Ah, finally the moment we've all been waiting for...well, maybe not.  You might find it odd that I don't have all that many pictures of church meetings in Japan.  Well, that is primarily because it's not so easy to get into one without talking to them and getting some doors opened first...this was part of our mission after all.  Most churches we visited were smaller groups off the main church that were run in local hotels.  I felt for sure that even more important than these church services were the chances we had to just hang out with local people and share our faith and befriend.  Japan offered many opportunities to minister in this regard.  It's very good to have to find out what you believe and minister on a personal level.  Conditions of most churches were very difficult.  Many people there were there illegally because they overstayed their visa limit to work and so often there are busts from immigration officials to arrest people at meetings.  It saddened me to see people from other countries there having their testimonies ruined in the eyes of the locals.  Americans are generally respected and listened to and this created a sense of real care for me to be a good example not only for our country but also as a Christian.  I can't wait to return!

You may notice that the series of pictures I put up today are much more sobering than the last.  I have observed that you can learn a lot about a culture by observing their approaches to life and death.  Japan was different from many countries that I've been to in that their approach to religion is like tossing a coin into a wishing well where you throw in your coin and wish a little wish and then move on and live life as you deem it best.  I saw numerous religious items and statues in Japan but few were the devoted monks or people I saw standing around burning incense and such.  You may think that this would make it easy to talk about Christianity but this same approach is applied to other religions as well and none of it is taken that seriously.  Those who are deemed overly committed are viewed with great suspicion.  Some may remember the fanatics of the death cult that released deadly nerve gas in the subway killing a hundred people in 1995.  The Japanese seem to love tragedy and embrace the morbid while not being too serious about the after life.  I think to be and effective missionary here you must be willing to make life long relationships and work to let actions speak louder than words as far as the Gospel is concerned.  Few are willing to take the time to open the treasure chest that is Japan but for those who take the time and the effort great are the rewards indeed.

Man, it's been way too long since I've gotten on here and done something!  There's no better time to get on here than to post about Lovely and my anniversary!  I can hardly believe that we've been married twelve years now, had three children whom we love very much, traveled to two countries outside the US together and served God the best we know how.  I am so blessed to have married a woman like her...there's not another one even close to her in my opinion.  Many people see her has fun to talk to and a cute person but I know the deeper side of her that I know only love but I respect.  She's been a perfect wife for me and has served as my best friend and fellow missionary for all these years.  I thank God for bringing her into my life and bringing us together when I thought there was no hope.  I think back all those years ago and see how awkward I was and I know for sure that God had mercy on me and so did Lovely!  I am eternally grateful for my wife.  The Word of God says it well when it says if you've found a wife you've found a good thing.  I know that many find wives that aren't so good but I can say that's not true of me!  Thanks to mom for praying her right into my life!

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