FE8 S 6 197BSIMS ?1EWSLETTER January 1975

Dear Friends,

Rather than attempt a report on the entire year of 1974, much of which was inthe previous newsletter, I think a somewhat detailed r ft tiirM,i ». 191^^ ^^71;^,"mj^sa^iyit i^^^^ would be more easy to recall and interesting for you to reaJT"^^^fplc'iafiy since we recieved greetings from many of you, wishing us a goodChristmas. This might be counted as a kind of response to those much appreciated Words of encouragement and love.

Everyone has heard the old song about the 12 days of Christmas, though veryfew know all the verses. This is "12 Days of Christmas" at Mejirodai, withechos of the old song inserted here and there.

1. Sunday, December 15: The middle school students (7,8,9 grades) came in theafternoon to practice their play and help decorate the Christmas Tree, whichMrs. Nakagawa had given to u.s from her yard, and the Church windows. ".Participants in a fair tree." .

2. Monday, 16: The Christmas program at the Christian Academy in Japan-- always an evening of inspirational music early in the season. Daniel playedthe snare drum and the chimes in the Jr. High Band. "Drummers Drumming."

3. Tuesday, 17: We went to Tachikawa and finished our shopping for SundaySchool attendance prizes etc. at the Christian Book Store and for each otherat the department store. Happy as " 2 turtle dove" to have most preparatio.nscompleted this early.

4. Wednesday, 18: This was the day of Christmas parties for our English Conversation Classes-- 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. for kindergarten through third grade,4:on to 5:30 P.M. for fourth through sixth grades, and 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. formiddle and High school students . We. had a total of 97 in attendance., and gaveeach one an orange, a small box of candy and a small book in English. One ofthe.High School students weighs over 200 pounds and enjoys playing the guitar,and playing Santa Claus. He did both 3 times that Wednesday, wearing a nicered suit his mother (a member of Lois' class) made for the occasion."3 English. Classes."

5. Thursday, .19: We drove in to Nakano for the Christmas meeting of the ladiesBible class, and enjoyed plenty of good talk, food, fun and a gift exchange."10 Ladies Learning."

6. Friday, 20: Lois' local ladies English class had a big cooperatively cooked reast beef dinner (a special treat for all) and a nice party all afternoon"11 cooks a-eating" not counting us.

7. Sunday, 22: An unusually large and noisy Sunday School of 88 children. Agood attendance of 20 at morning worship, v/ith 3 first time visitors present.Two of these were teachers at the Buddhist kindergarten accross the street.The husband of one of our ladies came with her as a special kind of "present"to make her happy.

Early in the afternoon a crisis arose vyhen one of the eighth graders' mothercalled saying the girl was sick in bed with a fever and would be unable totake her part in the play. After a number of phone calls a girl who had neverbeen to Church consented to substitute, and the rest of the afternoon wasspent in rehersal.

At 7130 in the evening we had the annual candle-service and musical programand gift exchange. There were about 70 present, which taxed our facilitiesto the limit, but everybody had a good time. We were especially, happy to seeour folks bringing their families and friends to church with them.

Eight members of the Church practiced and sang 2 special numbers as a choirfor the first time. Lois ai,s.o sang the song "Ring the Bells". I felt verymuch the need of some bell ringing to accompany the song, so on Saturday,Danny found a set of 8 bells tuned to play the scale in a toy store and webought th^m and played while she sang. It went very well. "8 members singing, 8 bells a-ringing." A real good day.

8. Monday, 23: In the afternoon we had practice sessions for 2 of the playsfor the Sunday School program. Both of them, as well as the middle schoolplay on Sunday night., were about rabbits-- an unplanned coincidence with 1975being the year of the rabbit in the oriental calender cycle. All morning several people helped us fill candy bags and wrap attendance prizes in preparation for the Sunday School program. "6 people wrapping."

SIMS NEWSLETTER, Pg. 2 January 1975

9. Tuesday, 24: During the day we had a phone call from a friend we hadn'tseen for a long time and a visit from a former member of Lois' English class,who came to say she has now come to believe in Christ and is attending churchnear her home-- heart warming gestures on Christmas Eve.

•In the evening we planned to have our family Christmas for us three at home.Lois filled stockings for Danny and me, and then remarked that there was nonefor her. Danny ran upstairs and in an amazingly few minutes prepared one forhere containing flakes from his soap carving at school and various other ori-gional things.

Just as we were getting ready to sit down for supper we turned off the TV andthought we heard music on some neighbor's radio. Slowly we cg.me to realizetliat someone was outside. We opened the front door to find a family of four(Lois' German lady friend, her Japanese husband, their 6-year-old daughterand a 10 year old niece visiting from Germany) happily singing "0 Tennenbaum"in German. "4 Friends a-caroling." What a change 30 years since World WarII had brought.

10. Wednesday, 25: Jonnie and Bobby called from Cincinnati in the morning togive their greetings. We had 2 Sunday School programs, and of course theparents had been invited to attend. Begining at 2 P.M. we had the large classof pre-schoolers.. There was a total of 62 or 63 present. Then from 6:30 PMwe had the grade schoolers-- a busy program of 3 plays, and a standing-room-only attendance of over 90. During the 2 programs we gave out a total of113 candy bags to the children and more than SO attendance prizes to those whohad been here more than of the Sundays during the year.

Meanwhile, in the evening, Saito-san, one of our young members, was havinjghis "fi^st attempt at a meeting in his apattment to explain Ch-ristmas to someof the Children living in the same building. He called to report happily that6 came and heard the story for the first time and were so interested theydidn't want to go home. A ver busy day for the 5 Sunday School teachers andhelpers and us. "5 Teachers helping."

11. Friday, 27: Our missionary families in the Tokyo area spent the day at'""'"^•"ivnrrTl-clcs enrtiTngr'a 2^ pound Turkey, "ItfTficTT all shared in ~Fu^ing, and trimmings

and dessert which had been brought in by different ladies. We also talkeda lot and played a little touch football. "7 families fellowshipping."

12. Sunday, 29: A group of middle-schoolers spent the afternoon and eveningof a rainy-snowy day playing games, preparing and eating supper and talking aswe sat on the floor in front of our fire-place about the passing and comingyear. We ended at 9P.M. with 9 "players praying."

-Harold Sims

FINANCIAL REPORT YEAR ENDING 12-31-74SIMS TOKYO MISSION TO JAPAN

BALANCE ON HAND 1-1-74 $ 5,774.67

RECEIPTS

GENERAL FUND $ 6/855.14LIVING LINK 9,582.00INTEREST 795,00 :FUNDS (DESIGNATED) 95.00 - 17.327.14total $23,'i0i!81

DISBURSEMENTS

HAROLD SIMS, GENERAL EXPENSE 3,000,00HAROLD SIMS, LIVING LINK 9,000.00MISSION SERVICES 812.15

^ TUITION 722.50OFFICE SUPPLIES 58.83POSTAGE, NEWSLETTERS, ETC. 117.06MISC.-DESIGNATED FUNDS £ DIRECTORY

OF MINISTRY 102 . 00 13 .812 .54BALANCE ON HAND 12-31-74 $ 9,289 .27

PLEASE NOTE: pU,j^,](,f^,G iq7 5nTAROLD AND LOIS WILL BE COMINGTO THE U.S.A. A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OFTHE BALANCE SHOWN Wft! "hAVE TO BE USED TO PAY THEIR EXPENSES

Tokyo 03 ChristianVolume 74

'Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15

February, 1975 Num ber 1

50TH ANNIVERSARIES - MIKAWASHIMA CHURCHOn Nov. 3 the Mikawashima Church

of Christ celebrated the 50th anniversaryof its founding with a special worshipservice at 11 AM, attended by a largecrowd of about 170, and a program andreception in the afternoon. Speeches ofcongratulation and encouragement weregiven by a number of visiting preachers,and telegrams from Korea and otherparts of Japan were read. As a gestureof their appreciation for our part inreviving and helping the church in thepost-war period they gave us a nice mantel chime clock.

The exact date of the first meetinghas not been established, but there isgeneral agreement among old timers thatit was the year after the great Tokyoearthquake. Somezealous young Koreanmen who came into contact with W.D.

Cunningham through English BibleClasses aske<rhim to help them organizea church . . The first meetings were heldin a tent, but soon a church buildingwas erected and a kindergarten established.

This area of small workshops, junkdealers' lots and warehouses, andcrowded small homes about two miles

north of central Tokyo has always hada large number of Koreans, and thechurch has continued to minister to thisoften poor and oppressed minority groupin their own language for half a century.Christianity in Korea is stronger numerically and in some other ways than inJapan, and because of its location in oneof the ghettos and there being so fewchurches for Koreans in Japan, thischurch has generally had a larger attendance than many of our Japanesechurches.

HISTORY

The story of this church's life mightbe divided into four periods.

1. Pre-war.

There are very few people now livingin Tokyo who can remember anythingabout the early years, and all recordswere lost in the war. But we know thatthe church was known even in Korea,and had influence on many who livedin Japan for various lengths of time.In those days the Cunningham Missionalso had an extensive work in Korea

IVfikawashima Church, Tokyo

(which was under Japanese control atthe time).2. The war years.

This was a time of suffering andtrouble for everyone. Finally the churchbuilding was burned down in one of theair raids, and most of the members werescattered. The minister had been forced

to leave before this happened.3. The post-war period.

On the first Sunday I was in Japan(November 1947) I attended a meetingat the small home of Wfr. and Mrs. Leein the Mikawashima district. They hadbeen members of the church, and sheone of the kindergarten teachers, beforeand during the war; and now they wereoperating a small factory producingrubber shoes and boots in their back

yard. I didn't understand anything thatwas being said, and just smiled when theylooked at me, but it turned out that theywere planning to begin the church againwith meetings in their home, and I wasbeing appointed to work with them. Anarrangement was made that the Leeswould build a four-room apartment forus to live in next door to their housein the second floor of a new buildingwhose first floor would become theircompany office, a bathroom for use byboth families, and a small enlargementof the factory to make space for a newmachine. The Mission was to furnish the

glass and cement for this new building,because these materials were rationed in

those days and this was the only way abuilding permit could be obtained. Inabout four months thisplanwas effected,and we moved into that apartment andlived there for tlie following two and one-half years. Meetings then began in ourliving-room and after some months wewere able to get more cement and glassand build a simple one-room church on alot not far from there.

Soon after the end of the war, a manhad built a factory on the former churchlot, and when Mr. Owen Still went toclaim it he acknowledged what he haddone and said he would buy us anotherlot equal value in the same area. Thatwas finally accepted as the only solution,and that is where the church is locatednow. Because of this change, the churchwas no longer located precisely in theMikawashima section of Arakawa ward,so they decided that effective from this50th year the name of the church shouldbe changed to Tokyo Korean GospelChurch of Christ.

We enjoyed and learned much fromour two years of living next door to thelively Lee family with their sbc growingchildren, and the work of the churchwent along well. We had morning services where I preached through a Koreaninterpreter and evening services where Iused a Japanese interpreter, so it wastruly an international church. This waswhere we had our first Vacation BibleSchool and Sunday School teaching experiences. AfterwemovedovertoNakanoand started that church we still visitedMikawashima church on the first Sundayof every month for some years.

There was almost constant troubletrying to find the right preacher for thegroup, and several different men servedfor different periods of time. Duringthis time, through much struggle andsacrifice, a parsonage was built nextdoor to the church building, with thelocal congregation paying one-half ofthe cost.

4. The present.This period really begins with the

coming of Mr. Cho Ki Zen, a life-longfriend of one of the leading members,to be the minister 17 years ago. Hestudied in the Presbyterian Seminary inKobe and took several years of graduate

(Continued on page 2)

50TH

ANNIVERSARIES -

MIKAWASHIMA

CHURCH{Continued from page I)

study in McGlll University in Canada.For several reasons he had been wantingto leave the denominational church he hadbeen serving in the Osaka area. Whenhe came to this church he had to changehis views on baptism by immersion, butthis seemed to he very little problemforhim, and he has been well-liked, a goodspiritual leader and a stabilizing influenceduring this longest ministry in thehistoryof the church sofar. Hespetiksvery goodEnglish as wellas Japanese and Koreanand sincecoming toTokyo has completedhis work and received a Ph.D. from oneof the Universities in Tokyo. He is ofteninvited to speak in various meetings andwas on the program of the LausanneWorld Congress on Evangelization lastJuly in Switzerland.

The present membership of the congregation is 172, and there is an averageattendance at the two morning services ofabout 150 people. The Sunday School issmall, largely because just across thestreet from the church is a large schoolsponsored by the~Koreans in Japansympathetic to North Korea and meystrongly discourage the students fromattending church. In fact wehave heardof a people's court among the studentsfor those who would attend.

More than 10 years ago this churchwas incorporated and recognized by thegovernment as an independent localchurch, and the Mission turned over tothem the tide to the land and buildingas we have done with the other strongerchurches. In 1970 they built a newbuilding entirely with contributions from themembers. At that time three of the mainmembers-a banker, a tea-house ownerand a sporting goods store owner-eachgave about $5,000. Their Thanksgivingofferings every year are noteworthy, andhave been mentioned previously in theTokyo Christian. This past Thanksgiving it was 2,650,000 yen, which isover $8000. Also in recent years theyhave built a mausoleum in one of theTokyo cemeteries that will hold 100 urnsof ashes. This is for the use of themembers.

In the picture is the new building,and the two ladies standing by the gateare Aiko Ueda, the daughter of Mrs.Lee mentioned above whom I baptizedabout 26 years ago, and her daughterYasuko who graduated from High Schoollast year and was one of 10 baptizedduring the evangelisticmeetingin November held in connection with die 50thAnniversary.

50TH ANNIVERSARIES -

SETAGAYA CHURCHThe Setagaya Church ofChrist began

in 1925, and there wdl be several differentcelebrations during the 50th anniversaryyear. The firstwas a special organ concert on January 15 by Peter Planiyovski,the organist at St. Stephen's Cathederedin Vienna, Austria. This was arrangedby the present organist of thelocal churchwho has studied for a time in Europeand was personally acquainted with thisfamous musician who was visiting inJapan.

HISTORY

The land for the Setagaya church, agood-sized corner lot, was nought byCunningham the year after the greatTokyo earthquake, and construcdon ofthe first church and kindergarten buildingwas begun on Jan. 20, 1925. The firstpreacher was Bunzo Fujita, a formerfamous sculptor and educator who hadbecome a friend of theCunninghams afterthe death of his son who was a memberof the Yotsuya church. He had preachedat the Yotsuya church from 1919 untilthat time, but he felt the desire to starta new work in this area in his remainingyears. When the budding was completedin the spring there was a very successfulevangelistic meeting, and one of thosebaptized was a young student namedShin Hanyu.

Seven years later, in 1932,thisyoungman married the youngest daughter ofthe Fujitas, and succeeds his father-in-law as minister of the church. He hascontinued in this job for 43 years untilthis day. In the early years of thisministry the nationalistic and mditaristicspirit was growing stronger in Japan andevangelism was increasingly difficult.

Then in 1940 Mr. Hanyu was draftedinto the Army and later sent to the frontin China. During the five years he was

absent his wife and mother-in-law did theirbest to keep the church meeting and tocare for the three young children throughthose difficult times. Under intensegovernment pressure the church finallyjoined the United Church, from which itwithdrew soon after the end of the war.

This was the only church building tosurvive the intense bombing during thefinal year of World War H, and Mr.Hanyu wastheonly pre-warpreacher whoremained with the Mssion after the war.I still remember various meetings in thatold church building during our first winterin Japan when there was no heat, oftenno electricity, but always a good crowd.

In 1950 a new building was erectedusing some of the materials fromthe oldone. Then in 1962 the Yotsuya Missionturned over the title of the land and building to the local church which had registered as a religious corporation.

In 1971 the church contracted with adeveloper, and an eight-story buildingwas erected on the lot in what is now avery crowded residential district. Thefirst two floors are used by the kindergarten and church, and the rest is con-dominium apartments. The developerbuilt the church part free of charge inreturn for the use of the land to erectthe six stories of apartments for sale.

The church has about 100 membersand an average attendance of 30-40 forworship services. The Sunday Schoolis larger. The kindergarten, which insome cases has taught three generationsis well-known in that area.

The Hanyus' daughter is married toa preacher of the United Church ofChristin Japan, and the oldest son is a teacherof Bible in a collegein Niigata Prefecture.

Why do I make special mention ofthese anniversaries? I recently passedthe 50-year mark myself.

—Harold Sims.

MEJIRODAI CHRISTMASOur church program, consisting of a

short worship service and a musical program and then a gift exchange was attended by a standing-room-only crowd of70 people-many of them first-timevisitors.

The Sunday School programs wereheld on Christmas day. In the afternoonfrom 2 PM we had the pre-schoolers.Counting both children and mothers theattendance was about 60. They put ona little play and sang some songs. Inthe evening from 6:30 we had the program of tlie elementary school children,whch consisted of three different plays

interspersed with songs. The attendanceat this time was hard to count, but therewere about 90 here.

At this time each year we giveattendance prizes to all children whoattend one-half of the Sundays during theyear or more, with better prizes going tothe highest. The children take a greatinterest in this annual event, and thisyear we had to give out over 50 prizes,which gives an indication of our averageattendance.

Wegave out a total of113 candy bagsduring the busy and happy day.

A new year is upon us and in theEast this is the year of the rabbit. Idon't know whether that is supposed tobode good or ill. But as for us, we havecommitted this year also to God, for Hecan make a blessing out of any circumstance.

From the standpoint of health, thePatton family has had recurring casesof illness or injury recently. First, Imyself have been troubled for the pastthree months with a chronic cold condition. I am convinced it is caused bysinusitis which in turn is caused by theawful pollution in Tokyo. As a resultof this the outside activities must be curtailed until warmer weather. Of course,this has given a setback to my callingprogram at Yachiyodai.

In January our threesons have eachhad an accident. First, Stephen strucka couch leg and broke a toe on his rightfoot. He is now wearing a cast and oncruches. Next, Philip turned his anklewhile playing basketball, slightly fracturing the bone, and he is favoring it tosome extent.

But the most serious accident of allhappened to Noel. He and his friend,Reagan Johnson, werehit by a car whilethey were riding Reagan's cycle. Besidesseveral slight skin abrasions on bothboys, Reagan suffered a broken collar

"Ij^e^and Noel a very seriously injuredright knee. Noel was riding on the rearof the cycle and received the burden ofthe impact. Thekneebonewasdislocated,fractured and broken. At the U.S. military hospital at Tachikawa, manipulation failed to put the knee back intoplace and surgery was resorted to. Thedoctor found that bone frc^ments andcartilage prevented successml manipulation. Numbers of people have been

Tokyo Christian

Published four times a year inJanuary, April, July and November forthe missionaries of the Church ofChrist Cijhningham Mission, Tokyo,Japan by Mission Services, Box 177,Kempton, Indiana 46049. Second classpostage paid at Kempton, Indiarra.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray,2-26-4 Kamiochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo161 Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mrs.Homer Anderson, 622 Cullum Street,Meadviile, Pa. 16335.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 3-7-8Higashinakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs.G. Wade Fletcher, R.R . 7, Rushville,Ind. 46173.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193Japan. Forwarding Agent: FirstChurchof Christ, Orange at Center St., Eustis,Fla. 32726.Two-year subscription S .50Subscription and l-Tamtna Torch%1.00

PATTON NEWSpraying for Noel and God has used thisaccident as a testimony to many people.This makes Noel's mird accident-twotimes while riding on the back of others'cycles and once when he was pushed intoa ditch by a dump truck. None of thethree accidents seems to have been hisfault but he was iidured anyhow. Wepray that he has finally been weanedfrom riding cycles. We thank God thathe is alive and that he will be able tohave some use of his leg in the future-as to what extent we as yet don't know.Your prayers for him will be greadyappreciated.

Our activities in doing our Missionwork have not gready changed since thelast issue of Tokyo Christian. Bettycontinues to serve as organist for theShimoochiai church on Sundays. Philipand Stephen are in school and Nod andI have been teaching English part-time.

I still preach on Sunday morningsat two different churches-attheKamiumachurch on the second Sunday and atYokosuka on the third and fourth Sundays. Then I rush to Yachiyodai onSunday afternoons for the services there.At the Yokosuka church I h^ve beenable to baptize one high school student.At Kamiuma I have a Bible Study dasson Saturday afternoon for a group ofchildren. I hope to baptize some of themsoon. I regret that my tight schedulewill not allow me to spend more timeat these two churches, but the Lord isblessing my efforts during the time I amable to spend with them. A group ofchildren continues to attend the Sundayschool at Yachiyodai. Adults, exceptfor those accompanying me from Tokyo,are not attending the services. Onereasonfor this is that the meeting time is ratherinconvenient for the people. Another isthat colds have prevented mefrom callingon people. Perhaps the greatest reasonis indifference of people. Prayer, faith,hard work, and boldness must overcomeall of these things.

Preacher Hiroaki Sato with whom wework is ministering to the Sakurayamaand Arakawa churches. This has freedme for work elsewhere. We have beenconcerned about someone to lead in thework at Yachiyodai after we return tothe States for furlough in June. Bro.Dale Wilkinson and a Christian student,Mr. An, have be6n asked to help in thisprogram. We pray that God will useboth of these men in this particular fieldof work.

We were greatly encouraged by somevery good news recently. Mr. Suzuki,a member of the Arakawa church, hasdecided to be a preacher and will enterOsaka Bible Seminary in April for training. That will make two young menfrom that church who are studying forthe ministry.

We wish to thank all of you who

remembered us in a special way by sending gifts at Christmas time. You helpedto make our Christmas an enjoyableone.We know that a large number of ourfriends are praying for us daily. Wethank you for that and for your financialassistance. May God enrich you all withbountiful physical and spiritual blessings.

—Andrew Patton

FURLOUGH

NEWSIn previous issues of "Tokyo Chris

tian" we announced our plans for a furlough from June of this year. We nowhave some additional information to addto that.

We have made a deposit on ticketsfor our family on a chartered planeleaving Tokyo on June 12. We willstopover in Hawaii for a day or so andthen resume our journey to Ix>s Angeleswhere we willvisit Betty's aunt and family.Plans for the remainder of the trip havenot yet crystallized. It will depend onwhat kind of transportation we canarrange in the States. A stop-over inJoplin will unite us with Sharon and her^husband after a three-year separation.

We will perhaps spend much of thesummer at my parents' home in Hayes-ville. North Carolina. Then we willsetde down a bit more permanently inRushsylvania, Ohio for the remainder ofour furlough. Philip and Stephen willattend high school for a year there andNoel hopes to enter a technical school.Betty will keep the home fires burningand I will become an itinerant missionary again.

Fares for the trip from Tokyo to LosAngeles will be about $250 per person.But we are not yet certain what it willcost us across the States. We estimatethat we will need about $2500 for thewhole trip. If you can help with ourtravel, please send your check to our forwarding agents. Their address is: G.Wade Fletcher, Route 6, Box 80A, Rushville, Indiana, 46173.

—Andrew Patton

Harold, Lois and Daniel Sims plana three month trip to the United Statesfrom June 6 to August 26 this summer.They will attend the North AmericanConvention, visit some oftheir supportingchurches and their family and friends.Because of responsibilities at Mejirodaichurch they feel they should not be absentfrom Japan longer than this three-monthperiod.

BUTTRAY REPORTSAccording to the writer of the book

of Ecclesiastes there is a time for almostanything you can think of, e\'en sowingand harvesting. But who in his rigiitmind would have ever thought that January 3rd, the middle of winter, witli thetemperature hovering around 25 degreesand the ground frozen to a depth of fiveinches, a time of sowing?

Nevertheless, accepting as a lact thatthere is an "appropriate time" for everything, I decided the above-time and conditions were "just right" to drive to Nagano Prefecture and at least make preliminary preparations for a garden!Most likely you wouldn't agree andneither would Solomon, and with himyou'd ask the question, what gain couldthere be in such works? Kccl. 3:9.

Well, I believed there was much to begained! At first glance the idea seemsquite foolish . . . until explained. Thenunderstanding is accompanied by anagreeable nod of the head.

Taking Bibles and apple-nut cakeswhich Mabel had made to the farmersfrom whom the New Camp Site Land hadbeen purchased was a good idea. So itworked out that I was able to visit themduring their New Year holidays on January 3rd just before they resumed theirwinter projects.

Though it was late in the afternoonand the sun has been shining all day, itwas cold. As I reached the first of thefive farmhouses which I had planned tovisit, the sun was sinking below the distant mountain range and in a half anhour it would be dark. I hurried, hopingthe lateness of the hour would not betroublesome for their evening meal preparations. But my fears werequickly dispelled for they were quite gracious, eveninviting me in. But due to circumstancesI refused their kind invitations, and saidmaybe the next time.

However, at the last farmhouse, attheir insistance (tliird invitation) I reluctantly gave in . . . how could I dootherwise. The time was right.

So, during the next four hours whilesitting on the floor with feet and legskeeping warm in their charcoal heatedkotatsu (hot charcoal beneath a low tablecovered witli blankets to hold theheatin),while sipping green tea and munching onthe usual Japanese snack ( in the ruralareas) of pickled greens and pickled thinslices of apples, I joined in conversationwhich ranged from the mundane to otherworldly with the man of the house andhis brother.

It was a very interesting, pleasant,and informative time. I learned they notonly were farmers but were in the construction business, which accounted forthe large earth moving eciuipinent sittingoutside. Evidently they werejust wailing

an opportunity to talk with meabout theaccess road to the Camp land. Theytold me I paid too much money and theywould have done it for less, and to pleaseconsider them for the roads to be madeon the Camp land as well as levelingsites for buildings and sports areas.

These farmers as well as all othersin the area are for varying reasons deeply interested in when are we planning tobuild, when will we move there, and willwe have a Church etc. Not knowingexactly when the Lord will provide thesenecessary finances, I usually reply, Idon't know! But I hasten to add I hopeit will be soon, and am expecting to haveusable buildings by this summer. . .1975!!! Needless to say, there is much tobe done. . .but I have faith to believe thatwhat God has promised. He Will Provide!

I visualize that this Camp will be atremendous tool in the hand of the Lordin reaching the multitudes, far beyondour present evangelistic capabilities. Ofthis I am convinced.

Even if we are not living in the Last

Days, the total awareness of multitudeslistlessly wandering about without theLife-Giving Shepherd is an overwhelmingburden one cannot escape if dedicated toserving Him! What would Jesus Do...if He were here today? I believe Hewould do the same as before. . .go everywhere teaching, making disciples, andsending them out to tell others. . . usingmany of tliese "Last Days" evangelismtechniques (such as camps), that none belost!

Therefore, my goal this year is: tosee usable camp buildings erected, Godcalling together missionaries and Japanese preachers in a "bond of unity" forthe single purpose of using the new campfacilities to the maximum(all-year-round)to tell the multitudes of Jesus who diedto become their Savior. . .unto eternallife, and of His returning soon for Hisown!!!

Will you share this goal with us? Ifyour answer is yes, all I want you to dois to pray that God will be our "dailyguide" in all things, and that Satan willbe defeated at every turn!

The historic occasion of signing theagreement to buy the land for the new camp site.

POSTMASTER

FORM 3579 REQUESTED

BOX 177, KEMPTON, IN 46049

Christian"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15

April, 1975 Number 2

THE BAPTISM OF YUKIKO INOKUCHI

Sometime in December tlie teacher ofthe 4-6 grade class in our Sunday schooltold me that one of her students wanted tobe baptized. This girl had beenattendingthe class faithfully even after becoming aseventh grader in April 1974, and had become a sort of leader in the class-takingthe roll, offering prayers, etc.--sothe teacher thought she was ready.

I asked her to talk furtherwiththegirland also her parents who lived very nearher house. So she came back some dayslater and said that shedefinitely wanted tobe baptized, and on a certain date-January 28. The reason for this was that thiswould be her 13th birthday, and also the10th anniversary of her first going tochurch. (They had lived next door to achurch in another areaofTokyowhenshewas small, and she began going to theSunday school there when she was 3years old.) I assured the S.s. teacherthat it was all right to be baptized onTuesday, so we set the time for 5 PM,after school.

A few days later, I made an appointment to visit in the home and talk to theparents about it. They arenominalBudd-hists, but willing to give theironly daughter freedom to choose her own religion.They said theydioughtshewastooyoung,but had been surprised at her seriousness.The mother told of calling her for breakfast and when she didn'tcomerightaway,she asked what took her so long. She replied that she had been praying, and themother was shocked into silence. The father said he had known several Christiansduring his life, and all of them werewonderful people. One was a member of thebasketball team in high school and a lifelong friend, and the others were peoplewho hadworkedwithhimintheFuji bank.So hehadnoobiectiontoChristianity. Mr.Inokuchi's mother had lived withthefam-ily for some years, and she was a veryzealous Buddhist. Evidently she had putpressure on her granddaughter not toBecome a Christian; but after she died lastfall, that obstacle had been removed.

I told theparents I thought they shouldnot opposeher decision,and theysaid theydid not. Then I said they should come tosee her baptism, which was certainly asImportant as a wedding. He claimed thathe couldn't get off from his work; but Isuggested that he just say that his daughter was going to be baptized in the sametone of voice as ifaskingforawedding orfuneral, and he said he might try it.

Later on, the mother told the Sundayschool teacher that they were planning togive somethingto everyonewho attendedor serve refreshments. This would be inaccordance with Japanese etiquette andcustoms, and very understandable; butshe and another Christian neighbor wiselytalked her out of this, because they wereafraid that others might think they were

obliged to do something like this whenthey were baptized.

Finally the day arrived! After school,many of Yukiko's friends from the nearby Junior high school began to arrive-many of them entering church for thefirst time, and most seeing a baptism forthe first time. Then at thelast minute, Mr.Inokuchi arrived inachauffered black carprovided by the bank. The officials wereso surprised at the unprecendented request - mere was no trouble at all.

It was Just exacdy 4 years since Yu-kiko first started attending our Sundayschool here, and in a way, this could bedescribed as "the first fruits". May manymore follow! - Harold Sims

MISSIONARY WOMEN'S RETREATA retreat for missionary women was

held January 2nd and 3rd at the Shlmo-Ochiai Church in Tokyo. The meetingwas co-hosted by Leone Cole and Virginia Fleenor. The theme for the retreatwas "Ambassadors For Christ". Charlotte Mings was in charge of the musicand was accompanied by Betty Patton.Afternoon sessions were given to a shar

ing time by each of the missionarywomen. Evening messages were broughtby Ethel Beckman and Kathleen Pratt.Besides the Tokyo area missionaries,Karuizawa, Osaka and Hiroshima wererepresented. The retreat was a time ofrefreshing and sharing in the Lord andeach one looks forward to the meeting inHiroshima next year.

SIMS' TRAVEL PLANSHarold, Lois and Danny Sims will make an 80 day trip to the U.S. this sum

mer. We will give an outlineof our itinerary, and hope that some who read thiswill seeus during our stay at one of these places.

June 6-8 . .June9. . . .June 10-17

June 18-22.

June 26-29.July 2-7 . .July 8-11. .July 13 . . .July 15-22luiy 23-30 .

July 31-Aug. 2Aug. 3Aug. 5-7 .. .Aug. 10... .Aug.11-15 . .Aug. 17. . . .Aug. 18-20 . .Aug.21-23 . .Aug. 24... .Aug. 26

Napa, Cal. - First Christian Church. Denver, Col.Oklahoma City- Metropolitan Christian Church & daughter

Hope Schmidt and familyCincinnati, Ohio-Clovernook & White Oak Churches

sons Jonathan and Robert,Eustis, Florida-First Church of Christ•Cincinnati, Ohio-Eh-ice Ave. & Montgomery Road ChurchesDetroit, Mich.-North American Christian ConventionMarkle, Ind.-Church of ChristBellville, Ohio-Church of Christ-daughter Sylvia Smith & familyTurtle Creek, Pa.-First Christian & Norwin Churches-Lois'sister

& familyBaltimore, Md.-Lois' mother and other sisterCharlottesville, Va.-Flrst Christian ChurchRichmond, Va.-V.E.F. RallyNewport News, Va.-Northslde Church of ChristMilligan College, Tenn.-Weekof MinistryJohnson City, Tenn.-First Christian Church-Harold's motherCincinnati, OhioOklahoma City, Okla.UnconfirmedLeave Los Angeles for return to Japan

I

DANIEL SIMS

SUFFERS

BROKEN LEGOn Sunday afternoon, March 16,

Danny and some friends were at a playground about a mile from the house. AsDanny was going down die concrete sliding board, he turned to missachildat thebottom and somehow his leg hit theground the wrong way and he broke thelarge bone in his left leg about one-halfway between the knee and the ankle. Hedidn't try to walk, and one of his friendscame to the house to tell us he was hurt.Lois went in the car, made a makeshiftsplint with a board she found and somecloth a neighbor lady gave her, and thenwe took him to a neighborhood doctorwho x-rayed it, confirmed the break andput his leg in a cast right away. He wasin the hospital for 2 weeks and is nowat home. He seems to be mending normally, and we hope he will be out ofthe cast by mid-May and walking by thetime we leave for the U.S.A.

The small group of Christians ralliedto help in a heartwarming way. He hadmany visitors while inthehospital,aswellas giftsoffarmorethan hecouldeat, plenty of reading matter, beautiful cut flowers,even private magic shows. The nursesnamed him after a popular cartoon character and enjoyed joking with him.

The monthly preacher's meeting. Sittingaround the lunch table at Pratt's house -March 3.

RESURRECTION

SUNDAY

For the first time in this church, weset an attendance goal of30 for our morning worship service. This is twice ouraverage attendance, but not impossible.As soon as we announced thegoal,2 or 3people expressed their regrets that theycouldn't be here because of travel plans.Wereally had doubts if we could make it;but we had 29, which was closeenough togive us all much encouragement and Joy.Seven of the middle school students attended and sang 3 short special numbers,including "I Have the Joy, Joy, Joy" inEnglish and a modern Japanese songabout the story of the road to Emmaus.

VACATION

BIBLE SCHOOL

Since the Simses will be away in theU.S.A. this summer, the Sunday schoolteachers decided in January to have ashort Vacation Bible School this yearduring the spring vacation. Thejapaneseschool year begins in April, so all childrenhave at least 2 weeks off between schoolterms.

We selected the dates of March 26-28,and as usual used some old materialsfrom Standard Publishing for handwork,etc. The children have learned what funit is, and theyare our bestpublicityagents.We had a total of 71 enrolled, and had avery good time. Oneofthecollegestudentsin our neighborhood works part-time inacompany that makes various animal costumes and puts on plays featuring them,including T.V. appearances. He is not aChristian, but has come to our Englishclasses and his sister had attended churchsometimes. So one morning, as a specialattraction, he appeared at our V.B.S. inhis panda suit and danced as we sangour theme song and then talked to thechildren. They were thrilled beyond

New building ot Isehara ChurchofChristwhich was OMicated on Nov. 24, 1974.This building was largely built by missionaries, using materials salvaged fromhousing at a former U.S. Air Base whichwas being turned back to Japan. PaulPratt is the missionary here. Harold andLois Sims served for one year during thePratt's furlough in 1968-69. M-. Pattonand his boys helped with the salvagework and some on the construction.

Lois' Ladies English Conversation Class,They sponsored a luncheon at a localrestaurant to celebrate Lois' birthday.

BUTTRAYS' REPORTWhen going to Kaniizawa to either

work at me Camp or do n^otiating,I have almost always gone on Tuesdaymornings. But this time I was late! Ihad arranged to pick up Bob Warrick togo with me and look at an old schoolbuilding. But he couldn't leave untilafternoon, so, it was almost seven in theevening before we arrived in Kaniizawa.

Providentially wewerelate! Andmadeit possible to save a girl from committingsuicide.

After turning on the water system andlighting a fire in the stove of the litdesummer cabin, westartedoutthedrivewayto go visit the Cole family across townand met Stephen Fleenor. As hexlimbedin the car he mentioned he had seen agirl (drunk) wandering all over theroad,and that maybe weshould try to helpher.

Sure enough, as westarted down theroad there in the headlights about 100yards ahead a person fell and lay stillin the snow at the side of the road. Iquickly stopped thecar,andwealljumpedout of the car to see if wexould help.We found a very young woman, drunk,just barely able to get up. Staggeringto her feet, she gathered her strength andslowly started up the xold, sno\\y lonelyroad, adamantly refusing our help!

So on our way to theColeswestoppedat the nearest phone and informed thepolice, hoping tney would do somethingfor her.

However, during the three hours wewere at the Coles (and though we talkedabout many things) I couldn't get theyoung woman out of my mind. Thehands of the clock werereaching towards10:30 as we left the Coles and startedhome. So as we drove back I determinedto drive slowly beyond where we turnedinto the xabin to see if we.could find any

Tokyo Christian

Published four times a year inJanuary, April, July and November forthe missionaries of the Church ofChrist Cgfiningham Mission, Tokyo,Japan by Mission Services, Box 177,Kempton, Indiana 46049. Second classpostage paid at Kempton, Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray,2-26-4 Kamiochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo161 Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mrs.Homer Anderson, 622 Cullum Street,Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 3-7-8Higashinakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs.G. Wade Fletcher, R.R. 7, Rushville,Ind. 46173.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193Japan. Forwarding Agent: FirstChurchof Christ, Orange at Center St., Eustis,Fla. 32726.Two-year subscription $ .50Subscription and Flaming TorcASl.OO

trace of her. hfy feelings and suspicionswere that she didn't live around there andthat she wanted to be left alone, to finallyfall down in a stupor. And unable tohelp herself, and not feeling anything,would by morning freeze to death in the20 degree temperature. Andthat's exactlywhatHappened!

Driving slowly and sort of dreadingevery moment what we might find, Irealized my pulse had quickened and withmounting anticipation my breathing hadincreased. Then suddenly I saw what Ithought was a person lying in the snowabout three meters off the road undersome short, low hanging pine trees.

Afy throat tightened, and for a briefsecond I was speechless! Then 1 heardmysdf excitedly saying, "thereshe isBob,there she is!". And under the excitementof the moment I heard his mumblingvoice say, "what, what, where?" Slam-ing on the brakes I replied,"sheis lyingthere under the trees".

Hurriedly, I backed up throwing thelights on high beam revealing a bodylying in the snow. Fearing the worst,we both jumped out of the car and Bobreached down and felt for a pulse. Shewas alive! but not a sound escaped herlips! At that moment. Bob audibly saidwhat was silendy running through mymind, "Lord Jesus, you know her needs,you can help her!"

In just a few seconds we realized thatif this young pregnant woman of aboutsix months didn't soon have help, itwould be too late!

Telling Bob to wait there, I quicklyjumped in the car, wentto the cabin andcallra the police. I told them we hadfound the drunk woman lying in thesnowand that she had been there for threehours. And if she remainied there allnight, by morning she would be dead.So I said, please come immediately!They promised they would, though theyhad gone before and had been unable tofind her.

It took them about seven minutes toget there, though it seemedlike an hour.In this case, and in most incidents therecustom is to get detailed information ofyour life's history before anything canbe done. Fearing that this wouldhappen,I b^an to think of what I could do. Because all I could think at that momentwas, letting a young woman and an unborn child freeze to death while wastingtime with formalities.

At that moment, I remembered myname cards in my pocket, and hoping itwould satisfy them, I qui^ly reached inmy pocket and handed the policeman mycard. And I said, he could reach me atthis address if they needed me for anything. He informed the head officer, andhe replied O.K.

In those few minutes the formalities

were over. And at a signal from thehead officer two other policemen reacheddown and picked up the young woman(like a sack of potatoes) and had carriedher halfway to the car when a low moancame from her lips.

As the police car turned aroundheaded towards the hospital,mythoughtsturned to God again and I prayed,"Lord,I pray that there willbe a doctor on dutyand mat he will beable to savetheir lives."

Needless to say. Bob and I didn'tget to sleep that night until long aftermidnight, and prayer for the youngwoman's life.

Fully intending to go by the policestation the next day to find out whathappened, we were unable to do so forby noon a real blizzard had begun. SoBob and I decided to get down off themountain while it was stm possible.

The following Sunday, I received aletter from the young woman's husbandthanking me for braving suchcold,snowyweather to save his wife's life.

Then I began to plan to go and tryto find the girl and her husband. According to the address they lived in Ueda,a city about one hour from Karuizawa.It was two weeks later that I picked upHarold Cole at Karuizawa and went firstto find a missionary living in the city.

We found him home, explained thesituation and leftimmediatelypicking upa member of his church on me way inorder to have a Japanese go between.

It turned out mat this Christian wasacquainted with the family. So when wefinally found the right house, I was invited in as well as my friends.

We found the usual situation. Theyoung woman living with her husband'sparents, and as in most cases, living aslaves' life.

The family was very kind to us andinsisted that we eat with them. While allof us ate the girl served us. The boy'smother (60?) said she didn't know whythe daughter-in-law wanted to commitsuicide! But I knew why.

We didn't leave the house until allfour of us had spoken about God andHis love! Left them some Christian tractsto read, and promised to send them aBible. In February, I sent a Bible andliteratiire to help understand the Bible.

So far, I haven't heard any more andhaven't found timeto return. I am anxiousto know howthings aregoing and wondering about the baby.

I know God has His hand in all ofthis, and I am trusting Him for thesalvation of the family.

Please pray for thewholeTsunachimafamily!

-Stanlty Buttray

to another Island. That leaves 3 ladieswho meet regularly withus. We study theGospel of John. The ladies of this classare interested in the Gospel, but duties athome prevent their attending our weeklyworship services.

PLANS FOR

REACHING ADULTSSeveral weeks ago I decided to stop

doing supply preaching on Sunday mornings and spend all day every Sunday inaddition to any time during the w^ Ican spare in the work at Yachiyodai. Ihave begun having worship services andBible study on Sunday morning instead ofin the evening. No adults have met withus yet for these services butwe have planswhicli wehope will help usreachtheadults.We plan to begin an English Bible classand English classes for high school andcollege students. Christian films will alsobe shown. This should draw some youngpeople

Plans are being made for printingadvertisements for our various meetings.When we have these in hand we will startcalling from door to door in the apartmentcomplete near our meeting place. Fortyorfifty thousand people live in these apartments and new units are being built. Bothour advertisement and tracts will be handedto those homes that are called on. Thiswork should help us discover many prospects for the work.

FURLOUGHWe are praying that Noel's leg, broken

in January in a motorcycle accident, willbe sufFiciendy healed by June to allow himto walk without injury to it. We are continuing to make plans for a furloughbeginning on June 12. If there are anyserious complications in the healing of hisleg we might havetopostponeourfurloughfor a few wedcs. If all goes well with theleg, wewill take a charter flight as plannedfrom Tokyo on June 12, spend a shorttime in Hawaii whereAndrewusedtowork,

then to visit Betty's relatives for a fewdaysnear Los Angeles. On the way East, wewill visit Chris and Sharon Scheurich, ourson-in-law and daughter, and Sandra Ann,our new granddaughter. Soon afterwardwe hope to begin our itinerary among thechurches and to visit my parents in NorthCarolina.

Funds are still needed to cover ourtravel expenses. If you can help on thatplease send your check to our forwardingagent. We will have to pay for our ticketssoon.

We hopeto seesomeofyou thissummer,and the rest before the end of our furlough.We thank God for you and pray that Godwill preserve and bless you.

-Andrew Patton

Stanley and Mabel Buttray

April 27 isthetwen^-fifth anniversaryof Stanley and Mabel Buttrays arrivalin Japan. They are hoping to make thisa special year by making the dream ofa Christian Evangelistic Camp becomea reality!

PATTON NEWSWe axe now busily engaged in prepara

tions for furlough. It is surprising howmuch there is to be done in anticipationof a furlough. It does afford you a goodopportunity, however, to rid your houseand your files of a lot of useless thingsaccumulated over the years. It consumesa great deal of time and energy to sortout and decide what is to be thrown away,what saved, what given away to friends,and what is to be sold at the Thrift Shop.But we hope to have things done beforeour departure.

SAKURAYAMA

AND ARAKAWA

The Sakurayama church has plannedan evangelistic meeting for April. TheGospel will be presented throughfilms andthe spoken word. At the Arakawa churchthere are 5 new persons attending the Wednesday night prayer meeting. Mr. Suzukiof that church is now a ministerial studentin Osaka Bible Seminary. Mr. Saito ofthe same church is a senior in the sameschool this year. We hope to work withthem in evangelism after they finish theirtraining.

NEW ARRIVAL

hfr. and Mrs. Hiroaki Sato, ministersof the Sakurayama and Arakawa churches,are the proud parents of a new daughterborn on March 29. This is their secondchild, both daughters.

CONVENTION

The All-Japan Convention will be heldat Tanabe inWakayamaPrefectureonMay2-4 this year. The missionary conventionwill be held at Osaka immediately following this.

YACHIYODAI

The children's work is making fineprogress. We usually have about 30 inattendance, with the greater part of themattending every Sunday. Acollege studentfrom the Shimoochiai church teaches thechildren each Sunday. Lessons from theOld Testament are now being taught.

In at least onefamily, the children recount the Bible lessons to the parents afterthey return home. When I met the motherof some other children in our Bible Schoolon the street the other day as I was handing out tracts, she thanks mefor teachingthem and said they enjoyed it. So theknowledge ofCod is being planted in boththe xhildren's hearts and that of theirparents.

HOME MEETINGSI still teach the Bible to a group of

women meeting in a private home at Ya-chiyodai once a month. Oneofthe membersof the class, however, moved withher family

POSTMASTER

FORM 3579 REQUESTED

BOX 177, KEMPTONJN 46049

Christian'Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature' Mark 16:13

Volume 74 July, 1975 Number 3

CONVENTIONS HERE AND THERE

W

Japanese preachers and missionaries at monthly meeting.

On May 2 - 4 the annual conventionof our Japanese Christian brethren washeld at Tanabe City in Wakayama prefecture. The almost new Japanese innis located on the seashore, and gaveus a lovely view of several small pine-covered islands and small fishing boatscoming and going.

The members of the small congregation there did a fine job of preparing theprogram and otner arrangements.Everyone appreciated the ample timeallowed for visiting with each other inthe lobby and halls and rooms also.There was a good measure of unity andlove manifest throughout the meeting,which left a deep impression on severalfrom Tokyo who were attending for thefirst time.

In the past few years this has becomevery much a family gathering, with someof our Christian families making sacrificial efforts to attend every year. Allseem to appreciate what it means to

belong to the household of faith andshare the joy of a family reunion.

This year there was an attendanceof over 250, which was second only tothe unusually large attendance at the25th Convention in Tokyo last year.

The missionaries met in Osaka for2 days of fellowship just following theJapanese convention.

July 8 - 11, we were privileged toattend the North American ChristianConvention in Detroit, Michigan -- ourfirst since 1968. Of course everythingwas on a scale far beyond the one mentioned above, and that in itself was aninspiration.

We were somewhat frustrated bybeing physically unable to attend all ofthe sessions we would have liked to, or

to talk with (or even see) all of thefriends we had hoped to; but we didappreciate the unity and power manifestin a gathering of ^at many Christians,the content and tone of all the messagesheard, and the exemplary planning andorganization. We notice with joy thegood number of small sessions devotedto missions-related subjects, and thenumber of missionaries present and participating. Both conventions share thewholesome emphasis on whole familiesparticipating.

The most interesting thing to us was"sightseeing" the colors and styles nowbeing worn by the native preachers inthe United States.

The most soul-stirring experience ofmany was thehearing oftheentire groupsinging "The Lord's Prayer" in the closing moments.

-Harold Sims

MAILING

LISTThis fall we plan a long-overdue

revision of our mailing list, and we needyour cooperation. If there are anychanges of address, or any additions ordeletions that you think should be made,please send a card to Mssion Services.We would especially like to hear frommany whom wedo not know personally.

We were able to visit Nfission Serviceson Monday July 14, and see the variousworkers busy at their tasks in the quietand beautiful rural setting. We were alsoprivileged to share in a delighftil pot-luck supper provided by me LadiesAuxiliary out under the giant old treeswhen the day's work was done. Afterseeing the place, we appreciate all themore the work being done on each issueof this paper and the other services tothe cause.

-Harold Sims

MID-SUMMER DAZEToday, July 16, is the mid-way point

of our 3 month trip to the homeland, andin the midst of busy and happy hours inmid-America we greet all of you whoknow us Tokyo Christians by means ofthis periodical. Since June 5, we havetraveled approximately 10,000 miles byairplane (Tokyo to Cincinnati) and3,500 miles by rented car, spoken in 16churches in 6 widely scattered states, andvisited all of our children (and the^and-children) and some other ofour family

and many brothers and sisters in Christ.We have had our souls restored by thegood fellowship with you, and certainlythank God for you and receive withhumility and thanksgiving the genuinelyChristian hospitality, generosity, encouragement, inspiration and love you haveshown to us. At several places(particularly the Standard Publishing booth atthe NACC) we have bought music,books, attendance awards and othermaterials for use in our work back in

Japan; and wehave also picked up ideasand enthusiasm just by being in thevarious churches.

After another 6 weeks of travelingand visiting, we expect to return to Japanon August 29 to continue our work withrenewed vision and many happy memories, and with continuing trust that byGod's Spirit's guidance and power,manysouls will be hrought into the kingdomof Christ.

-Harold Sims

MEJIRODAI MEETINGS CONTINUE

I

-A « jf,-' 1 I a

Congregation at M^irodai church on Nhty 25,1975. MEjirodai area. Church is in center at extreme left. (Not realclear.)

Several people have asked us whatis happening to our work during ourabsence this summer. We assure youthat while our English Classes etc. areon vacation the regular Sunday servicescontinue under the leadership of themembers of the local church.

MOTHER'S DAYAt ^^irodai we made a special effort

to get mothers and daughters to attendchurch together. The special attractionwas Mrs. Domen, a blind but radiantChristian wife and mother, who sang 2songs and gave her testimony. Somewe had hoped for didn't come, but assisted by the large Domen family of seven,we had a most encouraging 34 peoplepresent. This included 3 mother anddaughter combinations and a fewmothers who were in a church servicefor the first time in their lives.

-Harold Sims

During June, the preacher ofNakanochurch and 2 elders from the Minatochurch preached the Sunday sermons,and during July and August 2 studentsof the Osaka Bible Seminary will beliving in our house and doing thepreaching. They are Taninari-san, a third year

student from a small town south ofKobe,and Suzuki-san, a first year student fromthe Arakawa church in Tokyo. Thelocal church is paying them a smallsalary, and we think it will be a goodexperience for all concerned.

-Harold Sims

SPECIAL MEETINGS IN 1976

Oct. 1, 1976 will bfejhe 75th anjij-versary of the arrival of KIf~ahd Mrs.W. D. Cunningham in Tokyo, Japan.During the North American ChristianConvention, we had a meeting withevangelist» Jieggie Thomas and completed arrangements for him to be inJapan from mid-September to mid-October of next year for a series of shortevangelistic meetings in several localchurches in Tokyo area. We feel thiswill be the best way to commemoratethe beginning of our work. We earnestly

request that you begin now to pray withus for God's blessing upon these specialmeetings and all plans connected withthem.

-Harold Sims

7i

II

PATTQN^EWSHOME

The scene is breathtaking and theair is just cool enough to make one feelgood. Beautiful Lake Chatuge is beforeus and the gentle ridges of the scenicBlue Ridge mountains all around us - aperfect place for a leisurely vacation.That describes the old home place ofDad and Mom Patton in western NorthCarolina where we are visitingmy agedparents for a short while. It would bewonderful just to sit and visit, go fishingand swimming and pay visits to otherrelatives throughout the area. But eachtimewhen I return"home"! find so manythings that need to be done that I feelcompelled to get these things done ratherthan relaxing. This work, though, is asource of relaxation to me and the factthat I can be of help to my parents whilevisiting them is comforting.

DAD AND MOM

My father will be 93 years old inSeptember and mother 86 in October.Both of them are in fairly good healthin spite of their age and they themselvesdo much of the work on their small farm.They raised 9 children who are now scattered from North Carolina to Georgiaand from Alabama to Tokyo. Ourdaughter, Sharon and her husband,X^hris Scheurich of Joplin, Mo. have thehonor of having my parents' fkst great-gpinddaughter, Sandra Ann. The rest\m the great grandchildren^aj.ejboy^Sharon and Chris will join us here'STthe old home place for a week's visitbeginning August 6th. On August 10th,we plan to have a Patton reunion forthose of us whowill be able to gatherback home. We are looking forward tothat event with pleasure. VMio knows,

Tokyo Christian

Published four times a year InJanuary, April, July and November forthe missionaries of the Church ofChrist Cunningham Mission, Tokyo,Japan by Mission Services, Box 177,Kempton, Indiana 46049. Second classpostage paid at Kempton, Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray,2-26-4 Kamiochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo161 Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mrs.Homer Anderson, 622 Cullum Street,Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 3-7-8Higashinakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs.G. Wade Fletcher, R .R . 7, Rushville,Ind. 46173.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193Japan. Forwarding Agent: FirstChurchof Christ, Orange at Center St., Eustis,Fla. 32726.Two-year subscription S .50Subscription and I'Tammg Torch$l.00

the uncertainty of human circumstanceand life may prevent another such reunion.

LEAVE-TAKINGOne who has never experienced it

can hardly imagine the work and concern involved in pulling up family rootsfor a family of 5 and transporting themto the other side of the world to a nomadic life. It is never easy, but God hashelped us to accomplish it. We congratulate ourselves that we were able to finishthat task without too great difficulty.Those things needing to be stored werestored and the house cleaned for ourdeparture. However, preparations forour departure from Japan required somuch time that we were unable to makeadequate preparations for an itineraryin the States.

YACHIYODAI

Our main concern before our furlough began was the new church workwe have started at Yachiyodai. The

:insons will not arrive in Japan tocare for the work and live in our homeuntil the taid of August. I needed someone to take the leaoership in that work^uring the summer. Brother Stephen

vHegjaoJ-kindly agreed to carry on those"services during the summer.

Some very encouraging thingsoccured during my last few days atYachiyodai. The children whom I hadsuch a close fellowship with and hadtaught for 8 months, indicated in manyways their sadness at our separationeven though it will be for only a year.They gave a little farewell party for meon my last Sunday when they gave mesimple reminders of their love, all madewjth their own hands and very ingeniously designed. A little note accompanying each of these valued presentsof absolutely no monetary value said,"don't forget me and hurry back to us".It breaks one's heart to part even for afew months from dear ones like those.

I wo weeks prior to our departure,I arrived at 10:30 A.M at the little housewe are renting for our servicesat Yachiyodai and was making ready for themorning worship. Soon a young manappeared at the door, was greeted, andsat on the cushions on the floor aroundthe short-legged table. He was carryinga Bible andhymn book in his hand. Hebegan our conversation by saying hewas not a Christian but had come tobelieve that Jesus Christ really lived. Hehad attended a church near his home inTokyo, had read much in the Bible, andnow asked me many penetrating questions about the Bible. His life now, hesaid, was empty, meaningless, andunsatisfying and that was the reason hehad come to consult with me. What awonderful way for God to prepare himfor the reception of Christ as his Saviour!And what a fine place from which to

begin leading him to Christ. After opening the Scriptures beginning from mereto preach Jesus unto him, which continued for nearly 2 hours, I asked him ifhe was not ready now to accept Christas his Lord and Saviour. He enthusiastically answered that he was ready andhappy to take that step. Since a placefor oaptism was not at hand and alsofrom our past experiences in missionarywork in Japan has taught us to use amore cautious approach to make surethat a person is sufficiently taught beforebaptizing him, I took his name andTokyo address so Brother Fleenor couldexhort him further in the Scriptures. Wepray that by this time this young manhas completed his obedience to Christ.I thank God for this wonderful way ofencouraging us before we began ourfurlough and for the sincerety of thisyoung man in seeking salvation. Thereare thousands of others in thiis same areawho would accept Christ if they had theopportunity and were challenged to doso.

On Sunday evenings after the children's service is over, I have beenhavingan English class followed by an EnglishBible dass. Attendance at these dasses,especially by junior high students, hassteadily increased and I am sure we canhave a large crowd after we have hadtime to aovertise better. I feel veryencouraged concerning this new work inChiba and I expect me Lord-to-save a-large group of souls there before long.

HOTEL HILTONAfter taking leave of friends and do

ing our final packing and storing, weleft home for the airport in the afternoonon June 12th. Upon arrival at Hanedaairport, we were informed that our planehad had maintenance problems in HongKong and would be delayeduntil Friday13th. Therefore, we were bussed toTokyo Hilton Hotel for dinner, a nightof rest, breakfast and lunch the next day,bussed back to the airport for our flightto Honolulu. All this was at Air-Siams'expense. Noel, Philip and Stephen pulledthe top mattresses off their beds at thehotel and bedded down their boyfriendsfor a night of talk. Such is the enthusiasm and craftiness of youth!

HAWAIIA 3 day stay was enjoyed while at

the Nakamuira Hotel in Honolulu. Anaunt of one of Stephen's school friendsand her husband own the hotel. It isonly a place to sleep but who wants morethan this while on the scenic island. Theproceeds from some English teachingwere used to finance our stay there.

Amy Luttrell, a daughter of missionaries to Hawaii and a student in OzarkBible College, kindly consented to driveus in a rented car around the island ofOahu. Thanks to her, we had no diffi-

(Continued on page 4)

PAnON NEWS(Continuedfrom page 3)

culty in getting around and findingpeople. First, we droped in on the Wesley Walker family and renewed ourfriendship there. Then on to Hauulawhere I ministered in 1947.

Mrs. Still, whom we have known foryears, her two daughters, Eleanor andRuth, all greeted us with opened arms.I worked with hfr. and Mrs. Owen Stillin Hawaii and Japan and have foundthem to be a wholly dedicated and sacrificing family in the service of the Lord.CounUess souls have been reached andsaved and numbers of churches startedby them. M's. Still's health has beenimpaired, but she is far from retirement.Wiile sitting in bed she writes thousandsof letters each year to her Christianfriends to encourage them or to raisesupport for the work in Hawaii.

On Sunday, we visited the PololoValley Church where the Luttrells workand enjoyed the Christian fellowshipthere. I spoke at the morning service.M:. and Mrs. Luttrell left immediatelyfollowing the service to baptize an earnest "se^er"who Mrs. LuttreU had taughton Saturday night at a special evangelistic meeting in a less desirable sectionof the city. Our boys enjoyed speakingJapanese with some of the young teenagers of the church who were of Japanese decent.

LOS ANGELES

June 16th, we boarded a plane forLos Angeles and were met by Betty'saunt and her cousins. We were royallyentertained by them for a week. Theyalways spoil us so much by their warmhospitality that we are very reluctant toleave them. Noel visited his friend inModesto while the other boys receiveda freetrip to Disneyland.

MISSOURI

On June 23, we boarded a plane forTulsa, Oklahoma where we were metand driven to Joplin, Mo. by Sharon,her husband, Chris, and our new granddaughter, Sandra Ann. It was good tosee Sharon again after 3 years and tosee our new son-in-law and granddaughter. We fell in love with Chris'family and feel that we have knownthem for a long time.

We had asked Chris and Sharon tofind us a car to buy inJoplinto be usedon our furlough. His aunt gave him acar for that purpose - a 1965 Buickstation wagon big enough for our 6foot boys - and we are now mobile. Weenjoyed a weeks stay there with ourloved ones and enjoyed the fellowshipat the Iron Gates church.

INDIANAA day's drive took us to Rushville,

Indiana to the home of George andMarge Fletcher, our forwarding agents.We spent 3 days with them putting together our display items, slides and doingsome office work. On Sunday morningwe worshipped with the Rushvillechurch,one of our supporting churches. This isa thriving young church with fine leadership.

OHIOOn Sunday July 6th, we drove to

Rushsylvania, Ohio to the church therefor an evening program. This churchhas supported me since 1947. We willbe living in this community again for ayear, thanks to Louise Williamswho hasdonated her home for missionaries homeon furlough. \Mth help from the surrounding churches and individuals, shehas greatly improved the interior of themission house. We thank God for herand those who have contributed to thiscause. The boys stayed with Peggy andDale Wilkinson who are now occupyingthe house while Betty and I were questsof Mr. and Mrs. VMard Rollins. Werenewed our acquaintances with theChristians there and with many of theneighbors. Philip celebrated his 17thbirmday here, July 8.

NORTH CAROLINAWe reached Hayesville, North Caro

lina on July 9 to be with my parents.This ended our journey from Tokyo!We are grateful for the safe^ andenjoyment along the way and the love andkind hospitality of relatives and friendsthroughout the journey. Now we aregetting ready for a year's travel amongour friends and supporters in our homeland. We are looking forward to a fimit-ful, safe and enjoyable time of refreshingfrom God's presence as we travel amongyou.

-Andrew Patton

SPECIAL

THANKSWe want to thank all of you who

have remembered Noel in your prayersfor his recovery. On May 18, he wasallowed to put aside his crutches after4 months and try to walk. After a fewdays he was again able to walk withoutassistance. Two weeks later, the doctorexamined the knee again and found thathe had almost compl^ movement ofit.Possibly in the future one more operationwill be needed. Also his chances fordegenerative arthritis are great. But wethank the Lord again for His mercyand healing power. Afteranother checkup by a specialist in Cincinnati, he willknow what kind of work he can start todo for his livelihood.

-Andrew Patton

POSTMASTER

FORM 3579 REQUESTED

BOX 177, KEMPTON, IN 46049

I.

SIMS. NEWSLETTER . FALL 1975

Dear Friends; : . ^. Now.ye are back at the regular duty station after a good trip through the

United States this summer. It was a great joy and privilege^tg^have seen morethan half o^ those who receive this letter during tho^e^^84 and althougheach visit seemed to be all too short, we consider the^f'fefl:, expeiise. $ fatigue of the journey to have been more than compensated for in the spiritually

,vitaliz;ing fellowship with you. ;

X-^SUMMArY^^ dF THE iTRIP: We visited and spoke in 28 churches in 12 different st-V^ates^. Most of th,em have supported, our work for many years, and every place

was a home-xoming for us. We also spent about 50 days visiting our 4 children,our mothers in Tennessee and Maryland, and our brothers and sisters. : In addition ye attended and took part in the programs of the North American Christian Convention in Detroit; the Virginia Evangelizing Fellowship Rally at Geth-semane Church; and the School of the Ministry at Milligan College.

We bought over 200 dollars worth of S;unday~School teaching materials, vis-ual aids, books, music and records at the Standard booth (and others) at theNACC and at Kokomo, Ind. when we visited Mission Services: This was all packed and mailed to Japan during our travels, and is arriving' here now at' therate of almost, a package a day. We also enjoyed a little ^s=ight-seeihg alongthe, way. Danny especially relished the day at Uisney World in Fdo'rida, and aday in Washington, D.C. During the month of September we are showing slidestaken on our trip to the Mejirodai church and Sunday School, and our Englishclasses, and we think they will help the people to get a better picture ofthe. real America than usually comes through on the TV screen.

We traveled by air from Tokyo to Cincinnati, Ohio and return...a total ofabout .20,000 miles. Through the kindness of Mr. Ralph Passarello, a car dealer in Wiiliamsburg, Ky, we rented a 1973 Ford Torino very'reasonably and droveit 6,600 miles. By flying charter-fare our transportation, equal to the distance around the world, we felt was overall very reasonable. God in His goodprovidence protected us from accident, injury and illness and we are grateful.

We also want to thank the host of brothers and sisters both in Christ and

in the flesh who fed and housed us along the way; and those who encouraged usin many ways.

THE RETURN TRIP; Our oldest daughter, Hope, in Oklahoma City was expecting^her second baby aiound Aug. 18, so Lois flew there a few days early to be withher. Danny and I had gone back to Cincinnati, and were just getting ready toleave for Oklahoma when Lois called to say that we had a new grandchild bornthat morning; another girL,.,^,ejLinda Joy.^ We arrived there later that day andI got special permission to en£er fhe hursery and hold the baby before I hadto leave for Yuma, Arizona for the weekend. I met Lois and Danny at Los Angeles on^^^A^^^t,.,^ There we enjoyed great Christian hospitality from a family (jones) that we did not even know, but their name and address had beengiven to us by another missionary. The next day we flew to Hawaii, where wevisited. Mys. Owen Still and other friends at the Sunset Beach School, and do alittle swimming, shopping and sightseeing while catching up on jet-lag for 48hours. TwQp|iy eight years ago we,, were living and working y^p^^Hawaii while wait-

^ ing for permissi6n'"Td enter Japan. We enjoyed a reunion with "tlhe""did Japanesegrocer who helped us buy our provisions when we left for Japan later that year.

ARRIVAL IN TOKYO: After a long day, crossing the internatinnal date line, jjje^.arrived in. Tokyo late in the afternoonCpf August 29. After a long time of standing in line through immigration, baggage cTaim and customs inspection, westepped out of the air conditioned area into the steaming, packed lobby of thearrival building and soon spotted our fellow missionaries Stanley and AableButtray and Suzuki-san, one of the Osaka Bible Seminary students who had beenliving in our house, and preaching during July and August. After getting ourremaining dollars exchanged into yen, and our pile of luggage into Buttray*sstation wagon, we pulled out into the traffic. This was the most crowded air-

^^port, the heaviest traffic, the most hot, humid pollutted air we had seen all(C^ummer. This had^to be Tp|,;^!

We drove''"3ilfectly to Patton's yard where our little Toyoto Cdrbno had remained parked all summer. It looked very small, but we managed to get all the

baggage into it, and then drove the rest of the way home carefully keeping tothe left side of the street. An hour and a half 1ater... three hours afterleaving the airport and four since landing...we pulled up in front of ourhome again safe and sound. The house was spotlessly clean on the inside, andthe yard was well kept. The other O.B.S. student, Taninari-san, had a big,delicious meal of tempura (deep fried vegetables, fish and shrimp) rice § soupwaiting ^or us, and although it was now about 1 AM according to the time wegot up in Honolulu we sat down and enjoyed it fully. It was ^.yery thoughtfulgesture on their part, and typical of the attitude and work all summer.

Soon after eating we went to bed while the boys cleaned up the kitchen.The next day we unpacked. It was a great relief to put those well-woiTt suitcases away and the clothes in closets and drawers where they belonged. Also,,we sorted through the mail that had accumulated, and made final preparationsfor Sunday.

MEJIRQDAI CHURCH: Sunday morning August 31 we had 74 for Sunday School. School was starting the next day and some children who had been away,were back,so attendance was up from what it had been during, vacation season. Then therewere 33 for the morning worship service. This was one less than our recordfor the year (Mother's Day), It was most encouraging to see 100% of our members and just about all of the other folk who had been attending regularly before we left. Moreover, they spoke highly of the Seminary students. Everyonewas happy that God had given such good helpers during our. absence, and hadbrought us back safely. They felt that they had matured as individuals, andas a congregation by the experiences of the summer. They had arranged with alocal Chinese restaurant to have lunch brought in, and we had a fine fellowship around the tables as a farewell to the students and welcome to,us. Itwas a fine way to start the fall work...a spontaneous rally day.

That evening Mark Maxey family came to spend 2 nights with us. They hadbrought their daughter up so she could fly back to her studies at C.B.S., andtheir other daughter here to live in the dormitory at Christian Academy forthis school year. Mr and Mrs. Saito who had spent the weekends,in.our homeduring June to open the place for services and feed the visiting preachersstayed over and prepared a delicious sukiyaki supper for all of.us.

THE OTHER WORK: On September 1 I attmeeting at the Sakurayama church. Thcamps and other activities, and seemefall activities. The Dale WilkinsonMark Pratts have arrived to begin thewere the,re to add to our group. So,

Sept. 2 Danny began the 9th gradEnglish conversation classes at the n

A hundred times or more we have

traditional expression "Okaerinasai"ese is a simple "Just Now" but that i"Thank You, Everybody", and "Thanks b

ended the regular first-Monday preacherse preachers reported a good summer ofd ready in every way for a good round offamily is back from furlough, and their missionary careers, and those 2 menit was a very happy fellowship,e at Christian Academy, and I began myeighborhood high school, and here at homebeen greeted by the people here with the(welcome back). The set reply in Japan-s too vague for our use. We want to saye to God".

SIMS TOKYO MISSIONFirst Church of Christ315 Orange AvenueEustis, Florida 32726

ADDRESS CORRECTIONREQUESTED

Your's in His Service,

HAROLD AND LOIS SIMS

Non-Profit Orgn.U.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 57Eustis, PL 32726

OCT. 2 4.1975

Tokyo m ChristianVolume 74

'Go ye into all the world and preach the gosp'iil$Jpavery creature" Mark 16:15

November, 1975 Number 4

MR. CHO

RESIGNS RT

MIKJIWRSHIMA

CHURCHMr. Cho, who has been the minister of

the Mkawashima church for the past 17years has accepted a very tempting offerto become the minister of a church forKorean people in the Seattle-TacomaWashington area. The newwork seemstobe largely sponsored by the SouthernBaptists. For the present, the assistantminister will take over the leadership ofthe Mikawashima church here, which isour only Korean church in Japan.

We have appreciated very much Mr.Cho's good work with this church whichwe worked with during the first 3 yearsin Japan. He has built itup to the highestaverage attendance and most unifiedcondition in the 50 year history of the congregation. He is a man of much ability,speaking English, Japanese and Koreanwith equcdfluency; and he also has a loving and peaceful disposition that makeshim highly respected by all.

He came to us from a denominationalbackground, and has always been what Iwould call "interdenominational" in histhinking, but hehas also beenunderstanding of our position in regard to baptismby immersion and Biblical inspirationand authority and other such doctrinalmatters.

Last year he was one of the Asiandelegates to the Congress on World Evangelization at Lausanne Switzerland. Ihelped him put his speechon that occasioninto English. It was through contactsmade at that time and on a subsequenttrip to America this past summer that hereceived the oflFer of the newjob to whichhe goes.

The people here all hate very much tosee him leave. -Harold Sims

SIMS FAMILY

BACK IN JAPAN

Harold , Lois and Danny Sims returned to Tokyo on August 29 after an84 day trip to the United States. Duringthat time they spoke in 28 differentchurches in 12 states and also took partin the programs of the North AmericanChristian Convention, the VirginiaEvangelizing Fellowship and the Soioolof the Ministry. They were able to spendsome time with their 4 children who areliving in the U.S. as well as with their2 mothers and 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

Before leaving for the return trip toJapan they were able to see their secondgrandchild"Melinda Joy Schmidt--whowas born on August 21 in OklahomaCity. A sister for Becky who is now 4.

The two students from Osaka BibleSeminary who had lived in the Simshouse helped in the church work duringJuly and August had done a good jobin both the churchworkandkeeping goodcare of the house and yard, and it wasa real joy to find everything in such goodcondition and such a happy spirit prevailing among our "household of faith"here.

-Harold Sims

This is the translation of a letterreceived during the Sims' absence lastsummer at Mejirodai church."To my Sunday school teacher:

Teacher, today 1 am going to Shi-koku, and I think 1 will not be back fora long time. But since 1 willreturn aboutthe end of August, please do not erasethe place on the attendance roll bookwhere it is written Kamoshita Nanae.1 honorably request this.

Yours, Nanae"

NEW

MISSIONARIES

We are very happy to have Mark and—Lvnn Pratt here on the field now begin-

"^^^ng their missionary careers. They arebusy with language study every day andadding sparks of life and hope to ourmissionary get-togetherswith their youthful enthusiasm.

Also we are glad to have the Dale^^SQSLiamily in the Tokyo area for"oneyear oflanguage study as they begin /their second term of missionary service./They are living in thePatton houseduringPattons furlough year, and he is continuing the work in Yachiodai which wasbegun a year or so ago by AndrewPatton.

EVANGELISTIC

MEETING AT

MEJIRODAI

We had a special series of meetingsat Mg'irodai church Sept. 24-28. Mr.Sato, ^e preacher at Kamiochiai church,made a trip to Israel, and especially toM. Sinaiwhere he climbed upthesummit,in March of this year. As a specialattraction he showed slides of his tripduring the first part of the meetingseverynight, and also let everyone taste somewater he had brought back from the DeadSea and feel some of the rocks he hadbrought back in his suitcase. It was veryinteresting to all who attended, but wealways wish there were more. The attendance average 16 per night, with a totalof about 35 difierent people attending.There were no responses to the invitation,but we believe some good contacts weremade. - Harold Sims

MOTOSU CHRISTIAN CAMPAgain during thefirst week of August ^ ]•

this summer a camp was held at Lake £ HMotosu. Since the Sims and Fatten fam- ? jilies were both in the United States, the £ Blonly missionary therewasPaulPratt,who y K*served as manager. Much ofthe work of ^planning as well as the actual teaching &ITofclciases and other matters were handled ^ L 'by the younger Japanese ministers. It " J?"was reported to have been a very good ^ 5icamp in every way. with over 100 in y Htotal attendance. There was one baptism ^ Hduring thecamp. People were there from6 different churches in the Tokyo area. AjjpThis year there were many more elemen- . ;^.vtary school children than ever before, Ibut they also cooperated in the chores yand Bible dramas and other parts of the vprogram. §

First and second graders. Fifth and sixth graders.

J

PATTON NEWSThe writer of Ecclesiastes said there

is a time for all things. Our lives sinceJuly have more or less been agreeableto that philosophy. We visited (churches,attended Lake James School of Missions,preached at a Faith-Promise Rally, andworked hard on my parents' farm. Wehad a very enjoyable summer.

LAKE JAMESWhile we were yet in Japan we were

invited to attend and take part on theprogram of Lake James School ofMissions. We gladly accepted the invitation and were blessed with a wonderful week of fellowship, inspiration, studyand recreation. At the school we metmany old friends and made new onesand were filled with many good thingsfrom the Lord.

DOWN ON THEFARM

After leaving Lake James weheadedsouth to North Carolina and myparents'farm again. Nearly all of August wasspent there with them and during themonth we were able to get a lot of thethings done for them that we had wantedto do for a long time. We did plumbingwork, built fences, hauled hay, painted,laid linoleum, canned and fished. Ourdaughter and son-in-law, Chris andSharon Scheurich, and our granddaughter, Sandy, ofjoplin, Missourispenta few days with my parents and us atthe old home place at Hayesville. OnAugust 10 all 9 of the Patton childrentheir spouses and decendants met therefor a reunion. Everyone, including the

Tokyo Chrtslian

Published four times a year inJanuary, April, July and November forthe missionaries of the Church ofChrist Cijriningham Mission. Tokyo,Japan by Mission Services, Box 177,Kempton, Indiana 46049. Second classpostage paid at Kempton, Indiarra.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray,2-26-4 KamIOChiai,Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo101 Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mrs.Homer Anderson. 622 Cullum Street,Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 3-7-8Higashinakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs.G.Wade F letcher, R .R . 7 , Rushville,Ind. 46173.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7Mejirodai. Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193Japan. ForwardingAgent: FirstChurchof Christ, Orange at Center S t., E ustis,Fla. 32726.Two-year subscription S .50Subscription and I-lammii 7or</>S1.00

great-grandchildren, was present exceptfour. Nearly 50 peoplecameandenjoyedthefood and. fellowship.

BACK HOME

AGAIN

Though we arrived in the U.S.A.from Japan in June, it was not untilSeptember that we finally got settledenough in our temporary home in Rush-sylvania, Ohio to get our suitcases unpacked. Philip and Stephenhaveadaptedthemselves to school life and circumstances again in their homeland andseemto be enjoying it.

Noel has applied for a job but hasnot been fortunate enough to find oneyet. He perhaps will do sometravelingwith me soon until he finds a job. OnOctober 3, we took him to Cincinnatito have his knee which was injured seriously in J anuary examined by a doctor.That doctor was of the same opinionabout the knee as that of the doctor inthe military hospital in Japan. The leghas healed remarkably well, he says,but there is a strong possibility tnatdegenerative arthritis will be set in in thejoint at some time in the future. Yourcontinuing in prayer for Noel would beappreciated.

TRAVELS

On September 6, 7 the whole familyparticipated in a Faith Promise Rally atthe Utica Church of Christ. This isone of our supporting churches and wealways enjoy our visits with them. Eventhough we did not reach the goal forfaith promises that had been set for therally we were abundantly blessed by therally. We trust that thefolk of the Uticachurch were too.

During the remainder ofSeptember,we were able to visit 3 more of oursupporting churches. Since we now livefairly near them, we have been able tovisit the folk at Piqua church 3 timesrecently. On August 31, we were ableto enjoy their annual Bible school picnicand I was asked to speak on thatoccasion.Then on September 14, wespentthewholeday with the church there and sharedwith them the news of the spread of theGospel in Japan. The last twoSundaysin September were spent with the Rush-sylvania church and the church at Rushville, Indiana. These churches havesupported us for many years and wearegrateful for their love and friendship.Also Betty and I were able to attendthe class meeting of the Ladies' Bibleclass of the Piqua church. These ladiestoo have been our helpers for manyyears. The folk of the Fort Recoverychurch in Ohio were our gracious hostson October 5. Weworshipped with them,spoke to them, and enjoyed the carry-

in dinner they provided. This churchis small but very friendly and alert.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYTO

I celebrated my 58th birthday onOctober 4th. We were invited to thehome of the Leo Craigs of Rushsylvania.There was a turkey dinner with all thetrimmings and a good time for all andbirthday gifts for me. Such treatmentfirom fine friends like the Craigs takesaway some of the shock of beinga yearolder.

JAPAN

HAPPENINGS

Over the past few years we have participated each summer in an evangelisticcampaign in Karuizawa, north ofTokyo.We were absent this summer, of course,but have received some good reports ofthis summer's campaign. We heard thatover 500 people attended the coffee houseevangelistic meetings in Karuizawa andthat several young people were won tothe Lord during that time. We praisethe Lord for these victories.

Dale and Peggy Wilkinson and theirchildren are now settled in our housein Tokyo and Dale has taken over theleadership of the new work at Yachi-yodai. Besides the children that attendthe Sunday school class, there are somehigh school girls, somemarried women,and a biochemist who is a professor ina pharmaceutical college now attendingthe meetings. We believethattheprofessorwill accept the Lord as savior soon.

We have heard from the Buttrays inJapan anencouragingjepoj^on the possibility of building^a^jagif^ere in thenear future. We have owned a piece ofland for that purpose there for over ayear. But various obstacles have stoodin the way of our selling a piece of landto finance the camp buildings.But now it seems that the obstacles arebeing removed. Prayers are beinganswered. Let us earnesdy pray that thecamp buildings will be ready for usenext summer.

AND SO

We are looking forward to a refresh-ing year of travels among the churchesin the good old U.S.A. And we areespecially grateful for the opportunity ofmeeting again the good folk who havehelped hold up our hands in our missionwork through the years. Thank all ofyou for your prayers and support.

"Andrew Patton

.My home church at .Meadville, Pa.has a custom when a husband and wifereach a combined age of fifty-five theyautomatically advance into the nextBibieclass. But when missionaries in aforeignfield reach a combined age of55, or 80,or 100, or 120 it's simply amathematical problem of advancing inage without promotion.

Recently, I have been made more andmore aware of the need of recruitingnew missionaries to help reach the multitudes of Japan today. And as I lookedat the average of our missionaries thatcame to Japan soon after the war ended,I discovered the average age was almost55. .As I began to think realisticallyabout this problem, I decided that in tenyears most of these missionaries couldbe gone!

How much more time we have beforethe I.ord Jesus returns is a matter ofspeculation. . .Though we may not knowthe exact day norhour,Jesussaidwecouldknow the season as wesaw his propheciesbeing fulfilled. . .And many persons arethinking He will come soon. Even so,as I consider tiic educated multitudes ofJapan (over one hundred million of them)who are completely ignorant of the livingGod and His plan of salvation for them,I am convinced the TIME IS NOW ATHAND to prepare to fill this inevitablegap in the missionary ranks. . .whichmost surely will soon take place III!!

To my knowledge, God has neverrevoked the Great Commission! Norhas His Hearts Desire or Love for fallenman waned!

/''VMio will accept this challenge?If you . . . hear the Lord of IlaiA'est

sweetly calling,Who will go and replace these mission

aries today?Who will go and tell the lost and

dying in Japan?Wlio will point them to the Narrow

Way?Wlio will make reply? . . .Here am I

Lord, Send me!!!

I

m

Peter Suzuki's wife, Shiziika was baptb.cdin this hot spring hotel the last Suiulavol August. Peters name is no longerSuzuki. He has changed it to Kaneko,his wife's lamily name. Stanley andMidiel Buttray on the right, and Mrs.Cole and her son David on the left.

By Peter taking his wife's name hesomeday will inherit the family business.

Pray for this new Christian home.

TheJapanese ])rcachers and missionariesheltl their monthly meeting at Karuiz'awathe first Monday of July.

During the morning they visited thestill future "Faitli-Land Bible Camp". TheJapanese preacJiers jTeeing the land forthe first time, were impressed.

Because this was July, seven personswere absent.

This picture shows some of the clearing of brush which Mr. Buttray has beetidoing for the soft ball field.

Stanley and Mablc Buttray in front ofsummer cabin in Karuizawa. They willcontinue to rent this cabin until next year,or until .sulTicienl finances are availablefor construction of their home on the"Faith-Land Bible Camp"grounds.

laaflflBQflfiflBOOflagQflQQOQOOPOOflOQQOQOOQOOQQOQQQQQQQQOQQOQOOOOO

POSTMASTERFORM 3579 REQUESTEDBOX 177, KEMPTON, IN 46049

NOV. ^ 2 1975

HAROLD^^MS oec. o e 19753.33.7 MEJmODAI

MACHIOJI • SHI

TOKYO, JAPAN T IWChristmas 1975

Dear Friends,

Again this year we look forward to the coming of Christmas, becausecurrently the Mejirodai Church is practising for our first Cantata. The choiris very limited in experience and numbers, but not in willingness to harmonize.V/e get a lot of joy from trying various new ways of contacting the peoplearound us, as well as the regular Bible studies and conversational Englishclasses which we offer for all ages.

Earlier this year we became acquainted with a nice family from Nepalwho are living in a nearby apartment for a couple of years while he makesvarious studies in preparation for a leading part in the economic developmentand modernization of his country. They speak English, and asked us to teachtheir cute little daughters. This led to a Bible study with Mr. and Mrs.every Saturday morning—something that probably would not be permitted forthem to do openly in their ovm country. We know that you will pray with usthat God will use this unusual opportunity for the working out of His purposesin their lives and in that distant part of our increasingly smaller world.

/V" Our 12 week summer trip to the United States was a cont-'nuous joyful/ experience for each of us every day. V/e thank our loving heavenly Father

/ for traveling mercies, provision, guidance, fellowship in Christ, family// reunions and many other blessings; and also many of you for delightful

// hospitality, encouraging words and continuing support. The Lord's promise// in Matt. 19:29 s most wonderfully true. V/e left our 2 homes and parents

I I and 2 brothers and 3 sisters 28 years.ago for His .sake, and we have hadI I hundreds of homes open to us and hundreds of brothers and sisters stand with

us on both sides of the Pacific- We were also very happy on retujiLing^toMejirodai August 29 to find the church work going along fine, with all themei^ers ai^ the 2 Osaka Bible Seminary students doing their parts withresponsibility and enthusiasm.

The-'faiTfi;ly"is all doing fine. Hope (Mrs. Tom Schmidt) lives in Oklahoma City. Tom works at the Federal Reserve Bank, and they are active inthe Metropolitan Christian Church. Grand-daughter Becky is now ^ years old,

^ and she has a new sister, Melinda, born on Aug. 21 this year. Sylvia (Mrs.Dave Smith) lives in Bellville, Ohio and works with her husband as youthdirector at the local Church of Christ. Both couples are making monthlypayments on the modest homes they are living in. Jonathan and Bobby live inan apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio and attend the Price Ave. church. Jonnieis a Senior in Cincinnati Bible College and supports himself vjith a full-timejob. Bobby graduated in September from the 2-year electronics course at theCincinnati Technical College and is now eirployed full-time at this school.He had an automobile accident this fall, but was unhurt. Daniel is i-r^th ushere in Japan and a ninth grader at Christian Academy.

I7e sincerely hope that each one of you will have a good T;>ralk with Godthroughout the new year.

In His service,

HAROLD AND LOIS SIMS

May God's great Gift

Of love

Be very real to you at this

Happy Season

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1975 Japan Sunday School Union 02:i95

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