R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Saturday
We went to the Tokyo Government towers to look over the city. These buildings were massive. You go up to the 45th floor and you can see the entire city of Tokyo. The day we went, was an overcast day. As you look around, you see no end to the city. Only on a really sunny day, can you see Mount Fuji. Looking around I was somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer size of the city. Due to the clouds covering the city, it was like a visual representation of the oppression and spiritual darkness in the city. The tower, houses all of the local governments in Tokyo.


Please pray for:

1. That God will cover the city of Tokyo.
2. The small governments that meet in the towers.
3. That the spiritual darkness be lifted off the city.
   

Sunday

Today we spent all day in the park. We worshiped in the park, which was an awesome experience. Where we had our worship service, groups of high school students were playing baseball, Frisbee, and running. This was the loudest I have ever heard any Japanese. They were surprised when they heard a bunch of Americans singing. Especially when our M demonstrated Sumo moves as part of his illustration. We are going through "My Utmost for his Highest" which is an awesome devotional by Oswald Chambers written in 1927. It is a great devotional that gets you in the Word. For lunch we ate in the park, they had Turkish kebabs, which are what I lived on in Germany. Afterward, we played capture the flag in the park. Our goal of doing this is to invite Japanese to come and play with us and join us for worship. We had a twist today, we had to link arms and walk around. This gave us many odd looks when we were running around the park. Many older people shook their heads at us. We stood out, we were yelling, running, and had our arms linked. The park was so full, because most people are off of work. Sunday is the only day that families can spend together, since their lives are so fast paced.



Something I have noticed and have learned while I am here is that respect is a major thing here. One of the customs is that when there is a disagreement, the younger person always apologizes even if they are not at fault. I noticed by riding the buses and trains that if a person gets on that is older, you should give them your seat. You also bow when you pay for something. I have learned five words so far, and two of them are sorry, 残念, and excuse me, 失礼.

Another thing I have learned by being in Japan is that many Japanese believe they cannot be Christians because they are Japanese. When you ask them if they want to be a Christian they say, "I am Japanese, I cannot be a Christian." Since Christianity does go against many of their traditions, it is hard for them to realize they can be a Christian, but it does involve giving up some of their traditions.

Tomorrow, we are going to Asakusa temple to pray over it. Please pray for out team. Being here and experiencing such spiritual darkness is a totally new experience for most of us. Satan flaunts his power more openly here.

Please Pray for:

1. Strength for our hearts as we encounter new amounts of spiritual darkness.
2. That Father removes Satan's hold over this city.
3. For endurance and strength for Japanese Christians.
4. That the Japanese realize they can become Christians, but it does mean giving everything to Christ and counting the costs.
5. That Japanese churches will grow.