Due to the accident a year and a half ago, Grant’s mom continues to be unable to use her left arm and is very weak in her left leg. This has prevented her from doing some of her favorite things in life, such as cross-stitching, go on walks, and riding a bike. Annually, my mom would walk around 20 miles from the south side of Des Moines to the northern suburb of Ankeny, just for the fun of it. I can remember her offering to pay for my golf if I would join her on a 20-mile walk when I was a teen (I never took her up on it).

For Mother’s Day, my sisters and dad found her a great innovative bike. It seemed to be designed with her in mind. It is a trike, which allows her to balance. She can strap her feet in, since on leg is weak and hard to manage. The gears and brake is also on the right side, which is the only hand that functions. My dad sent us a few videos and she has not appeared so happy and smiley in a long time. We are very grateful for her to regain her joy of biking.

Thanks for praying for my family and her. There is still a long way to go for a full recovery. No matter what happens, we trust that God’s grace is sufficient and we hold on to the hope that heaven awaits where there are no paralyzed people or wounds.

This past week focused on how God created us good but how sin became a reality for each of our lives. Sin in Japan is translated “tsumi” which means a crime. This makes it tough for people here to concede that they are “sinners,” since most average people don’t break the law or commit major crimes. Since people can’t have guns here, violent crime is ridiculously low in Japan compared to other countries. On the surface, it is a safe country with nice people; although this does not mean they are free from sin. We only made it halfway through our material this week due to a great discussion on what is right or wrong. We gave them a list of acts and asked if they think this is good (+), bad (-), neutral (=), or depends on the case (?). Some of our list were things like: lie, steal, disobey parents, get angry, pride, jealousy, etc. We didn’t want a clear cut case of assumed wrongs, but were surprised by their responses. There were various ideas and explanations to go with their answers. For instance, disobeying parents was said to depend on the case since parents are humans and make mistakes too. Observant teen! One teens said getting angry is wrong, while others were not sure. Another said if you keep anger to yourself is fine, but just don’t trouble others with it. In Japan, showing emotions, especially anger, is seen as bad and can reek havoc on relationships. It is rare to see people make loud outbursts or blow up, since they are rather stoic. We plan to continue this conversation next class. May God allow them to understand sin and the reason behind Jesus death on our behalf. 

I chose to keep the rough draft as a reminder of how far I have come. After doing my study of Matthew 11:28-30, I came up with an outline and then wrote completely in Japanese, with the great help of my dictionary. It seemed every other sentence would require looking up new words. However, it was with my teacher going line by line that we corrected nearly every sentence. Dictionaries are great but can mislead me in how phrases are actually spoken. I was so thankful that he took so much time to help me select which words are more natural in certain contexts. If this was a paper for college, the amount of red ink would have probably made me cry, but here was a moment that I was extremely grateful to be ripped apart only to help piece together something much better.

I am extremely humbled by how God has allowed me to get to this point. I always joke how in 20+ years of school, the only times I received a “C” was in foreign languages (French, Greek). Yet, I have now been able to preach in three languages (English, French, and Japanese).

For my message based on Matthew 11:28-30, my idea was “Because of Jesus, we can unload our burdens.” I shared how we all carry certain burden or worries with us. People handle them in different ways, such as taking them on alone, relying on friends or families, or plunging into work or studies. Each are good but limited from caring for everything in our lives. This then points to Jesus who invites us to come to him to find rest. We can exchange our anxieties for his teaching as we follow. I then link to the great exchange that Jesus offers, by pointing to the cross and what he accomplished on our behalf. In the end, I asked them to write their burdens down on a piece of paper and bring them to the front underneath the cross to symbolize unloading them to Jesus.

It ended up being one of our largest services, since we invited four friends. I am grateful to the opportunity and hope my Japanese continues to improve to the point that I won’t need as much time preparing or correction. Yet, I am also glad that the busy Easter is complete and I can rest a little bit

I will try to get the recording of the message and post a link to listen or download it. I’ll keep you posted on this.    You can listen to the sermon (without English translation) here: http://soundcloud.com/grant-buchholtz/grant-japanese-sermon. 

While I would speak every chance I could get, we also realize that both of us are gifted and have unique voices to bring to our church. It feels like a new day, as Miho is ready to preach this upcoming Sunday. Her need for prep time means more effort on my part to watch Allie, but it has created a healthier dynamic for our entire family. Miho even was able to practice on her parents; to which they replied, “Subarashii” (Wonderful).

Our vision this year for the church was laid out recently at a vision meeting. The pastor chose 1 Corinthians 12 as the theme, in which we serve the Body in love. Miho will be preaching from 1 Corinthians 13 on the idea that everything we do needs to be covered in love. It is good to have her hop back in the saddle Since coming back from America, life and ministry feels much less stressful and more positive/healthy.

1. Positive Differences- a. Japanese organizational skills. With over 10,000 volunteers, they made this event run so smooth. One example was the baggage trucks at the start of the race. You could load your clothes, phones, etc. and find it at the end of the race. Within seconds of approaching your area, the people could read your bib number and hand you your bag. Amazing!

b. Cosplay (dressing up in costumes) is not just for kids or nerds. While most businessmen were suits and all look alike on weekdays, this was one venue for them to show some creativity and silliness. My next door neighbor ran as a watermelon. Some other costumes were samarai, Pac-Man, Spiderman, a wedding dress, and even a Suntory whisky bottle. An older Japanese man ran as Jesus, complete with no shoes or shirt, but only a loin cloth and a giant cross on his back. Crazy!　(See some photos: http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2133023271594908701/2133025863195756103)

c. Cultural Performances- All throughout the race, groups performed music or dance. I saw women in kimono dancing or playing the shamisen (traditional Japanese instrument similar to a banjo). There were drummers, kids dance groups, hulu dancers, and even a gospel choir. Paris and Barcelona did not have these same levels of cultural groups. It was a great window into Japan.

2. Negative Aspects- a. What the other two European cities had were charm and architectural beauty (especially all the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona). Tokyo was all the same for 26 miles. It was glass and steel skyscrapers with businesses, restaurants, and convenient stores with a few shrines and the Imperial Palace mixed in. What lacked in aesthetic beauty was made up in the enthusiastic crowds and performances.

b. The food along the race was very Japanese, which typically I would love. They had over 100,000 bananas, which were great. I had so many of them and raisins. But, in the last part of the race, they added pickled plums, M&Ms, and anpan (cake with sweet bean paste). This did not mix well in my stomach. Up until 30km, I was on pace to finish under 4 hours. The last 10 km’s were rough, though on my stomach and not my legs. I ended up finishing at 4:23.

3. Final Observations

This race has become a cultural phenomenon. It is broadcast on tv and has a number of interviews and shows afterwards. One man they highlighted was a man from the tsunami-affected area. He ended up proposing to his girlfriend at the end of the race. I am so grateful to have been able to participate in this cultural moment.

Since our 2-year term ends this Fall, we have begun thinking deeply and wisely about what we can do in this season to best help our church. We are looking forward to some new plans to connect with teens, while also coordinating the home stay program in the summer. We also began talking about how to equip and train the church members, since we will not be here forever. So many things to look forward to

Up until last month, the government continued to keep the same levels for everyone, kids and adults, for radiation (500 bq per kilo). Now, they set infant products at 200 bq/kilo. Much lower, but may not comfort too many parents. The recalled formula only had 15 bq of one type of cesium and 16 of another type. Together, this is a fraction of the legal limit. They have no obligation to pull such amounts from stores. However, it seems that parents are causing concern. Though it is lower than government-set limits, would you want to knowingly buy the main nutrition for your infant that has radiation in it? Thus, Meiji pulled the products.

This highlights the ongoing concern we have been wrestling with over the past few months. Just because things are sold in stores does not make them necessarily safe. Just because they are under the legal limit does not seem to provide total relief. It seems as though we are not alone in these feelings for young children. While these small amounts do not seem to pose high danger, it is still unforeseen what exposure to it over long periods of time can do. Though small, these parents do not seem to want to run that risk. Pray for us as we continue to wrestle through our desire to remain here along with our desire to protect and care for Allie.

Our first day was spent driving up along the coast and witnessing the devastation that we had only seen in photos and videos. I will share more about this in the next post. For now, I will just say that seeing it up close and personal was surreal and heavy. Also, photos are coming.

1. Overview of Our Work

We visited two temporary housing sites, which are basically glorified trailers that extend row after row with hundreds of people living at each site. Through our continual presence, they have welcomed us into their community center. We were able to host a “Mobile Cafe,” where we demonstrated making soba noodles and “takoyaki” (octopus balls that look like hushpuppies). People could come and go, enjoying good food, drinks, and conversation. At one point, we brought out blankets for them to pick up, as winter is coming soon. We also had a table with free Christian books, Bibles, and children’s books. As there are few foreigners in that area, they seemed very surprised to see Americans. By the end of our time, we all became experts at making takoyaki. Over the months of meeting with these people and serving, we have heard from Michio that several of them have come to faith! This is incredible, given that for hundreds of miles of coastline in that area there are only seven Evangelical churches! It is the least populated area of Japan, with many small fishing villages. They are cautious of outsiders and religious groups. Yet, I sensed a warmness, humility, and appreciation of our presence and care.

We also were able to distribute food to homes in several neighborhoods. Just a few hundred yards in front of these homes were barren foundations of homes washed away and destroyed. Most of these people were elderly. Nobody turned down any food we offered. There was no shame in accepting food. With all the stores destroyed in their area, we heard that some would have to wait for a bus and ride 45 minutes to another town to get groceries.

2. Impressions of People There

Japanese people in general are very resilient. The town we were in, Taro, had experienced tsunamis in the late 1800s and 1930s. They built a wall over 30 feet tall. Yet, at some points, the wave measured around 100 foot tall! On the town hall, which was just up the hill from a completely destroyed area, was a sign that said “We are a tsunami-ready town.” How do you pick up the pieces of a town that lost most everything? One lady said that she might be living in that temporary home for the next two years. The fishing industry is now 10% what it had been. For most older men, it seems overwhelming to think about a career change and finding work in that area. The physical needs are being cared for now, with homes in place, food supplies slowing coming in, and gas stations and convenience stores being reconstructed. Yet, it is unknown what these communities will become. We also pray that these events will open them to their spiritual needs. How do you find hope for a new day and life?

With the mass media moving on from this story, please keep these people in mind. This is just the beginning for their lives and society to be rebuilt. Much has been done already, but there is so much that remains to be done. Pray for those working up there and for these affected families.

1. Yesterday, a junior high boy came with good news to the Language Cafe. Turns out that his report card showed he had B or worse grades in every subject except an A in English listening! This must have made his dad proud (and convinced to keep sending him to our Language Cafe!). I (Grant) always knew Miho was a good teacher, turns out he is a success story.

2. We start our Junior High ministry next Sunday, the 18th. Not only is the church neighbor sending her daughter, but told us she is going to call some friends to invite their teenagers too. Word of mouth always trumps other publicity.

3. Two of our church members will be heading up to the Tohoku area next week to serve with the relief efforts. As a small church with few “mission trip” opportunities, this is exciting to see a few people take steps to serve and help in this way.

Allie walking with Miho

4. Allie is growing up too fast. She now acts like a senior citizen Since she loves walking and we are concerned about radiation at the park, she has a new hobby: mall-walking! We are also witnessing her strong will, as she loves the freedom to go where she wants, rather than be led or held by us. She it too cute strutting around in her little Pumas. It never gets old hearing strangers say “Kowaii” to her (which means “Cute”).

Knowing our ink was getting low, I bought a replacement the other day and finally installed it last night when I was getting ready to print out music and my sermon. Only to find out I bought the wrong cartridge and it didn’t work. I couldn’t print anything, even using another color. Fortunately, God made a way with my recent gift of an Ipad from my dad. I was able to load the chords for all the songs and even have my sermon on hand (and it worked!!!). Next, I was tuning my guitar that I finally got from my dad. This was to be the first Sunday I was leading worship. Sure enough, a string broke and I didn’t have a spare set. Once again, we had a spare guitar on hand that we borrowed from a friend awhile back. Third, this morning as I entered the church building, the lights wouldn’t work. Turned out the breaker had flipped. I turned on the breaker, but it immediately went off again. Frustrated, I thought of what to do. No lights, no A/C, what could we do? I then went one by one through the switches and found only one was not working. It was the lights for the entrance. Yet, everything in the sanctuary worked fine! Finally, we had planned on a young adult BBQ today after service. Unfortunately, many friends we invited were busy or away this weekend. Yet, we invited some families and they accepted to come. It has been so hot here for weeks. Then, this weekend it decides to rain! We wavered on whether to have it or just postpone. One lady and her child showed up after service, sealing the deal that we will do something.

Apartment "BBQ"

We ended up “grilling” on the stove at our apartment and having the meal in our living room. Instead of being for the young adults, they ended up serving everyone else by cooking and even cleaning up! Even with the rain, sixteen people came out with more than half being from outside the church! Not what we planned, but it turned out to be a great time together.

For the service, God came through and used us despite all these problems. Allie was quiet and good during service, though we couldn’t watch her since we were either presiding, leading music, or preaching. Though I could not put in the time I desire for sermon prep (mainly due to Allie not allowing me many long concentrated study times), a few people expressed how God spoke to them through the message. While it is common to hear comments or praises from people after a service in America, people here are not typically expressive. This has bothered me a bit since I never know how they respond to the message. Today, I was reminded of Paul speaking about God using the weak things of the world. Funny how the times I feel I am best prepared and on point may not be the most powerful messages, but those moments when I have doubts about how it will all work out are when God really uses my preaching.