evangelistic mee
ings.
Page 3
NEW PREACHER AT NAKANO
On March 31 Mr. and Mrs. Titus Kikuchi
took up their new tasks as ministers of the
Nakano church. After the morning worship
service about 20 Christians remained at the
church for a simple meal together as an ex
pression of their hearty welcome to the new
leaders and a pledge of their cooperation and
spirit of sharing. Although this would certain
ly seem a small event in the eyes of the world,
to all of us it was a happy and auspicious oc
casion.
First of all it was a big day in the short
history of the Nakano church. Until this time
both of the preachers at this church had been
young single men. Of course there was no
thing wrong about that, but in order to call
a more experienced man with a family the
church must necessarily accept a greater fin
ancial responsibility, and this is a big step.
Also the parsonage had to be doubled in size
and with our financial help that work had
just been completed.
All through 1956 this church was having
a constant decline because of many problems.
Finally at the time the former minister re
signed last November there was only a small
group and they were very confused, divided
and discouraged. At their request I took the
job of ad interium minister. Although I was
not able to do as much as I had hoped, the
Lord let to a gradual improvement in attitudes
and settlement of some of the trouble. We
are thankful for the measure of unity and
spiritual growth that has been achieved, and
now we are all hopeful that a new start will
revive the work to the glory of Christ.
Also this was a big day in the life of the
Kikuchi family. Mr. Kikuchi graduated from
Tokyo Bible Seminary in 1952, and from 2
years before that he has worked faithfully
with the small Arakawa Church of Christ.
But the church is very far from able to sup
port him, so he has had to take a full-time
job in a bicycle parts factory. This move led
to some dissatisfaction and problems in the
church, as well as unrest in his own life be
cause of the lack of time and energy for
evangelism which is his main task. So they
bad become discouraged and had been look
ing for a change for some time. Even at
Nakano the salary will be insufficient for the
family to live on (they have one little boy
and his mother lives with them), so he will
continue to work at the bicycle shop 3 days
a week; but still it is a much happier situa
tion for them.
Finally it was a big day in our work
with the church here, which began in our
living-room. We have known both of the
Kikuchis for many years, and have been close
friends. It was I who acted as "go-between"
for their wedding 5 years ago. Mr. Kikuchi
was reared in the Setagaya Church of Christ,
and entered our Seminary on the day it
begun. We taught him for 4 years and then
taught a regular Bible class to help in the
early days of his work with the Arakawa
church when they were meeting in the second
floor room of one of the member's homes.
Mrs. Kikuchi was the daughter of our neigh
bor when we lived at Mikawashima just after
coming to Japan and was one of the first
people it was our privilege to baptize in Japan.
She was the most fathful member of the
Mkawashima church in those years. They are
a fine congenial couple and we have every
Tokyo Christian
STUDENTS, FACULTY AND VISITORS
ATTENDING 1957 COMMEMCEMENT
EXERCISES AT SEMINARY
good wish for them, so are glad to have them
as our neighbors.
In his short impromptu speech at the
welcome meeting Bro. Kikuchi said that in
the Nakano situation where the missionary
lived next door to the church it was essential
that there be cooperation between the pastor
and the missionary. He said that having what
might be called "2 ministers" should be "plus
for the church and not minus." We pray that
it may indeed be so.
There are many steps, which cannot be
recounted now, in the way things worked out
for Kikuchi-san to come to serve the church
here which give us the strong conviction that
God is leading and working out His will in
this move. Therefore we rejoice and have
new encouragement and hope. We believe
that God is answering prayersyour prayers
for us, too.
;o:
SEMINARY NEWS
The students of the Tokyo Bible Seminary
participated in another Greek language con
test on March 23. Books were awarded as
prizes to Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. Fukuda, the
winners of the contest. On this occasion Mr.
Yasujiro Yamamoto, a Tokyo minister, lectur
ed on the names for Christians and the Chris
tian brotherhood found in the book of Acts.
The first semester of the new school year
began on April 16. No new students were add
ed to our student body this year. This is not
unusual in Japan, for other seminaries have
had the same experience. There are perhaps
several causes for this. We have few churches
from which to enlist young people. Students
who enter Tokyo Bible Seminary must pass
a rigorous pre-entry examination. It is be
coming more difficult to challenge youth in
Japan with the work of the Christian minister,
for the god of this world has blinded their
eyes. A few youth showed interest in the
Seminary this year but for various reasons
decided not to enter.
Goro Hara re-entered the Seminary this
year. He formerly withdrew from the school
having completed only two and a half years
of school work. Mr. Hara is now married and
has one son a year old. Since leaving the
school he worked with his home church at
Tanabe and later with the Minoo church at
Osaka. While attending the Seminary he plans
to preach in the Tokyo area.
So we begin our new school year with
nine students and four teachers. Yoichi Muto
will teach Greek, History of Israel, and
Prophets; Masahisa lijima, the Prison Epist
les, Homiletics, New Testament Church,
Pastoral Theology, and Pastoral Epistles,
Harold Sims, Hebrew Languages, Archaeology,
Ethics and Christian Education; Andrew Pat-
ton, the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Pente-
teuch, and Church History.
Andrew Patton
:o:
PRAY
Doubtless many, if not the majority, of
the readers of the Tokyo Christian have
received the latest slander sheet from the
pen of Miss Eloise Cunningham. T do not
know whether the missionaries will take
time to answer the false statements or not.
I have talked to many who, after reading the
slander, were more convinced than ever that
the missianaries are right. I have not found
even one who, after reading it, was convinced
that Miss Cunningham was right. However
if it later becomes evident that any appreci
able number believe the slanderous state
ments, then sueh statements should be cor
rected for the sake of truth and right. But
God is able to make the wrath of man (or
womtn) to praise Him. See Psalms 76:10.
We sincerely hope that the daughter's
actions will not influence people to lose any
of the high regard they hold for Mr. and
Mrs. Cunningham, now deceased. I wonder
if anyone could possibly conceive of Mrs.
Emily B. Cunningham writing and sending out
such a vituperative document? Surely not!
Please do not blame Mrs. Cunningham for
what the misguided daughter does. Perhaps
we should pity rather than blame Miss Eloise.
I know that many of you have been praying
for the missionaries, and God answers by
keeping them from being hurt too much by
such slanders. But please pray for Miss Eloise
too, that she may find a better way to use
her energy and determination. Pray that her
heart may be softened toward the missionar
ies whom her mother enlisted to work for
Christ in Japan. There is no limit to what
God can do. So keep praying and trusting
God. A. E. Sims
:o:
The Mikawashima church (Korean) re
ported 4 baptisms on Resuurection Sunday,
including a man and wife. Also there have
been 2 baptisms recently at the Kamiuma
church.
Tm f A
mwi
MISSIONARY CONFERENCE AT
ATAMI
Almost every year a conference of miss
ionaries of churches of Christ and Christian
churches is held somewhere in Japan. This
year it was held in a Japanese hotel near one
of the famous hot-spring resorts about 2 hours
south of Tokyo. Throughout the 3 days of
April 2, 3, 4, 30 adults and 22 children enjoyed
living entirely in Japanese style. We wore
kimono, slept on the floor, ate from 1 foot
high tables with our legs folded under us,
For some time now, on the last Sunday
of every month I have been going to Soka
to help the elderly Japanese preacher with
his services. These services are primarily
made up of teen-agers and younger boys and
girls. The attendance averages about twelve.
Nothing spectacular, but they are learning
about God and His love for them as manifest
ed through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Also, the last few weeks we have had a
meeting in our home for some young men
that work for our neighbor. As a drawing card
we have used Christian religious films. One
was the "King of Kings", which gave them
a general view of the Gospel that time nor
all the teaching of Shintoism and Buddhism
can erase, but will always stand out vividly
in their minds.
Pray for us and these unto whom we
witness that God will work mightily.
Stanley Buttray
We have received several letters inquiring
about a recently circulated publication from
Miss Eloiso Cunningham which is very critical
of the missionaries. We do not have the space
to deal with these matters properly in this
issue of the Tokyo Christian, but we invite
anyone who has doubts and questions about
any of the points raised to write to us and we
will answer fully, promptly and honestly.
Tokyo Christian
soaked in the very hot baths for which Japan
is famous, and of course ate Japanese food
with chopsticks. Even the "convention hall"
was just a large room with straw mat floor
on which we sat for the 2yz hour sessions.
Each day was very busy, beginning with
prayer-meeting at 6:30 a.m. and ending with
hot baths about 10:30 p.m. There were many
profitable discussions, challenging and inspira
tional messages, testimonies of answered pray
ers and reports of work. We all returned with
greater visions and energy for the great work
to be done and the heavy responsibilities.
How to Get Rtd
Of 0 Preocher
Methodist Bishop Gerald H. Kennedy has
a formula he is going to deliver to the next
committee that calls on him seeking to get
rid of a minister for "inefficiency." His
prescription:
"1. Look him straight in the eye when
he is preaching, and say 'Amen' once in
awhile. He will preach himself to death with
in a few weeks.
"2. Pat him on the back and brag on his
good points. He'll work himself to death.
"3. Start paying him a living wage. He's
probably been on starvation wages so long
he'll eat himself to death.
"4. Rededicate your own life to Christ
and ask the preacher to give you a job to
do. He'll probably die of heart failure.
"5. Get the church to unite in prayer for
the preacher. He'll become so effective some
larger church will take him off your hands."
Religious News Service
Page 4
A MISSIONARY'S PRAYER
Let me go back! I am homesick
For the land of my love and toil,
Tho' I thrill at the sight of my native hills,
The touch of my native soil.
Thank God for the dear home country,
Unconquered and free and grand!
But the far-off shores of the East, for me
Are the shores of the Promised land.
No longer young I know it
And battered and worn and gray.
I bear in my body the marks that tell
Of many a toil filled day.
But 'tis long to the end of a lifetime, i
And the hour for the sun to set;
My heart is eager for years to come;
Let me work for the Master yet!
My brain is dazed and we:ried
With the New World's stress and strife.
With the race for money and place and power
And the whirl of the nation's life.
Let me go back! Such pleasures
And pains are not for me;
But oh! for a share in the Harvest Home
Of the fields beyond the sea.
For there ere my chosen people;
And that is my place to fill.
To spend the last of my life and strength
In doing my Master's will.
Let me go back! 'Tis nothing
To suffer and do and dare;
For the Lord has faithfully kept His Word,
He is "with me always" there!
Mary E. Albright
Two Views of Man
Man evolved from nothing much into
more of something, and ends in much of
nothing.
Man required quillions of light years tc
evolute a little from nothing much, and is
an upright animal that struggles stupidly or
flares futllely, his little day, and ends with
much of nothing: thus: "O. God, if there is
any, save my soul, if I've got any."
Man, created last, highest, nearest to and
most like Him. is God's Masterpiece, po
tentially a God capable of infinite develop
ment and willed to make it; by his sixteen
to twenty million unused hraincells drawn
and driven to high destiny. Man alone can
think the thoughts of God after Him. Man
is a spark of the Infinite God; is made for
God and a great eternity.
P. E. Roll
Tokyo
Christian
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
^ol 57 Kimherlin Heights^ Tennessee, Summer, 1957
\ .-k
Christian Service Camp Group
CHRISTIAN SERVICE CAMP
"Christianity Indigenous to Japan" was
the general theme of the 1957 Christian
Service Camp held on August 3-5 and spon
sored by Minalo Church of Christ of Tokyo.
The Y.W.C.A. summer house called "Ikoi no
Tc" and located at Kokuryo, Chofu City, Tokyo
was used as the camp site. John Muto of
Tokyo Bible Seminary served as camp bursar.
The expenses for the three day camp amount
ed to about three dollars per person. About
forty-five persons, some of whom were con-
nected with other religious bodies, attended
the camp sessions and of these about thirty
j)ersons stayed at the camp site.
On August 3rd Stephen lijima, minister
of Minato church spoke on the subject "Christ
and Christianity." On August 4th Harold
-Sims and Taijiro Yamamoto of Tokyo spoke
Fourth year Seminary student Koji
>uguira was compelled to withdraw from the
seminary at the end of June because of fam
ily circumstances. His father is dead and his
nother, because of a weak physical condition,
lad to give up her job. When she was able
to work again she was unable to find another
position because of her age. Koji, being the
only child, withdrew from school to support
his mother. He intends to serve the Lord
as he witnesses daily for Him by word and
example while supporting himself and his
mother at his secular job.
on "Christianity Indigenous to America" and
"Christianity Indigenous to Japanwhat the
Bible teaches about it" respectively.
Then followed two discussions:one on "The
Principle of Indigenous Christianity" and the
other on "Practical Problems." In the even
ing of the same day the Lord's Supper was
served to all Christians who desired to par
take. The message was brought by Akira
Oda of Osaka Bible Seminary on the theme
"What the Holy Spirit has done to me." On
the concluding day of the camp Takao Taka-
fuji minister from Sendai spoke on "Japanese
and the Faith of the Gospel" and Taijiro
Yamamoto on "Christianity Indigenous to
jappnas Our Problem." The closing prayer
meeting was lead by John Muto of Tokyo.
Many of the campers after returning
home wrote to Mr. Muto, saying they had
been greatly encouraged and strengthened and
enlightened at the camp.
Isabel Dittemore and her daughter Janet
spent August 9-11 with the Buttrays while
waiting for their ship to depart for Kobe.
They too were returning from furlough. On
the evening of August 10, all of our mission
aries then present in Tokyo met with the
Dittemores at the home of the Downeys,
where the regular missionary prayer meeting
was held. Isabel and Janet will be located
for a while in Kobe, where Isabel will be
studying language and Janet will attend the
Canadian Academy. Later the Dittemores will
depart for Kyushu where Isabel plans to enter
radio-evangelism.
Number 1
FURLOUGH FOR PAHONS
Just four years ago the Pattons left Piqua,
Ohio for five years of missionary service in
Japan. This was Betty's first and Andrew's
second evangelistic journey to these isles of
the East. Their chief responsibility during
these four years has been in connection with
Tokyo Bible Seminary. Betty has served as
secretary-treasurer for the school and at the
end of March, Andrew will have taught ap
proximately fifteen hundred hours in the
Seminary. In addition Andrew served as
ad interim minister of the Kamiuma Church
for a year and two months. He is now preach
ing once a month for the Mabashi Church
which is presently without a minister.
The Fattens
Next year the Patton family will be due
for a furlough, Since the school year in Japan
ends in March, they plan to depart from Japan
in April, if transportation is available at that
time. They plan to spend the rest of that
summer in visiting their relatives, attending
Christian service camps and reporting to their
supporters and friends. Then if circumstances
permit, Andrew plans to attend Cincinnati
Bible Seminary from September 1958 to May
1959 and fill speaking engagements on week
ends in behalf of their contemplated future
work for Christ in Japan. They intend to
spend the next summer in travels to the
churches in behalf of the work.
Continued on Page 2
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
Published quarterly by die Ifissionorles of the
Ohurch of Christ Cunningham lifission, Tokyo, lapan,
for the information and inspiralion of every Christian
whose heart is open to the call of Christ, and who is
willing to help in the supreme task of carrying out the
Greot Commission of Clwt: Matthew 28:19, 20.
Entered as second class matter in the Khoxville,
Tenn., Postoffice under the act of March 3, 1879.
Two-Year Subscription
Subs^ption and "Flaming Tordi'
_50 cents
$1.00
MISSION STAFF
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttroy, 575 2-Chome, Kam-
iochiai, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. o r, i
Forwarding agent: Mrs. Homer Anderson, R. D. 1,
Meadville, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 27 Sakuroyama, Na-
kano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding agent: Mr. or
Mrs. Ray Armstrong, Rt. 3, Box 310, Plqua, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 450 Aral Machi, Nakan^
Ku, Tokyo, Jcnxm. Forwarding agent: A. E. Sims, 310
Brown Ave., "nirtle Creek, Pa.
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sakuroyama, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
TRUSTEES
Mr. T. O. Hathcock, Chairman, Lawrence Bain, Miss
Eva Green, Orvel C. Crowder, J. E. Llpscombe, Mrs. E.
G. Nabell, Alfred E. Sims.
Packages for Japan should be sent direct by parcel
post to one of the missionaries whose addresses ore
shown above. Consult your local postofBce concerning
mailing rules and U^tations of size and weight
If you change your address please notify H. L.
Hamilton, Ki]^erlin Heights, Tennessee, ^ving both
your old and your new address. If you make an offer
ing of $1.00 or more you ore entitled to receive this
paper if you so request. Churches or groups mcddng an
offering of $10.00 or more may request a bundle of 10
copies for distribution.
FURLOUGH - Continued from 1
The Pattens have a daughter and a son,
three years and seven months old respectively.
It is not difficult to imagine with what joyous
anticipation the grandparents await the
coming of these little ones whose faces they
have never seen. And, like other missionar
ies, Andrew and Betty wish a short rest with
the home folk from the weighty responsibilit
ies, anxieties and problems that are insepar
able from the work of missionaries.
The Fattens plan to travel by ship and
train. The cost of transportation and baggage
to America is estimated at fifteen hundred
dollars. Only seven months remain before
the time of their expected departure for fur
lough. Before November ship reservations
must be made with the required down pay
ment on the tickets. Your cooperation in
helping to meet this financial need will be
greatly appreciated. Send funds for this
purpose marked "travel fund" to their for
warding agent, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Armstrong,
R. R. No. 3 Box 310, Piqua, Ohio.
-:o:-
THE ZAIDAN
In the previous issue of the Tokyo Christian
a brief report of the April 23 trustees meet
ing was given, and the decision to turn the
remaining Mission funds over to the ZAIDAN
was announced.
What is the Zaidan?
This question is of interest to all the
people who have and are supporting the work.
The best equal of the Japanese characters
read "Zaidan" would probably be the English
word "foundation" in the sense in which we
speak of the Standard Publishing Foundation
Tokyo Christian
etc. There are many of these foundations in
Japan, and a special section of the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government handles the affairs
of these bodies. However ours is one of very
few religious foundations. Most religious
bodies are registered as Religious Juridical
Persons, under another section of the govern
ment and the Education Ministry. When we
turn the property over to the local churches
upon their achieving self-support and self-
governing qualifications they register as
Religious Juridical Persons, in accordance
with the law governing such bodies, and have
their own trustees, by-laws etc. The main
difference between the Zaidan and the Re
ligious Juridical Person is that the former
must pay property taxes while the latter pays
none. On the other hand a Zaidan is more
free to buy and sell property and engage in
other activities.
The Yotsuya Mission Church of Christ
Sustaining Zaidan (official name) is properly
registered with the Japanese government,
having the following trustees. Harold Sims,
Chairman, Lois Sims, Andrew Patton, Betty
Patton, Stanley Buttray, Mabel Buttray, Shin
Hanyu. The purpose is thus stated in the
charter "The purpose of this foundation is
to manage and administrate the land, build
ings, funds and other properties which are
necessary for the Yotsuya Mission Church of
Christ to do its Christian missionary work
and various educational activities."
All of the property of the Cunningham
Mission is held in the name of this Zaidan.
At present there are 13 lots of land and 16
buildings which would be valued at something
approaching $100,000. Two properties (both
land and building) have already been trans
ferred to the names of local churches at
Minato and Nishi-ogikubo, and another trans
fer only awaits the approval of the Education
Ministry.
What is the history of the Zaidan?
This begins with the will of W. D. Cunn
ingham, which was written April 21, 1936;
the pertinent part of which says: "IV I give
and devise the buildings and lots on which
they stand at no. 8 Naka-choYotsuya-ku; no. 8
Shinagawa-cho sanchome Ushigome-ku; no. 27
Sakurayama Nakano-ku; no. 554 Kamiochiai
Yodobashi-ku; no. 864,869, and 870 Karuizawa;
no. 55, Nojiri; no. 455-6 Taishido, Setagaya-ku;
no. 1006 Mikawashima, Arkawa-ku; no. 1 and
no. 28 sanchome Naka-cho. Yotsuya-ku; no.
627-8 Kamimeguro, Meguro-Ku; no. 7 nichome
Sarue-cho, Fukugawa-ku; together with any
other property I msy hereafter acquire in
Japan for evangelistic, educational or other
missionary purposes to Judge T. O. Hathcock
of Atlanta, Ga. U.S.A. to be held in trust by
him for the use of Yotsuya Mission." (By
the way, this paragraph stands in enlightening
contrast to the statement quoted by Eloise
Cunningham in her widely circulated appeal
last spring, "In the May 1932 issue of the
"Tokyo Christian" appears the following state
ment; The Mission (not the missionaries)
owns real estate conservatively valued at
.S230,000 consisting of 22 building (mission
houses, chapels, kindergartens) and all the
ground on which they stand.")
In regard to the above will of W. D.
Cunningham, Judge Hathcock in an affidavit
of October 29, 1937 declared, "I decline the
appointment as trustee for the Yotsuya Miss
Page 2
ion given me under the will of W. D. Cunning
ham, deceased, insofar as the same relates to |
the trusteeship of real estate of said W. D.
Cunningham in the Empire of Japan ... I
specifically retain however all my rights as
trustee of the property of every kind and i
character, both real and personal, located in^
the United States of America which was con
veyed to me as trustee by the will of the said
W. D. Cunningham."
The conclusion of these statements is thatr
after Mr. Cunningham's death there came into;
being 2 organizations. On one hand, a board
of trustees was organized to look after the
funds which were held in America. This wasf
named The Church of Christ Cunningham'
Mission, Inc. with headquarters in Atlanta,'
Ga. On the other hand, after Judge Hathcock
declined the trustee rights for the real estater
in Japan Mrs. Cunningham set up the Zaidan
for that purpose. '
In 1937 the Zaidan was established and
approved, with Mrs. Cunningham as head
trustee and the Japanese Pastors of the var
ious Mission churches as the original slate,
of trustees appointed by her. The original
property list included the properties mention
ed above in the will and one additional one,^
except that the houses in the mountains!
which were used by the missionaries for
vacation and summer camps (no. 864,869 and
870, Karuizawa) were left in Mrs. Cunning-r
ham's personal ownership. Because of this'
oversight these mountain properties only are
now controlled by Eloise.
During the war one of the Japanese past-p
ors bee: me chairman of the Zaidan. At the^
end of the war when the Stills and Mrs. Cunn
ingham returned to Japan they found cause '
for dissatisfaction with the way things had
been handled during the war, so the Zaidanf
was reorganized leaving off of the board of!
trustees all but one of the Japanese ministers, "
since the rest had either resigned or been dis
missed as Mission preachers. The trustees T
at the time of post-war reorganization were!
Mrs. Cunningham, chairman, Mr. and Mrs. -
Still, Mr. and Mrs. Saunders, Mr. and Mrs.
Sims, Mr. Patton and Mr. Hanyu. The Stills
and Saunders had to leave Japan because of!
ill health, and they were replaced by Mr. and
Mrs. Buttray and Mrs. Patton later.
Eloise Cunningham states in her letter: f
"After Mrs. Cunningham's death . . . they
elected themselves the trustees of the Mission
without consulting any of the Japanese
churches concerned, or the trustees in Amer-p'
ica, and took over complete control of all
mission property." The above facts of the
reorganization of the Zaidan fully answer
this, showing that we were made trustees 6
years before Mrs. Cunningham died, and by'^
her own appointment. There have been no i
major changes in the Zaidan since Mrs. Cunn
ingham's death. !
What is the future of the Zaidan?
We believe the decision of the trustees
in America to turn the remaining funds over
to the Zaidrn and to dissolve the corporation
there is a real step forward, because it will
eliminate the confusion resulting from two
different organizations, and fix responsibility
in one place. The single legitimate organiza
tion succeeding to the work begun by the
Cunn'ngham's is now the Zaidrn.
The 3 missionary families of the "Cunn-
Page 3
ingham Mission" now receive all of their
living-link support and also general offerings
direct to them. We carry on our own
evangelistic work, and also work in coopera
tion as trustees of the Zaidan properties and
in other ways. Our policy is to do everything
possible to encourage the churches already
established toward complete self-support.
Consequently no preacher's or missionary's
salary is paid from the Zaidan funds. Also,
as we have mentioned many limes, the Zaidan
will not hold the church property perpetually,
but as the churches mature the property will
be turned over to the individual churches.
Therefore the obvious use of the remain
ing funds is to help in opening new work
particularly when the young churches meet
their first big obstacle which is obtaining pro
perty. If we can help them to acquire land
and a building we will have given the young
Christians much encouragement and the work
will be constantly expanding.
As more and more churches become in
dependent and the Zaidan releases the proper
ties to them, and as more and more churches
are built and the funds are used up, it may
well be that the Zaidan will wither and
eventually die. Well, if like the "grain of
wheat" it bears fruit through its death, all
right. We pledge our efforts toward building
real, strong churches of Christ. If there re
mains in this country a church of true stones
built upon the one and sure foundation, which
is Christ Himself, then the work begun by Mr.
and Mrs. Cunningham more than half a cent
ury ago will be well done.
WITH UMIVERSITY STUDENTS
During the past few months we have had
some contacts with a few of the thousands
of University students in Tokyo. One day the
son of a newspaperman in our neighborhood
who is an economics student at Keio
University came to ask me for an hour of
English conversation practice each week.
After I had several talks with him he began
to bring his friends, and for some time now
I have been meeting with him and 4 of his
classmates for an hour on Thursday after
noons. They are very serious-minded, well-
bred, and have nice manners and personalit
ies. We have had some very enlightening
conversationsmany times on subjects con
nected with Christianity. Also one of the
Christian young men who act as interpreter at
the Kamiuma church asked me to teach one
hour of English conversation to the English
Speaking Society at Waseda University every
week. He is a senior in the law department
there and president of the society for this
year. We spend a lively hour each week
discussing anything from mountain-climbing
to the Girard case. One day a student asked
me the meaning of drinking a little glass of
grape juice at a church service he had seen.
From that the conversation led on through
the meaning of the Cross etc. and it was a
wonderful opportunity to preach the gospel
in answer to their sincere questions. Also,
af the suggestion of the new minister, I began
a Bible Class on Fridry nights here as a means
of attracting High School and College students,
who have been rare in attendance at Nakano
church lately. This class is averaging bet
ween 10 and 20 young people now, and we
Tokyo Christian
have been very thankful for the success ach
ieved in drawing in new people. Several
people are now attending the regular services.
Many times both foreigners and nationals alike
picture the future for over-populated Japan
as very dark, and we know there are certainly
mcny economic and spiritual problems; but
the young people we have met and come to
know closely this spring have given us hope
for the future of Japan if the next generation
of leaders are all of the quality of these folks.
Oh that the truth and light of the gospel of
Christ could fill the soul of each one. Let
us pray that God may use us all for this pur
pose, for we know it is His will.
:o:
NAKANO DAILY
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Since we have received several offerings
from different Vacation Bible Schools we
thought some of you might be interested in
our little school here. This year's from July
22-26 was the first one we have attempted in
several years, and we enjoyed it very much.
First I will tell about a large Vacation
Bible School, in which I helped out as super
intendent of the Nursery Department. The
Tokyo U. S. Army Chapel Center sponsored
a D.V.B.S. from June 10 - 22 with about
400 children enrolled. Hope and Sylvia had
just finished the first and third grade at
Christian Academy the week before, so all
of the Sims children were able to attend this
school and be with the many other American
children. We rode to the Chapel Center
every morning on an Army bus which stopped
for us on a comer about 3 blocks from our
house. Our lessons were about boats in the
Bible, like Noah's ark, Jonah, Peter etc. and
we all made sailor hats and other things and
had a good time.
DVBS
The Japanese schools don't begin the
summer vacation until around July 20, so we
used some of the ideas from the Chapel
Cenler school in planning ours. Mrs. Kikuchi,
the wife of the preacher at Nakano, helped
with all of the plans and did most of the
teaching. Our lessons were from the Old
Testament, and we did various kinds of hand
work, including miking a fruit basket with
a different kind of paper fruit for each day
of attendance. There were very few childrer
who cameaveraging about 15but they ail
had a good time learning choruses in both
English and Japanese and doing the various
handwork etc. We believe there will be more
next year.
It was very interesting to remember that
the very first Vacation Bible School I ever
attempted was about 8 summers ago when
we lived at Mikawashima. At that time a
young girl named Aiko Takahashi was bap
tized. That was the girl who grew up to be
a fine Christian young lady and the wife of
the preacher at Nakano, and she was the
leader of this Bible School.
Lois Sims
We have enjoyed two brief visits from
missionaries to the Philippines recently. The
Norval Campbell family stopped overnight
while their ship was at Yokohama, and we
talked until the small hours exchanging news
and views. Then John Hasty and his two
little girls were with us several days on the
way home from Cebu after the saddening loss
of his wife and little boy. He preached here
at the Nakano church on Sunday morning
July 28 in place of Harold Sims who was in
bed with Asiatic flu.
Extensive repairs are now going on at
the Mikawashima church. This was the first
church building erected after the war, and
the workmanship was very poor. The found
ation was not far enough above the ground,
so the entire floor had nearly rotted through.
The entrance is being rebuilt and a new and
higher floor is being installed. Then the
building will be painted inside and out. The
entire job will cost about $1000. The congre
gation has raised about $250.00.
On Pentecost Sunday evening Harold
spoke at a special evangelistic service out at
Kashiwa where an effort is being made to
start a new work. Special advertisements and
efforts were made to attract new people
during a series of 6 Sunday evening services.
Miss Yoshiko Sakamoto who has been
working as secretary for Harold Sims for
the past several months has now taken a job
with the U.S. Air Force.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chambers, mission
aries to Nagoya, arrived in Tokyo on July 23
from their furlough. This is their second'
term of service in Nagoya. Missionaries of
the Tokyo area and the Howard Davis family
of Nagoya, who had met the Chambers on
that day. met at the home of the Pattens for
a "pot-luck" dinner and a long chat with the
Chambers. The Chambers and Davises de
parted for Nagoya on the next day.
Betty Patten was invited to be the guest
speaker at the regular women's meeting of the
Kamiuma Church in the latter part of July.
Betty used the example of Hannah to teach
these women their duties toward their own
families.
Tokyo Christian
DVBS
TOKYO BECOMES THE WORLD'S
LARGEST CITY
The Japanese newspapers recently ann
ounced that Tokyo has now become the most
populous city in the world. At the last count
there were more than eight and a half million
people with registered residence hereabout
10,700 people to the square mile. And as
long as the present rate of development con
tinues we can expect a long reign at the top
spot for this dauntless come-back city.
Perhaps it is significant that this achieve
ment comes exactly,500 years after the found
ing of the original city here. When Ota
Dokan, the feudal lord, chose this site for his
fortress in 1457 it was a small village named
Edo on the bayside edge of the swampy, rice-
producing Musashino plain. The next great
event in its history was the selection of Edo
as the administrative center for the Toku-
gawa family, which ruled all of Japan during
the 3 centuries of Japan's isolation, beginning
in 1603. The founder of the Tokugawa power
forced his thousands of retainers and sub
jugated lords to live in Tokyo, thus beginning
the chronic over-population. A great fire in
the city in 1657 gave an opportunity for some
widening of streets and city planning and
continued growth. It is said that in 1787 the
population was 1,367,000, which made it one
of the largest cities of the world at that time,
although it was cut off from all outside
contact.
When the Tokugawa power fell in the
1850's, the population declined, but only for a
time; for when the emporer Meiji succeeded in
restoring the Imperial power he decided to
move the capital to Edo and name it TOKYO,
which means "Eastern Capitol." From that
time the city has proceeded audaciously in
expanding itself like a grove of bamboo.
Twice during the p:st 40 years Tokyo has
suffered horrifying knock-out blows, but she
seems to only recover and get bigger. The
great earthquake of 1923 almost completely
leveled the gaint city. There were about
240.000 casualties and approximately 915,000
buildings were lost. More faint hearted
and superstitious people would have given
up, but all thoughts and energies were given
to the tasks of reconstruction. Again dur
ing the war years 34,310 acres were burned
out of the center of town, 767,000 buildings
were burned and destroyed. We have watched
;he rapid rebuilding of the city in the post-war
oeriod and it never ceases to be a source of
admiration for Japanese industry and pluck.
Why are all these people here? Certainly
there is not very much about the weather
here to commend it. Natural scenery, so plenti
ful everywhere else in Japan, is lacking here.
Even the few historical sites, museums etc.
are hidden in the forest of neon signs, modern
store-fronts and other twentieth century art
ificialities. The main reason for everyone's
being here seems to be because everybody
else is. Tens of thousands of people are em
ployed every day just transporting the other
folks around. The network of electric com
muter trains, 133 miles of street cars, hund
reds of bus lines, and thousands of kamikaze
taxis combine to make the noisy Tokyo public
transportation system probably the best in the
world.
And the crowds. People who live here
become used to it, but it takes a lot of love
for humanity to live in the midst of all these
people. Sometimes the multitude seems so
impersonal that one feels like saying with the
Ancient Mariner, "People, people everywhere,
and not a friend among them"; for we can go
downtown day after day and see tens of thou
sands of faces and never one that is familair.
Not long ago as I was driving home late one
afternoon with a young man from rural Japan
as my companion we came up behind a middle-
aged man on a bicycle. He was completely
absorbed in gazing up into the quiet and
beautiful early evening sky and oblivious to
the frustrated, honking traffic all around him.
When I expressed some criticism of the cycler
my friend remarked that he should be con
gratulated, for it is a great gift to be able to
enjoy the simple delights of feasting the eyes
on the broad uncrowded sky in the middle of
such a metropolis.
Such is our field.
:o:
IS ONE BRAND AS GOOD
AS ANOTHER?
Harold Macmillan, British Prime Minister,
is credited with the following definitions
given in the course of a recent address de
livered in England: "There is no difference
between Socialism and Communism except
this Socialism is soft. Communism is hard;
Socialism is pink. Communism is red. Social
ism gets you down bit by bit by a kind of
anesthetic process. It might be called mercy-
killing. Communism just knocks you in the
head."
Dateline
Page 4
TWO DOLLARS FOR ALCOHOL
ONE DOLLAR FOR MILK
In spite of the detrimental effects of
alcoholic beverages and the beneficial effects
of milk, the American people spend about
twice as much for alcohol as they spend for
milk. Yet, we claim to be civilized. Strange,
isn't it? To what extent is advertising res
ponsible for such anti-social perversion of
purchasing power? R. M. B.
GREAT PREACHERS NEEDED
The world today is a jungle. The nations
are prowling through it, snarling and baring
their teeth at each other. At any moment
a mistaken gesture, a misunderstood arrange
ment may make them spring at each other's
throats. Mankind has gone into the morass
of self-indulgence, materialism, or false emo
tionalism. It is the great preachers alone that
can make an appeal that will bring them back.
When the chariot of humanity gets stuck,
as it is now, nothing will lift it out except
great preaching that goes straight to the mind
and heart. It is time the Christian churches
should act together and act promptly in the
name of God and humanity. There is nothing
in this case that will save the world but what
was once called "the foolishness of preachr
ing."
(David Lloyd George)
Tokyo Bible Seminary
Holding forth the Word of Life
Serving Churches of Christ
in Japan
God-fearing faculty
Conscientious in stewardship
your mission project in Japan
Where a Little Investment
Pays Big Dividends in
Trained Youth
Address correspondence to:
TOKYO BiBLE SEMINARY *
27 Sakurayama Mochi
Nokano Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo
Christian
Go yeinto all the world andpreach the gospel to every creature," Mark 16x15
Vol. 57
Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, Fall, 1957
MRS. SUZUKI
This is to introduce to you Mrs. Suzuki,
a true and victorious child of the kingdom
that is entered through much tribulation. Her
home is in the rugged mountains that form
Japan's backbone. Mr. Suzuki is a tailor by
trade, but his long addiction to gambling
makes them chronically poor. They live with
4 children in a small house near here that
reminds me of an old pair of overallsclean
and much lived in, but too patched and th
readbare for public display.
Soon after we began services at our
home in Nakano Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki began
attending. When she, who had been sprink
led previously, decided to be immersed her
husband also made the confession, and every
body was very happy. For a time all went
well. Mr. Suzuki quit playing "mahjong"
(the Chinese poker) and went to church
regularly. But when in the midst of their
fiitairoittT-Tiii uegirs he was informed by the
Dr. that he had T. B. and must rest he be
came discouraged, succumbed to the old temp
tation and returned to gambling. All of our
efforts to help and admonish him seemed
only to harden his heart. In due time the
family was forced to go on government relief,
which is bare subsistence in Japan as else
where.
Through all these difficulties Mrs. Suzuki
kept her chin up; radiantly cheerful in dis
position, practical, unselfish, interested and
hopeful in the children's education, and trust
ing the good God of love to see them through
and make everything better in time. Every
Sunday the children come cleaned and on
time for Sunday School, and Mr. Suzuki is
there for the worship service. About a year
and a half ago trouble arose in the Nakano
church which caused many people to quit but
only brought out clearly Mrs. Suzuki's real
strength and courage. She continued faith
fully doing her best to encourage all, pacify
and settle the problems.
In addition to all of her worries in caring
for the large household she has always found
time to come on Saturday afternoons and clean
the church building in preparation for Sunday.
Not long ago on a hot summer afternoon we
leturned home to find her and the two older
boys out in the church yard cutting the grass
by hand.
One Sunday in August her second son
lost his left eye playing with fire-works. By
this time we all knew that her faith would
stand up through this additional trial. The
visits to the hospital room were an inspira
tion to some of the other women.
RECENT PICTURE OF THE SIMS FAMILY
Left to right: Lois (am't saying) Bobby (2) Sylvia (7) Hope (9) Jonnie (5") Harold (33)
There is no show of piety about this
very plain, good woman, but we believe her
life will glorify God, demonstrate to her
neighbors the power of Christ, and be salt
in the part of this earth called Japan.
The above was written after a visit to
the little boy's hospital room at the first
of September. There is now a sequel to the
story. Many brethren here prayed faithfully
that God would heal the little boy's eye if it
were His will. In spite of the doctor's state
ments that a serious operation would be
necessary, and his doubts that any means
could save the sight in the left eye, the re
quest was held up before the heavenly Father
at every prayer meeting.
Last Sunday (October 20) Mrs. Suzuki
appeared at morning worship accompanied
by the boy whose bright eyes were unband-
aged. The surprised doctor had released him
from the hospital upon discovering he had
vision of 6 on the familiar scale of 20. He
also said that without glasses the vision might
well improve to 10 or so within a year. We
all gave heartfelt thanks to God who docs
all things well. Harold Sims
Recently Goro Hara, one of the Seminary
students had an appendectomy. About half
of our present student body have had this
operation during their 4 year course, which
probably sets some new kind of record. No
reflection on the cook is intended.
NAKANO LADIES MEETING
In Nakano church the Christian mothers
meet every second and fourth Friday after
noon in the month. Since the first of this
year we have been studying Christian Doct
rine, using lesson outlines we studied in the
Seminary. We have the notes translated and
mimeographed so each one can have the re
ferences to keep and study. It seems to
be a custom here for many people to take
notes while listening to sermons or Bible
classes.
Several years ago we made long cushion
pads for the church benches, and last month
the women came early one morning to clean
the covers and replace the cotton batting.
After the busy morning's work they brought
their "Obento" (lunches) over to our home
and we had a nice time of informal chatting
over our rice lunches. After partaking of
the physical food we opened God's word to
partake of the spiritual food so necessary
to Christian growth.
Japan is known for the beautiful Chry
santhemums it produces, and each fall there
are several special exhibits. We are planning
to visit one of these places the former
Imperial Gardens this month. We will
meet for Bible Study in the morning and then
go to the park as a group to view the flowers
on display. Lois Sims
:o:
On October 21 Andrew Patton left by
plane for Seoul, Korea where he will assist
in the work of the Seminary there by teach
ing 0. T. History and Hebrews- June in an
intensive course for the next 6 weeks.
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
Published quarterly by the Mlsalonariea ol the
Church oi Christ Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan,
lor the information and inspiration of every Christian
Great Commission oi Christ: Matthew 28:19.
whose heart is open to the call of Christ, OTd who
willing to help in the supreme task of carrying out the
Entered as second class matter in the Itooiville,
Tenn., Postoffice under the act of March 3, 1879.
Two-Year Subscription
Subscription and "Flaming Torch"
MISSION STAFF
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 575 2-Chome,
Kamiochlai, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Forwarding agent: Mrs. Homer Anderson,
R. D. 1, Mcadvillc, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 27 Sakuray-
ama, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding
agent: Mr. or Mrs. Ray Armstrong, Rt. 3 Box
310, Piqua, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 450 Aral Machi,
Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding agent:
A. E. Sims, Alexandria, Kentucky.
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sakurayama, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
TRUSTEES
Mr. T. O. Hathcock, Chairman, Lawrence Bain, Miss
Eva Green, Orvel C. Crowder, J. E. Lipscombe, Mrs. E.
G. Nabell, Alfred . Sims.
Packages for Japan should be sent direct by parcel
post to one of the missionaries whose addresses ore
shown above. Consult your local postoffice concerning
mailing rules and limitations of size and weight.
If you change your address please notify H. L.
Hamilton, Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, giving ^th
your old and your new address. If you moke an offer
ing of 51.00 or more you ore entitled to receive this
paper if you so request. Churches or groups making an
oliering oi 510.00 or more may request a bundle of 10
copies for distiilrution.
_50 cents
51.00
TRIP TO HOKKAIDO
by Harold Sims
This summer the Sims family finally took
that long trip to Hokkaido, the northern
island in the Japanese chain of volcanoes, of
which we have been dreaming for several
years. Everything worked out fine, and we
had a very enjoyable and refreshing trip in
every way. We thought perhaps an account
of some of our experiences would be interest
ing to many of you who probably will never
be able to make such a tour.
The first objective in setting out on such
a trip in Japan is to get a seat on the train.
We found that this is considered by the aver
age citizen as a strategic operation of the first
importance, requiring all the resourcefulness
and physical prowess of a paratrooper. When
our various friends heard about the contem
plated journey, immediately after giving pro
per congratulations on the cool climate and
wonderful scenery we would enjoy, their faces
would grow deadly serious as they asked about
our plans for getting on the train. Finally
one of our university student friends volun
teered to go stand in line for us. We arrived
at track no. 8 about 8:30 a.m., although the
train was not due to leave until 10, and found
him standing about 10 places back in the line.
He had been there since 6 a.m. and there were
now many in line behind him. We took his
place in line, and when the switch engine pull
ed the empty train in one hour before depart
ure time the line broke and there was a mad
rush to get in. When all were in, about half
of the people were seatedfortunately includ
ing Lois and the childrenand the rest of
Tokyo Christian
us stood for the one hour wait and the 6%
hour ride to Sendai.
There are a lot of other interesting things
about Japan's narrow-gauge, efficient and
busy national railways. When a Japanese
man gets a seat he makes himself comfortable
by spreading a newspaper on the floor, taking
off his shoes, shedding down to his underwear
on a hot day, and getting out a magazine and
a bottle of rice-wine. Many trains have no
diners, but at all large stations there are many
people with large trays of eats who begin
shouting their wares before the train stops
and sell things through the windows at a
brisk rate until the train starts moving again.
A wide assortment of things are sold in whole
sale quantity and at a little above retail price.
They have ice-cream, soda-pop, candy, cookies,
fruit, soup, tea, rice lunches packed in indivi
dual wooden boxes etc. During our trip we ate
6 such "station-ary" lunches, much to the de
light of the children.
In Sendai we spent a day with the Niel
sen family who really showed us the town.
We went swimming in the U.S. Army Pool,
boat-riding around one of the famous scenic
spots of Japan (a group of small, oddly-shaped,
pine covered islands just off shore in the
Pacific) and saw the festival for which Sendai
is noted. This particular festival is based on
an ancient mythical story about 2 stars meeting
in the summer sky once a year and is celebr
ated throughout Japan, but the largest one is
in Sendai. The symbol is a bamboo pole de
corated with paper balls and streamers and
folded paper designs. In Sendai the poles
are much longer and the decorations more
elaborate, as each store tries to put the most
eye-catching pole of all in front of their door.
We walked for more than a mile down the
main street in the evening, caught in the
flow of many thousands of viewers. The de
corative poles swinging out over the street
made a multicolored arch for us to walk under,
and it was indeed a beautiful sight and a plea
sant sensation as the paper and bamboo swish
ed in the breeze. Also in Sendai we located
and had a nice visit with a former member
of the Nakano church who is now employed
in a bank there.
From Sendai we took a less-crowded 8
hour ride through typical Japanese farming
country up to Aomori at the northern tip of
Honshu. In mid-afternoon we were met at the
station there by our old friend Seino-san. Five
years ago this girl from Aomori had lived
in our house for 2 years while studying at the
Bible Seminary. Since we had last seen her
she had married, and her 4 month old daughter
was on her back when we saw her. Of course
we had a very good visit with her for the
rest of that afternoon. She and her husband
are leaders in a small group of Christians
that meets in a home there. That night hap
pened to be their regular prayer meeting, so
we were privileged to fellowship with about
15 earnest young people.
The next morning we boarded the ferry
for the 4'/^ hour trip across the straits bet
ween Honshu and Kokkaido. From the ferry
we walked directly to the waiting train for
the 7 hour ride to Sapporo, the capital city of
Hokkaido. Even through rain the scenery was
impressive as we went up the middle of a
beautiful valley between big green mountains.
The farms over there looked more like Amer-
Page 2
0ilgO
NUSAT
sewoAi
Kmushu
lean farms than anything we had seen yet in
Japan. There were haystacks, silos, pastures
full of cows and horses and other familiar
sights. One reason for this is that Hokkaido
has been developed within the last century
and under American influence.
In Sapporo we were met by Wesley Walk
er, and spent that night with them. We had
time for only a very brief visit, but were
thrilled at seeing their nice new church
building and hearing the good reports of their
work.
The next morning (we had left Tokyo
Tuesday, and it was now Saturday) we were
again on the train, and bound for the eastern
Hokkaido city of Obihiro where we arrived
7 hours later after seeing some more beautiful
scenery.
We spent a little over a week in Obihiro
as guests in the small and hospitable home
of the Earnest Fabers. From August 11-18 I
preached every night in a borrowed tent which
had been erected next door to their house.
Although there are no Japanese Christians
there yet, the Fabers had made good prepara
tions for the meeting and we believe the meet
ing was a success in many waysespecially
taking into account that we had rainy and
cold weather part of the time and that there
was a big festival going on in town the same
week. The attendance averaged about 20,
and this is not counting some who would not
come into the tent but stood outside and list
ened to the loud speaker. Most of the new
comers were from the immediate neighbor
hood, and we were cneouraeed to notice that
they did not call it quits after one night but
came back several times. We believe there
are many good prospects.
Our week there in the difficult and dis
couraging effort to establish a new outpost
for Christ impressed upon us anew the devo
tion and sacrificial spirit of the missionaries
scattered in many small towns and villages
all over Japan. The problems of proper food
and medical care, education of the children
etc. are covered by dedication to the task.
But little frustrations are magnified by the
age 3
oneliness, language difficulties etc. and it
equiries daily courage and great character
0 carry on. We enjoyed our visit with Earn
est and Neva and the three children very
nuch and hope we were able to accomplish
omething worthwhile.
On the way home we enjoyed some of the
nagnificent mountain scenery and invigoral-
ngly cool climate. From Obihiro we took a
)us tour through the nearby Akan National
'ark, which is the Japanese version of Yel-
owstone, with its virgin evergreen forests,
)ears, deep blue lakes, sulphurous springs
itc. The bus ride was truly breath-taking,
)articularly as it wound around the edge of
heer mountain walls on a one-lane unpaved
)ath. No signs marred that "high way's"
latural beauty. The park rests on the very
op of the island, so mountains of all sizes,
olors and shapes could be seen in all direc-
ionsa feast for the eyes. The lakes were
ilso very beautiful. We especially enjoyed
ine perfectly round gem in an old crater as
ve looked down from the rim late one after-
loon.
After a day and a half in this park we
rossed the island to spend one night at one
if the most famous hot-springs in the world,
lere we took baths in a tub of hot water as
lig as a swimming pool. The children not
mly enjoyed the hot-spring bsths but sleep-
ng on the floor in the various Japanese hotels.
Ve could have survived without the raw fish
vhich was on the supper menu every night,
mt we managed to eat it all right.
On the home-ward way we came down
he opposite side of Honshu and saw the
ocky and mountainous Japan sea-coast for
he first time. Then the train turned to cross
he island straight into Tokyo. As we neared
he central range of the Japan alps we went
nto one of the longest tunnels in the world
nd bore straight through the center of Japan.
Vhen we came out of the tunnel about 12
ninutes later the streams were all flowing
oward the Pacific and it was not long until
/e were back in Tokyo.
INTENDED FOR LAST ISSUE
Fusae Saito, his wife, Michko and son,
Jamoru are planning on leaving Japan about
leptember 1, for the United States. Mr. Saito
las received a scholarship at the Swedish
laptist Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Min-
lesota. Already possessing a degree from
Vaseda University he plans to stay only three
ears in the States, long enough to get an
I.A. or B.D. degree. He is primarily intcrest-
d in evangelism, and particularly, child
vangelism.
Until five months ago he was a secretary
f the Y.M.C.A. in the city of Moji (capital
f Kyushu) and had been the leader of this
lew work since its beginning four and a half
ears ago. While waiting time for departure,
e was able to find work these past few months
a the office of the Japan Sunday School
Jnion. His work was assisting in the editing
material for youth publications. And the
eports that have reached me are nothing
ut praise for his work. The experience of
working with youth in the Y.M.C.A. these
ast five years will prove invaluable as he
Tokyo Christian
These three members of the Yochomachi
Church are leaving this month for the States
to further their education. From left to right
they are: Mrs. Saito, Mr. Saito, and Miss
Kuroiwa.
returns to Japan to give his life in the evange-
Ization of the millions of drifting children
and youth who will become the heritage of
Japan's tomorrow.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Saito are members of
the Church of Christ of Yochomachi here in
Tokyo and became Christians while Samuel
Saunders (former missionary) was still min
istering to and reorganizing this pre-war
church.
Mrs. Saito, formerly Miss Ohashi was not
only a good worker in the Sunday School at
the Yochomachi Church but also one of our
finest students at our Tokyo Bible Seminary.
Becoming engaged to Mr. Saito in the latter
part of 1951, she resigned her studies at the
Seminary in preparation for the wedding
ceremony, and married life.
Today, there are very few of the native
Christians that have Christian weddings. And
up to 1952 they were even fewer. Probably
because it is not easy for a young Christian
to go against national as well as family tradi
tions. Neverless, these two young people
came and asked me to marry them in a Chris
tian wedding. And so on the 19th day of
March 1952 in the small roof-top chapel of
the Tokyo Y.M.C.A., surrounded by relatives
and friends, Miss Ohashi and Mr. Saito before,
and by the power of God were joined together
in holy matrimony.
Two years later, in the summer of 1954,
Mr. Saito came to tell me he had decided to
become an evangelist and wanted to enter
the Seminary. Of course, that was good news
to me because consecrated young men with
ability are scarce. But before the conversa
tion ended it was clear to me that his ultimate
desire was education in the Stateson which
I immediately threw cold water. Showing
that missionaries have learned from experien
ce that it is inrdvisable. But I told him I
would be happy to help him through one of
our seminaries here in Japan.
"Where there is a will there is a way.
Now after throe years have passed, it seems
that his dream is about to come true. Through
the financial assistance of family, friends, and
cousins who are both medical doctors in the
suburbs of San Francisco, and a scholarship,
his cherished ambition is about to be fulfilled.
Pray for the Saito family. At present
they are still simple New Testament Chris
tians in faith. And if any person reading
this and living in or near Minneapolis would
take time to personally contact him, it would
be greatly appreciated not only by myself,
but also by the Saitos.
Mrs. Saito and her three year old son
will remain in San Francisco with her cousin
Doctor Baba, and will earn some money by
doing house work for them, which will be
of some financial help to her husband while
in school.
To help Mr. Saito with his English as well
as sti'engthen the foundation of his faith, and
to get another book ready for printing, about
two months ago I asked him to translate for me
D. R. Dungan's book "On The Rock." He ex
pects to finish it on board ship while enroute
to the States. When printed, this book should
prove quite valuable in reaching the de
nominational mind with the whole counsel
of God as well as give clearer understanding
and encouragement to New Testament Chris
tians.
I highly recommend this book to each of
you, and guarantee it will open your eyes
afresh to God's, truth and thrill your Jiearts
through every page.
Not only pray for the Saitos and their
faith and spiritual growth through those next
three trying years, but for us also, and for
the finances necessary to get this printing
project started. Stanley Buttray
On September 5 Lois Sims underwent
.surgery at the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital
for removal of a large cyst from her right
breast. The doctor assured us there was no
sign of malignancy, and her recovery was
rapid and complete.
:o:
Recently the Japanese Education Ministry
granted permission for us to turn the property
of the Wakaba-cho church over to the local
congregation which will be completely self-
governing under the Religious Juridical Per
sons law. This is the third congregation in
Tokyo to take this step which is in accord with
our previously announced policies of establish
ing self-supporting independent churches.
Each change in the properties of the Zaidan,
which is a non-profit foundation, must be
approved by the government, so it is a slow
process.
:o:
Miss Kuroiwa will be the third former
member of the Yochomachi Church to go to
the States this year. Until recently, she has
been working for some missionaries in the
Southern pert of Japan, and is hoping to have
arrangements finished in time to leave Japan
about the middle of September. She will
enter the University of California as a special
student taking graduate work in English
Literature.
PUBLISHING GLAD TIDINGS
(GOOD NEWS)
Psalms 107:2 "Let the redeemed of the Lord
say so."
In all the history of the world, was there
ever such a time as this for publishing news?
Think of the thousands andthousands of tons
of newsprint that goes daily into our news
papers. Think of all the Radio Stations that
broadcast news many times daily. And now
with Television we can actually SEE some
of the news as it transpires. And yet wito
all these wonderful facilities there are still
the gossipers to spreadsome news by whisper
or by word of mouth^the old reliable grape
vine special!
But what kind of news gets the most
attention? Murder? Robbery? Gambling?
Rape? Adultery? Divorce? Or the many Deeds
of nobility, kindness or goodness that are
done? For instance, here's a deacon or a
minister, trying hard to follow the upward
road, who has done many good and noble
deeds, but nobody noticed or publicised. But
let him stray from the straight and narrow
way, yield to temptation or commit some
crime, and it is published from coast to coast.
When one turns from the downward way of
debauchery; sin and shame, and starts on the
upward climb, no one gives any publicity to
that. In other words, when one forsakes the
devil's way to follow God's way, that seems
to have no news value. But when one forsakes
God's way to follow the devil's way, that seems
to be a choice bit of news! Why not put the
emphasis on the GOOD news? But they say
papers must publish what people like to
read! Do people dislike to read good news?
Or are people just more reluctant to report
GOOD news?
I. Consider then the plea of the Psalmist:
"Let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO." If
you have been redeemed and saved from the
bondage of sin and have come to know the
joy of salvation, let others know about it,
for it might lead them to seek that same joy.
Why should one who has had such a glorious
rich experience remain dumb and silent about
it? Yet it seems that many who receive this
great blessing are assilent as the tomb. When
Jesus healed the 10 lepers, and only one of
them returned to give glory to God. He must
have felt it keenly when he asked, "Where
are the nine?" We may wonder sometimes
if a person is truly redeemed when he fails
to tell others about it. Of course one should
not become self-righteous and boast about it
in an unbecoming and obnoxious way. But
there is such a thing as false modesty too.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, to the
glory of Godnot to self-glory. The world
needs the testimony of those who have been
redeemed. If the redeemed themselves do
not say so, then who will? The devil's crowd
will not advertise the fact that one of their
own number has forsaken them. They will
try to trip him and lure him back their way
if they can. But the devil will have a harder
time winning back the one who is not ashamed
to stand up and testify of the joy and blessing
of salvation. Thus we see the wisdom of the
Tokyo Christian
admonition, "Let the redeemed of the Lord
say so."
II. We admire one with the courage to
take a stand and publicly declare it. There
probably were wishy washy people way back
in the days of Jushua, for we read near the
close of the Book of Joshua that he called
the people together and said to them: "If it
seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, then
choose ye this day whom ye wiUserve." But
he went on to say to them in unmistakable
terms, "As for me and my house we wiU
serve the Lord." We need just such men of
courage today.
III. As an example and illustration of
what the redeemed of the Lord can say and
do, let me tell you briefly about a remarkable
woman whom I first met more than 25 years
ago. She was terribly afflicted, having suf
fered with Arthritis for years. Her hands and
her feet and even her face seemed to be drawn
out of shape. The first sight of her almost
made me shudder. She seemed so utterly
helpless! Yet she found ways to help other
people. She began to talk about the Church
and the Lord's work^the one bright spot in
her life. The little church of which she was
a member had been without preaching for
about two years, and most of the members
were discouraged and about ready to give up
and disband. Had it not been for her they
probably would have done so. She wanted
me to come and hold a Revival Meeting for
them. Since I was near enough and in a
position that it wouldn't hurt me to donate
my services, I agreed to do so. The Lord
blessed those meetings. Miss Lizzie was right
there on the front seat for every service^her
brother would put her in the car drive up to
the side door and carry her into the church.
There were several additions, no doubt more
the result of her prayers than of the preaching.
Arrangements were made to have regular
preaching after that by two men, neither of
whom had previous preaching experience.
One of those men is still a successful full time
preacher, having been ordained several years
later.
Today, instead of the little church with its
few struggling members, there is a large pros
perous church with a new building. I am glad
she could live to see the church grow and
prosper. It was my privilege to go back for
a number of later revival meetings and also
I was called back from a distant state to dedi
cate the first addition to the little old building.
On one of those occasions she said to me that
she often thought of that first time I came to
see them and that sdie felt sure the Lord sent
me there that first time in answer to prayer.
Who would dare to deny it? But I am sure
that the blessings that came to the church th
rough the revivals depended far more upon
her praying than they did on my preaching.
Hers was a real testimony of faith. She was
always cheerful and praising the Lord. In all
the 18 years that I knew her, I never heard
her complain of her sufferings. In answer
to inquiries about her health she would al
ways say, "I am better." Some six or eight
years ago she was called to that BETTER
land. When I see her again it will be in
Page i
that glorious new body, no longer racked
by suffering and pain. But she will still
be praising her dear Redeemer and Savior,
"0 Zion haste, thy mission high fulfilling,
To teU to all the world that God is light;
That he who made all nations is not willing
One soul should perish, lost in ^ades oi
night.
"Publish glad tidings. Tidings of peace,
Tidings of Je-sus, Redemption and
release."
:o:
LITTLE NOTES
Dr. Hideo Aoki and family (Nisei) who
just came to Japan early this past summer,
are missionaries sent out by three Christian
C!hurches in California. Because he spent
most of his youth receiving an education in
Japan, and more recently finishing some worh
at the Tokyo University, he seems well
qualified to do the work he came to Japan
to do, evangelize 'his own people.
:o:
A recent visitor to our bi-monthly Tokyo
missionary prayer meeting was Royce Cheez
man of Columbus, Ohio, a friend of the Bil
Walker family, who is making a temporarj
visit to Japan.
:o:
It has been almost one hundred year:
since Christianity came to Japan. Now, ex
cept for old-fashioned people and those witl
special ideologies such as Communism, thero
are none who blindly oppose it. But still
those who turn to Christianity are very few
There are various reasons. One of the great
est problems that disturbs men is changing
their religion, . . . Many say Christianitj
is very fine teaching, but to throw away th(
religion of our ancestors is dishonoring t(
them.
Bible Times Publication
Tokyo Bible Seminary
Holding forth the Word of Life
Serving Churches of Christ
in Japan
God-fearing faculty
Conscientious in stewardship
Your mission project in Japan
Where a Little investment
Pays Big Dividends in
Trained Youth
Address correspondence to:
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sakurayomc Mochl
Nokono Ku, Tokyo, Japan