By Luke and Naomi Sinclair
NZCMS Mission Partners to Japan
We’ve been in Chofu, Tokyo for three months! A highlight has been the great conversations we’re having with local families at Angeline’s Christian preschool. We haven’t met another Christian parent yet, and only two of the teachers are Christian, but we’re excited at the opportunity to connect deeply with so many unbelievers!
One mum told Naomi, “I liked that Bible talk the principal gave at the entrance ceremony. It reminds me of the Buddhist priests’ reflections at funerals. It gives me a warm feeling.”
At another school pick-up, Luke’s dad friend shared, “Yeah I’m not really that religious. Oh, I occasionally put my hands together and pray at the temple, and I guess maybe it means something. But I’ve never been to a church. I’d quite like to visit one day. Do you think that’d be OK?”
As we continue to connect with families, we’d love your prayers for each of them to encounter Jesus.
Conformity for preschoolers
Just like Australia and NZ, Angeline plays with kitchens, trains, play-dough, and water-play. But unlike Aus and NZ, the days are very structured, and uniformity is expected. Naomi had to “make” her do a handprint for a mothers day craft!
At the start, Angeline often ignored the teachers’ instructions. But, more recently, the teachers excitedly report to us, ‘She stayed in her seat today!’ What an answer to your prayers for Angeline to settle in!
Praise God she also has some Japanese words: ‘Da-me’ (No!), ‘Ten no kami-sama’ (Heavenly Father), ‘Yatta’ (I did it!). Please keep praying for her and Luke’s language learning.
Conformity for mums
A surprise for us has been the background stress people face each day in order to “fit in”.
Even the simple step of creating a social media chat group sent one friend into a spiral of worry. ‘Do you think I’m being too forward in making this? Will they find it a nuisance? I guess I should make it opt-in?’
You can see why becoming a Christian is a huge challenge for someone in Japan. Continue to pray for courage for Japanese people to step away from the crowd to follow Jesus.
Watch a video from the Sinclairs
Please pray for us
-Thank God that a few preschool mums have started coming to church events where they are able to read the Bible for the first time!
-Pray that we can continue to show love to our friends and find ways to point them to Jesus.
-Thank God that Angeline and Luke are growing in their language skills. Please pray they can continue to learn.
-Pray for God to give you opportunities through your local connections to point people to Jesus.
Thank you, Tessa. I remember Ray (and Jean) very warmly from our time at St Tim’s before we left for St John’s College at the beginning of 1987, and was excited many years later to learn of their visit to the Elliotts in Uganda. (We visited them in 1997 on study leave.) That visit, and a later one, showed their quiet growth in faith and mission during the years. I praise God for Ray’s life and service, and pray for the Comforter’s presence to be so close to Jean.
Hey there,
A friend of mine told me about you guys and I’d love to come along on Monday!
Cheers,
Caleb Croker
Hi Caleb, I’ve just seen your message. I apologise that this was missed. I assume you’re talking about the Seriously Interested in Mission group? The next one is August 11 and we’d love you to join. Can you email us at office@nzcms.org.nz (Rosie writing here)
Thank you Tessa
Thank you Archdeacon Fran. Mothers Union appreciated your input when we visited the Far North recently. Your wisdom and wise counsel made it a memorable weekend. God bless you in your new role.
Rev Fran, you and Rapiata are a gift to the Church. May the Lord bless you as you serve in this next season
With reference to the article ‘By invitation not invasion’. My husband and I were involved with CMS from the 1960s onward and this was always the attitude of CMS leadership. They deferred to the church leadership opinions whenever possible, wherever there was a local church. I’m not aware if this has change. It isn’t something new.
Hi Pauline,
I agree with you!! I don’t think this has changed, just good to re-iterate why and we send mission partners. This is Rosie writing — hope you’re doing well!
Yes Pauline it was the same for Alan and me. When we went to Singapore 1966–69 it was in response to a request from the Bishop oof Singapore and Malaya.