Taste of Heaven.

Forty American missionaries (representing eight families) descended upon our little city of Nayoro at the beginning of the month for a time of singing, preaching, giving, and fellowshipping.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual refreshment after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas programs and New Years evangelism.  We do so miss the fellowship meetings and revivals that we were able to attend in the States, and are grateful to have a similar opportunity of fellowship here in Japan.

I cannot fully describe what it is like living in a foreign environment.  Every new day brings a certain amount of mental and physical stress as “new” tastes, sights, sounds, and experiences seek to overwrite what we knew as “normal”, and to replace it with a “new normal.” 

Taste of Heaven.

Forty American missionaries (representing eight families) descended upon our little city of Nayoro at the beginning of the month for a time of singing, preaching, giving, and fellowshipping.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual refreshment after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas programs and New Years evangelism.  We do so miss the fellowship meetings and revivals that we were able to attend in the States, and are grateful to have a similar opportunity of fellowship here in Japan.

I cannot fully describe what it is like living in a foreign environment.  Every new day brings a certain amount of mental and physical stress as “new” tastes, sights, sounds, and experiences seek to overwrite what we knew as “normal”, and to replace it with a “new normal.”  While God has created within us a great adaptability, and every day in Japan accustoms us more and more to living here, there is still an indescribable “relaxing” of mind and body that takes place when we missionaries get together to simply fellowship.  It is always a great refresher to prepare us for the next day’s work and gives us the tiniest glimpse of the peace and rest that awaits us in Eternity with Jesus when our life’s work is ended and we are gathered home.

Taste of Home

We want to thank everyone for the special gifts over the Christmas season and those that braved the expenses of shipping to bring a smile to our face.   While certainly not necessary, everything was truly enjoyed by all.

Shellee enjoys a cooking class with a couple of Japanese ladies every so often, and the rest of us enjoy the results. J  The latest dish was “tamago udon” (or eggs with a thick noodle) and it was delicious.  There, of course, is much more to learn than just the language!!  Trying out most (definitely NOT all) of the local cuisine is certainly a benefit of being here.

Taste of Building Materials

With the holiday rush behind us, we were able to tear into the church building roof - literally.  We reinsulated, sheet rocked, and prepared it for a new coat of paint.  We had masks on, but at the end of the day, everything still tasted like, smelled like, and felt like the day’s work. Hopefully all will be done and buttoned up by the time that you read this letter.  We thank the Lord for the abilities that He gives and the strength He provides for each task He sets before us.

Taste of Victory, Defeat, and Novocain

This month has required a visit by a couple of us to the dentist; resulting in a lecture on the proper way to brush (not mentioning any names – ahem) and an involved description of what work they wanted to do.  I asked them to speak slowly for me and, for the most part, I understood what they were saying and I was able to respond in turn – at least until half of my face and my lips were numb!

The victories of course help us to persevere through the struggles and defeats.  My time with Mr. Saito has been rewarding and frustrating all at the same time.  He has recently been asking some very tough Biblical questions (e.g. if the wages of sin is death, then why do babies die, etc.), which are complicated enough to explain in English let alone in Japanese.  It seems that, at times, I’m not getting very far and even times when I feel that I’m losing ground and crashing into a heap – much like that infamous skiing wipeout on the “Wide World of Sports”.  So we pick ourselves up and work for the next encounter.  Thank you for continuing to pray for us, for him, and for all of the folks that we come in contact with here!

It has pretty much snowed every day in January.  A constant battle here in Nayoro is finding a place to put all of the snow.  Our backyard is one dumping site for the city and the “snow mountain” has already approached last year’s levels.  We are glad that spring is around the corner, but it is at the end of a long block.  

Thank you all for all that you do for us!!  May the Lord bless you as you serve the King of Kings!!
By His Grace Alone,

Duane for all 10