The 'Busy' Week

Well, after our first week, which was already intense by most standards, we’ve started what the Ghents are calling our ‘busy week’. We finished off by hosting a Canada Harvest Day where we cooked for about 80 people some of our own home-grown recipes. All of us were cooking from 9 am to 4pm to prepare ham, broccoli slaw, twice-baked potatoes, and butter tarts. (It was the last day before I did my laundry so all I had was a nice dress shirt to wear. Needless to say, I felt like one of those television cooks running around.) This week is mostly ministering to pre-school kids and their teachers, in the hope to reach out to families and inspire the younger generations. A couple days ago, we were doing a concert up at an elementary school with over 400 kids (imagine the influence for the sake of the Kingdom!!). After each encounter, we’re given a chance to greet the kids and ‘cause some havoc’ as Martin Ghent would describe it. Many handshakes have been given, hi-fives exchanged and kids hoisted and carried around in the hopes that they would see Christ through us. On a side note, it’s an interesting experience to have children rush you for your autograph… no, we’re NOT rock stars, that’s not why we’re here.
It has been inspiring and encouraging to hear from all of you back home and know that you are uplifting us in your thoughts and prayers. You are joining with all the missionaries, parents, and volunteers here that have been interceding for us before we arrived and since we’ve been here. We have just come off a stretch of heading up concerts in seven preschools in the last two days and there is plenty in front of us to do. Our last week holds another Canada event/concert tomorrow, an overnight youth sleepover at the church tonight, a larger concert and BBQ on Sunday at the new church site, and a four day OMF conference to end off our last bit of our trip.
Here in Japan, there is much freedom to express the gospel message and proclaim Christ, literally to the nations. People will probably listen, but may not accept. The songs we sing are mainly in English and we’re able to sing them in schools that are even strongly opposed to any Christian influence. Most of the kids would not comprehend our language, but we trust that they will see our passion and joy in what we’re doing and as a result, see Christ through us. For all of us, we are doing our best to remember that each new day brings opportunities to witness before new groups of kids in a way in which they will know that they are seeing something real and true and that there is a God who cares for them. May the tenth time we sing a song or dance a routine be as full-hearted and committed as the first.
In getting to know and minister to the Ghents, the team has learned not only a lot about what goes on in church planting in this part of Japan, but also the darker side that is rotting away the underbelly of this culture. There is a lot of hurt and pain in the people here, though most would not admit to it or would rather turn a blind eye. Some people are gripped by their Buddhist or Shinto animistic beliefs, praying and worshipping to everything under the sun, to the sun itself. The large mountain that looms over this entire area is considered to be one of their greater gods. In talking with the Ghents, it is evident that many are coming to the church looking for a sense of refuge, protection, or escape, rather than spiritual curiosity or longing. Some are drawn in by the services, by the promise of learning English, ballet, parenting classes and youth programs and as a result families start to attend. It’s heart-breaking to hear stories of abused families, teachers impregnating students and children being raised more by themselves than their parents. It becomes that much more important for the message we’re sharing; and of the work that the Lord is doing through us, even if it is just witnessing to hundreds of kids by a simple song to let them see some joy and hope.
Pray for strength, health, spiritual formation, team harmony, and a continual focus on the ministry God has called us to. Please also pray for the events and everyone God will lead to them. Look for more personal blog blurbs soon!

Sayonara,
Jon

Personal Blogs #1

Jono’s Blog Blurb
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I still love being here; every day has something new and exciting to experience and do. Today we went to visit a 400 year old Shinto shrine at the bottom of Mount Iwaki; it was really beautiful and very educational. On our way out we stopped to talk to the head priest of the shrine,. He was the kind of person with a perpetual smile on his face and a joyful glint in his eye and a tricky sense of humour. We ended up chatting with him for half an hour about whales and living in harmony with nature and all the other things you would expect a Japanese Shinto Priest to talk about. When he found out we were a music team from Canada he asked us to sing him a song. So we sang “Nothing but the blood” for him and Martin explained the words of the song to him. We should probably pray for him. For lunch we went to the beach and ate raw Sea Urchin, freshly barbequed squid and some kind of snail. Every meal that we’ve eaten here in Japan has been more delicious than the last.

I’m very happy to be here in Japan – the country is beautiful, the people are beautiful, and God is beautiful. It’s exactly the kind of change that my tired self has needed for a while now. I’m feeling much better about things since I’ve been here and figuring out a lot about what I want to do with my future. I’m fairly sure that I’m going to end up coming back to Japan for a longer period of time after I graduate. There are a lot more things I want to explore here. We’re just in a small rural (Well, if half a million people is considered small and rural) province of Japan and there are so many things to learn that you could spend your lifetime in just this one area and still learn new things. It’s really cool.

As for prayer requests… You can obviously pray for Japan which is one of the most secular nations in the world and which is having a lot of internal struggles. Pray, like the Shinto priest, for world peace; peace between people and themselves, and between people and nature. Pray for the team, that we will continue to be excited as we have to visit 7 schools in three days; we are going to need a supernatural amount of energy. And pray that we can live in the present and not be distracted by the future or the past.

Jess' Blog Blurb
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I think one of the most important lessons I've learned while being here is that as a result of the nature of work that is done here I've learned how to praise God for the little things. Because it takes on average about 10-12 years for a person to become a baptized believer even being able to start a simple conversation goes a long way in planting the seed. By doing all these concerts, the Ghents are able to meet people and invite them out to the various ministries that they do; whether it is English class, parenting class, cooking class or even Bible study. By seeing the excitement on the faces of Ruth and Martin in meeting someone new I have seen tangible ways in which God can be praised, even if by everyone else's standards it seems insignificant. I hope that I will be able to carry this new mindset home with me so that I can be truly thankful for everything that God blesses us with.

What we see....

Here are some pictures to enjoy:

Joanna and Abby with butter tarts

Colin and Jono making broccoli salad

Pre-schoolers doing 'Deep & Wide'

Beat, the Ghents, Jono, Abby, and Jon overlooking Tsugaru region

Colin and Jessica demonstrating hockey

Ruth and a teacher from a Jr. High school

The Ghents and Armin at the chapel

Teachers and students from concert

Jon and Jessica with children from the concert

Concert

Leading worship on Sunday morning

Joanna and Emily

Jon and Hironami

Colin and Abby at a japanese restaurant

Blogging away...

The First Week

We’ve hit the Aomori soil running and God has used us in many great ways. The days have been filled with preparation, practice, traveling, and performing. During this first week, we’ve had the opportunity to minister in church services and schools to parents, teachers, and of course, students.
On Sundays, our responsibilities are at Tsugaru church, mainly teaching English and leading worship in service. After service last weekend, we traveled up to the Kanagi township, put on a concert at a community hall and then led worship at a small church plant. In that region we’ve been working with Armin Messer and his family; German missionaries with OMF. Yesterday, they organized a short assembly at a preschool where we got to interact with and play worship music for hundreds of kids. Their hope is that these concerts will be able to connect families with the church and the programs they run.
Last Tuesday, the team played before approximately 400 elementary students and today we were at a Jr. High school. One of the ways we are wishing to bless the students here is not only to represent the joy in our hearts while we worship, but also to invite them to evangelistic events and to get them in contact with the missionaries and church planters here in the area. In the evening, we bake many batches of cookies to take with us to hand out to the children as well. Since we’re representing Canada, all the cookies we’ve made so far have either been maple leaf-shaped or moose-shaped maple-pecan!
We’ve been working hard to use many different forms of art in our presentations. There are action songs led by Jessica and Abby; a contemporary dance to the song ‘Before The Throne of God Above’ done by Joanna and Abby; a hip hop dance to the Mary Mary song ‘Shackles’ involving Joanna, Abby and myself; and a skit done by the whole group to the Lifehouse song ‘Everything’. We also have self-introductions and a brief blurb about Canada, normally done enthusiastically by Jono. If anyone is wondering, the worship songs we lead and play are mostly modern contemporary ones, including some of the popular ones from the last decade.
As I write this, there is an English class that half the team will be helping out with this evening, many cookies to be made for tomorrow’s preschool event, and a concert we are prepping for tomorrow evening in Kanagi. Please pray for continual strength, a renewal of spirit, and as always, a committed focus on God and His purposes. Every little bit goes toward advancing His Kingdom!
Check the blog in a couple days for some personal blurbs from the team an our prayer requests.


Sayonora,

Jon

Traveling North

For today’s team devotional, we studied 1 Corinthians 12 & 13, looking specifically at spiritual gifts and living a life rooted in holy and righteous love. We encouraged each other as we opened ourselves to areas we felt challenged and convicted of. The team was able to see how each of us plays unique, but important, roles in the calling we are all following. Our prayer: that God will help us to dream big from a loving heart, being patient, kind, never self-seeking, and always waiting on Him to do amazing works.
On Thursday, our last day of orientation, we were exposed to the religious climate of Japan and saw the heart of OMF for Japan in the ministries they’ve been involved with and hence, their mission statement of planting reproducing vibrant churches. The staff shared that it normally takes 10-15 years for a church to become independent and about the same time for someone to come to know and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. They expressed their appreciation of short term mission teams and showed us how they play a part in reaching Japan for the Kingdom. They love to meet people with a heart for those God has lovingly created. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Luke 10:2.
Our team had the privilege to head up a prayer meeting, lead worship and spend some time before the Lord with the community of OMF staff workers. It was a powerful time when people poured out their souls, showed their dependence and trust in God, and shared their heartbreak for their ministries. I was especially touched when we were specifically praying for the staff, they began to pray for us. Here are some of their prayer requests:
- OMF East Japan Conference (and for us as we prepare to lead worship there)
- Kenji & Miyako – to recognize that they are sinful beings and turn to the Lord
- Kusaka – that she would come to the church and know Christ
- A Powerpoint presentation for a staff worker’s home church in New Zealand and pray for support for all of the workers
- A youth worship night that a staff and a pastor are organizing and heading up, especially with the worship team’s unity and confidence
- A staff who has been with OMF for 3 years that is transitioning back home, that God would show him the next step
That night, we went to an area in Japan, named Ochanamizu, that was lined with stores that sold musical instruments. Colin was able to find a suitable guitar with a pickup to use for the time we were here and I bought a used djembe to use for all our acoustic sessions. We were able to visit the Christian bookstore and surprisingly found it very similar, in mood and atmosphere, to ones in Canada. They even sold many of the same products, albeit translated in Japanese, but we knew what they were because of their covers. To end the night, we visited Akihabara, or as it was introduced to us: Japan’s Electric Town. We saw many flashy gadgets and gizmos, but at the same time, it was hard to hear stories of and even witness how people would spend many hours a day in front of arcades and slot machines, wasting away a lot of time and money.
Jon’s side note: One of the coolest cultural things I noticed were their many options for umbrellas. Not only do they have stands in front of stores, but also plastic sleeves and even areas to lock up umbrellas. They also bike or take the transit here a lot more than drive cars. Wow!

Akihabara

Akihabara

On Friday, May 30, we checked out of our rooms at OMF headquarters and boarded the a north train to Hachinohe, and transferred over to Namioka in Aomori. We were met by Bethany, the Ghent’s eldest daughter, and Yuriko, one of the church ladies. They drove us (on the left side of the road) up to Tsugaru church and coffee shop, where we will be situated for the next two and a half weeks.

Rice Fields

Coffee Shop

Tsugaru Church

Jess and Bethany driving toward the Tsugaru church

There are a few other short term missionaries here that we will be working alongside, if not directly with. We were able to meet a number of the ladies that volunteer and help out at Tsugaru, who also were kind enough to cook us dinner as well. Our ministry began last night: Jono, Joanna, and I helped Aaron and Naomi Ghent with the youth group, playing games, singing worship songs in English and Japanese, and a sharing of a testimony (which Aaron translated); Colin was meeting with the Ghents to plan out all of our concerts, worship nights, church services, over our two weeks; and Jess and Abby helped out in the English Bible study. This morning, we were involved in translating songs, testing and ordering sound equipment, and making an inventory of the Canadian gifts we brought.

Jess and Abby organizing all of the Canadian gifts

Colin and Jono working on the office computer

Joanna translating songs with Bethany

Please continue to uphold us in prayer as we strive to be diligent with our time and energy, not really knowing all that God has set for us to do, but try to be as willing and open to anything we may be called and led to.

Japan Team Prayer Requests:
-protection against any form of spiritual attacks
-discernment, wisdom, and awareness of the things of God and what He is doing
-good rest and general health and energy
-continual team unity and focus on ministry
-cultural awareness
-healing for Bethany’s swollen eye
-Aaron: being wise with his time to finish high school, driving school, and preparing for a Tokyo high school outreach before he needs to begins his studies at Moody Bible Institute
-Coffee shop ladies: Nozomi (viral sickness during her pregnancy); Yukuri (immediate family relationship and working challenges); Akibu (growing of her new faith)

Jo’s Short Blurb:
Last night, as Ruth was sharing about the struggles of their church members, she mentioned things that I could identify with—things that I usually leave out of my testimony in more “western crowds”, because it is mostly irrelevant for, let’s say, Canadians in general. As she was speaking, I felt so strongly led to prepare to testify about this. Please pray that I would have the strength of heart to allow God to let these things resurface and bring healing to. It’s always hard to be broken yet again. May God speak to me again about these things so that I may joyfully tell of His faithfulness, love, and glory. Thanks, all! J

Arriving in Tokyo

On 9:15 am Monday morning, members of the Tyndale staff and student body sent off the Japan mission team with a time of prayer and goodbyes. It was a great way to start for us as Barb Haycraft, the Dean of Students, “commissioned” us through her warm words and blessings.
With much enthusiasm, the six of us traveled to Toronto Pearson airport, where we boarded one of Air Canada’s newest jets to begin our direct flight to Tokyo, Japan. The trip was approximately 13 hours and we took the time to rest, practice our Japanese, read, and relax with some on-board movies. We arrived just after 3:00 pm local time in Japan to a balmy and humid afternoon. OMF representatives Kenton and Steve were on hand to greet us, help us with changing our currency, get our train tickets and rail passes, and take us to the OMF’s head office.

Japan Team at Toronto Pearson airport

Jono, Jess, Joanna, and Colin on the train

Jon, Abby, and Kenton on the train

OMF International Headquarters

Actually, the city in which the OMF Headquarters is located is called Ichikawa, which is adjacent to Tokyo itself. Since arriving, we’ve had many first-hand opportunities to be exposed to Japanese culture and learn from the orientation seminars taught by Steve, Kenton, and other missionaries. During our time here so far, we have had sessions on cultural etiquette, local greetings and communication, team building, and planning for our time for the rest of the trip. One of the OMF staff gave us a taste of the awesome time we would have in ministering at their annual Eastern conference to the missionaries and their families. It was also encouraging to pray together, have time to spend with the Lord and His Word, and hear the personal stories of how God has individually led us to this particular mission trip. To end off the day and help us get around by ourselves, we were sent out in pairs on a scavenger hunt to observe Japanese daily life and customs, finding a number of very interesting items along the way.
We have one more full day of orientation left and then off to the Tsugaru church in Aomori on Friday morning. Though we are all still trying to get over jet lag and our bodies are exhausted from a whole day’s worth of activities, we are all still very excited to be here and wait in great anticipation and hope for everything that God has been preparing for us to see, do, and His movement in our lives.

Prayer Requests:
-focus on present ministry in Japan
-the Japanese people (the nation and those who will be ministering to)
-protection against any form of spiritual attacks
-discernment, wisdom, and awareness of the things of God and what He is doing
-good rest and general health
-continual team unity

Sayonara,
Jon

Four Days To Go

Konnitiwa!

In just a few short days, six students from Tyndale University College & Seminary will be embarking on a missions trip to Japan, or Nihon as they say it! The team is comprised of: Colin Owen, Jessica Sharpe, Abby Scott, Joanna Gorres, Jonathan (Jono) Beckwith, and Jon Nip.


Despite many efforts and the technological advancements, Japan continues to be one of the most unreached countries in the world. Though the culture, especially younger generations, have been influenced by Western ideologies and ways of living, this country remains rooted in Shinto, Buddhism, and numerous cults. Native Japanese people may even know some gospel songs, though they do not understand the words they are singing, nor does it impact their lives.

Our team will be using our creative and artistic gifts (music, dance, and drama) to interact, build relationships, and share the gospel message of Jesus within schools, events, and church groups. Included in this opportunity is the chance for our team to lead worship for OMF’s East Japan Conference. In addition, we will be helping the missionary family, the Ghents, working along side
them in their passion and call to minister in their particular area of Aomorie. There may even be oppurtunities to use our Canadian cooking chops in their bookstore!

In preparation for the trip, we have spent time praying with one another, meeting up to team-build, sharing our testimonies, assigning specific roles, and researching Japanese customs. While in Toronto, we took the oppurtunity to visit a Japanese church to observe their worship services and particular style of ministry. It was a valuable learning experience as we were able to meet with the pastors and even the Ghent's son, Micah, who has been in Canada for a while. They answered many of our cultural and church questions and gave us all a somewhat crash course on Japanese phrases. Needless to say, we were all falling over ourselves in trying to pronounce the words, but we'll be ready to go when we get there :) Lastly, the father of the missionary family, (Martin) had to make a urgent return to Canada for some family reasons and he was gracious enough to meet us immediately after arriving in Toronto. He gave us a brief overview of what we will be involved with and let us know some answers to our logistical questions.

Over the last few months, God has given us a heart for Japan and her people and has been preparing our path. Though in many ways we are stepping out in faith, we are all excited to go to serve, be a blessing to the missionary family, and see the the amazing things the Lord has set for us to do, experience, and be transformed by. We have already been very blessed with wonderful supporters, who have commited to praying for and financially supporting us. (including you!) As we start this journey, we would ask that you continue to uphold us in your prayers.

Please pray for:

-the unity, health, and safety of our team

-the reception of the gospel message by Japanese people

-the believers and all ministry workers in Japan

-the missionary family

Keep checking this blog for updated news, specific prayer items, and more pictures!

Sayonara and PEACE!

Jon