Covenanter Witness Vol. 55 - Rparchives.org

ways."First ImpressionsBy Gene W. SpearIt was with much joy in our hearts and withmuch gratitude that we sailed from Seattle on August 3. We have not forgotten the many people whohave made it possible for us to serve the Lord inJapan. To ourparents, to our teachers, and to ourmany friends who have worshiped with us, given usmany monetary gifts, many enjoyable times, andmuch wise counsel, we are continually thankful. Youhave served the Lord well and we have received theblessings. Now we have the opportunity to serveand we are thankful for it, but we will have to depend on your continued support in prayer, and inwhat you contribute to the budget. We would like tobe more independent, but this is the way the Lordhas provided for our support.Our voyage across with the Boyle family andEleanor Faris was for the most part quite enjoyable.There was some sickness, especially among the children, and some rough weather, but we survived thosewithout any scars. We are now livingwith the Hansen family in the large house which they rented witha view to our coming. It is a most pleasant place tolive. All of the adult mission personnel is now studying the Japanese language. Eleanor Faris, Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Spear and I are studying full time. Theothers are studying as much as their heavy dutieswill allow them.Now perhaps you would like to know some of ourfirst impressions of this country and our work here.As we came to Japan I was impressed by the greatnumber of people who were hurrying and scurryinghere and there in a sort of disorganized manner. Itappears that Japan is still somewhat confused as aresult of the war. Much reorganization and reconstruction is going on, but Japan is far from beingback to normal.We have also been impressed with the extentof unbelief and spiritual blindness in this country.In the spiritual as well as in the physical realm thereis much confusion, but there is also reconstruction.The old pagan religions of Japan are being reconstructed as rapidly as possible. Buddhism and Shintoism are making a new effort to gain the hearts of thepeople. It appears that they are making much progress. Shortly after we came, there was some sort offestival for the gods. During these festivals the godsare given offerings of food and other gifts ; lanternsare strung up to light up the area ; and other decorations are put up. We found that there are manylittle shrines with their gods dotting the city and thecountry-side. We found also that some of the childrenstay away from our classes during the festival, andsome never come back.The mission group went for a little trip beyondOsaka to see a famous flower show. Along the waywe saw a number of portable shrines beingcarriedabout by young men while other men sat on themand beat drums. Some of these shrines weigh asmuch as two tons. The Japanese have prospects fora good rice crop this year, so these men were prayingfor a good harvest. Incidentally, the men who carrythese portable shrines take their pay in intoxicatingbeverages which they consume as rapidly as possible.Then they make trouble.While these religions are making a bid for the374hearts of the people there is a third which is alsoseeking to conquer that is Communism. A youngman who has been studying English Bible with Mr.Hansen has recently professed his faith in Christ.The other day he told me that he used to be muchattached to communism. Even now many of hisfriends are attached to communism. He says thatyoung boys who cannot afford to go to school getthe communist books and study them well. Then theygo out and work for farmers and among other laborers. While they work they talk communism and makemany converts. It seems to me that communism ismore of a threat than either Shinto or Buddhism because it stirs up the people against foreign "capitalists."Of course they all three work hand in hand toget rid of the foreigners.We are also impressed with the Lord's work inthe midst of His enemies. In spite of the oppositionfrom unbelief the Lord brings to us those who are tobe saved. They come searching for the truth; theyfind it and believe it. In spite of the oppositionand our failures, the Lord continues to add to thechurch such as should be saved. These people findsalvation, they are glad to have found it, and theyare usually ready to cling to it. This work of makingknown the gospel message is a wonderful work. Ican't think of anything more important or morethrilling. Thank you all for the privilege. Brethren,pray for us all.The Japanese Language :or Opportunity?By Eleanor FarisBarrierThe days move quickly along, but not withoutimpressions being made for time and eternity. Wedo need to ask the Lord to teach us to "count ourdays, and set our hearts on wisdom's None ofus can know how long doors will remain open on anyof our mission fields around the world, but as longas they are open they are our responsibility in givingthe Word, and in prayer.There has been cause for rejoicing here as theLord continues to work in hearts and lives. Last weekduring our Communion services, four adults andthree children were baptized. One of these adults,Mr. Takehara, by his coming into the congregationcompletes another entire family. Now there are fourhomes united in Christ, while many others standalone, often opposed by loved ones and friends whosehearts are yet blinded to the light of Jesus Christ.Another of the adults, a lady of seventy, is themother of the wife of a family already in thechurch. She has been very faithful in attendance,andhas enjoyed much better health since her acceptanceof Christ than she had known for some time. I wishyou could see her radiant smile, or see her joy inholding Billy Boyle after church each Sabbath.The other two were young men, Mr. Nishimuraand Mr. Tamada. Mr. Nishimura is a recent graduatefrom high school, working here in Kobe to helpsendhis younger brothers to school with the hope thatsome day he can afford to go on to Bible school toprepare for the Lord's work. He was raised in aChristian home but his knowledge of the Wordlagged behind his zeal when he first came to theCOVENANTER WITNESS