Christmas in Japan–Spiritual or Superficial?
Celebrating Christmas is very popular in Japan, but December 25th is NOT a national holiday in Japan. Japanese people work and go to school as usual. But although only about 1% of the Japanese population is Christian (the rest are Buddhists and Shinto) Japanese Christmas is a big Day, with traditions that are uniquely…
Video of Idol Making in Japan with Scripture
This is why we are here in Japan–the key words –they do not understand…Isaiah 44:19 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it:…
August Prayer Letter
Dear Praying Friends, To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: Romans 2:7 The Christian life of service in thanksgiving to our Saviour who gave Himself for our salvation, is not a quick and easy task. We are to continue in doing good works that…
July 2014
Dear Praying Friends, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both…
June 2014 Update
THE MANSELLS YOUR VOICE IN JAPAN SINCE 1983 Dear Praying Friends, That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Col 1:10 We began daily walks recently for health and diet purposes. We no longer can jog…
October Prayer Letter
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalms 103:1-2 How can we, mere sinners saved by Grace, bless an almighty eternal holy God? These verses give us three things to do in order to…
Challenges of the field of Japan and Long Term Patience Part 3
“Tenkin” – 転勤 －mandatory transfer system in Japan ~~The long-standing tenkin (job transfer) system in Japan probably stems from the medieval Edo-period custom of keeping the regional daimyo (feudal lord) virtually hostage in the capital city for one year out of three, as a way of reducing the threat of rebellion by the shogun’s vassal states.(from…