CORRECTION: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INDIA 2003 DONATIONS
THE CORRECT POSTAL ACCOUNT FOR DONATIONS IS: BRANCH NO. 14480, ACCOUNT
NUMBER 30525381.
APOLOGY
To all of you who signed up and paid at the Tokyo orientations or the renewers’ conference, and who
haven’t been receiving the JCF News, the JCF team would like to say a big “gomen nasai”. The
reasons for the ‘critical morass’ are somewhat unclear, but they were certainly unfortunate and
preventable.
In response, please feel free to choose one of the following options:
•*I’d like to get the back issues anyway. Please send them.
•*Please donate my unused 1,000 yen to some Christian activity of your choice
•*Don’t worry about it, i.e. “I’m fine thank you, and you?”
•*I’d like to credit the 1,000 yen towards next years membership
•*I’d like a refund of half of the money paid, since half of the newsletters weren’t delivered
Since the current JCF year finishes in April, please notify me, the JCF treasurer, of your choice by 31
March. Peace and blessings (Colossians 4 v 2 – 6).
Michael Phillips - Jet Christian Fellowship Treasurer
michael.phillips@unisa.edu.au
UPCOMING JCF EVENTS
(AND A COUPLE GOOD NON-JCF EVENTS)
Missions Trip Opportunity: Deborah Ruth Trotter would like to invite everyone to come down to
Tsushima, Ehime-ken (on Shikoku) at anytime they have time off to come, to do some outreach
projects (prayer walks, drama, music, little parties… whatever fits the group that comes) and discuss
missions strategies here in Japan.
Late May: Kobe retreat during the weekend of the Kobe re-contracting conference.
Beginning of June: Spring national retreat. Will most likely be during the weekend of the Tokyo recontracting conference. Details will follow later.
July 9-10: Japan National Women’s Aglow Conference in Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama-ken (right by
Tokyo). [Not a JCF event] It was awesome last year and will be great again this year too. This is
completely bilingual, so bring whatever Japanese women or foreign friends you want.
Some time in July (not yet sure of dates): CFO (Camp Farthest Out) family camp. [Also not
specifically JCF.] This is just a few days long and good to go to part or all of. It’s completely
bilingual, so you can bring Japanese families with you and not worry that they won’t understand.
Contact Jessie Banno. Her phone number is 03-3359-6061 and fax is 03-3355-2236. Her address is 116 Chome, Wakaba-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160
- Page Sixteen -
Volume 16, Issue 5
MARCH/APRIL 2003
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Kandace Shaw, National Coordinator
Every once in awhile I talk with a friend who has
a little baby. It is so exciting to hear all about how
her daughter is teething and growing and
changing into a little person. It is so strange to me
that we were once babies, innocent regarding all
the ugly things that go on in the world. Innocent
about things like the potential for world war and
North Korea using Japan as target practice.
As babies we were also free from ourselves in a
way. We weren't able to assess ourselves, we
weren't able to consider all the things we don't
like about ourselves. The fact that I can review
myself and judge my actions kind of throws me
for an existential loop, if that can even be said. I
can sit back and confidently think things like "I
am going to challenge myself with this" or "I
want to change this about myself" or "I am going
to focus more on this in my life".
Our capacity for self-criticism in the face of our
weaknesses is a gift. We are free to govern
ourselves any way we please. As Christians we
strive to steer our lives towards the mark of
holiness. The Holy Spirit nudges us to live lives
of holiness, gently speaking to us about the things
that
need
to
change.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to have complete control
in my life is difficult for me. It is a daily exercise
of disiplined surrender. I decide that I am going to
surrender my judgment of myself and let Him
first speak to me about things that need to change.
We often create all sorts of things we think we
need to change about ourselves. We are hard on
our selves! Satan LOVES to keep us guilt ridden
and looking at detailed records of the past, at the
impossibility of change in our life from this
moment on.
Inside this issue:
Self-Assessment - 1--2
Living in Expectation – 3-4
Child-like Faith – 5
Thriving Spiritually in Japan – 6-8
Kobe Retreat- May 2003 - 9
The Long and Winding Road – 10
Important Things in Life– 11
Charles Schultz Philosophy - 11
Books, Books Everywhere – 12
This Month in my Stereo - 13
Needed: JCF Officers for 2003-4 – 14-15
Announcements –16
Correction: Habitat for Humanity India 2003
Donations - 16
- Page One -
SELF-ASSESSMENT
-continued from page one
Other problems come when we become addicted
to the "woe is me" mentality. I can attest to this. It
is a great way to get comfortable, stay where you
are and feel sorry for yourself. It has been said
that "You can't steer a car that isn't moving." in
reference to God's need for us to look ahead, to
let go, to move forward. He needs us to embrace
His mercy and the new things that He can do
starting now, pressing FORWARD and letting
go of that stick we beat ourselves with (however
little or big it may be)! Don't have more faith in
your failures (which aren't that big of a deal for
God to help you with) than you do in the almighty
God who loves you desperately. It wastes time;
life is to be enjoyed. Let's having a good future
and all your dreams come true! Well, not that
exactly but....despite all that I think about myself
and want to change in my life, God can see
through it all and still loves me. It is a miracle!
Prayer & Encouragement Team: Hiromitsu Naruse (090-2119-5793), Tara Lowe (see above), Christine
Mawdsley (0429-66-3594), Heather Jesson (0767-32-5870), Esther Williams (0262-74-3545)
Prays regularly for needs of JCF.
Is available for prayer and encouragement over the phone and at retreats.
Maintains confidentiality.
Refers individuals in need of special assistance to appropriate resource contacts, consulting with the
NC and Missionary Liaisons in such cases.
Follows up and welcomes JETs interested in JCF by mail or phone.
Online Coordinator: Jennifer Toews – 0241-45-2644
Maintains online mailing network.
Posts weekly announcements from submissions sent by JCF members, consulting with NC about
questionable items.
Website Coordinator: Dan Byrne – 0875-82-5447
Maintains JCF web pages and liaison with AJET ComSIG.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your
hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is so high I cannot attain it…
…How weighty are your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them – they are more than the
sand.
I come to the end – I am still with you…
Book Librarian: Amanda Hatzistamatis – 0866-52-4767
Maintains book library and fills requests.
Prepares book list and arranges joint printing/mailing with tape librarian.
Monitors content sensitivity of materials and reports questionable items to NC.
Tape Librarian: Kathryn O’Reilly – 0759-52-8720 x227
Maintains tape library and fills requests as per the legal copyrights governing each tape.
Prepares tape list and arranges joint printing/mailing with book librarian.
Monitors content sensitivity of materials and reports questionable items to NC.
Church and Missionary Liaison: Jim & Mariana Nesbitt – 0473-77-5326
Maintains diverse church and mission contact information.
Provides resource contact information upon request.
Assists members with networking.
Psalm 139: 1-6, 17-18 (NRSV)
The views expressed in JCF NEWS are not necessarily those of the JCF Leadership Team or JET
Christian Fellowship unless specifically stated as such. JCF NEWS seeks to present interesting
articles from JCF members at large. It does not seek to advocate, but to be a true forum for
discussion and meditation.
- Page Two -
- Page Fifteen -
NEEDED: JCF OFFICERS FOR 2003-2004
Well, it’s that time of year again – changeover season. Teachers will soon be transferring to different
schools and AJET organizations will be going through leadership changes. Thus JCF will once again
be having changeovers in leadership in preparations for old people leaving and new people coming.
Some of the current officers will be staying in Japan and some will be moving on; thus, there are some
positions that need filling and some that don’t. For your information and prayerful consideration,
below are descriptions of all of the positions and the current officers. Please contact the current officer
or the NC Kandace Shaw if you are interesting in volunteering (or staying on for another year).
Kandace can be contacted at JCF_nc@hotmail.com or 0857-31-6230.
JCF National Coordinator: Kandace Shaw – 0857-31-6230
Oversees all aspects of JCF programming and activities
Oversees correspondence with AJET and other organizations.
Maintains regular contact with the executive committee; consults EC when faced with questionable
matters relating to the book or tape libraries, newsletter or JCF Online.
Writes a monthly column for the newsletter; looks over newsletters for possible problematic content.
Conducts selection/election of new officers as per the election rules.
Prepares annual report for AJET.
Treasurer: Michael Phillips – 0932-45-7894
Maintains JCF postal savings account and petty cash fund.
Prepares monthly and annual financial reports for JCF and AJET.
Reimburses leadership team for related expenses.
Receives JCF membership forms and dues.
Database Coordinator: Michael Phillips – 0932-45-7894
Updates database when old members leave and new members join.
Prepares voluntary regional networking lists.
Prepares membership reports for NC and other officers.
Newsletter Editor: Jean Byrne – 0875-82-5447
Solicits and receives written articles and submissions to the newsletter.
Oversees content, editing and production of bi-monthly newsletter.
Submits draft of the newsletter to the NC to check for content prior to mailing.
Coordinates printing and distribution.
Retreat Coordinators: Jennifer Osteen (0246-24-5437), Tara Lowe (0273-87-9578)
Arranges accommodations and advertisements for national retreats. Selects speakers and themes,
consulting with the NC, organizes registrar and Bible study leaders, coordinates with worship
coordinator to plan worship times, coordinates with prayer/encouragement members to plan prayer
times.
Manages the money and prepares a financial statement for national retreats.
Acts as a resource for members planning local retreats.
Maintains a current file of retreat locations and speakers.
LIVING IN EXPECTATION
Heather Jesson, Prayer & Encouragement Team
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:25
Just want to share with you something ... today
was the last day for me to teach one of my
elementary school classes ...Grade 5. Throughout
the school year I have had the amazing
opportunity to team teach with a Japanese teacher
who wants her students to understand the real
meaning behind certain western holidays and
celebrations that have been embraced by many
Japanese as yet another ingredient to (pardon my
terrible metaphor) the “nabe” of the Japanese
festive calendar. This teacher has been very
interested in the aspects of Christian historical
background of such western holidays as
Halloween and Christmas and asked me to teach
her class the real meaning behind these holidays
that are enjoyed in somewhat altered forms in
Japan. In case you think I have a prize teaching
situation – this is the only teacher out of the
thirty-three I teach with who would consider this
lesson plan.
I know it’s the wrong season, I should be giving
you ideas for Easter-related lessons, so bear with
me with my Halloween lesson story. Many
Christians wouldn’t consider Halloween exactly a
“Christian” holiday, but perhaps the opposite.
However, I prayed that God would transform my
explanation of Halloween into something that
would point back to the reality of Christ’s
triumph over the forces of evil. The excitement
of dressing up (some kid dressed up as Santa –
wrong season kid!) and the inevitable candy
distribution gave itself to a natural curiosity of the
meaning behind the holiday on the part of my
students. I was a little apprehensive about
approaching the topic, but upon some internet
research, found an Irish legend of the Jack o’
Lantern. The students were transfixed as they
listened to the Japanese translation of a “sinner”
(Jack) whom the devil couldn’t “get at” because
of a silver/wooden cross that was able to come
between Jack and the devil. Granted, the theology
in this little legend maybe a little off in some
parts, but I think that it reached the kids where
they were at.
It’s interesting, because in
Japanese culture, they have so many talismans
and things they hang in their cars, from their
bags, etc. to protect them from evil. So they
were interested to learn that the cross can repel
the devil in Christianity. Who knows how that
little seed of truth will grow, hopefully into a
fuller understanding of the gospel. Most of us
will move on from Japan in the near future so we
can only pray that God will water the seeds of
truth that we are sowing with or without words in
the soil of other people’s lives.
Stories are one of the best way to convey truth, as
Jesus illustrated in the telling of his parables.
They help us to imagine and expect things outside
of our normal range of thinking, and can lead us
to higher insights of spiritual truth. From my
experience, I have found that many Japanese
people are curious to learn about the stories that
help shape our worldview. They will often be
received with much interest, perhaps creating
room for God to work in their hearts at a later
time.
After praying for sometime for the people of
Japan, and often feeling
Worship Coordinator: Eddie Ramos – 0296-78-1161
Maintains and expands worship materials.
Procures legal use rights for those materials.
Prepares and organizes songs and volunteers for national retreat worship times, coordinating with the
retreat coordinators.
Acts as a resource for members planning local retreats or gatherings.
- Page Fourteen -
- Page Three -
LIVING IN EXPECTATION
-continued from page three
discouraged, I didn’t get my hopes up that my
students would be that interested in what I had to
say. However, it turned out that God had bigger
plans that I could have imagined for my cultural
lessons.
To get back to the story, the students response to
my stories was overwhelming. At the end of the
school year, the students wrote letters to me in
Japanese telling me what their favorite English
activities were. Many of them wrote that their
favorite thing was learning about Christ through
the stories I told them for our Halloween and
Christmas parties. For this final class, every one
had to bring
something from home for show and tell and this
one girl brought two illustrated story books about
Jesus Christ and drew a poster saying she is
interested in Jesus Christ, and the other students
thought it was cool. (Cynically speaking, she could
be just trying to impress –but God knows her
heart). I was very shocked because in most public
schools back home, teachers must be very careful
when talking about religion. I just wanted to tell
you about my experiences teaching here in Japan to
encourage you that when you wonder what God is
up to in Japan, up to in your classes, your day to
day grind, ask God to “open the eyes of your
heart”. Dare to call to God and expect the
unexpected from an Almighty God.
THIS MONTH IN MY STEREO
Kathryn O’Reilly, Tape Librarian
He who has an ear, let him hear…
In the past couple of months I have become stupidly busy. I have had hardly any time to do any of the
things that I enjoy and one of the things that I enjoy and have missed is reading - even when I have had
the time to do it, I have been too tired to focus my eye on a book. So this month I am recommending
three different sermons by people who are famous for having written books. I hope that those of you
busy-bees who can't get round to read the books, will still be able to learn from these people's
experiences:
No. 5 Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell
I recommend that you lend this to anyone who is searching; it will really make them think. And it is
also good for established Christians to go over the basics and learn how to give an intelligent answer for
their faith.
No. 37 God's Purpose in Tragedy, Joni
Everyone should hear the testimony of this amazing lady.
No. 184 A Light-Hearted but Challenging Look at the Church, Adram Plass
I read this guy's Sacred Diary over the Christmas holiday and I have to say that it is one of the best
Christian books I have read - it's hilarious. And this sermon is pretty good too. Although, it does contain
some dodgy (a word which here means dated and cheesy) skits he does with his wife.
And finally… The tape library has become what it is (10 plastic drawers and two cardboard boxes full
of CDs, tapes and videos) through the donations of JCF members. If you have any spare sermon tapes,
Christian music tapes or CDS, or Christian videos, please think about donating them to the tape library,
either now or when you leave Japan.
Contact information:
Your friendly newsletter editor, Jean, here! I'm looking for NEWSLETTER ARTICLES FOR THE
NEXT ISSUE! Has God been teaching you something cool here in Japan? Did God convince you to
stay Japan in an amazing way? Were you reading in your Bible the other day and you came across a
verse or passage that really encouraged you? Do you write poetry? We all need encouragement and
the newsletter is a great way to give it!
The deadline for the May/June issue is MONDAY, APRIL 28th. Please send your articles to
jcfnews@hotmail.com or Jean Byrne, 45-2 Shin, Nio-cho, Mitoyo-gun, Kagawa-ken 769-1406. If you
have any questions, give me a call at 0875-82-5447. Thank you!
- Page Four -
Kathryn O'Reilly
227, Maison du Rethiue Dion Koe,
10-10 Tomo-oka 3 Chome,
Nagaokakyo-shi,
Kyoto-fu
617-0843
e-mail: jcftapes@hotmail.com
- Page Thirteen -
BOOKS, BOOKS EVERYWHERE
Amanda Hatzistamatis – Book Librarian
God sure knows how to pick great books! I felt drawn to read three books this last month and though they
didn’t seem to have very much in common, they went together quite nicely.
The first book I read was In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon. You might be more familiar with his grandson’s
book, What Would Jesus Do?. This book was written in a novel format but it is quite a thought provoker. It
asked some difficult questions. I think it is a great book that teaches what Christianity is really about. It’s
about a commitment to Christ in all aspects of your life. It’s about following Jesus no matter what the costs.
It’s about living your life as if Jesus was the most important person/thing in your life, and so He should be!
How many of us live our lives with other things on our throne, whether it be relationships or goals? There
should be nothing else as important to us as Jesus. If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and
mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Luke
14:26 These may sound like difficult words, but they were told to us by Jesus himself. We have to live our
lives with Christ as our center. I put down this book with the thought that I wanted to live my life with Christ
as my center. I didn’t want him leading me part-time anymore. It was time to give Him a full time job. As
much as I wanted to change over night, I realized that I couldn’t. I was doing something wrong and I couldn’t
figure out what it was. That was when I was drawn to the second book.
The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life by Charles Stanley pointed out where I was going wrong. It was all in my
thinking. It was in all my sentences beginning with I. I will try…, I want…, I’m going to... I was in the
drivers seat! Somewhere I shouldn’t be. I was supposed to let Jesus guide me through the Holy Spirit. My
only job was to abide in Christ. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us
of His Spirit. 1 John 4:13 The author talked about how we are not to be producers of fruit, namely love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness, but bearers of fruit. We cannot do any of these things
by ourselves. We can try as hard as we can to be more loving and patient, but there will be something (or
someone!) down the road who will set us off. Only the Holy Spirit can change us. As soon as we
acknowledge that we need His help desperately, He will help us. He’s waiting for us. I am the true vine, and
My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch
that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit….Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you
are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do
nothing. John 15:1-5
The third book tied with the other two nicely. It was a study of John, called Living Beyond The Ordinary. It
said what the other two books also said but this time it was a self-study. The answers came much easier since
I already had the background from the other two books! It had some Faith Alive sections which helped apply
things to every day life.
I would highly suggest that you read some Christian books while you are in Japan. Ask God to show you
what kind of books you should read. Once you find out what you’re looking for, email me and I will help you
find a book. Use your time in Japan wisely! He brought you here for a reason and you don’t want to miss out
on it! You can email me at jcfbooks@hotmail.com.
- Page Twelve -
CHILD-LIKE FAITH
Jean Byrne, Newsletter Editor
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they
rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and
do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who
will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”
Luke 18:15-17
What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God
like a little child? In Christian circles, we talk
about growing and maturing in our faith, and yet
the Lord tells us to have the faith of a child. It
doesn’t seem to make sense. What is there about
the faith of a child that adults seem to lack?
My little daughter, Elizabeth Aiko, will be one on
March 30th. It continues to surprise me how
much she teaches me. She’s learning to walk
right now. She doesn’t trust herself that much
yet, so she takes little slow steps from one place
to another and sits down if she thinks she can’t
make it. But if she has one of my hands in hers,
she just takes off running anywhere and
everywhere! No worries about falling, tripping,
or even obstacles in the way. She’s got mommy’s
hand and nothing can stop her. What makes the
difference? My hand doesn’t really do that much
for her. She’s doing the walking and balancing
by herself. Simply the assurance that her mommy
is there and is holding her hand gives her the
confidence and courage to go anywhere and do
anything.
Walking isn’t the only area where Aiko displays
her faith in her parents. Aiko never worries about
when she’s going to have her next meal, or what
she is going to eat for that meal. She never
worries about what clothes she’s going to wear
each day. She
doesn’t fret about what she’s going to do all day, or
when her next vacation will be. In fact, she never
worries at all. She knows that everything that she
needs will be provided for, and the things that
could hurt her will be kept out of the way by the
watchful eyes of her mommy and daddy. All she
has to do is take things as they come.
How is it possible to live like a child? How is it
possible to walk through life with no worries,
simply taking things as they come? Isn’t that a bit
foolish, or irresponsible?
Shouldn’t we be
concerned about our future and the necessities of
life? Of course we should! But we don’t have to
lose any sleep over them. The more we come to
know the Father, the more we have reason to trust
him. Aiko knows me. She watches me, follows
me around, plays with me. She knows my face, my
voice and the sound of my footsteps. And I am
only human – not even close to the perfection of
the Father!
Let us pray for a child-like faith in our Heavenly
Father!
Sometimes the spectacles before us
overwhelm us and we become immobilized. Yet
we have the father’s hand to hold us and strengthen
us. We have the father’s eyes watching over us. If
we, who are human, know how to care for our
children, how much more will our Father in heaven
care for us! (see Matthew 6:9-11)
- Page Five -
THRIVING
SURVIVING SPIRITUALLY IN JAPAN
Deborah Ruth Trotter, Former JET
Wow! The JET year is more than half over
now and people have now decided if they’re
staying or going… For some, it’s a time when
people are looking forward to returning to
their own countries. For some, it’s a reality
check that they only have a few more months
to organize this place they’ve been living in
the past couple years and pack and they’ll be
done. Others look forward to spending yet
another year in Japan… Some are shaking
their heads and going “How did I wind up
signing on for another year? That wasn’t in
my original plan.” Meanwhile, I sit here
amused at God’s ironic sense of humour…
This has become a yearly hobby of mine as I
see some people’s “year in Japan” or “2
years” in Japan turn into more of that. One of
my friends came here for a year and is now in
the middle of her 5th (obviously, she’s not a
JET anymore, but a job got dropped in her
lap). That’s not what everybody’s called to,
but God sometimes surprises people and it’s
always exciting to watch what He does.
Either way, God’s got exciting stuff to do in
and through each one of us in whatever time
we have remaining here, whether it’s just a
few months like those who’ve chosen to
move on or indefinite like my life and that of
other missionaries here (like my friend’s
parents who came for a couple years to help
out with the work and, 25 years or so later,
are still here) or somewhere in-between.
There are different attitudes that can be taken
on what to do with this time that’s remaining.
The good news is that there are many things
that can be done. Make the most of the time
you have with the people where you are.
of giving gifts when you leave a place
(teachers usually leave a gift on everybody’s
desk when they’re transferred to go
elsewhere… and people will often give gifts
to other people they know as well) to give
away Bibles or Christian books in Japanese
that will reach people where they’re at. Some
of you in smaller churches may have church
services just before you leave when they
decide to have a special farewell service and
party. If they’re getting you to speak or sing a
special or something, this can be a great
opportunity to invite people who normally
wouldn’t come to church and make sure a
clear Gospel message is being presented
that day. Plus, be open and ready to give an
answer to those who have questions about
why you operate the way you do. The light
God’s put inside you shines brightly in the
darkness… Don’t try to hide it and shrug it off
in fear that you might offend someone. It
does somehow show and is a great
opportunity to share how the people around
you can know God too.
Sometimes even though you feel like you’ve
seen very few opportunities leading up to this
time, they will suddenly start coming up near
the end as people’s curiosity gets the best of
them and they’re finally kind of used to having
you around and they get up the courage to
finally ask about things. You’ll have various
speeches to do, so you can some how bring
words of hope and kindness into those
speeches whether Christ is directly
mentioned or not. When I finished my time on
JET, I told the students all about how
valuable they are as people and that each
person is worthwhile whether they feel that
If you are leaving, this can be a great
way or not –and that each
opportunity to use the tradition
Important Things In Life
Charles Schultz’ Philosophy
A philosophy professor stood before
his class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a
large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill
it with rocks, rocks about 2" in diameter.
The quiz:
He then asked the students if the jar was full?
They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of
pebbles and poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course,
rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.
The students laughed. The professor picked up a
box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of
course, the sand filled up everything else.
"Now," said the professor, "I want you to
recognize that this is your life.
The rocks are the important things - your family,
your partner, your health, your children - things
that if everything else was lost and only they
remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter
like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff." "If
you put the sand into the jar first, there is no
room for the pebbles or the rocks.
The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the
small stuff, you will never have room for the
things that are important to you.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the
headliners of yesterday. These are no
second-rate achievers. They are the best in
their fields. But the applause dies. Awards
tarnish. Achievements are
forgotten. Accolades and certificates are
buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this
one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your
journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you
through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you
something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you
feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending
time with.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to
your happiness.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories
have inspired you.
Play with your children.
Easier?
Take time to get medical checkups.
The lesson: The people who make a
difference in your life are not the ones with
the most credentials, the most money, or
the most awards. They are the ones who
care.
Take your partner out dancing.
There will always be time to go to work, clean
the house, give a dinner party and fix the
disposal.“
"Take care of the rocks first - the things that
really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is
just sand.“
- Page Six -
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the
world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss
America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or
Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award
winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's World Series
winners.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an
end today. It's already tomorrow in
Australia.“
----- Charles Schultz
- Page Eleven -
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
Michael Phillips, Treasurer/Database Coordinator
It seems like an age has passed since the time I was
reading the newspaper in Australia while on
holiday, and first heard about something called the
JET Programme. That was October 2000 and,
having just returned from living in Germany, I was
going a bit stir crazy back at my old job at the
university (where I have worked on and off for the
best part of the last 11 years). It was time for a
radical change.
To be honest with you, my Christian walk, prior to
coming on the JET Programme, began to feel
somewhat like my job at the university. There
seemed to be a degree of routine and monotony
that had crept into my faith. In travelling that less
travelled path, the relevance and newness of my
Christian experience had begun to fade. It wasn’t
that I had begun to doubt, but rather that the
excitement of it all had waned.
I have no memory of my moment of salvation, only
what my mother has told me in passing. Sometime
around the age of five or six I gave my life to the
Lord, at children’s church. I don’t remember any
of the circumstances, apart from the fact that I
apparently did it. I’m also reliably informed that,
possibly out of a sense of childlike religious
fervour, I actually went forward for salvation many
Sunday mornings. I don’t know how many times I
was saved, but it amuses my mother to recall the
story to my friends.
Since that time (nearly thirty years ago now), I
have been continually involved in the church. In
fact, I cannot remember a time in my life ever not
being at a church. Some of my earliest memories
as a child were of going to church. I’ve reached a
point where it’s hard to perceive my life without
Christianity.
My time here in Japan as a Christian, has been
one of testing and focus. I’ve found that being
away from my spiritual home and network
affected me more than I thought it would have.
In Adelaide, I attend an A.O.G. church in a
suburb called Paradise, with somewhere between
2,500 and 3,000 worshippers every week. It’s an
ultra modern, progressive, and highly active
environment. It’s also an environment where it’s
easy not to be noticed or missed, and where you
can be entertained at three or four services on
Sundays if you want. A change was on the
horizon however.
I now attend a traditional Japanese Baptist church
of 12 or 15 members, who (surprisingly to me)
only sing songs from a hymn book last printed in
1952, and who also sing “Amen” after every song
ends. Before coming to Japan, I couldn’t have
told you what a doxology or the Apostle’s Creed
were. Now at least I know them in Japanese
(even if I can’t say them in English). And, it’s
certainly helped me with my hiragana too, to the
point that I’ve become immune to standard
compliments such as: “anata wa jyozu ni
utaimasu”. It’s true that my perception of what
the church is, and what it represents to different
people, has certainly been broadened. I have
become a less insular Christian believer.
So what’s the point to all this? Maybe it’s this.
No matter what your experience as a Christian is,
the old JET axiom is still true, in that “everyone’s
situation is different”. As Christians we all go
through phases of closeness and distance, clarity
and confusion in our walks, but the point is to
stay on the road, and to continue to run the race
of faith. As the author of Hebrews writes (Heb.
10: 19-39), this is what matters the most…
- Page Ten -
person should also be treated as valuable. Giving a
positive message to people is a good way to be salt
and light in this culture that so desperately needs to
know love. Who knows?! Perhaps what God does in
and through you in your last little bit of time here in
Japan will be good preparation for reaching out to
others in whatever He has for you next.
For those of us who are staying here in Japan
longer, this gives us great opportunities to further
build the friendships that we have and acquire new
ones as people get used to us being around and
discover that our Japanese starts getting to the place
where we can have at least simple conversations.
You may find that people who didn’t talk to you
during your first year or 2 suddenly start talking to
you in your 2nd or 3rd because they don’t feel like
they have to speak English to communicate. The fact
that you’ve stayed and chosen to continue your
relationship with the people there is something that
means a lot to the Japanese people just because
you’re there and committed to spending some more
time away from your native country investing in
them and the lives of their children. The concept of
leaving one’s own country for an extended stay is a
foreign concept to many of them- especially in the
countryside. Thus, the fact that you choose to stay
longer and invest time in their lives speaks to their
hearts in some way even if they don’t understand it.
The fact that your parents are willing to let go and
accept the fact that this is where you’re meant to be
for now also speaks to them as many think the idea
of having their child far away is a scary thought…
(My parents had the advantage of lots of
forewarning on that one, so they were prepared for
it.) Be encouraged that just “being there” can be a
witness to them and if they know you’re a Christian
and are showing love and kindness to them, that
speaks loudly to them as people.
As you can see, those leaving aren’t the only
ones who need to make the most of the time they
have left here. If we make the most of each day
and each month, looking for opportunities to
show God’s kindness and love, we will see good
results. Whether, we see the fruit immediately or
later on, there will be fruit. Is. 55:11 tells us that
His Word will not return to Him void, but will
accomplish its purpose. That’s an exciting
promise.
Are you praying for daily Divine appointments?
This might be a good time to start. If you pray for
such things to happen, they will – in various
ways. There’s no reason to fear that your abilities
to share are insufficient because it isn’t about
what WE can or can’t do, but about what HE can
do. Do you know how much He can do through
His power that works in us? Check out Eph.
3:20… He can do EXCEEDINGLY and
ABUNDANTLY beyond all that we can ask or
imagine… I realize I can’t speak for everyone,
but I have a rather large imagination (those who
know me are currently thinking I’ve just made the
understatement of the week) and God can far
outdo my imagination… Not just in me, but in
each of you too.
One other thing to remember is that just because
things don’t always go quite the way you expect
and you don’t get as many people out to an event
you may have, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t
have a Divine purpose in it. The Shikoku
Advance was small this year, but provided the
handful of us Christians who were there (4) a
chance for some fellowship and Bible study and
provided four Japanese college students with a
chance to learn that Jesus really is relevant to our
lives and wants a relationship with everyone.
Many Japanese people are unfamiliar with the
Gospel and this provided a great
- Page Seven -
THRIVING SPIRITUALLY IN JAPAN
-continued from page seven
opportunity for them to hear… Believe it or not, the
reason they were there is because I decided to pull
out some shiny Canadian flag stickers on the
overnight ferry last year and shared them with a
bunch of college students in my room (road to
instant popularity and acceptance with group of
Japanese college girls… They all put them on their
keitais) and I happened to exchange contact
information with one of them as well as invitations
to visit each other. I went to see her in June on my
way to Okayama and then invited her to come to the
Shikoku Advance and bring friends. That’s exactly
what she did. Two of the girls who came were
friends of hers and one of those friends brought a
friend. A few more friends were planning to come
and then couldn’t. Even little things you do may
potentially open doors to share the Gospel (which
also came up when I went to visit Chiharu on the
way to Okayama last year). Keep open and those
divine appointments will come up often.
Ok. Some of you might be wondering HOW God
can work in and through you in these amazing ways.
Well, that’s what He promised the power of the Holy
Spirit for. He doesn’t give us a command and then
leave us without the means to do something about it.
If you read the book of Acts, you’ll see how God
took ordinary people, filled them with the power of
His Spirit and sent them out to do extraordinary
things. This power and infilling was important
enough that Jesus told the disciples
who’d already spent three years travelling with
Him and listening to His teachings that they
needed to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit
to be poured out on them as John had mentioned
in the Gospels that this One who was coming
would baptize people in the Holy Spirit. The
result of that was that they were to go out and
take this Gospel to all peoples… Taking the
Gospel to all peoples is still in the works. It’s a
job that isn’t finished yet and we still need that
same power along with God’s Word to reach
them. Thus, I encourage you to read the book of
Acts and ask God what He has for you and that
He will fill you to overflowing with His Spirit
so that you will be able to do the job He has
called you to in whatever form that takes. It
really affects your walk with God in amazing
ways when you seek God and all He has for
you. I’ve seen the transformations that happen
in many people’s lives and it’s amazing.
If you wish to receive a list of scriptures
regarding the Holy Spirit and His work in our
lives,
you
can
email
me
at
kaeruth@hotmail.com and request it. I also have
an intense Bible study on the book of Acts that I
can send on request if anybody’s interested in
that. If you feel you want to call and talk about
it or have questions, feel free to call me at 089520-8272 or 090-6286-1838.
Blessings and shalom,
Deborah Ruth “Hikari” Trotter
KOBE RETREAT 2003
May 23 – 25 (Before the JET renewers’ conference in Kobe)
We are currently arranging for this retreat to be held in
Kobe. We are planning bible studies, worship, fellowship
meals, a trip to the Christian bookstore and much, much
more. This will be a great opportunity for us to get together
in fellowship and praise God.
If you are interested in attending this event, please let us
know by filling out the application form bellow. Thank you.
If you have any questions regarding this trip, do not hesitate
to call or e-mail us:
Ramona Laguana: Tel- 09098764575, e-mail 09098764575@jp-k.ne.jp
Kathryn O’Reilly: Tel- 075 952 8720 (ext: 227), e-mail jcftapes@hotmail.com
KOBE RETREAT 2003 APPLICATION FORM
Name:
Address:
e-mail:
Night’s for which accommodation is required:
 Friday the 23rd
 Saturday the 24th
 Sunday the 25th
 I will be bringing a car and can provide a lift for others
 I am interested in traveling down with others
 I would like to help with:
 Worship
 Bible studies
Do you want to receive regular JCF e-mails?
Here’s how you sign up:
•Go to www.yahoogroups.com
•Click on Religion & Belief
•Click on Christianity
•Search for Japan Christian Fellowship
- Page Eight -
 Cooking
 Leisure activities
Please send completed form to: Kathryn O'Reilly, 27, Maison
du Rethiue Dion Koe, 10-10 Tomo-oka 3 Chome, Nagaokakyoshi, Kyoto-fu 617-0843
- Page Nine -