Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

28 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THESince the last meeting of Synod the Commission has consisted of seventeaching elders (Masunaga, McMillan, Miwa, Sakai, Spear, Sterrett, andTakiura) and four ruling elders (Enomoto, Kato, Komuro, and Nitta). Thereare currently four organized congregations (Higashi Suma, Kasumigaoka,Okamoto Keiyaku, and Mukonoso) and three mission stations (Hontamon,Inano, and Kita Suzurandai) under the oversight of the Commission.Following study and discussion in the sessions and congregations, on July11, 1994, the Commission made the decision to take steps toward theformation of a Japanese Presbytery. On March 20, 1995, the Commissiondecided to make the request to the 1995 Synod that the Japan Presbytery ofthe Reformed Presbyterian Church be established. We pray that the entiredenomination may be blessed by the addition of this new presbytery.Pastor John McMillan served on the Commission during Pastor Sterrett'sfurlough from June to August, 1994. The Commission expresses itsappreciation for Pastor McMillan's brief period of service on the Commission.At the March 13, 1995, meeting of Commission, Pastor ToshioMasunaga announced his intention to retire from the pastorate of HigashiSuma at the end of August. The Commission gives thanks for PastorMasunaga's 36 years of faithful and fruitful ministry.Sumito Sakai was examined and declared eligible to receive a call onNovember 21, 1994. Following that, he received and accepted a call to bethe associate pastor at Higashi Suma Church to serve at Hontamon MissionStation. He was ordained to the gospel ministry on December 11, 1994.We rejoice that God has given Pastor Sakai to His Church in Japan.Lie. Shigeki Komuro's eligibility to preach was renewed for 5 years onMay 9, 1994. He is in the process of examination for eligibility for a call.Mr. Komuro continues to preach at a Sabbath afternoon worship service inhis family home in Inano. He also preaches occasionally at other R.P.Churches.Pastor Miwa continues to hold a Reformed Presbyterian worship servicein his home for Japanese living in Seoul, Korea. He is supported mainly byprivate contributions which are channeled through the Japan Commission.During the summer of 1994, Mr. Hakamada, a student at the ReformedSeminary in Kobe, preached in our churches and helped with other activities.Since then he has preached occasionally at Kasumigaoka Church. He is amember of an independent church. We pray that the Lord will continue tobless Mr. Hakamada's relationship with the R. P. Church.As reported to last year's Synod, Samuel Youn was suspended from thepastorate following a confession of immorality. Later in the year, it came tothe attention of Commission members that Mr. Youn has denied theconfession and has accused the Commission of wrongfully suspending him.Therefore, it was decided that his case should be brought to trial. InNovember a committee was formed to prepare for this, and at the January 9meeting of Commission, it was decided to set a trial date by the end of themonth. However, due to the earthquake, the Commission has not been ableto proceed with this.