Generally speaking Christianity is not part of the life of Japanese people. Even though the Gospel had been preached long ago, lots of people do not recognize Christianity as part of life in Japan. Instead, many of them have prejudice against Christianity because of the Jehovah's Witness and Mormon Church. Enough for negatives.

I believe we need to earn people's trust and get involved in their lives. In order to do this, I think we genuinely show our concerns about their lives. I have decided to teach the teens English. English must be taken by them. In fact many students do not like it. Here is where I can help them and their parents. I have seven students. One class consists of 2 students so that I can teach them individually and pay more close attentions to each student. So far so good. Good communication helps me build up a good relationship.

Here is a report from Ken Hysten, who has been working as a missionary in Shuzuoka areas. Fumio Maeda is his fellow Japanese preacher. They are working together well at Nakata Church of Christ. You can read his report by clicking below.

japan4christ21.yokota-church.info/images/library/File/Hysten/Shizuoka%20Newsletter%2030.doc

In the past I often preached for the American congregation in the evening and taught a class on Wednesday night because I felt I was needed. After prayers and thought in months, I made a request to the American congregation that I would like to concentrate on work with Japanese. The first time they said to me "we need you." Some of them said to me, "You just preach the same sermon you preached for Japanese." It is not so easy though. After a month or so, I made the same request. They finally said yes to me.

This actually lifted up lots of burdens for me. I can more actively reach out to people. Please pray for me that I will stay focused on the mission God has given me.

This quarter I teach "Backgrounds of Early Christianity" in Japan School of Evangelism, which was started by Japanese Christians 15 years ago in order to train Japanese preachers and ministers. I took the class "New Testament Backgrounds" under Dr. Oster when I was a student at Harding Graduate School. It was very difficult and tough.

The materials I cover in the class are from early Judaism to pagan religions and philosophy, Greco-Roman Empire, ancient family life and more. It takes some time for me to prepare for this.

But this year three students are taking this class, which encourages me to keep on and prepare for it thoroughly. I enjoy teaching this class because the students seem to get more benefits from taking the class than I expected.

Two weeks ago fliers were distributed to let people know that an English class is available for the teenagers (12-15) at Yokota Church of Christ. Only Y2000 is paid as a contribution a month. So far 8 students and their parents showed up at its information meeting last night. I was rather surprised at the number of the people.

The purpose of the class is to get involved with people in the Japanese communities around the church. I believe this is a great way to get to know people. Some of the parents have already asked and said to me, "I do not intend to become a Christian, but I would like to attend the worship service. May I attend?" This is a good start.

Three students are taking my classes, Intro to the Bible and Backgrounds of the NT, in Japan School of Evangelism. Another student is auditting the classes through Skype. Last Wednesday was the first day of the class. My classes were recorded for the future use. We think some people can take a class by watching the DVDs , but I realize this is somewhat difficult. This is quite challenging for me.

At the same time I feel really uplifted by the students' eagerness to learn and study the Bible and to know God's will. I should be prepared for the classes and their questions.

Please remember the students and thei names in prayers. Yasuki Nishimura, Kazuo Yamamoto, Akemi Sano, and Shinzen Kinjo.