Posted by: grantmiho | May 5, 2011

Are We Normal?

We just got off an incredibly encouraging Skype talk with our Pastor Dave from Highrock. Hearing all that we have been going through since the March 11th disasters, he offered great perspective, pastoral advice, and reassurance into all the things we are stressed over or feeling. It was great to hear from others that marital tension or problems are completely normal with any first-time parents, let alone those facing multiple disasters.

Out of curiosity, a few weeks back we looked at some online “Life Change” psychological tests. These are the ones that usually measure the amount of stress you are probably under related to changes in your life by asking questions about work life, family life, recent moves, etc. A high percentage of our unique “changes” failed to show up on these tests. Aside from that, we are already at a high level, given that in the past six or so months we have: moved in multiple countries, had a baby, changed jobs, learning a new language, had a health crisis as my mom had a stroke and burns, adjusting to a new country, change in roles within the family (as Grant can’t drive here, pay bills, etc.), and the list goes on. Add into the mix some earthquakes, fear of radiation, concern over what we feed Allie, if we can take her outside safely, and if our building is safe amidst earthquakes, the situation becomes that much more volatile.

Our conversation tonight reminded that every parent faces issues in regards to different parenting styles, personalities, ways of doing things. Given these extra pressures, it is no wonder that life is stressful as we try to protect our home, guard against contaminated food, lack sleep, think about moving to a new apartment, etc. As we try to navigate through this difficult time, it is reassuring to know that any family would face certain pressures and tensions given these circumstances. Though we feel like is getting better for our family, we still face certain pressures for our family’s safety, are in need of rest, and feel like there is something new to think about every week. Please pray for our family as we continue to serve here in Japan.

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Posted by: grantmiho | April 28, 2011

Fit for Church Planting?

Recently we received an amazing care package from our dear friends at Highrock Church in Boston. Not only did Allie get many clothes, but we also gladly received recycled magazines (as everything is new to us here). In Leadership Journal, we read an amazing article about how church planters are assessed and affirmed in their calling. One interesting observation was how former Highrock pastor, Peter Sung, was quoted several times in the article (he now leads the ECC church planting).

We were struck by a classic list of qualities typically looked for in a prospective church planter. This caused us to have a wonderful conversation about how we see ourselves (or don’t) in this list.

They are:

1. Visioning Capacity- From starting a youth group to creating an ideal ministry plan for these two years, we are growing in this capacity to see our dream future and work towards that target with all our hearts. (btw, we have been highly impacted by this trait evident in our two main supporting churches, especially in Pastor Dave at Highrock and a different Pastor Dave at P’s and G’s in Edinburgh).

2. Intrinsically Motivated- Even now, nobody is giving us a job description and a timesheet to fill out. You will definitely flounder as a missionary (or church planter) if the drive to serve, initiate, and be proactive is not there. We are constantly thinking about new ideas, plans, and dreams.

3. Creates Ownership of Ministry- This is one area that I (Grant) hoped to do in our youth ministry, but sense the need to grow as it is easy to hold on to ministries rather than truly empower others to take charge and run with it.

4. Relates to the Unchurched- Being in a bubble of seminary life and church work made it tough to maintain this trait. Yet, Miho has always shown a natural knack at relating to most anybody, particularly other Japanese. Perhaps Grant’s laidback attitude allows him to listen to others, while withholding judgment and offending non-Christians before a relationship is built.

5. Spousal Cooperation- This is one trait that is strongly present, as we would not be here if we did not both sense the same passion and vision.

6. Effectively Builds Relationships- Again, Miho seems more gifted than me in this area. Though, we both strive at initiating and constantly working on relationships. We are trying to maintain our long-time friendships while always looking at for new people to connect with. Now with a baby, this is both a challenge and a blessing (at least with other young families).

7. Commitment to Church Growth- Coming from several dynamic, growing churches and ministries, Japanese church life certainly makes this a challenge. Yet, we refuse to lose hope that God can and will grow the church.

8. Responsive to the Community- Figuring out what our community is looking for and needs is always on our mind. Especially as Japanese people are suspicious of the church and what goes on there, we need to be extremely proactive to express our love and care for their lives, concerns, and needs, rather than secluding ourselves.

9. Utilizes Giftedness of Others- We have over and over realized the limitations in ourselves to do ministry, which is why we are very excited to have Tommy join us. Our language cafe also would not run very well without the help of those who have helped in multiple ways. It has been exciting to see gifts coming alive at our church already.

10. Flexible and Adaptable- We regularly make plans, but follow the Spirit’s leading. To cling stubbornly to our ideas and desires would result in immense frustration both here and in any previous ministries. Our personalities really help us meet this quality.

11. Builds Group Cohesiveness- We are striving for this, as we realize how powerful a loving, unified community is. Perhaps it is one of the best factors for effective evangelism.

12. Resilience- We have certainly gone through alot of changes and points of stress in these past six months. Yet, we are still here. Somehow God continues to give us strength and resolve.

13. Exercises Faith- The very fact that we stepped out in faith to serve here demonstrates this. Yet, we don’t want our moments of faith to be in the past tense. We hope our months and years ahead will also marked by moments when we live by faith, follow God’s leading in faith, and take risks in faith.

Reflecting on this list, we are by no means perfect nor equally qualified across this list. Yet, we seek to follow God’s leading in our lives and become people who are marked by qualities such as these in order to make a difference for God through our gifts, efforts, and passions.

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Posted by: grantmiho | April 24, 2011

Our largest service yet

For many American churches, Easter is a major traffic time where services are often multiplied, larger venues used, and people come out of the woodwork. We were very excited to hear that our sending church in Boston, Highrock, was holding Easter services in the Town Hall across the street, as it holds more people. Yet in Japan, there is no Easter tradition for which people might feel compelled to re-visit church for their annual (or with Christmas, their bi-annual) appearance.

With this in mind, we were excited to have our little worship service feel rather full, with over twenty people attending. Despite writing in the local newspaper, several new people came through the simple personal invitation. At our Language Cafe this week, a lady from our church casually invited the others in the group to come on Sunday for Easter and enjoy our potluck meal afterwards. Surprisingly, two women accepted, with one coming for the her first time! We also had a few occasional attendees and a teenage girl come. Finally, our dear friend Tommy showed up for the first time as he just moved to the Yokosuka Navy Base this week, which is just over an hour away. As he has taught English in Japan and studied Japanese in college, he was a hit when introducing himself in Japanese 🙂 We were very happy to hear him say that he hopes this we be his “atarashii kyoukai no kazoku” (new church family).

One benefit of having older women in the church is that they tend to be great cooks. I remember church potlucks as a kid and always looking for a certain women’s dishes. This is not your typical potluck of casseroles, pies, and buckets of KFC. We enjoyed spare ribs, sushi, smoked salmon, various salads, and other great things.

All in all, a great Easter!

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Posted by: grantmiho | April 16, 2011

The Perplexing Place for Japan’s Government

To start, this is the first time we have written about a politic subject on our blog. Yet, the present situation in Japan demands that we pray for those leading this nation. For all the concern for the many people serving up north with the victims, those in leadership in Tokyo also are and will play a significant role in how the country recovers and copes with what we are experiencing. Though we have no experience in politics, we can only imagine who complex and sensitive it must be for them to lead and speak in times like this.

Here are a few challenges we feel are happening and require prayer:

1. When US had only a few cases of mad cow disease several years ago, Japan quickly banned the entire US supply from being imported. It seemed an overreaction, but they seemed like they wanted to protect their people. Tough for American farmers, but understood. This serves as a backdrop to Japan’s present response.

2. Japan has lightened the radioactive limit on food products, partly due to their previous severely strict policy but also to cope with the major loss and shortage that would be facing everyone here if they held tight control on what could or could not be sold. Highly radioactive food has been burned, but many things are still finding their way onto shelves in grocery stores. Luckily, stores indicate where the produce comes from, so you know if you want to buy it or not (though it doesn’t help for Grant that he can’t read where they come from 😦 ).

3. We have heard that milk from up north has been all combined for processing. This might be due to some having low levels of radiation and other batches with higher levels. This allows it to all pass inspection and not be wasted; though this doesn’t help with our concerns of what we are buying.

4. Since Tokyo is the seat of government, entertainment, finance, business, etc., we must imagine that they fear pronouncing too much concern that would cause unrest in the 25-million plus residents living here. Imagine Washington DC and NYC being emptied of all residents for fear of safety! That could bring the nation to its knees, kill the economy, and slow any chance of recovery. Thus, we understand how delicate they must be in communicating about what is happening and how people should be responding.

5. The current government has built their platform upon the idea of “Transparency.” Yet, many are confused by what national news, government reports, and foreign news is reporting. While some may be overly sensational, others might be too covert with details; leading to distrust and concern among the people here.

For these reasons, please continue to pray for Japan and especially those leading the country. Radiation levels in air and water seem to be decreasing in Tokyo and Yokohama, the US Embassy has issued that things are becoming safe again, but the situation still remains sensitive. It is hard to know how long these fears will loom here. Pray that they will be able to lead honestly and wisely.

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Posted by: grantmiho | April 13, 2011

One Week of Peace in Kobe

With the continual stress of radiation in the air and water, we were able to spend the past week in Kobe, which is in western Japan. Thanks to our generous hosts at Kobe Union Church, we had the joy of staying up on the mountain in a large home owned by a British professor. After keeping Allie from going outside as much as possible, it was fantastic to freely walk, explore, and enjoy the city and beach.

1995 Kobe Earthquake Memorial

Ironically, we escaped from one disaster area only to visit a memorial to a disaster that happened in Kobe 16 years ago! This part of the harbor was kept intact of what it looked like after that major earthquake which killed over 6,000 people. Yet, we felt completely safe there at the present moment. On Thursday night, there was a 7.1 earthquake that woke up many people even as far as Tokyo, though it barely reached Kobe and we didn’t feel anything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visiting the most charming Starbucks ever!

 

On the north side of Kobe, there is a large foreigner district with homes from the 1800s. You can tour these historic homes of British, American, Danish, etc. We stumbled across a Starbucks that is in one of these older homes, which reminded us somewhat of Kennedy’s home in Brookline, MA. Most Starbucks in Japan are quite small with limited seating, but this was ridiculously spacious with tons of rooms and comfy chairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Hanami"- Allie enjoying the Cherry Blossom Viewing

 

One week each year, cherry blossoms (Sakura) come into bloom. All sorts of companies create seasonal sakura-flavored treats, such as Kit-Kat, Starbucks special mocha, Sakura wine, etc. People travel all over to enjoy a picnic watching these trees in full bloom. We happened to be in Kobe during this beautiful brief moment. For many Japanese, these trees display amazing beauty but is fleeting, like life. Along the Shukugawa River, there were literally thousands of people, temporary food stalls selling yakitori (grilled chicken on skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls- similar to hush puppies), and other treats.

Our week flew by, but was a trip we will always remember. Perhaps given our current situation, the simple act of getting away and enjoying up nature and exploring a new city was truly refreshing for our spirits. However, we were welcomed home with a 6.0 earthquake (probably 3-4 scale in our area) upon walking inside our gate. Before we could unlock our front door, we saw the church sign swaying and felt the cement rumble underneath us. Within the next 24 hours, we must have experienced at least 4 more major aftershocks. As you might have read, this has resulted in the government raising the nuclear situation a level-7, on par with Chernobyl’s rating! We felt an urge to get back on the train and enjoy more peace in Kobe. It is unclear if and when things will get better here, but we are walking by faith one day at a time. The radiation in the air is dropping slowly each day. But, water is still scarce and we also worry that stores are still selling vegetables from the affected areas, meaning we might be eating some radiation!

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Posted by: grantmiho | April 3, 2011

Getting Away for a Week

Today we are heading off to Kobe for a week. The radiation in the water has fluctuated a bit over the past few weeks, but seems like it is temporarily fine. Although, bottled water is still in scarce supply (Grant went to three stores in the morning a few days ago only to find one bottle, as that is the rationed limit per family). There is still radiation detected in the air, though not at a harmful level. Yet, as is natural for parents, we feel protective of Allie and have refrained from taking her outside too much.

The Kobe Union Church has been incredible in offering places to stay for missionaries needing to get away from the east. Our mission has likewise been amazing at supporting this decision and helping cover these costs, which we had not expected nor planned. We are looking forward to freely walking outside with Allie, finding water and food supplies, and hopefully getting some much needed rest. Perhaps Allie might also have the chance to feed the Kobe beef cows some beer and give them a massage 🙂

As this coincides with Grant’s spring break, we will be coming back ready to start a new semester of study and ministry (April is the start of the school year, as well as when many people start new jobs). Pray that we find the relaxation we need. Pray also for our productive brainstorming, as we are thinking about hosting a charity event for the tsunami relief soon.

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 25, 2011

The Love of a Grandma

Allie and Grandma Mieko

After two weeks of feeling restricted to our home with Allie, we finally were able to make it down to Miho’s parents place in southern Yokohama yesterday. Grant went to his Japanese class in Tokyo and joined the rest of the family later that afternoon. On the way to school, it was interesting to see people lining up in front of Seiyu (owned by Wal-Mart) at least fifteen minutes before it opened. It was reminiscent of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. These people were waiting to get some water as soon as they could. Each day around 2pm when I get home from school, the aisles are empty of most drinks; most certainly water. On Thursday, thanks to our prayer meeting with Highrock, I was late for school and was able to go into Seiyu as it opened at 9am (I usually am on the train around 8:45). I bought my limit of three 2-liters of water and dragged them all the way to school on the train and home, as I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to secure some water.

Rations for Allie 🙂

With the radiation level in the Yokohama water going up the past few days (yesterday I finally began to dissipate and actually wasn’t detected), Miho’s mom felt very concerned for Allie. She ended up going out and tracking down all sorts of things we might possibly need. The sight, as you can see, is quite amazing. She must have spent a few hundred dollars getting stacks of diapers, a few tubs of formula, three 10-lb. bags of rice, and even hit up vending machines for water when the stores were empty! We felt incredibly loved by her sacrifice. Now, we are able to relax a bit more as we feel fairly well stocked with food, baby supplies, and water (even a fellow missionary family shared two bottles of water with us!).

Spending a day with Allie’s grandparents has been a true blessing. With Allie not sleeping well, we have not been able to get much done or chance to relax in the midst of everything. So, having somebody else cook and enjoy watching and playing with Allie has been invaluable for us.

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 23, 2011

Distressed with Progress and Setbacks

Just when it seems like progress is being made at the nuclear plants, there are more rumblings about the amount of radiation that is being spread in that area. Grant went back to school on Tuesday. By the way people are acting in Tokyo, it would seem like nothing is wrong. Yet, reports have shown that eleven vegetables in the region around Fukushima are now contaminated with radiation at levels that are not toxic but exceed the government limits. These foods have to be destroyed.

Our initial concerns were of the radiation in the air spreading down to Tokyo. It’s been happening already for several days, but the amounts are not at levels that urge panic and unrest. The past couple of days, Tokyo has found some traces of radioactive materials in the tap water, but this afternoon there was a news report that the amount passed the level for infants. This means we must drink bottled water (especially for Miho for breast feeding) and cook with it for any food we give Allie. This could possibly be a deal breaker for us to remain in our place for the time being, given the fact that bottled water is one of those basic supplies that are usually out of stock at every grocery store since the earthquake. We have some bottled water to last 3 days and hope to continue finding more, but the reality is difficult.

Though mainly foreign businesspeople, I heard that a fellow Korean student was transferred from his IT company to Fukuoka, which is the biggest city in Kyushu Island on the western side of Japan close to South Korea. A German company sent all their people to Singapore. A lady from our church yesterday told me that she would leave if she were us. But, when posed the same question, she feels like her family and everything is here which makes it difficult to even consider relocating. For businessmen, Tokyo is only a place of work, which makes it a fairly easy answer to get out before risks elevate. For missionaries however, we have a stronger bond with our location and being here.

Depending on how things develop in the next couple of days, either with further contamination or lack of bottled water supply, we will begin thinking seriously of heading west in Japan for a short while until things improve.

Allie can now stand up!

On a lighter note, Allie began crawling today and can stand up holding onto something! Now, nothing is safe as she invades the bookshelf, goes after our slippers, and will creep on anything in her sight 🙂 Let the fun begin…..

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 21, 2011

The Beautiful Japanese Culture Evidence in this Crisis

We have been overwhelmed by the way that the Japanese people have faced this crisis. Their values continue to draw admiration from me. On the day of the earthquake, we were shocked by how civilized and orderly people were. They patiently waited in line for a taxi or the pay phone. Nobody was raising their voice, cutting in line, or abusing the lack of power to loot stores who were unable to lock up or close their electric gate. We have read that there have not been any reports of robberies or fights in the aftermath of it all. The sad reality is that though there is a strong Christian heritage in the States, the reaction of people in crisis feels completely different. People seem to take advantage of the situation for selfish gain, whether stealing, creating scam relief funds for people to donate, or rioting. People here, however, remain calm and polite.

They even are willing to suffer blackouts if it is for the sake of the larger community, and especially bringing help to the nuclear plants or relief efforts. This group-orientation is beautiful in that people are worrying about Japan as a whole rather than their own comfort and self-interest.

No where is this more powerfully evident than in the 150+ workers at the nuclear plant. They are willingly putting their lives in danger, even accepting the fact that they might actually die in the process, for the sake of saving thousands or millions of lives. They are living in horrible conditions, being separated from their families for days or weeks on end, getting little sleep, in order to bring order to the crisis. We recently received an email from a supporter in Boston who was reminded of Christ through this image, as one who willingly sacrificed himself for the sake of others. What a fantastic image of giving up yourself in order that others might live.

As we continue in this season of Lent, may their sacrifice remind us of our sacrifices which point us to Christ. May His work on the cross be more real to you as you remember how He left the comfort and peace of Heaven to willingly put His life at risk and endure pain for our behalf. We can now enjoy peace and security due to His afflictions. May we also remember that though there is much to be praised on the values and lifestyle of the Japanese people, they are still in need of the true peace that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice.

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 18, 2011

Time of Prayer and Peace

It has now been over a week since the earthquake struck that set off a number of catastrophes in our country. Surprisingly, today has felt like the most normal so far. Last night was an intense time of praying for the work being conducted at the nuclear plant to install some electricity to help with the cooling process and save the plant. We were informed that a key leader working on this, Mr. Sato, happened to be a Christian. Our prayers were that this effort would be successful in preventing further decay or expanding radiation.

We have heard that the risk seems to remain severe but has plateaued at some of the reactors. There are a number of various steps they are taking to stabilize the situation, from fire fighters spraying water, using the ocean water, dropping it from helicopters above, etc. Tokyo appears to not be facing any threat from the radiation at the moment. For this reason, we feel more at peace about our decision to stay put. This is where God has called us to be and we want to remain as long as we can.

Most mission agencies seem to be leaving the decision up to each family of what they want to do. We have heard that some OMF staff have left the country, Southern Baptist missionaries went south or to Kobe, and two families from our group are currently in Kobe. Though missionaries have tended to be among the last to leave a crisis area, the nuclear danger throws everything up in the air and calls for complete understanding and support for those that feel lead to re-locate.

The news about the nuclear situation seems to have overshadowed the larger prayer point: those still suffering up north from the Tsunami and earthquake. As news reporting probably will begin to wane or shift from this issue, please continue to pray for those helping with relief efforts (particularly our fellow missionary, Jim Peterson, who is heading up to Sendai today with supplies) and those affected from loss of family and home.

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