about these objects concerning what is proper

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1 Recently the Nagoya Church Planting Team met to discuss our goals for the next eighteen months. It is an important and exciting time of sharing, planning and prayer. God continues to open new opportunities for us to bring Japanese in touch with His Word and His people. We are so thankful to be a part of what God is doing in Japan as He guides and leads us. Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. Psalm 25:4,5 We want to be good students of our host culture, and we are grateful for our Japanese Christian friends and pastors with whom we can discuss our experiences in ministry and pray. Their friendship, input and encouragement means a lot to us. We are also grateful that God is using experiences we have had and ideas for future ministry to encourage our friends and pastors as well.

2 In one recent pastors meeting, I set up the room prior to our meeting with all sorts of Japanese cultural objects. I hung scrolls on the wall, brought in Japanese kabuki dolls, lined up several ink stones with progressive levels of carving, the last one having a huge dragon carved on the front. I topped off the presentation with a Taiko drum and tea ceremony bowls. Japan places a high value on beauty and aesthetics. All of the objects have some different level of connection and history rooted in Buddhism and Shintoism. Many Japanese Christians have different opinions about these objects concerning what is proper and what is not. My questions to the Japanese pastors who know their culture well were, Where do you draw the line? How can we appreciate the beauty and skill of something that earlier in history may have been devoted to idolatry. How do we go about constructively evaluating things like this? It was especially interesting as we discussed the ink stones. As the stones became progressively more intricately carved, we laughed because the more questionable the discussion became on what the images meant. Yet the most undecorated stone may have been the most devoted to idolatry. The discussion was lively and illuminating as we talked about culture, function and form! One of the most important points was the need for instruction and explanation as well as understanding the present use and context of different objects. If you have any good books to recommend or internet sites to explore these issues, I would love to have your input. It is an ongoing discussion and an important topic as I work more with artists in Japan.

3 Diane s Sunday morning Bible study systematically going through the life of Daniel Short-term missionary, Melanie Ching, teaches ukulele and led her students in singing me happy birthday. Study and fellowship with fellow missionaries in Japan Church Planting Incubator Climbed mountains and appreciated God s creation with my friend Sachi-san Kaji-san is an elder, youth group leader, university ministry leader, praise band leader, seminary student, new father, and all-around fun guy and friend Learned about Japanese writing from my friend Shigeo-san

4 Future leaders from the 2017 graduating class of Christ Bible Seminary Brad Winsted from one of our supporting churches visited Japan and my Tuesday Bible class Tuesday s Bible study, I always need a white board Congratulations Taise-san! We worked together in youth ministry one summer One of my favorite foods in Japan is spicy ramen Met with artists in Nagoya and I have been invited to exhibit work at their next showing I really respect the pastors and elders of our Chubu Presbytery

5 My eighteen-month goals include continuing to speak, disciple and lead Japanese Bible studies at the church and in our home. I also hope to conduct some Bible studies through the Internet. We are pushing out into new areas and I am especially encouraged by the doors God has opened for me to be building relationships in the nearby university and in downtown Nagoya. Along with my current responsibilities, my prior background in art and design has also become a natural way for me to connect with others and build bridges into the community. This period of ministry in Japan is one of the most fulfilling, challenging and fruitful times I have experienced. I am connecting with the community in meaningful ways and seeing opportunities for our different church-planting sites to be supported and to reach out to others who need to know God s grace. Please Pray: 1) For further opportunities to connect with people in Nagoya through the arts and to be a blessing to our city. 2) For the older men that I meet with to have hearts open to the gospel. 3) For more gospel-centered books and study aids that strike a chord with the Japanese. Materials developed by Japanese for Japanese have really been exciting to use. 4) For people to come join the teaching English ministry here. We have a need for volunteers to help out in different church-planting sites. Teaching English as a means of evangelism is a proven means to serve the community and share the love of Christ. 5) For effective planning and preparation as we will host various short-term teams coming this summer. 6) For our children to grow in their faith and draw close to God and that they would seek His pleasure in their decision-making. 7) For our marriage to continue to grow and flourish. This April we celebrated our 31rst wedding anniversary! 8) For wisdom and strength in implementing our eighteen-month goals both individually and as a church-planting team. 9) For Diane s Sunday morning Bible Study as she is systematically working through the book of Daniel with women in the church. They really enjoy her study and appreciate her teaching. I am also benefitting from all Diane is learning as she shares her study with me. Ian Duguid s book on Daniel has been a real help. We actually met the author and his son in person when they visited our field many years ago. I hope he comes back! Thank you so much for your prayers and support, Peter and Diane Bakelaar and family