m-ct ^

A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan
February, I96O
Dear Christian friends,

Is it too late to say something about Christmas? Perhaps it is never

too early nor too late to talk about that happy time.
Early the 24th I looked out the window and saw a pretty package hang-

ing on front gate. Markie brought it in. It was a record of Christmas I

music; a present from one of my English students, a young man with the
Japanese Navy here.This note was attached:

Year I96O

Paula & Faith

"To Mr. Maxey. Merry Christmas to all of you.

This is the first time in my life I can say, write this word. But now I'm very glad to say it.
Veil, what puzzled me really was what Christmas present was the best for your families. But I
decided that very day, take this disk as my present. Please, don't believe me good or bad, I'll be
on duty at Christmas and going to other base for enroute training with airplane. After the duty,

I-ll see you, Mr. Maxey. May God reward and bless

Yanagimoto. "

Well, Yanagimoto-san, you'll never know how good that letter and record made me feel. It set the
tone for the whole season. Such voluntary expressions of thanks from the Japanese have been some
what rare for me so this was a real boost to missionary morale.
J

At Kushikino after attending their Candle Light Christmas Program, the church gave me a lovely
hand-painted silk tie. At the Kanoya program, the church gave us a beautiful flower vase. At the
leper colony after the Christmas service, the members there gave Pauline, Paula and I 1000 each in
thanks for holding services and Cormen's meetings there. These plus the greetings, gifts, and boxes
of many friends like you made our Christmas a joyous one indeed.

Christmas week we had a big sukiyaki supper for our co-workers and thier families. The day before
Christmas we took boxes and cakes Pauline had baked to them and to others in need. Christmas night

we stayed up till midnight waiting for the carolers to come and to have them in for cupcakes and
hot chocolate. Christmas morning the children were up in the cold, grey dawn to find their gifts.
Then we all went to the leper colony for morning service and to the orphanage for a short program
and presentation of gifts to each child.

Then we were all set to enjoy Pauline's Christmas dinner of ham and turkey and all the trimmings.
For one of the less-traveled spots of the earth, we had a good supply of Americans on hand: Velma
Held, faithful Christian and helper of missionaries from Hampton, Iowa, now teaching in the Army
schools in Tokyo; Clarence Petro, of Irwin, Penna but for the past 8 years, teacher of English in
the High Schools of Kagoshima City; James Lewis, Aviation Electrician Chief of the U.S. Navy
stationed in Kanoya and our nearby neighbor; and Ernest Sims from the Reflectone Corporation in

Connecticut, installing a complicated navigational training device at the Naval Air Station. Ve had
a big table, a big meal and a big time. A Christmas day made happier by having some one to share
i t with.

The day after Christmas we were able to arrange a trip for the orphans to visit the U.S.S. Alamo,
a navy ship making a goodwill visit in Kagoshima Bay, They sent small boats out to Mt. Sakurajima
to meet us, gave the youngsters a tour of the ship, a .big dinner, pockets full of candy, a movie
and a cash gift to buy something they needed. Our youngsters went along and all of them wound up
interpreting before the afternoon was over.

The following Tuesday, six officers from the Alamo and the U.S.S. Tioga came to Kanoya County as
guests of the local Rotary club, and the Japanese Navy, Pauline had them for coffee here and that
night Capt. Loustaunau of the U.S.S. Alamo invited us for dinner in his cabin in honor of our 18th
v;edding anniversary. It was a very happy and memorable anniversary.
Gregory became 8, December 30th and graduated to Markie's full-size bycicle. Markie became 14,
January 16th and moved up to a small motor-bike about which he had been dreaming and for which he
had been saving for a year, Markie is a fine young man and a great help to us. It will be lonely
when he and Paula go off to Kobe to high school this fall,
January 19, we bagan a six weeks Leadership Training Program at the Christian Center. Bro. Yoshii
of the Kanoya church and I share the teaching on alternate nights. He is teaching the first half
of the book and myself the last. There are eight regular students.
We have had a n\imber of letters recently asking when we are coming home. All of us have had a
tinge of homesickness this winter and we'd like nothing better than an chance to see home places

and home faces, but that will not be for some time yet. Since we will stay six years this term,
our furlough will begin the summer of 1962, In this way, Paula will finish high school in Japan
and Markie will have two years more when we go home. This is the way we are planning now, but we
must_add.._L'if .the Loxd wil3.s_j^e_vill d.o this or that."

Until nexttime think of Japan and pray for those working here. An aged Catholic priest friend of
mine who has spent all his life in these parts wrote me the other day, that the difficulties of
teaching the Gospel in Japan reminded him of the words he had heard from a Professor in Seminary,
"Plow the rock until it yields." Japan's nev; prosperity,intellectualism and Buddhist-Shinto
revival make the rock harder than ever. Ve continue to plow.
In His service,

LIMLBTTER

Non-Profit Organization

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission

U.

POSTAGE

PAID

Box 159
North Vernon, Indiana

North Vernon, Indiana

Permit No.

1W0

IJr, Harold McFarland

JUissions Services
Box 96&

JoHet, IlUnois

Form 3547 Requested

S.

A monthly repwrt by the Mark G. Maxey family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

March, 196O

No. 109

They Completed Six Veeks

Dear Christian friends,

Training Course

March 33:'d., I had an invitation from Bro. Ikeda on the island of Tannegashima to come

down for the dedication of their new kindergarten building. Pressed "both for time and money, I
delayed until the last moment and finally left "by the island-hopping airline early that morning.
Unfortunately, halfway there, the pilot turned hack "because of poor visibility. Ve sat on the
ground for three hours and by the time I arrived in Tannegashima the festivities were all over.

The telegram I had sent was undelivered. They had waited a half-hour for my arrival and then went
on without me. I had to be content with taking pictures, visiting some of the Christians and hav
ing an enjoyable fellowship with the Ikedas before returning on the all-night ferry.
This incident is rather descriptive of most of the things I have set my hand to the last

few months.

Nothing seems to have turned out as well as expected and spiritually and physically,

we are at a low ebb. Perhaps it might be explained by the quotation: "A man's reach should exceed
his grasp else what is heaven for?""

One notable exception was the six-week's training course just completed at the Center.
The seven pictured above completed the course''With"""75^'attendance""'and passing grades. They were
awarded certificates closing night.

Of these seven, four were not Christians.

At the invitation

given that night three made the good Gonjfe_ssion: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God".
These are the two men'""at the rear center and the woman, front row left. Two of them were baptized
the following Sunday at Knoya church and the "o^Her will be shortly. Mr. Nagayoshi, the oldest
man, is a retired school teacher who heard the gospel the first time at the meetings in Kanoya
last fall and has been studying earnestly since that time. Needless to say Bro. Yoshii and I are
greatly encouraged by these decisions of mature men and women.

The momings mail brings a card from Bro. Tanijiri at Kushikino. ^'Good news", it says.
"At last after the fall meetings and many weeks of teaching there is one person who has made the
confession and will be baptized on March 6". Please be praying for us on that day". This will be
gladly done.

Visitors are alwavs welcome at our house and provide occasions for relaxing the daily
schedule.

Powers of the Christian Advent Mission.

He lives on the

main island of Japan on the west coast. He spent a week with us observing the program here in
action. Ve had a good time exchanging ideas on mission methods, Christian doctrine and visiting
the ch\irches in the cold spells we have had in 40 years they say. He Dlaved the trumpet in the un-

i^4.ti_5iMJXches and _it was really fi^ny seeing the blast of steam coming out the beft,! Qi!.,th!C"trrumAfter he returned, he sent me a copy of the report he had prepared to share with other
members of his mission. Interesting to see yourself as others see you.

gShefwrvili^T^^'^
Rotarv Clu^ Hp

Richard Hemdon, American Consul located in Fukuoka, Kyushu's

fifty miles northwest. He spent anight and a day with us and to-

Navel Air station, city officials and he was guest speaker at the

Our co-worker,

was a very recent visitor.

He had a long week-end between

tests and the beginning of the next term in language' sc!iooT7"~ He came down to Kyushu with one

mind - to find_a s^ita>lQ..^pi eca ,of land to which_he coTjJLjd. come_wh^n_ s^chool is outTTTis

summer and build a house for his family,

We_dnesdaj night he arrived at our houre'.'" Thursday, we

drove a:'ound the bay to Kajiki and within a short time he was shown what to me was a piece of
ground perfectly suited for a missionary residence and at a very reasonable price. Paul preached

for me Sunday on the Satsuma peninsula circuit - Kagoshima, Kajiki and Kushikino - , On Monday

;y^^a"r-ranffements for the land had been completed and tViP

y^^^yip^nt mnHp. Truly, phenomenal
speed in this land where even speedy things get done slowly - and a sign of the Lord's leading.
Getting the rest of the payments made and a building on the land is the remainder of the problem
which I am sure, the Lord, and Paul, and Christian brethren will work out, also.
Aside from unusual seiges of cold weather, another almost daily visitor has been
^ng^^aaja^rom Mt. Sakurajima 15 miles north of us. The first term out T could hardly wait to see
this volcana blow
onnp>. This term_I_aan hardly wait until~it quits. The dust oflen~fests

like a grey pall on everything and farmers near'ahT'on'the mountain have suffered great loss to
finiit and vegetables.
A number of projects loom up in the immediate future:
1.

The annual church and missionaiy conventions come the end of March. Ve try to assist
financially so that someone from each church can go and bring back inspiration and in
formation from this gathering.

2.

ThKa,iaki church is built ..on rent^ land.

The city has asked for the land back by the

end of March. Ve must complete arrangements to buy another piece of land and move the
building very soon.
3..-ilac.h-<silUE.ch-has a suita^h^le parsonage for the p,2^acher,,excjept..atThere the

Tanijiris with one small child and expecting another in June are living in one small
room back of the church. Ve have promised to help them have a home before their baby
is bcm.
4.

Prefabrication work on the framework has begun.

For^fjeveral -years nowwe- have been- using- the book ""TRAIN.ING FOR SERVICE"" in a mimeo^-:eaj)hed
version. Stencils wear out, the print becomes unreadable, pages'are lost. The demand
warrants a printed version, Bro. Yoshii, the Kanoya pastor, is re-checking and correct
ing the manuscript in thq. hope tha.t printing c_^^e.. done in the near future.

5.

Ve hope to have a time of sr)ec;^,al eYangelism^a^ain in Mav.

travel, speakers.

This means, tracts, films,

All extra demands on the budget.

It all adds up .tQ. tVii r;

your help now.

Ve seldom make any appeals but we_.4P_.a.sk your prayers and

In His service

LINKLETTER

Non-Profit Organization

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 159
North Vernon, Indiana

U, S. POSTAGE
PAID

North Vemon, Indiana

Permit No.

Kr. narold McFarXand

Missions Services
Box 9&8

JoXiet, Illinois

Form 5547 Requested

J.5

rZTNKZcrre^

A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

No.

May, 1960

110

Dear Christian friends,

CONVENTION CHORISTERS

As they say in Japanese letters: "Please pardon the long silence". The spirit was will
ing but the flesh was weak. In fact, about the end of March, most of the flesh around this place
was very weak. Pauline was in bed a couple of weeks. I was having trouble getting to sleep and
having bad dreams when I did.

Convention time saved the day.

It was a strain getting ready and even more so going,but

the spiritual and physical rewards made it worthwhile. The end of March till the middle of April
is between the terms for all Japanese schools. Result: everybody travels and the trains are in
sufferably crowded,
standing in line a week in advance from about 7
we were able to buy
enough ^I'd class sleepers for our family. So away we went. It was a big adventure for the kids.
Gregory and Faith both spent most of the night looking out the windows.
The convention this year was at-Tanabe with Vivian Lemmon as hostess.

That meant a

journey of about 750 miles up to Osaka*and then back down the peninsula a half day's journey
south. We got there for
sionary convention. The,
sessions for the adults,
gave the closing address

one day of the convention of the Japanese brethren and all of the mis
spirxtual^-emphasis was the best, of any of pur conventions. There were
the teen-agers and the children. Pauline led one evening session and I
on Saturday, At this session, the teen-agers present sang for us. They

are: (I. to r,) Steven Pleenor, Paul Pratt, Janet Dittemore, Paula Maxey, Carol Mings, and Walter
Maxey.

Patty Likins played the organ. (Her Daddy took the picture).

While they sang their par

ents comforted themselves with the thought that if they don't get the job done in Japan, maybe
the next generation will.

The convention closed with a gift for Grace Parnham and farewell messages by herself and
some of the rest of us.

Japan.

She will return to the U.

S. this summer after a

lifetime of service in

She has set us a worthy example.

Afterwards we went to Kobe and spent several days with Isabel (Dittemore).

Prom there

we had good visits with her and the other missionaries in Osaka and Kobe. One day was spent in
IQyoto visiting the Baptist hospital. All of us got thorough physical examinations. We came off
in pretty good shape, I got some sleeping pills, Paula some Iron capsules, Greg, a bottle of

pills for possible T,B, infection (nothing definite) and Pauline, a recommendation for vitajnins
of most letters of the alphabet. In parting we held out our arms for the inevitable shots to
ward off current ills, Markie was happy to hear the doctor say that he will probably grow to six
feet, two by the time he is eighteen.

Soon after getting back home, I spent 5 days at the spring conference of the General Con
ference Mennonite missionaries. These fine people work in the prefecture adjoining ours to the
northeast, I spoke three times on the theme "Called of God", ending up with the question: Has
God called us to an impossible task in Japan? Answer: Even though it may often seem so and the
obstacles outnumber the victories yet it cannot b'e," "At" Tast, "Every knee shall bow and every
tongue confess that Jesus is Christ the LGPd",'- Thinking -and praying through this problem was

very important for me - and for that reason especially I-was very glad that they asked me to
come.

The wonderful fellowship was an addad:(blessing,

There are signs of new life in the churches. At two churches where forper leaders had
gone away, two young ladies volunteered to teach in the Bible school. Seven from this area went

to the convention and one of these made a confession of Faith, There have been five recent bap
tisms in the Kanoya church by Bro. Yoshii,

Last week I went down south to the island of Tannegashima for the "hi-mnnthiy p-pgaflriVig-rg

^legiing. Taking advantage of two Japanese holidays, Bor, Ikeda arranged for a^'two day gathering of
Christians with many of them bringing their bedding and food and staying all night. This turned

out to be one of^the finftRt mftfttings I have attended.in Japan. Each preacher was asked to preach
or teach on a major subject of faith or living. I have not heard better preaching or better pre
sentations in Japan. These men are continuing to study the Bible carefully and with much prayer.
They are presenting it so it can be understood. The opposite of many preachers here who prove
their learning by preaching subject matter that they know the people will not understand. I spoke
once on "The Christians Reward" but most of the time I just listened. The people who came entered
in heartily both in hearing and asking questions-indicating the effective witness of the Ikedas

and the church and kindergarten, I came away counting my blessings - especially the blessing of
having a group of consecrated men to work with.

On the return trip, the ship was too crowded with horses,pigs and people to have any room
but deck space. I staked out a place on a tool box.

1/iy air matress had a leak in it so I had a

straw mat under me and a blanket over me. The Mayor had given me a farewell gift of Easter lillies
with 4-feet stems. These were stretched out alongside - somewhat like a funeral. In the middle of

the night it began to rain. I put the straw mat on top and hoped. Sure enough it stopped. Arriv
ing in Kagoshima at 4 a.m. I got in my truck to drive away. Too bad - flat tire! Such is life in
Japan - a fly in every ointment, a nail in every tire.

One pleasant stirprise: Vivian Lemmon was on the ship when we went to Tannegashima. The
Ikedas had invited her to share in the program. Afterward, she came back and spent a week with us
here, speaking at the Kanoya church and the Leper colony.

Two other surprises:

Two new baby boys in the preachers families. The Yoshiis in Kanoya

have a son, their first child, named: "Makoto" - sincerity*. The Daikusonos in Kushira have a son,

(th^r" fir^t"was a girl)rn^ed:"R^riaki"~^ w6Merfur"ex^pIe7 B^tfi families are very happy"andT

we are happy with them.

But all is not joy. Here is a letter I just received from a 14 year old girl: "Mr. Maxey,
How are you getting along every day? Cherry blossoms had already fallen. I am Miss Churel. I
made it a rule to go to Matsuyama Church of Christ.
Maybe my question is stupid but would you please give me the answer? Sometimes I think

of death and I feel veiy bad. So I don't know how to do. What shall I do? And toward evening not
only I but also other friends feel so, I am now in the second year of middle school. Do all the
people think such a thing? Please write a letter very soon. I'll be waiting".
Our answer will tell her of "The Way, The Truth and the Life".
In His Service,

P.S. If you have not already ordered, DVBS missionary lesson sets featingAJiis/work are ready and
in the States. Write; Gladys Auerswald, Box 139} North Vemon, Indiana.
LINKLETTER

Non-Profit Organization

Monthly Publication of
K^shu Christian Mission
Box 139

North Vernon, Indiana

U.

PAID

iO

S'C

Mr Harold McParlandi
Missions ServipQs
Box 96a

Joliet, Illiiiola

Form 3547 Requested

S. POSTAGE

North Vemon, Indiana

Permit No.

MADDEN MEMORIAL BUILDING PROGRESS

REPORT

Facts Concerning the Building;

The beginning of the Madden Memorial Building was an earth shaking

event.
The entire neighborhood was shaken as the piling were driven.
The foundation work should be completed by the end of the year. This
means the second payment will be due on the building. The contract calls
for completio.n of the building by the end of February.
At that time, the
entire cost of the building must have been paid.
The pictures on the re

verse side give you some idea of the actual progress so far.

Facts Concerning the Funds?

Estimates on the building publicized earlier fell short of the actual

contract cost.

Less than :p1^,000 has been received from the States.

Mis

sion property no longer needed for its intended purpose has been sold and
these funds will be used to cover a portion of the Madden Memorial Build

ing cost.

^Jl0,000 is still lacking and MUST be on hand by February.

Facts Concerning Some of the Sources of Funds;

Two Japanese Christians have given the equivalent of ONE MONTH'S

salary to the-memory of their beloved father and mother in the faiths
Two men from America who were with Brother Madden in his first ministries

have sent substantial offerings. Recently a veteran missionary from India

sent her contribution to^ the memory of the Maddens. Every missionary at

the convention in Nagoya agreed to

ject.

their personal income in the pro-

These are a few examples of the deep concern for this Madden Mem^

orial Building.

Facts about Which You Can Be Concerrled;'

The Japanese Christians hav$ faith in their American brethren.

faith gives them their hope that this building will be realized.

This

Your

love for Christ and the preaching of the Gospel can help make a reality
out of the hope of the Japanese Christians.

This will be the most out

standing building of our people in Japan. It will be a building of which

all can be proud, and it will show to our Japanese brethren that we con

sider them worthy of such a structure.

Surely a building costing only a

fraction of most new church buildings in America should not be denied our
Japanese brethren!

Facts to

be Faced;

-Osaka Bible Seminary is the nn!l^.iJbl^^.ollege...in--Ja,pan ng-ithf^r

Roman Catholic nor Protestants T'Te^^lieve this project to be God's will!!

YOUR contribution is needed NOW to prove that you believe in it too and
are willing to match the love of your brethren in Japan.

'

iton-i'rofit
Organizatior
S. POSTAGE
PAID

North Vcrnon, Indiana

Mr. Harold McFarland
Missions Services
Box 968

Joliet, Illlaois

Bo, 1

ealed
sand

deep.

- ;

UvU

Ir-

l:5r
GROUND

BREAKING

OLD
v-

ARK

Vv

i~*

Clark - Sugano
H. Sugano

Speaking

191OM, B. Madden baptized H. Sugano# 193^M B. Madden purchased

this property. 1937H. Cole began Osaka Bible Seminary. 19^1/^6
H. Sugano held the property.
June 7* 19^5U. S. bombers wiped out
all buildings. 19^7H. Cole returned. Thirteen years later, I96O
Madden Memorial Building, the first permanent building, is started.

CONTRACT

September 7 196O

FENCED IN

-f

I
Vi

G
N

X'

,1k

D
."r

FOR ACTION

A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan
July, 1960
Dear Christian friends,
These are troubled times for Japan. No one who has read the
newspapers the last two months can doubt that - Typhoons, tidal waves,
strikes, riots and demonstrations have surrounded us.

THERE'LL BE A BETTER
MY TOMORROW

In regard to natural disasters, we have little to worry about except typhoons. To them
we turn one cheek and then the other and get slapped on both sides. The first one this year was
very light - mostly a good wetting.
Kanoya has an elevation of about 15O feet so tidal waves do not reach us.
river is about a mile away, down-hill, so we don't have to worry about floods.

The nearest

Ve are also rather insulated from political disturbances. Tokyo is over a 1000 miles
away by rail and even more remote as far as peoples feelings go. In Japanese movies, it is al

ways the high point of tragedy when the hero and heroine are separated and one or the other must
go to Kyushu.

Kagoshima being at the southern end of Kyushu is so much the worse.

In ten years here we have had not more than two or three insults just because we were
Americans. Even those were some years ago. There are nasty people and nice people wherever you
go and the nasty Japanese are really nasty to their own countrymen and always civil to us. Ve
have found that kindness begets kindness and we have been here so long that most of the time we
forget we are foreigners.

The night before the Hagerty incident I was invited to a reception by the Mayor of the
City and the Admiral of the Naval Air Station here in honor of a U.S. Navy group visiting Kanoya.

The goodwill and expressions of appreciation on the part of the Japanese that night made the
trouble in Tokyo seem very remote indeed.

In Kagoshima I saw a group of students and unionists snake-dancing through the streets
carrying banners denouncing the U.S. and the new treaty. I got out to take pictures, smiled and
waved. They replied in the same good spirits. In the Post Office I saw the walls plastered with
the same kind of anti-U.S., slogans. I asked the clerk about them while buying some stamps. He
smiled and said: "Oh, we don't mean you!"
The cancellation of the Presidents visit was a real blow to us all.

Soon after I was in

the Immigration Office getting my visa renewed, the chief of the section came over to me and saidi
"If the President had come I could shake your hand and say 'congratulations' but now I can say
and do nothing." Such expressions of regret and apology were numerous.

Make no mistake about it, however, Democracy faces a serious crisis in Japan,

It is a

word on everybody's tongue but few know what it really means. To many Japanese the other person
is undemocratic if he doesn't give in to the first persons desires. Kishi was undemocratic be
cause he used his majority vote to approve the treaty. The police are undemocratic for not
letting rioters enter the Diet building, etc.

A highly organized, well-paid, vocal minority have thwarted the will of the Japanese
nation. Brute strength was stronger than'Democracy in action. Having tasted the sweet victory
of keeping the President of the U.S. out of Japan, the same minority will be using the same
methods even more effectively in the future.

In many ways, the problems facing Democracy and Christianity in Japan are the same.

Democracy is an outgrowth of Christianity "but few Japanese know that.

Until this relationship

is understood there is little hope for the former, Christianity, meanwhile, is highly praised
but little understood. For many it is a pleasant veneer. For others it offers immediate phys
ical benefits. But Christianity as "the way, the truth and the life" is not finding a wide
acceptance in Japan today. A long time ago Christ said the gate to life is narrow and "few
there be that find it." It would be hard to find a more fitting text to describe our results
here.

Two full weeks of meetings here held in June, One week in a town hall in Tarumizu.
The crowds were small enough to discourage the most stout-hearted preacher. The results; one
young university student who has not missed a service since that time. We expect him to make a
decision for Christ and to be baptized soon. Needless to say, we are very happy for that one.

Another week of meetings in the city of Kagoshima produced no visible results. In each
of these meetings, as always, besides handbills distributed through the newspapers, every home
was visited, a tract given as well as an invitation to the meetings,

Also during June Markie and I were gone for two weeks. En route to Tokyo we visited the _
pastor's house being built in Kushikino; visited two missionaries homes in southern Kyushu; got

my passport renewed in Fukuoka (northern Kyushu) and visited with a Christian family in the Air
Force, (the Don Smiths of San Antonio); attended church and visited north of Osaka where we were
stationed in the Army; visited Pratt's and Dittemores briefly in Kobe and finally got to Tokyo,
In Tokyo we joined the other Tokyo missionaries in greeting Lois and Laverne Morse en route to

Burma; said farewell to the Likins family as they left on furlough; spoke to the combined English

classes of all our Tokyo missionaries (the idea spark-plugged by Velma Held, an Iowa Christian
teaching in the Army schools in Tokyo); spoke in the Mabashiashi church Simday morning and Sunday
night held a get-together of many of the Kagoshima young people who had moved to Tokyo at the
Christian Student Center where Dr. Hido Aoki holds forth. On the return trip, we spoke at Osaka
Bible Seminary chapel, had a day of fellowship and shopping with the Clarks before taking the
night express back home.

Having said all that, I must confess that we really went north to go fishing.

For three

glorious days, Bro. Aoki took us fishing high up in the mountains where the snow was still visible

and the air and water ice cold. We caught trout and got little sleep but those were only minor
regrets. The climate, the conversation and companionship were the real blessings that refreshed
our souls and bodies.

We continue our schedule of church visitation, preaching and teaching, receiving callers
and drinking tea, supe27vising the book store, writing letters and receiving more than we answer,
encouraging the pastors and helping two of them get motor-bikes this month on a time-payment plan;
and all in all, like they used to say about John D. Rockerfeller, trying to get a dollar's worth
In His Service,

LINKLETTER

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 139

Non-Profit Organization

f#'

U.

S. POSTAGE
PAID

North Vemon, Indiana

North Vernon, Indiana

Permit No,

Mr. Harold IflcFarland

Missions Services
Box 968

Joliet, Illinois

Form 5547 Requested

J
Stephen lijima, Walter Mark
& Kenji Niro & tent at
Matsuyaraa

Baptizing at Tarumizu

No, 112

September, 196O

Dear Christian friends,

This has "been the hottes't and driest summer I can remember in these parts.

EJven though

this area is known as "typhoon alley" the seasons numberous blows have given us a wide berth#

This

summer, for once, we have been able to "make hay while the sun shines."

The first big event of the summer was the July 4th picnic at our house, 75 missionaries
and children from Ka^oshima and Miyazakie prefectures spent the day with us. Picnic foods, ham

burgers, watermellon, contests, sports, pledge of allegiance to the flag (a new 50 star one) patri
otic songs, hymns and devotions made it a day to remember and help satisfy the longing for home
that creeps up on us every once in awhile.

Next, we were at Kushikino for the bi-monthly preacher's meeting and dedication of the
new parsonage there. I spoke of The Preacher and His House-a subject that I could handle with an
air of authority. After the dedication, the preachers completed planning for camp and after the
morning preaching and praying we all v/ent for a swim in the ocean. I loaded up the tools and

remaining building materials in my trailer and together with most of the preachers headed for
Kagoshima city. Almost simultaneously two back tires blew out. Nothing to do but let it sit on
the road while we got out in a driving rain and hailed a bus. Such is travel in Japan - one minute
setting pretty, the next slogging through the mud and rain.
Event number three was the arrival of the Paul Pratt fajnily.

They have completed two

years of language study in Kobe and have now come to Kagoshima willing and ready for the task of
evangelism. Their two sons, Paul and Mark; and two daughters, Lydia and Mary, were joyfully wel
comed by our own youngsters. Splashing water, barking dogs, whirling bicycles, dolls and dishes
were the order of the day.

The Pratts will be living and working on the other side of the bay

giving the churches there much-needed stimulus and giving me more time with the churches and work
here.

Center.

August began with summer camp - the 9"^^ consecutive year and the 2nd here at the Christian
Two big tents were set-up on the grass in front of the center. One for girls and one for

boys. In the back another tent served as cook tent and mess hall. The preachers, families and
other guests lived in two Japanese-style houses we have. The center served as chapel and class
rooms,

Both Juniors and Seniors shared the same week of camp but separate classes and chapel

services were held.

Total camp attendance was about 45*

Responsibility and leadership are in the

hands of the Japanese. Paul Pratt and I assisted in recreation and teaching. The camp was selfsupporting except for use of the Center facilities. One day was set aside for ladies day when the
women of the area came for a special day arranged by Pauline. The Sunday after camp there were
five baptisms in Kanoya church. Attendance at camp was one factor in helping them make their
decision said Bro. Yoshii, Kanoya pastor.

Event number five were the evangelistic meetings.

Advance preparations took over a month,

Bro, Stephen lijima of the Minato Church of Christ in Tokyo .came to preach.

Bro, Kenji Niro, one

of our own boys, and pastor at Moriguchi Church of Christ at Osaka while going to Seminal^" came to
help with Vacation Bible School and to hold follow-up meetings,

"Dendo" is the Japanese word for evangelism,

I wish it were as simple to do as say.

First of all we prepared the advertising - 40,000 pieces. Each sheet had a map of the church, the
time of regular services, a picture of the pastor, a tract "What Christians Believe," and, at the
end in red ink, information about the dendo and follow-up meetings. These were put into the hands
of the newspaper distributors in each town for insertion the day the meetings began.

The Chevrolet Carry-All was rigged up as a sound-truck with speakers on top. Signboards
were hung on the sides and hack of' the truck telling of the services. Markie was my assistant in
setting up the charts, hook box, speakers, screen and projector at the meeting place. While he
was doing that we covered every street and alley of the town with an invitation to attend.

Meetings were held in ten places - Kaigata, Tarumizy, Kanoya, Koyama, Kushira, Osaki,
Matsuyama, Sueyoshi and Keai-en. Services were held in a town hall which had no seats; a tent in
Maysuyama because the man who controlled the town hall belonged to one of the new religions and
would not let us use the buildingj an abandoned theater building, an ex-police station and, of
course, in church buildings themselves. Ihe crowds were good in every plaoft. Tti fact, I was more
encouraged than I
age and very many
ages were full oJ*
Bro. Niro spent a

have been for some time. They were genuinely interested in the Christian mess
who came to a place of Christian worship for the first time. Bro. lijima's mess
apt illustrations from Japanese life drawing attention to the teachings of Christ.
week each in Matsuyama and Sueyoshi after the meetings closed leading and teach

ing. In addition, Daily Vacation Bible Schools have been held at Tarumizu, Sueyoshu, Matsiayama,
the orphanage and Kanoya church with Center people helping or leading.

It goes without saying that all these activities left us pretty well depleted physically
and otherwise. The old Chev drank up a couple of barrels of gas, developed knots on all four tires,
turned 50,000 on the speedometer and seems to sag a bit herself as she sets in the garage.
The desk is full of unanswered mail - but give us a little time. Pauline and I both be
came a year older but we didn't take time off for much celebrating. Except we both admit to feel

ing our age a little bit.

Ccane September first, Paula and Markie leave foi^obe,\whe^^they will

^life^^anSTmissionary work.^^^

also, we must say, in the budget. They will be TiirlHg*^th iny

be attending high school at~^e--iOianadianr^Academy- ^

Bister, Isal)el.

going to le^ye^^bTg hoie^gi our family

JflTiet -

"

Our metal pre-fab house has also been showing its age this s\immer and we have taken off

all the outside panels, had them cleaned and treated for rust.
ten more years.

Maybe it will hold together now for

We hope so.

Eleven years ago we left the anny to begin this work. Ten years ago this month we
arrived in Japan. We, are staving six years this-termwill mt us home in the summer of 1962.
Continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

In His Service,

LINKLETTER

Non-Profit Organization

Monthly Publication of
K^shu Christian Mission

U. S. POSTAGE

Box 139

PAID

North Vernon, Indiana

North Vemon, Indiana

Permit No. 1

Mr. Harold McParland

Form 5547 Requested

ISisslons Services
Box 968

JoUet, Illinois

Kovem'ber, 196O
IT'S A GIRL
HOPE

Octoter 4th

A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan
Linkletter No. 113

Dear Christian friends,

It's "been a l^usy and happy two months since you last heard from us. The "box at the right
will tell you why. ])ue to previous disappointments we hadn't said much about the new baby's coming.
We were preparing though - with hope and prayer and many were praying with us.

September 19 Pauline went up to the hospital in Kyoto 'JQO miles north of u-S.

the general man about the office, school room, kitchen and what-have-you.

That left me,

It only takes a few days

of that to make a man realize the load the other half of the family is carrying.

Paith and Gregory were good sports though and we got along pretty well. Pauline and the
Doctor set the date for October 15, so I was all set to make a leisurely trip north in time for the

baby's arrival. Consternation reigned (amid rejoicing) when Paula's telegm^^s^^^d'^e^rly Tuesday,
the 4th saying a baby girl was born and well.

Here, Pauline tell about

""""N.

"I do praise and thank God for his great love and grace. Than
prayer and His wonderful answer in the gift of our precious little

Jod for the poVer of united

Section - my first experience with eight children.

[rh?r-^cou3ffil?'^eel God's

HOPE MAXEY wai 4orn Oct-

ober 4'th at 3:40 a.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and is healthy.! ,She was born "^-TJaesarian

hand leading and sustaining me.

bility.

Through all these ro

I pray that He has forgiven me for any

It seems He had a plan for Hope to join our family.

ima T^Iuubtr^ this possi

As I look at this precious little babe

now I realize again the great task that is ahead of me.

"Mark had planned to come later in the week but after receiving the telegram about the baby
he got things ready plus Greg and Faith and left in three hours. So he got here the next day - very
tired but so happy and relieved that the baby was here. Mark returned ahead of me to be there to
meet me at the airport when I got back. The Mings family, our mission family nearest here, took me
to the airport. Paula and Markie came to the airport to get a good look at baby sister. They won't

get to see her again till Christmas.

Isabel Dittemore and Janet, the Clark family, Velma Held of

Tokyo were also there to give me happy farewell.

"The Japan Baptist Hospital (Southern Baptist Convention) where the baby was bom is a
wonderful place. All the American doctors are missionaries - the Japanese doctors and nurses are

Christians.

Before they began the operation every one in the room paused while my Doctor prayed

Dr. Pontnote.

They have prayer with every patient before they leave the hospital.

There is a wor

ship period every morning and evening that goes to each room by speakers, I have never seen a staff
of nurses so wonderfully Christian in eveiy detail and care of us. The Doctor doesn't believe she
could have delivered the baby alive by natural birth, so you see God's plan again in using this won
derful women Doctor as an instrument in answering our prayers."

End quotation from Pauline. I hate to cut you off. Honey, but people will think this is^
the first baby that was ever bom if we keep on talking about it, I will say, though, that HOPE is
just about the nicest thing that has happened around this house for a long time. It is not only our

happiness at having here but many other expressions of brotherly kindness and neighborliness that
came with her.

Thanks again, everyone.

There were several side-benefits from the trip to see Pauline and the baby.

we stayed with my sister Isabel and had a good visit with Paula and Markie.

For one thing,

I took one moming and

visited them at school. They are both studying very hard and taking an active part in the school
life of Canadian Acadeinjr as well. When the officers of the Student Council were elected, students
had to announce their candidacy and campaign for the office, Paula ran for the office of SecretaryTreasurer. Janet carried around a signboard, Pauline made "Vote Paula" badges and Markie & Janet
pinned them on every student and teacher in sight. It was a family project and they were all
equally happy when she won.

For another thing, Mr, and Mrs. Russel Morse were staying with Isabel at the same time en route home from Burma,

I had met them "before but this was the first opportunity to visit with

them at length and partake of their spirit and Christian witness. This was fellowship much app
reciated. Along with that I was in Osaka at the right time for the missionary prayer meeting and
get-together.

Again a spiritual rewarding experience.

Once a year in September on the occasion of a national holiday when everyone is free we
have a convention of all the churches. This year it was at Tarumizu on the bay. We have had bigger
conventions but not better ones. A1 Hammond just back from furlough was the featured speaker in the

morning. There were good delegations from each of the churches. The morning came to a fitting and
joyous conclusion v/hen an elderly man from the Kushikino church made his confession in Christ. At

noon each person ate the simple lunch (obento) he had brought or drank milk and ate rolls of bread
made available by the church.

Of course, there were the inevitable pots of tea - in fact, it

wouldn't be much of a meal in Japan without tea to finish it off.

In the afternoon session, four men gave their testimony based on the convention theme:
"The Word of God still lives." Mr. Tanue from Tannegashima said he first came to hear the miss
ionary and the pastor as an opportunity to court his wife and ask troublesome questions. But at
last the word of God gripped his heart. Mr. Hakamura of Kanoya said he first came to study at the
STommer course of the Christian Center because he thought it would be interesting. He heard Mr.
Maxey-tal-k-but-he hadn-'-t -thes-l-i^htes% idea-of-what- the Bible teaching was -really-all about. But
in spite of ignorance, hearing the word of God began to change his heart and life so that he acc
epted Christ, Mr. Kuwabata of Tarumizu said he had studied all kinds of religions trying to find
healing for his body. When he heard about the special meetings in Tarumizu he dicided to find out
what Christianity was all about. He went. He listened. He dug out an New Testament that was in
his house. He discovered that there was indeed physical healing in Christ but more, much more than
that. There was the Saviour, Jesus Christ, to be believed, obeyed, and followed. He continued to
read the word of God with the result that he decided that his main purpose should be to follow
Christ rather than to selfishly seek healing for himself. Mr, Kawasaki of Kushira told of the death
of his younger brother, only 12, by cancer. The days preceding death and the funeral itself are the
times when Buddhism comes into its own and takes over in Japan. Not so in this case. Bro, Kawasaki
had been reading the Bible to his brother. The parents, neighbors, friends, relatives and family
elders had been listening too. The brother's heart was comforted. He died in peace and with faith.
Unanimously, the family decided there would be no Buddhist ceremonies at his funeral.
Instead the

Bible was read, hymns were sung and a Christian message given by Bro. Kawasaki himself.

Word of God still lives. Spiritually, this day was the high point of the year.
full of faith and joy and I think I speak for everyone els who was there.

Yes, the

I left with a heart

In His Service,

LINKLETTER

Non-Profit Organization

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 159

North Vernon, Indiana

Mr. Harold McFarland

Annual Convention at Subyoshi, 196O

Missions Services
Box 968

Joliet, Illinois

Form ^547 Requested

U.

S,

POSTAGE

PAID

North Vernon, Indiana

Permit No,

A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey family

Linkletter No. 114

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Missiort

Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

Decem'ber I96O

Dear Christian friends,

We are enjoying a very spring-like winter. How about you? If your weather is not the same as

ours, at least we have one thing in common - the days roll "by with appalling speed. We confess to
"busyness" but often wonder somewhat uneasily if ^e Lord's business has been benefited thereby.
Early in November I made a trip to Osaka Bible Seminary for a meeting with the faculty and
other counselor's on the curriculum of the school and plans for the future. Particularly encouraging

was the progress on the new seminary building. I predict that this building will bring a new sense

of victory, unity'and "beginning'of^growfH for the^ \toTk here in^Ja^an.

The following day my former right-hand man, Kenji Niiro, was married to a lovely young lady
from Okayama-ken-Kher-e_tha_Wast^ work* I
hnppy-to do the_Jionoxs. After he compl&te-s.-hi p trains
ing at O.B.S., Niiro san is firmly committed to return to Kyushu for pioneer evangelism. In Japan,
as all over the world, a wedding is a happy time both for those being married and the merry-makers.

/^ix years ago Markie had a playmate named_Na^gjm^, the son of the principal of the Middle^->^^

S^p'ol near us. He and Markie were baptised the same day but afterward he moved away to another \

paj't of the prefecture and eventually to a village south of Osaka. But we kept in touch. He wrote

t/at he was faithful at church even though busy with the final exams of high school. I wrote him o
consider the ministry for a life of service after he graduated. He said that he would like to knS

'more about it so we arranged to meet while I was in Osaka. He saw the Seminary and its students j^d
President and Mrs. Clark had him for dinner. We talked together and prayed. He said he would t^k
it over. This week, we received the happy word that his mind was made up. He would be a student/^n
"tie Seminary when the new term opens next year. Once again a seed sown has brought forth a h^i^est
not^tx-days, nor six months, but six years.

Ward Patterson, Christian minister form Mansfield, Ohio and Hays, Kansas has just spent a week
with us. He is en route to Australia for graduate study and fellowship and preaching with the

brethren there as he has opportunity. We enjoyed his presence here and gave him a good workout

speaking at the various churches and Rotary clubs and introducing him to some of the mysteries and
surprises of life in Japan,

While wondering whether the fall months had been productive of any spiritual progress or not,
we find on closer look that we have had an excellent ministry by letters; growth in Christian

fellowship and understanding through those who have visited here; an ever increasing Christian
witness through the bookstore;* and a growthaffriendshipon--the--partof--the Japanese and an
increased understanding of what we are trying to do in God's grace. We look forward with you to a
good New Year.

e<:

'

LINKLETTER

Non-Profit Organization

Monthly Publication of

U.

Kyushu Christian Mission

PAID

Box 159

North Vernon, Indiana

North Vemon, Indiana

Mr, Harold McFarland
Uissions Services
Box 968

Joliet, Illinois

Form 5547 Requested

8. POSTAGE

Permit No.

Faith and Gregory admire their new "baby sister, Hope

"

=-y

rs

att(I a verxr

c>

THE MAXEYS

Pauline and Mark, Paula, Walter Mark,

Faith, Gregory and Hope
Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

'

December, 196O

not: UicCd, a fyxCnq Lfou qood tidtuqi of qxEat foii, wkiak A.kaCC (je to a[[ fizofiCz."

Jlu^e. 2:10