MISSION TO JAPAN

FORWARDING AGENT:
JULIUS & VIRGINIA FLEENOR

Maxine Seyb
1800 W. 43rd Place Los Angeles, Calif. 90062
Dear Friends:

NEWSLETTER

SPRING

1970

1-5-15 Naka Ochiai

Shinjuku, Tokyo 161

Since a picture is worth a million words, we have decided to make this a visual letter and ask you to pray for each phase of the work as you see the pictures. Also enclosed is a self-addressed envelope. If you are not a regular supporter of our work, please use this to let us know you still have a prayer interest in our work. Mailing is expensive and we want only interested people to get our newsletter.
GOD OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVANGELISM

FACTORY EVANGELISM: Through contact with a man Julius teaches English, he has been invited to a large steel company in Kawasaki City near Tokyo to show Moody Science Films in English and Japanese and use tracts explaining facts about the Creator God. Mostly heads of depart ments and executives attend. These men would never likely enter a church to hear the gospel. As you know, these films have a short gospel presentation at the end of each film. PRISON EVANGELISM The pastor of the Umeda Church and Julius contacted the head of the Tokyo Prisons early in the year and as a result each Sunday morning at the regular film showing time in one of the largest prisons, the Moody Science films are being shown. ENGLI5H SPEAKING SOCIETIES OF UNIVERSITIES are being contacted now to show these films in

English and Japanese and use the bi-lingual tracts with them to contact another group in
Japanese society who do not go to Church. Also the Cathedral Life of Christ films are used.

At present one Group of one University is viewing them weekly. BEAUTY PARLOR OPERATORS contacted for Christ. Our neighborhood Beauty Parlor owner asked

for English Conversation Lessons. Julia agreed to teach them each Friday night from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. All beauty shops are open on Sunday in Japan and closed Tuesdays. After the English lesson for which they pay Julia a small sum, Julius asked if they would like to see a film in Japanese. The group of 8 agreed heartily. Each week they stay after their lesson and see these Moody Science films with a gospel message and we give them a tract which goes with it. They appreciated this so much they will not take money for Julia's or Virginia's
hairdressing.

EXECUTIVE OF CANDY FACTORY ASKS FOR LESSONS. Nearby there is a large candy, cookie and bread factory. The Secretary of the Company asked us to teach him Business English. Julius said, "I am too busy just to teach English, but if I make time to teach you an hour a week,
will you let me show my Bible Science Films to your employees during their lunch hour on a voluntary basis?" Thus another door is opened to bring the message of Christ to those
who would not enter a church building.

VIRGINIA ASIJID TO APPEAR ON TELEVISION MORNING SHOW. A year ago Julius, Julia, and Virginia appeared on Fujii Television and were enterviewed concerning adopting our boys. As a result
we got many letters from all over Japan. Early in March through Japanese friends who know of us through taking the boys, Virginia was asked to appear on the "Good Morning Mothers"
Show. They wanted someone fluent in Japanese to speak as an American Christian Mother

ir rri.

VIRGINIA APPEARS ON N.H.K. (NATIONAL NETWORK) T. V. MARCH 6 ON DISCUSSION TYPE PRCGRAI'I SHOWN NATIONALLY GIVING HER OPINIONS A3 AN AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MOTHER

with a group of Japanese mothers and educators and one German woman who is married to a Japanese newspaperman. Virginia was able to say on T. V. to millions of listeners on the largest network in Japan that the basic principal in teaching children to contribute to their society is contained in two teachings of Jesus Christ "LOVE GOD AND YOUR KEIGHEOS AS SELF" and "DO TO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU." Virginia explained that even a small child can understand what it likes and dislikes and can key its actions towards others on this basis. This is a new principle in Japanese thinking. As a result we got several new registrations in our kindergarten and Virginia's Saturday English and Bible classes for Grade

School children after mothers saw the T.V. program. The would ask her to appear again. How strange the workings at no charge to us has come indirectly by our obedience Although they take more of Virginia's time in the Home,
outside the Home.

Director of the program said they of God. This opportunity to witness

to God in taking our two Japanese sons. they also have increased her witness

"M.K." (Missionary Kids) YOUTH CAMP WILL ^

CONDUCTED ^

KARUIZAWA March 31 ^

April 3

Church of Christ missionary Youth from Kyushu, Osaka, and Tokyo will gather for Inspiration, Fun, and Recreation under the sponsorship of the Likins, Pratts, Buttrays, and Fleenors. ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS BEGUN FOR OUR SONS Yukio (John) age 6 and Ma Chan (Joey) age 5. We have release papers from both sets of parents and the Court is most helpful and it seems we shall have everything done by May 1st, Lord willing. KEEP PRAYING GOD USE OUR SONS FOR HIS GLORY.
BOYS- HAVE PLASTIC-SURGERY ON- MARCH 20 . Both boys had plastic surgery-to repair scars and-

deformities about the face and ears from beatings and cuts,Dr. Shioya, one of the most outstanding plastic surgeons in Japan, did the work. There are to be two more operations, one in June and one in December. THE TORII OASIS SHRINE CLUB in Japan is paying all the bills.
JULIA NADINE GRADUATES in June from the Christian Academy in Japan and plans to go to North west Christian College and the University of Oregon taking Bible and Education. She will stay with our son Stephen and his wife Carol who are finishing up their education in pre paration for missionary service in Japan. She will stay in Japan for the summer helping in Camp and fly to the states in late August. STEPHEN AND CAROL FLEENOR now have the Youth Ministries at the Creswell, Oregon Church as well as their schooling to help them prepare for sailing to Japan about Spring 1972.
NEW BUILDING OF UMEDA CHURCH DEDICATED ON MARCH 30th

As a result of the City of Tokyo taking our leased land and buildings, we received more than enough to buy land outright and build a two story church and parsonage with roof garden
in a better location. Hours of time have been used in this business last year and now pic tures show the Church building front of tile brick over the ferro-concrete building.

Picture top right shows Pastor Takamura preaching at the Dedication, The lower picture shows
Julius with charter members and the two sons of Missionary Harold Sims on roof of Church Building. Outdoor Christian movies and "Sings" will take place on the roof during this summer.

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STATE OF THE SHIMCOCH.IAI

CHURCH

1970

Tokyo, Japan

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Big Highway put in just in front of Church. Area is sprouting tall apartments like spiral bldg. next door.

For the past five years Miss Kikkawa has been our head Kindergarten teacher
at Shimoochiai, She became Mrs. Kuwata

in March and plans to continue teaching for at least another year.

SHIJOOCHIAI CHURCH 18 years-old this year. Land was donated to us 18 years ago in the Shinjuku Section of Tokyo. We built our Mission House in the rear and after establishing a church which met in our

Home, we built the building shown in the above picture.

Miss Kikkawa came to Sunday School through a tract which was handed to her 12 years ago. She became a Christian, altho her Buddhist family opposed her. Now
as Mrs. Kuwata she will continue to Head our Life

School Kindergarten of 30 children. 6oro Kuwabara was Stephen Fleenor's first friend at Shimoochiai and he attended Sunday School from

age 7. At the Karuizawa Camp he accepted Christ

when

14. He graduates from Cincinnati Bible Seminary this June and has accepted the call of the Shimoochiai Church to return and pastor the Church. THE BIBLE SCHOOL OF PRAYER AND EVANGELISM made up of 8 University students who live on the second floor of the Shimoochiai Church do much evangelism. One student graduated from University this March and is entering Osaka Bible Seminary to prepare for full time service. Psa. 126:5 THEY THAT SOW IN TEARS
SHALL REAP IN JOY.

Sincerely, Julius and Virginia Fleenor '

''

March 25, 1970)

Stephen Fleenors To Serve in Japan v

Stephen Fleenor will receive the B. Th. degree from Northwest Christian College,

Eugene, Ore, in June 1970, and continue study^during the 1970-%971 school yea:^planning to
enter Japan for mission work in late 1971. He said that they plan to in the work of

his parents while they are on furlough before starting work of their own. Carol, Mrs. Fleenor, is continuing her education toward the B. A. degree in Christian

Education, and plans to teach kindergarten during the 1970-^971 school year in Creswell,
Ore. They have a daughter, Rebekah, who was year^old Apr. 7, 19'^SL.

Address is: Creswell Church of Christ, 3rd and Oregon Ave. , Creswell, OR 97426.

MISSION

TO

JAPAN

Julius and Virginia Flecnor

1-5-15 Naka Ochiai

Shinjuku, Tokyo 161

Forwarding agent: Maxine Seyb.
1800 West 43rd Place

Los Angeles, California 90062

Summer Camp Address to

August 24: 1073 Karuizawa, Nagano Ken
JAPAN
JULIUS AND VIRGINIA
FAYE TANIGAWA

July 8, 1970
Dear Friends:

When you receive this letter we will have begun our summer camp work in Karuizawa. We are asking
That you remember us in prayer for the following schedule:
July July July Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.
20- 22 23 3 6 26 6 9 28- 31

Kindergarten children and mothers Hibiya High School English Bible Camp Arawkawa and Umeda Nishi Arai Children's Camp

10- 16
17- 19

21 -

24 27- 29

Yokosuka Church Camp Tamagawa University Bible Study Camp with Shimoochiai Y. P. Karuizawa Festival Evangelism and Camp for Christian workers Kamata High School Girls' Camp Kokusai International College and Kamata Nite Ed. Eng. Bible Camp High School camp for All Christian Churches of the Tokyo area, sponsored by Pastor lljima of the Minato Church.

Most of the campers will be young people who have never heard the Gospel before, so pray we may be used for God's purposes in these young lives.
Goro Kuwabara arrived back from his studies at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. The Shimoochiai Church welcomes him as pastor. He will also help in some of the camps. Julia graduated from high school, but will stay and help with the camp work; fly to the states August 27; spend a week with her grandmother; then on to Eugene, where she will talk over her school plans with Stephen and Carol Fleenor; then go to Los Angeles to meet with the Fleenor Support Group. Dear friends of ours, George and Georgia Crawford, of Utah, formerly of the Gardena Church of Christ in California, and faithful supporters of the work here in Japan, arrived June 16, and are helping us for the summer. They will drive Julia back from Cahfornia to Utah and put her on a plane for Eugene on September 20, after visiting them.
M Ok

& J 'i
Julius and Virginia seen with the officers of the Foreign Teachers' Ass'n. Next to Julius is Mrs. Kurusu, wife of late Ambassador Saburo Kurusu, and next to her, in the front row, Is the Emperor's youngest brother. Prince Mikasa, with Princess Mikasa.

Early this year the pastor of the Palola Church of Christ in Hawaii, Bro. Luttrell, wrote asking us if we would be interested in having a nice Japanese American girl (3rd generation) come to help us in camp, as she wanted to learn Japanese, and would work in exchange for room and board.

Faye arrived June 3rd, and is truly a missionary in her own right, doing willingly any task at hand. We do invite any young people who want to see missionary work first hand, and work with us for a summer,
to write.

Virginia and Daughters, taken on Julia's Graduation Day. JuLia, 18; Dana Lee, 16; Grace, 9; Laurie, 2.

The Crawfords, who came as visitors, are helping in every way also. They plan to assist us in teaching English at camp, in cooking, showing films, and in preparing the building.

As you know, we have often asked you to pray for the Imperial Household in Japan. In recent months, we have had the joy of meeting several members of the Emperor's family. Do continue praying for these wonderful, educated people, who read the Bible and are interested in social improvement for their country
in every way.

In April, Julius had the joy of baptizing six people. Three were from the Sakai work in the country. Three others were from the Umeda Nishi Arai Church. It was a special joy for Julius to baptize the son of the very first convert of the work. Mrs. Tamamura was expecting a child when she was baptized, and did not know it at the time. Later, we prayed this child might become a Christian one day. They named him "Mitsugi" which means "Minister Unto God." Now, twelve years later, we see the fruits of prayer and of a Christian
home.

Latest news: Virginia appeared on a panel before the Japan Chamber of Commerce, with about 150 present, in a four-hour program, discussing child rearing and training. Virginia spoke clearly how she had used all the basic principles which Jesus taught in training her children, using the motive for action as love, not fear. It was interesting that most of the questions were directed to her, and the remark was made that it
was clear how important a sound, religious teaching was for good child training.

The boys, John and Joe, are having surgery as we write this. Also, we are caring for an expectant Japanese mother, who will soon give birth to a child. She was deserted by a negro G. 1. Now, we are seeking a negro Christian couple to adopt the baby. We will help to rehabilitate this young girl, and trust that she will find
Christ as her Saviour.

One of our great needs is to build on a room to our mission house as our family grows, and as God often guides people in trouble to our door. Will you remember this financial need in your prayers, and bring it to notice in your mission meetings?

IN CLOSING-PLEASE NOTE-

missionaries. The enclosed sheet tells of their plans.

Carol Fleenor plan to come to Japan in October, 1971, as

PLEASE HELP THEM ON THEIR WAY!

Sincerely in Christ,

'

'

LATE

WORD

FROM

TUB

FUENORS
SEPTEMBER I, I97O

OUR MISSIONARIES IN JAPAN

Dear Friends at Michigan City,
This has been one of the fullest ano happiest summers
WORD to keep rou informed of our blessings.

in Japan, and

it is time to send

[3ur summer guest-helpers have left for the States, The Crawforos, friends

IrEAL joy to have them, and we felt LONELY WHEN THEY LEFT.
V grandmother Fleenor Wolverton in Yakima,

[helped in every way possible. FAYE TaNNEGAWA, third GENERATiON AMERICAN [Japanese from the Hawaii Paola Church of Christ, had paid her own fare to [and FROM Japan and helped jn every way possible. It made our summer a
then to Eugene, Oregon to leave
AND OUR GRANDaABY REBECCA. TAKING ANOTHER DE

AND faithful Christians,

whose son is married

to Virginia's niece,

had

[then our Julia left August 27 by Jumbo jet for Seattle to visit first her

ING HER

HER

things with HER

BROTHER STEPHEN AND CaROL

She WILL TALK OVER HER SCHOOL SCHEDULE WITH THEM, AS CAROL WILL BE FINISH
DEGREE AT NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE ANO STEPHEN WILL BE

GREE AT thf: University of Oregon, drive a school bus and speak in the churches in Ore
gon OVER THE weekends, GAINING SUPPORT FOR THEIR INTENDED MISSIONARY WORK IN JAPAN.

They will come to Japan late in 197' and become oriented,

Those who have given for
gelism WILL WANT TO
OVER THE YEARS:

and then take over cur work

WHILE ^ 0 ON furlough FROM JUNE 197- (eMPHASIS OURS, EAW)

summer camp work ano our summer Festival Street Meeting evan
ALSO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR THIS WORK know THE RESULTS.

During our nine camps

TEACHERS,

from July to August we housed a total of 185 people

AND THE OHIO SiNGERS, A GROUP OF II
and Ozark Bible College ADULT EVENING AND who came to

including

missionaries,

BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS

sing and witness

FROM Cincinnati Bible Seminary

FOR Christ.

As a result

of teaching and preaching 8 days

in the street meeting,ten

THOUSAND tracts WERE DISTRIBUTED,

AFTERNOON CHILDREN MEETINGS WERE

HELD, ANO 229 PEOPLE SIGNED CARDS:

31 STATED, "I WANT TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN"

48 STATED, "I WANT MORE TEACHING ABOUT CHRISTIANITY"

16 SIGNED UP TO RECEIVE A 8IBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
2 MADE CLEAR DECISIONS TO RECEIVE CHRIST AS SAVIOUR ANO WERE BAPTIZED
IN THE CAMP STONE BAPTISTRY.

98 MENTIONED OTHER PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS.

MISSIONARY Paul Pratt is doing the follow-up, directing them to the nearest church or MISSIONARY, AND WRITING THE CHURCH AND GIVING THE PERSON'S NAME WHO WANTS FURTHER
TEACHING.

It was GOOD

TO HAVE

GORO KuWABARA

AND JOHN MOROHASHI,

YOUNG MEN JULIUS HAS TRAINED

THROUGH THE YEARS TO PREACH ANO TEACH.

GORO HAD BAPTIZED A YOUNG WOMAN AT THE ShIMOO-

CHiAi Church just before coming up,

BAPTIZED the two MEN AT CAMP.

and then John Morohashi did the personal work and

ThE ScRIPTURE "COMMIT TO FAITHFUL MEN THE WORD WHO WILL

IN TURN TEACH OTHERS," HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE A REALITY TO US.
October, I97O will mark 20 years since our arrival in Japan, and we have been informed
BY GoRO KuwABARA THAT THE CHURCHES IN TOKYO ARE PLANNING A SPECIAL SERVICE TO HONOR US, Continually, wr are thankful that God has sent us to Japan and enabled us to minister THESE 20 years, ANO KNOW IT HAS BEEN FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS AT HOME WHO HAVE MADE THIS
POSSIBLE

Remember our special GINZA PLAZA STREET MEETING WORK.

panese TO sing and witness to THE MILLIONS OF

We will be taking teams of Ja

SEP

PEOPLE WHO CROSS THIS PLAZA DAILY,

TEMBER THROUGH November, the weather

is warm yet.

We hope to:

1. Distribute tracts offering Bible correspondence course,

2. Preach the Gospel in 5 minute short testimonies. 3. Sing and lead "Sing Alongs" ano walk among the people doing personal work.

Our adopted sons John-7 and Joseph Paul-6 will begin at the Christian Academy with our
OLDER CHILDREN. LAURIE WILL CONTINUE IN OUR CHURCH KINDERGARTEN. VIRGINIA HAS RE CEIVED ANOTHER CALL TO SPEAK TO 250 WOMEN OF THE ShINJUKU CIVIC WOMEN'S GROUP IN OCTO
BER ON THE SUBJECT OF CHRISTIAN ChILO TRAINING, ALSO SHE WILL BE OPENING AN INTERNA TIONAL Women's Bible Study in downtown Tokyo as a means of reaching highly educated WOMEN....Sincerely, Julius ano Virginia Fleenor '

,
News of His. . .

r<^8,V 211370 "

Nov 3, 1970

. . Julius and Mrs. Virginia Fleenor celebrated their 20th year of missionary service

in Japan Oct. 18, 1970, according to Forwarding Agent Maxine Seyb, who also reported

that Dale and Mrs. Peggy Wilkinson an^ children, Mark and Betl^departed for Japan
Nov. 5, 1970 where they will work with the Fleenors and the Robert Warrlicks. . .