Sims Jonathan Verla 1994 Japan

8/12/2019 Sims Jonathan Verla 1994 Japan

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C A J R E P O R T iM lJ O N A T E I A N A N D V E R L A S I M S CHRIST S A M B A S S A D O R S T O J A P A N

And the things you have heard me say in the presence ofmany witnesses entrust to reliable men who willalso be qualified to teach others, Timothy 2:2VOLUME F I R S T QUART E R M ARCH NUM ER

G ET TI NG A CQ U AI NT ED I N T H E COMMUNITYFive months have passed since our arrival in Japan. Veria and I love walking together as weshop for daily necessities, and enjoy greeting local merchants. We hope in time that we will be able toshare the gospel with them. But it is necessaiy we win their hearts before we can invite them to ourworship services. One day we stopped by the home of a young man who attended some of the JoelHome services before my furlough. He has not been attending services for a while. His father was inthe yard and welcomed us into his home. Usually, we do not see such clear signs of welcome andwarm hospitality. Our plan for dropping by a few moments was changed as our hosts encouraged us tostay for a few hours. We learned some things about the Ohta family. They asked us to arrange a teatime at their place with us and the Okas. At that time, we set up a date for them to come for supperat our home, which they very pleasantly accepted.

MINISTRY T T HE JO EL HOMEMr. Oka has made an arrangement for me to preach the first, third, and fifth Sunday (if one),him the second, and a guest speaker the fourth. This is flexible, of course.The highlight of December was our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The service began witha duet by Veria and I, a beautiful arrangement of Silent Night , which was accompanied by a violinand piano. The congregation enjoyed singing a number of Christmas carols, and Mr. Oka spoke about

the meaning of Christmas. I played my clarinet, Veria her flute, Mr. Oka s daughter her violin, andour guest musician played the piano. All of the seventeen adults and three children enjoyed theprogram. During the tea time, people participated in the season of rejoicing by singing otherChristmas carols and some of their favorite hymns. In addition to the pianist, there was one otherperson who was attending a Christian service for the first time in her life. The Christmas season is aprime opportunity for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Japanese people. Hearts appear to beopen at this timeof year for the Christmas message of love and the birthof our Lord Jesus Christ.

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In the picture are some of the peopleattending our services. Left to right:Mr. Mrs. Ok a (owners of th e JoelHome), Mrs. Anesaki, Veria, Mr.Takasugi, and Mr. Haarada.

WINTER WE THERWinter has been hard on Veria and me. Day after day we have been dealing with a wet coldthat chills to the bone, even though temperatures here are not as extreme as in the U.S. We feel themain differences is that Japanese houses are not insulated, and Japanese only heat the room theypresently using. The hallway in the Joel Home reached a low of 34 degrees F in January. The outsidetemperature was 30 degrees F. Fortunately, we are somewhat warmer in the dining/living roomdownstairs an d our bedroom upstairs.The highlight of winter weather was a record snow in February. It was the most snow inYokohama in 25 years. There was 8 3/4 inches. I was not prepared for such an event, as I had nosnow boots or any kind of shovel. Veria and I used two dustpans to clean off the Joel Home entryand outside stairs so thatpeople would not slip and fall when coming to Sunday services the next day.

Veria and I helped a young Japanese man get his car up the hill to a spot wide enough to leaveOVernltEht, The man was not veiy attentive to Verla s suseestions and my translation of them, so he


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managed to dent the j ront door on the passenger side of the car by sliding into the pole in the streetbeside the Joel Home. Anyway, when Verla and I finished shoveling, etc., we made a snow creaturebeside our front door. We were slightly disappointed Sunday morning whenMr. Oka was the onlyoneto correctly guess it was a sheep. One person even thought it might be a reindeer, but there weren tany antlers. After the services and lunch, we ventured outside where wewere amazed to see Japanesespraying water on the streets to melt the snow. But we were even more astonished to hear that thecity used fire trucks to do the same. There are no snow plows in Yokohama.

NEW MINISTRY ENDEAVORSI was asked to preach a message on February 5 for the dedication service of a new branch ofthe YMCA inYokohama, where I was able to convey what a wonderful friend we have in Jesus. Also,Verla and I were able to meet new people. From that experience, we were invited into a Japanesehome for tea, and I was asked to make a speech on March 23 for the YWCA.Verla is a wonderful cook, and she is using that gift as part of her ministry. Thus far, we haveserved dinner to Mrs. Anesaki and her daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Oka, Mrs. Hotta, Gloria Simon,and The Ohta family. From our visit with the Ohta s, we learned it was the first time Mr. and Mrs.

Ohta have ever stepped foot into a Christian meeting place. Mr. Ohta also informed us that it wasalmost unheard of for a Japanese family to invite or be invited into a home other than a family orcompany member and is usually used as away to get ahead. But all each we have to gain is friendshipand, hopefully a brother in Christ.SPECIAL EVENTSFebruary 14 is not celebrated here the same as it is in the states. Girls give cards and chocolateto their boyfriends and/or men superiors at work. Men, in return, give something special back onMarch 14. This day is called White Day because the usual gift given in the past has been white

chocolate

February 14 was double special to us as it not only was Valentine s Day, but marked our sixmonth wedding anniversary. We may not have exchanged cards (cards in English are hard to find hereand too expensive), but itwas a day neither of us will forget. While I worked on my sermon, Verla^peat-tibie-aftenioon-preparing a special meal for us. She used her new oven to bake^a special heaEt=^shaped cake for her sweetie. That would be me It was so pretty topped with nuts and chocolatechips. To add some red color to her table setting, she used tomato juice. We wanted to capture themoment, so I set up my tripod. Hopefully, the picture turned out. The film is still in my camera.March 3 was Girls Day. It is a time for all the girls in Japan to display dolls inherited fromgeneration to generation, starting with the Emperor and Empress. It usually consists of 7 tiers withdifferent ranks of couit officials and musicians. We were able to see an actual display during tea timeat the Sugawara s. Many department stores have special dolls and candies on sale to celebrate thisday.Please pray that this year will bring new friendships and fruit as we all endeavor to do God swill in our lives. Thank you very much for your love and encouragement which sustains us here inJapan. Thank you so verymuch

Jonathan Verla Sims4 17 30 ROKKAKUBASHIKanagawa-KuYokohama-Shi 221 Japan - -

LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OFCHRIST Non-Profit Org.1126 Laurel Avenue PostageChesapeake, VA 23325 ^A ^^Chesapeake, VAADDRESS CORRECnON REQUESTED Permit No. 48

MISSIONS SERVICES ASSOCIATIONBOX 2427KNOXVILLE, IN 37901


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/ tMCAJ REPORT

JONATHAN AND VERLA SIMS CHRIST S AMBASSADORS TO JAPANAnd the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who willalsobe qualified to teach others, II Timothy 2:2VOLUME14 SUMMER NUMBER

ESTABLISHING FRIENDSHIPSWho could have ever imagiiied how wonderful March would be, the month in which our monthlysupport check accidentally got rerouted to Ho Chi Minh city. It taught us how we should always trustin God. God used this ej^erience to bring us closer to Him, our missionaiy cohorts, and the Japanesepeople around us.On March 11, a Christian lady from a sister church gave us some beautiful peach roses. On ourwalk home from the train station, God spoke to our hearts and said, I know the flowers are beautifuland smell so sweet, but I want you to give them to the local merchants up ahead. You see, when IVerla) frrst came to apan I was feeling very lonely^ But on a walk one i^ , we passed by an elderlyJapanese couple who run a small outdoor market. They greeted us so cheerily that we ofren stoppedto chat a moment. That was the beginning of my adjustment to Japan. It seems that your firstfriendly contact from an outsider is always the one you remember the most This couple simplytouched our hearts. When we presented them with the flowers, you would not believe their reaction.You would have thought we had giventhem a thousand dollars, they simplycould not understand whywe were givingthem a gift. It wasn't a holiday. We weren't leaving Japan. For what reason then?We told them it was simply because they were such kind,good people. I even received a hug from theman That gestiure is almost unheard of. A Japanese man just does not hug a woman, other thanfamily. Yet, I have receivedseveral hugsfromJapanese men since our arrival hereTo keep each neighborhood informed of local events and/or information, a clipboard is passedfrom house to house. One Sunday afternoon when Jonathan was passing this board on to ourneighbor, he was totally suiprised when Mr. Kimura gave us a large bag of Natsu mikansfrom one ofhis backyard trees. They look likeoranges, but taste likegrapefruit). Even though JonathanhasbeenMr. Kimura's neighbor for three years, this is the first time Jonathan has ever received ai^hing fromhim. And his wife wasveiy concerned how I was coping here.Mrs. Anesaki, one of our congregational members, had the flu in March and was not back to fullstrength a week later. I had made a big kettle of homemade soup so suggested to Jonathan, Let's takesome soup to Mrs. Anesaki. Since Mrs. Anesaki is old, she takes turns living with her three sons.Not knowing his religious afiBliation, we only wanted to drop this soup off, but they insisted we comein. We discovered they were a veiy loving family with three beautiful children. It's amazinghow Godworks. We went to cheer Mrs. Anesaki up, and I think we were the ones most uplifted. We felt veiyacceptedwhen theystated theywantedus to comeover sometimefor a Tempura (Japanese style food)party.One afternoon, our doorbell rang. You'll never guess who it was. A Japanese vendor who sellshot sweet potatoes, baked over wood right in his truck, v/as driving up our street when he saw ourbulletin board advertising our worship services. He said he was a member of a Christian church inToltyo so wanted to give us a sweet potato. It was huge and delicious I was glad to get a night offfrom cooking.We have now had all of our congregational members over for a meal. That was one of my goalsduring our first year here. Entertaining in the home is an excellent way to get to know and relatebetter with our members. We'd like to share the latest response we received. Dear Rev. and Mrs.Sims: It was really one of the most enjoyable and memorable evenings we have had in years. Suchdelicious dinner at your home and the pleasant talk afterward were delights for which no mere notecan explain our appreciation. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely and y'sly (wisely) yours,Haruoki & Fumiyo Takasugi Responses like this really touch our hearts and inspire us to continueour ministiy.

RENEWING OL FRI N SHIPSMay 5 was a neat day for us as I finally got to meet Jonathan's Japanese grandmother. WhenMrs. Okada was 80, she hand sewed a kimono and Japanese jacket for Jonathan. She is now 92 and isin a nursing home in Tokyo. She was the woman mainly responsible for Jonathan returning to Japanto do mission work. Over the years she has strengthened, encouraged, and loved him. Since Mrs.Okadawasbom the samedayand year as hisGrandma Sims, their relationship is evenmore special.


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EXPANSION RESPONSIBILITIESJonathan now has four English classes at the Joel home, and an English-speaking Bible class atthe Yokohama YMCA. The latter class is veiy exciting It meets each Saturday from 10-12 a.m. andthe attendance varies from 3-5 students- ages range from college to retired. There are manyquestions, not only about the meaning of words, but about historical events and Biblical interpretationand application. Jonathan is always kept on his toes.Each of the students in the class has their own motivation for being there. One retired Christian

man is growing in his faith while learning English. One lady is a librarian who started to read aJapanese Bible and developed an interest in English to get a better understanding. The youngest is acollege student who wondered why Christians help people without asking for any remuneration. In thesociety here, she doesn't see such volunteer activity. One lady was raised in a Christian home andwants to be baptized, but first she wants answers to some conceptsshe is struggling with.Since the class wanted to meet me, I went with Jonathan on May 28. I enjoyed and learned somuch, I have attended many more. After the June 4 class, Michiko asked if we had time to discusssome Biblical terms. I was surprised that she wanted my views as well as Jonathan's. Each day webecome more aware how God is developing us as a team.Several weeks ago God showed us the importance of teamwork in another ministry areacounseling. In May Jonathan received a call from a Japanese woman stating she and her Americanhusband needed marital counseling. Since I felt it wasn't my place to sit in on their discussion, Ibecame involved in a project in a nearby room. But when I realized Jonathan was having troublernnvftying gnmp nf his thni|iT]htg^ TmaHp a rnmmpnt whir h ho lpftH rJarify thft problem. After that, Ifound myself very involved ihwhat turned out to be a three-hour session. Although the couple are notChristians, they asked if it would help their marriage to attend a Bible study or our services. We said,Certainly. Since Jonathan preaches in Japanese (and John would not understand the message),Jonathan volunteered to start an English-speaking service to be held Sunday evenings. As of yet,neither has attended a service. But their baby is overdue. We are hoping after delivery, they willbegin coming. We have spoken to the couple since and were delighted to hear that several of theirfriends are interested in coming to one of our services to check it out. Praise the Lord It's somarvelous how God works through our lives.

Please pray that our contacts will continue to increase and that some will respond to God's word.Wc praise God for His blessings on our ministry. We thankyou for your continued love and supportwhich sustains us. Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurabfy more than all we ask orimagatef according to Hispower that is at work within us, to Him be gfory in the church and in ChristJesus throughout all generations, forever and ever Amen,

Jonathan Verla Sims4 17 3 ROKKAKUBASHIKanagawa-KuYokohama-Shi T221 Japan

LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST Non-Profit Org.1126 Laurel Avenue PostageChesapeake, Virginia 23325 PAIDChesapeake, VAAddress Correction Requested PERMIT NO. 48

MISSIONS SERVICES ASSOCIATIONBOX 2427KNOXVILLE IN 37901

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CAJ REPORTJONATHAN AND VERLA SIMS CHRIST S AMBASSADORS TO JAPANAnd the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who willalso he qualified to teach others Timothy 2.2

YMCA ENja iSH ^BLE.CLA^The Saturday morning English Bible class at the Yokohama YMCA has continued to beinteresting. Every week the challenge is to provide enough balance between reading and conversationto motivate students to wntinue. Every student is at a different level of proficiency, and each haspreferences, so some balance has to be determined. I am especially touched by the elderly JapaneseChristian man who faithfully attends every class session. He struggles hard to converse in English, buthis drive to learn Bible is heartwarming. His kindness is exemplary, and he thoroughly enjoys theopportunity to read aloud. He knows a lot of Bible because he has read it time and again in Japanese,but the fresh perspective of reading it in English brings him to class every time. The class suffered inattendance during July because of conflicting schedules and extra work before the August vacation.But attendance is likely to rise again in September.Verla and I came together to the YMCA so often that it became expected. At first, Verlaintended to write letters in one of the classrooms, but more often than not ended up reading with us.It surprised us that my class was as interested in hearing Verla s opinion as mine. One day the teacherin the next classroom spaced off iier class, saying she could be there in an hour. That day the Directorof the YMCA asked Verla if she would fill in for that uncovered hour. Verla was very reluctant butagreed to Upon starting conversations with the members of that class, Verla became a little morerelaxed but still was very relieved when the teacher arrived at 11:00 a.m. To show appreciation forVerla s help, the class applauded, and mine joined in God continues to show us the importance ofteam ministry as Keiko, one of my class members, feels more comfortable asking Verla questions. Wethank God for the opportunity to serve together.SUMMER ACTIVITLESVerla was delighted to have been asked to write a presentation for use in Laurel Avenue s 1994Vacation Bible School. To help the children visualize what living in Japan is really like, we sent analbum of pictures with descriptions as well as several Japanese snacks. We were glad to hear thechildren were at least willing to try them. (Some went over better than others. Ha ) But the mostimportant news was that the V S was a great success May all glory and praise be given to our SaviorJesus ChristThe end of July Verla and I attended the annual Missionary convention, this year it was held inAmagi Sanso, a beautiful area in the mountains. Rather than bringing in an outside speaker from thestates or having a veteran missionary speaker, as usual, this year s program had all second generationmissionaries be the main speakers. Five of the six sons were present and gave presentations on variousissues such as the role of the missionary in Japan, finances, working with Japanese coworkers, housing,and evangelistic tools. Testimonies, some even from third generation, were interspersed throughoutthe sessions. It was a great time ofsinging, fellowship, and rejuvenation with American coworkers.

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The convention also included some free time. Verla, I and two others walked up a hill wherewe were able to view a beautiful waterfalls. This area is also noted for growing wasabi (horse radish).Several of us were courageous enough to even try a wasabi-flavored ice cream cone. Believe it or not,it was edible. When we shared that experience with the Okas, Mrs. Oka was shocked and Mr. Okacommented that now Verla is a little Japanese.


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During this summer one of my English students showed Veria and me several areas of interestnear where she works. One included a park with beautiful fountains. However, we were amazed tofind a homeless man bathing in one of the pools of water. After Masumi treated us to a deliciousAmerican-style spareribs lunch, she showed us some shops including one with elegant Japanese dolls.Vcrla was most impressed with that shop. Masumi not only is a good English student, but our friend.Although she has asked several questions about our services, she does not appear ready to startlearning Bible. It is our hope that with time, she is open to the Word.In August I started an English Bible study with Mieko, the Japanese wife of the couple wecounseled. She is enthusiastic about learning bible, but has not attended any of our worship services todate. We believe that h er husband John is reluctant to le t her come as he is Catholic background.But we're thankful he lets her come weekly for Bible study. She is so impressed with Verla's NIVWomen's Devotional Bible that she has requested we obtain a copy for her personal use. Praise theLord In August I began a new English class with one of our neighbors, Machlko, who Is a goodfriend of Mieko. Machiko wants only to leam English conversation, but recently Mieko informed usthat Machiko s two daughters would like to start an English Bible study. However, in discussing thatissue with Machiko, we discovered the daughters' main interest is really only to visit with Verla. Isuggested they come to our worship services where we have a time of fellowship afterward. To oursurprise, Machiko indicated at her last class that she would come to at least one of our services andbring her two daughters. We are delighted with that response, and pray it becomes a regularo urren e

F LL CnV IT IES EGINVerla has been asked to babysit John and Mieko's son, John Edward fiilltime (11 hrs/day)beginning September 28. This baby is fussy, taking only a mid-morning nap. So Verla's days will befilled to capacity. Even though John Jr. is only three months old, the Nasky s want Verla to teach himEnglish. She plans to sing a lot to him which seems to mesmerize him. He is veiy comfortable withVerla, but not so much with me. So please pray for us in this new venture.On October 22nd we are sponsoring a mini concert at the Joel Home. It will begin with a shortBible message from Mr. Oka. The concert will include one special from the Mejirodai youth group(Dad's church), a clarinet solo (me), a flute solo (Verla), a violin solo (Mrs. Kawabata who regularlyattends ourworship service), one combined number consisting of clarinet, flute, violin, and piano and afinal piano solo. After the concert, we will have coffee and cake/cookies. I have invited all my Englishstudents as well as a Japanese couple we recently met, and some have indicated they will be present.Although this event does not insure regular attenders, it is a good means of reaching out.

Please pray that our contacts will continue to increase, and that some will respond to God sword. We praise God for His blessings on our ministry. Thank you for your continued prayers, loveand support. God bless youJonathan & Verla Sims4 17 30 ROKKAKUBASHIKanagawa KuYokohama Shi 221 JapanREV. 15:3,4 Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways. King of the ages.Who will not fear you, OLord, and bring glory toyour name? For you alone are holy. AH nations will come and worshipbefore you, foryour righteous acts have been revealed.

LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST Non-Profit Org.1126 Laurel Avenue PostageChesapeake, Virginia 33 5 PAIDChesapeake, VAAddress Correction Requested v .r .. , r ^ PERMIT NO. 48

HISSIONS ERvICiS ^S SOCIATIOmBOX 2427XNOXVILIE, TN 37901

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C J REPORTJONATHAN AND VERLA SIMS CHMST'S AMBASSADORS TO JAPANAnd the tt n s you have heard me say in the presence ofmany witnesses entrust to reUable men who will also bequalified to teach others, II Tlnwthy 2:2VOLUME 14 FOURTH QUARTER 1994 NUMBER 4

THE JOEL HOME MINI CONCERT

On October 22nd, a mini concert was held at the Joel Home. Japanese Peopleare very hesitant to attend Sunday worship services, as they know vety little aboutJesus Christ or the Christian church. But we thought they might be willing to cometo a musical program which also included a short Bible message and a fellowship timewhere coffee and cookies were served

The concert began with a short Bible message brought by our special guest, Mr.Kishimoto, the preacher from the Mejirodai Church of Christ where Dad Sims is thesenior preacher. Verla played a number on her flute, I on my clarinet plus we sanga duet. Mrs. Kawabata a regular attendee of our congregation), played two violinsolos plus two duets with her husband (who plays a flugelhom). Our final numberwas a piano selection by our guest pianist. At the end of the musical part of theprogram Mrs. Oka, Mrs. Anezaki, and Verla served the refreshments. They weresurprised that almost all of the 18 guests started out with 3 of Verla's homemadecookies, leaving most of the Japanese treats untouched. In our fellowship timetogether, we discovered that the main reason some of them came was to eat Verla'scookies. Little did Verla know when she left Ames Iowa that her gift of cookingwould become an evangelistic tool.

TH NKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Day is not celebrated in Japan. But on November 23rd there is aholiday called Thanks for Labor Day . It is unlike our holiday where families gatherfor a scrumptious meal of turkey with all the trimmings, pumpkin pie, etc. Neitherare there any parades or football games on TV. For them it is not a day to givethanks to God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon them, but simply_a dayoff from work. On that day, however, many of our missionary co-workers gathered inTokyo at Mom and Dad Sims for a festive potluck diimer, followed by a specialservice where every individual had an opportunity to share something they werethankful for

My youngest brother Dan and his family came to Japan November 19 for a 2-week vacation. Being bom and raised in Japan, Dan wanted his two daughters toexperience some of Japan's culture, foods, etc. We were delighted that Dan's familywas able to spend most of November 24th with us. For them to be here was a greatencouragement. We would love to have any of you spend time with us. But youmight be more comfortable if you chose a season other than winter. BurrVerla and I have been in Japan for slightly more than one year now. It has notbeen an easy year, yet God has seen us through every situation. Time and again God

has sustained us and lifted us up in His special way. We are happy to report theconfirmation by our doctor that Verla is indeed pregnant (due August 6). Praise theLord for answered prayer We are overjoyed But at the same time, we're a littleapprehensive since we lost our first child. Plus it's very difficult for Verla to have to


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go to a doctor/hospital where only a few words of English are spoken. But we knowthat God will again see us through.CHMSTMAS ACTIVITIES

Since Verla wasn t feeling very well due to her pregnancy Mrs. Okavolunteered to provide all of the treats for the Christmas Eve candleli^t service thisyear. But as Christmas drew near all Verla could think about was how disappointedthe guests would be. So on December 21 and 23 she baked two kinds of cookies fora total 15 dozen

We were delighted to have 20 people attend our Christmas Eve service some ofthem first timers. One of those was the mother of one of my English students. Thesecond was a couple we met last summer. Although the Takahashi s are strongBuddhists even having an idol in their back yard we decided to invite them anyway.We were thrilled they came especially since they live a distance from the Joel Home.Our program included congregational sinpTU^ u short message a concert and thensongs by request. The coffee time was ixing atmosphere where everyonereally seemed to enjoy themselves. As thv prepared to leave we noticed thatalmost everyone had wrapped several of Vena s cookies to take home showing usthat her efforts were indeed well appreciated. You might have thought that 15 dozencookies were an awful lot but Verla wanted extra to send home with each of ourcongregational members.With Christmas being on a Sunday this year we had a quiet day at home. Buton December 29 Mom and Dad Sims drove here for a belated celebration. We had agreat day talking laughing and eating together.

Please pray that God touches the hearts of the Japanese people through ourministry. Thank you for your continued prayers love and support. May God trulybless you in 1995.Ephesians 6:23 24 Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God theFather and the Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Jonathan Verla Sims4 17 30 ROKKAKUBASHIKanagawa KuYokohama-Shi 221 Japan

LAUREL AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST Non-Profit Org.1126 Laurel Avenue pChesapeake. Virginia 5 Chesapeake VAAddress Correction Requested PERMIT NO. 48

MISSIONS SERVICES ASSOCIATIONBOX 2427KNOXVIUE IN 37901

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Sims Jonathan Verla 1994 Japan