Sims Harold Lois 1983 Japan

Christian
"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15
VOLUME 82
JANUARY, 1983
SIMS TRIP TO KANSAI
Because the Japanese Culture Day
(Nov. 3, a holiday) came on Wednesday
this fall and gave us a rare day off from
English classes at the local High
School and at home that usually fill our
Wednesdays, we made various other
changes and cancellations in our
schedule and took several days off for
an automobile trip to the "West Side"
of Honshu Island-the Osaka area. It
was an unusually good time of
fellowship and renewed acquaintance
with old friends, and we will tell about
it in 3 parts.
1. Monday afternoon at 5:30 PM, as
soon as Lois finished her last class, we
started down the Central Express-way
-eating Kentucky Fried Chicken box
lunches in fiie car along the way. It was
a nice full-moon night, and we enjoyed
the twinkling lights of towns and cities
we passed along the way. Just before
11 PM we pulled up in front ofthe b ome
of Mr. and Mrs. lida and their 3
children on the eastern side of Nagoya
city. I baptized and later married Mrs.
lida many years ago when we were
working at Nakano church, and we
have kept in touch by letter and a few
visits since then. Her husband works
for Toyo Rayon Co. and is a nice family
man who also does all the yard and
garden work with joy and care. The
they were
Mtb. lida, Lois and very friendly
Jonathaninfront oflida's been
home. ... n
waiting up tor
us and talked until well after midnight.
The next day we spent a happy half
day with her after the husband and
children were off to work and school,
and she expressed interest in Jonathan
going down into her neighborhood to
start a new work and offered to help as
she could. We drove around the area a
little bit to look over the situation, and
are considering this as a possibility.
2. Tuesday afternoon we drove on
down the main Express-way to Osaka,
arriving in time for the opening session
of the TANEMAKI KAI, which is the
annual Fall Rally sponsored by the
Osaka Bible Seminary. There was
much good singing, and a very good
attendance at the meeting this year.
But for us the greatest joy was in seeing
2 of the people who were there. One
was Mrs. Onoi. She lived in our home
while attending our Tokyo Bible
Seminary 30 years ago. Since that time
we saw her only once, and that was
about 25 years ago. She was a native of
the northern city of Aomori, and
returned there and married a non-
Christian carpenter after her
schooling. But she has continued
faithful as a Christian, though she has
been serving mostly in churches of 2 or
3 different denominations. Now her
husband has changed jobs and they
live in a city near Osaka, and she came
a 2 hour subway and train ride to see
us. The other one was Mrs. Fujiwara
who lived near Mejirodai and attended
church here for about 6 years. Last
spring her husband was transferred by
his company to the Osaka area. We
were to spend the 2 nights with her in
their apartment. We found it was more
than an hour's drive from the Bible
Seminary, but enjoyed the opportunity
of visiting the family. On the way
home Tuesday night we went out ofthe
way a little to Mrs. Onoi's home and
met her husband and younger
daughter who works in the telephone
exchange. The older daughter married
a Christian and is now living in
another place. The non-Christian Mr.
Fujiwara and the daughter were very
kind and gracious hosts, and he went
NUMBER 1
with us to the school for the Wed.
morning
so
we would
not lose
the way.
Again Wed.
after the
meeting at
Mr. and Mrs. Fujiwara, Mrs.
the school Onoi and Lois Sims,
we went
back to Fujiwara's to spend the night.
Thursday morning while I attended a
councillor's meeting at O.B.S. Lois and
Jonathan went with Mrs. Fujiwara to
attend a famous crysanthemum show
and to briefly view Osaka Castle.
3. Thursday afternoon we drove
through nice fall scenery, with red and
yellow leaves all over the mountains, to
Lois, Mrs. Arakawa, Shiho, Mr. Arakawa at
their gate.
the city of Tsu. There we spent a night
with the family of Shiho Arakawa, the
young Japanese girl who went to the
U.S. with us last summer. It was good
to renew acquaintance with them. The
next morning it was raining, but we
went to a temple famous for its autumn
leaves and some other interesting and
historic places in that part of the
country for half a day before starting
back home. We arrived safely at home
late Friday night after adding 1300
kilometers to the odometer of
our light van. -Harold Sims
Osaka Sem. Tanemaki Kai attendance.
The Arakawa home and street.
The Arakawa factory and store-manufacturers
of school and company uniforms and coats.
PREACHER VISITS
TO BRING
ENCOURAGEMENT
Several years ago Koji Sugiura, who
has been the preacher at Obihiro,
Hokkaido since 1966, had a very serious
operation for a brain tumor in the front
part of his head. He recovered
remarkably well, but lost the vision in
one eye and has become somewhat
despondent, etc. Also he is at a rather
lonely place, as far as fellowship with
fbose of like
faith is con-
cerned, and
ij once wrote
'I now under-
j ' stood the feel-
Q sfl ings mission-
Stephen lijima and Koji aries have
Sugiura and the Sugiura about being
separated from
family, brethren, conventions, etc.
In November Stephen lijima of the
Minato church made a trip up there to
take an offering from the church and
give some personal encouragement,
which we know accomplished the pur
pose from the good Christmas letter we
received. This used to be Bro. lijima's
home town in his youth. We appreci
ated very much hearing about this
"visit" in the fullest sense of the word.
JONATHAN SIMS
GRADUATES FROM
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
On Dec. 17 Jonathan graduated from
the Japan Missionary Language
Institute. He studied full-time for
about a half year in 1979, and then
again from June 1981 through all of
1982. So he finished the course in the
standard time of 2 years. The last term
Jonathan Sims giving graduation speech at
language school.
was the busiest but also the most
interesting, as he began to read
Japanese magazines, newspapers, etc.
and really enjoy the progress. Each
graduate must make a 20 minute
speech in Japapese, so Jonathan chose
to talk about his main hobby, which is
the game of Shogi (somewhat similar
but more difficult than chess). The
papers on the wall are charts he made
to describe the various moves and
basics of the game. His teacher made
some comments, and mentioned that
he had not been tardy or late a single
time in 1982. The underclassmen gave
him several small gifts and words of
encouragement. Following the
ceremony all enjoyed the Christmas
party.
Receiving the diploma.
For the occasion, Mrs. Okada (81) of
the Mejirodai church made a nice blue
kimono for him, and he made quite an
impression not only on the people at
school but many others who saw us as
we went to town on the electric trains
that day.
Jonathan was the 70th graduate of
this school, but only the third
missionary from Churches of Christ to
finish the complete course. We ask you
to join us in prayer for himas he begins
his missionary work this year.
The Simses surrounded by JMLI teachers.
CHRISTMAS AT
MEJIRODAI
I will not take space to go into the
details of how we spent Christmas
season here, because I have done that
several times in the past years and this
year was not very different. Of course
we began to write letters and plan to
buy things about 2 months ahead, but
from Dec. 16th through 25th we had
Harold and Lois by our Christmas tree. Pictures
of our children's weddings are on the wall.
some meeting or activity every day.
This is a good time and opportunity to
present the gospel message to people
who ordinarily are not among the
hearers, and we rejoice in that aspect of
it as well as all the other things. Other
than being a long way from our
children and grand-children we don't
feel we miss anything by celebrating
this joyous season in Japan for these
many years.
To sum up, we had Christmas
meetings or parties for 3 home Bible
study groups that had met faithfully
through the year, 9 different groups of
children or adults who study English
language with us and of course the 2
Sunday School programs and 2 church
programs. The main church meeting
was following the special worship
service on Sunday Dec. 19. 56 people
stayed for a light lunch of rice balls
which was paid for by the church.
Then in the afternoon we had a very
varied and high quality musical
program by various individuals and
groups, which included almost
everyone who was present. The final
thing was a gift exchange. The other
church program was a Christmas Eve
Candle-light service which was
attended by 42 people, including
several people who do not usually
attend our worship services, and
a number of couples.
At the 2 Sunday School programs,
attended by over 100 people, including
a good number of mothers and several
fathers, we gave out about 60
attendance prizes. The children
mainly presented musical programs
this year.
anr
The Ito Family.
The Men's Quartet.
BUTTRAY NEWS
Since last writing, another baptism
was reported! That makes a total of 3
campers baptized during the year 1982!
Thank God for each one ofthese! Their
trials and tests as a new Christian (in
Japan) have begun. This is the time to
remember the exhortation, to pray one
for another.
The year 1982 saw about 90 more
campers attend than last year. And
that doesn't include the Christmas
camp which will be in a few weeks.
Also, a number of missionaries came
from greater distances to help make
the camps more successful. They were
a tremendous help, and I am hoping
they will make plans to help in the
camps in 1983.
Our goal for 1983 is threefold. First,
is the desire to average at least 50
campers per camp. Second, is the
desire (prayer) for 100% conversion of
every camper. Third, is to build the
Camp Manager-Staff building and to
realize the Planned Camp Improve
ment Projects. For a detailed review of
the above, I strongly recommend that
you get out the 4th quarter issue of the
1981 Tokyo Christian and read it
carefully.
There is no greater goal than to
open the hearts and minds of the
younger generation of Japan to the
Creator God and His Love for them.
Won't you share this burden with us,
by Prajdng! -Stanley Buttray
I M .IP
TheEnglish-MuaicCampStaff. Frontrow: from
the left, Miss Osawa, Betty Turner, Aki
Hasegawa, Mabel Buttray. Back row: Dave and
Ruth Hinson, Angela Essick, Taninari San, and
Carolyn Banicklow.
Half of the Nakano Church Group that came for
a two day camp October 9-11. Mr. Buttray took
them to the Komoro train station. The rest
returned to Tokyo by car.
Itagaki San (preacher of the Nakano Church)
speaking to the group in the main auditorium.
PATTON NEWS
It could be said that missionaries,
servicemen, prisoners, etc. have
furloughs; other people have
vacations. But during our present time
of relief from our responsibilities in
Japan, we are mixing furlough and
vacation and are having a joyous time
at both. Forget the inconveniences of
living out of suitcases, having no
home, transportation, etc. we can call
our own, we are enjoying this short
sojourn in the U.S.A.
We have not allowed this present
enjoyment however, sweet as it is, to
cloud or obscure our vision of future
service for Christ in Japan. If some
unforeseen barrier (who knows the
future, save our heavenly Father?) like
the loss of health, for example, does not
impede our way, we are committed to
return to Japan for another "term" in
April 1983.
We finished visiting our supporters
in the middle of December. If our
knowledge does not fail us, we missed
reporting to only one of our supporting
churches and that failure was due to
the fact that our travel schedule and
their time of meeting were
irreconcilable. We regret this, but our
failure to report to them in person in no
way shows any lack of love,
responsibility, or gratitude to them.
We spent nearly 3 months on our tour
to visit our supporters and drove
exactly 6,800 miles, at least passing
through the following states:
Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee,
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia,
West Virginia, Maryland, Penn
sylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and
Missouri.
We want to especially thank again
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Scheurich of
Joplin, MO., the parents of our son-in-
law Chris, for lending us their car for
our sojourn. They loaned us the car
because they love God and because we
serve Him.
During our stay at Virginia Beach,
Va. we again enjoyed the warm
hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. A1 Floyd
(former navy officer in the Tokyo area)
and the good folk of the Aragona
church who have supported our work
for many years. The young people that
Betty taught were knowledgeable about
Japan as they had studied it in school.
On our way to the Pittsburgh area we
enjoyed the colorful trees along the
way. Upon our arrival in North
Huntington, Mr. and Mrs. Choby
served as our hosts. Mr. Choby had
visited us in Tokyo when he passed
through on a business trip. On the
morning of October 24 we reported to
the Norwin church and thanked them
for their support. The Homeville
church was our host that evening with
dinner at the Brookshire home. Miss
Ellen Thompson of the Homeville
Church served as our gracious hostess
for 2 days and showed us the
interesting and historical sights of the
city of Pittsburgh.
The Duquesne church which has
supported us since 1953 gave us the
evening of October 27 to report to them
and express our thanks for their
support. The Wayne Kasers, who
minister to the church, showed us very
warm hospitality as our hosts while at
Duquesne.
We next stopped with the Ray
Carpenters of Wheeling, W. Va. They
served as our hosts more than once
before and we received great pleasure
from seeing them again. The Manton
Fields, who visited us in Tokyo in the
past, came to the Carpenter home and
we spent an evening reminiscing. We
worshipped with the Warwood church
in Wheeling on Sunday morning, Oct.
31st.
We spoke to the Belmont Ridge
church, Beallsville, Ohio, that evening
and spent the next few days as guests
of the Phillips twins, Eileen and Arlene
of Barnesville, Ohio. While we were
with them, they delighted us with a
tour of Alexander Campbell's old
residence at Bethany, W. Va. How
much we owe that great man and his
family! But it is saddening to know
that that property is now in the hands
of those who have lost his loyalty to the
Scriptures and his vision of the
restoration of the primitive church on
scriptural principles.
We arrived at the Utica, Ohio church
during their week of revival services.
We spent the next few days in sweet
fellowship with them, enjoying the
revival and the hospitality of Nancy
Hall and the Stephenson family. The
weather was cold there but the church
warmed and encouraged us in the
Lord.
On November 5 we arrived at Piqua,
Ohio, Betty's home town, and were
welcomed both by the church and by
Mrs. Irene Maxwell, a very dear friend,
who was our hostess several times
until December 13, while we travelled
to other churches in the area. On Nov.
7 we spoke to the Piqua church. We
visited many friends there. Camp
Christian and the Sheepskin
Community Club. Bruce Hogston and
his wife took us out to breakfast one
morning. He had visited us while he
was in the military in Japan.
On Nov. 14 we began our sojourn
with Louise Williams of Mt. Victory,
Ohio. She had offered us a haven of
rest during 2 furloughs in the past at
her home in Rushsylvania, Ohio. The
Mt. Victory church had a carry-in
dinner for us and their home-coming
day after we had spoken to the church
that morning. The Rushsylvania
church which has supported us since
1947 welcomed us in the evening and,
after we had spoken to those gathered,
served refreshments to the group.
Andrew attended an area men's
meeting and spoke at 2 rest homes
where Mrs. Williams usually teaches.
Betty and Mrs. Williams spent the rest
of the week going to several olher
classes of Mrs. Williams, speaking
about the Lord and His blessings on
the work in Japan.
On Nov. 17 we were dinner guests at
the Roger Beck home and from there
drove with them to the night's meeting
at the Hi-Point church, Bellefontaine,
Ohio. There Andrew met Mr. and Mrs.
Bill Best who formerly ministered to his
home church in East Point, Ga. Mr.
and Mrs. Larry Ogden minister to the
Hi-Point church and formerly had
served the Rushsylvania church.
These and others gathered that
evening and Andrew spoke to them.
Our visit to the historical town of Ft.
Recovery brought back many
memories to Betty. Her grandfather
Jones' funeral was held at the church
there 54 years ago. The congregation
warmed our hearts and gave us new
zeal to continue in the Lord's work.
After Andrew had spoken at the
morning worship service, a fellowship
dinner was enjoyed by those who could
remain.
Next we spent a few days with
Betty's aunt and uncle. Burr and Ruth
Warner, who live near Eaton, Ohio. We
got a warm reception by the Barron St.
church at Eaton when we worshipped
with and spoke to them on Nov. 28th.
At noon we enjoyed participating in
the annual Thanksgiving dinner and
reunion for the Warner family. Ob
serving Thanksgiving in America
for the first time in many years and at
the same time meeting many ofBetty's
relatives at the reunion afforded us
great pleasure.
Wade and Marge Fletcher of
Rushville, Ind. have served as our
forwarding agents since 1965. They
attended the National Missionary
Convention at Lexington in September
to represent us. We appreciate their
services and contributions to our work.
We paid our first visit to the
Fletchers after our return from Japan
during December. We worshipped with
and spoke both morning and evening
to the Rushville church on December 5.
Many ofthe members enjoyed trying to
use chopsticks as we ate an oriental
meal at noon. The Sexton church to
whom Andrew ministered a few
months in 1953 joined us in the evening
worship and slide presentation that
evening. We enjoyed meeting Joyce
and Bob Warrick again who used to be
co-laborers with us in Japan.
While in the Rushville area we
journeyed to Camden, Ind. and visited
with the Carl Robeson family. In
Kokomo we visited the Bill McGilvreys
and Bill Owens. Bill Owens was
baptized at the Yokosuka church in
Japan. Bill is now enrolled as a
Freshman at Ozark Bible College near
us.
Our visit with the Scottsville church,
Floyds Knobs, Ind. was indeed a very
pleasant one. Mr. and Mrs. John
Jones, dear friends of many years,
minister to the church. Mr. and Mrs.
Forrest Wright were our gracious
hosts. This church has supported us
for many years andthey are dear to our
hearts. After a delicious meal with
some of the members after the service
on Sunday, December 12, Betty
enjoyed meeting with the ladies in the
afternoon at their annual Christmas
get-to-gether. The Wrights opened
their home in the evening and guests
came to visit us and fellowship and
sing hymns of praise unto the Lord.
Another rest stop at Irene Maxwell's
home in Piqua, Ohio prepared us for
Betty's appointment with the Ladies'
Missionary groups at First Christian
church at Springfield, Ohio. Mr. and
Mrs. John Wilson were our hosts. The
6 groups that met on December 14 were
very attentive and gracious as the
work in Japan was related to them in
slides.
December 15th found us again at the
Warner home to load up some things
that Betty's mother had saved for her
through-out her lifetime. We headed
for Joplin, Missouri on December 16th,
arriving there on the 17th. It was good
to be back with Sharon and her family
and unpack our suitcases for a few
weeks. -Andrew Patton
Patton Family
Philip, 24 and in the navy in New
York, was able to come to Missouri on
December 18 and remain until January
2. Stephen, 22, also in the navy in
Charleston, SC., had leave from
December 30 until January 16th. Even
though all 4 children were not able to
be together at any one time, we did get
to visit them all during the month's
time. Our grandson, Zachary, from
Edmond, Okla. came and stayed with
us for 8 days. We celebrated Noel's
26th birthday and Stephen's 22nd
birthday during that time. Sharon,
Chris and Sandy have been our
gracious hosts during this time and we
appreciate it very much.
We are presently worshipping with
our family at Iron Gates church in
Joplin. It's refreshing to hear the
Gospel preached in English and share
in the work of the church. Charles
Curran is the minister at the church.
On January 24 we will travel to
Rochester, Minn, to have a check-up on
the 26th. We will be the guests of Mr.
and Mrs. Earl Grice while in the area
as the college apartments are booked
up for that time. Please pray that we
will have a good report and be able to
report back to Japan to the work in
April. -Andrew and Betty
Tokyo Christian
(No. 776-370)
Published four times a year in January,
April, July and November for the
missionaries of the Church of Christ,
Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan by
Mission Services, PO Box 2427, Knoxville,
Tennessee 37901. Second Class postage
paid at Knoxville, TN 37901.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION
SERVICES, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN
37901.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 571-1
Innaihara, Mochizuki, Kitasaku Gun,
Nagano Ken, Japan 384-22. Forwarding
Agent: Mrs. Lois Hessler, PO Box 287,
Meadville, PA 16335.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 3-6 Kugo
Oho, Yokosuka Shi, Kanagawa Ken 238,
Japan. Forwarding Agent: Mr. and Mrs.
G. Wade Fletcher, Rt. 6, Box 15, Rushville,
IN 46173.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 3-33-7
Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193 Japan.
Forwarding Agent: First Church ofChrist,
Orange at Center St, Eustis, FL 32726.
Two year subscription $.50
Subscription and
Flaming Torch $1.00
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1311
SliiS rlEVlSLETTER A;!D YEARLY REPORT ' ' /ffl 2'> yn.-i Oanuary 1903
A Wexj Year ^ '
During the first three days of 1983, over 3,700jOOO people (about one-third
of Tokyo's population) visited the ileiji Shrine in Tokyoa new record. But vjhen
they finished counting the tons of coins thrown into the coffers, the total was
less than last year. This is indicative of both people's deep, unspoken longing.,
for happiness, security, a new start, and of the general uneasiness about eco
nomic and political trends as we begin the year of the impetuous boar.
ilejirodai Church ; ^
Meanwhile here at Mejirodai, we had 23 adults and 6 children present at the
\7orsh'ip service on Jan. 2nd. This seems .quite small and insignificant in the
midst of SO: many people and such ignorance of and need for the gospel, but v/e
still remember those v/ords at my ordination in Eustis, Florida, 40 years ago this
coming May, "Preach the Hord, in season and out of season."
Our average Sunday AM v/orship attendance in 1982 was 24.6, and the Sunday
School.averaged 72^ Dotii were slightly down from the previous year. There was
one baptisma High School girl who has grown up in our Sunday School, and won
the top attendance prize v/hen in the third or fourth grade. Her non-Christian
parents readily consented, and her mother attended the baptism in November. One
member moved av/ay, so v/e held our own in membership.
For those interested in more statistics, 103 different adults attended our
regular services during the year: 33 members, 27 husbands, sons, daughters,
mothers etc. of members, 32 non-Christians and 11 Christians from, Other areas who
v/ere visitors.
lie.performed six weddings last year-â high for that. I say "we" because
usually Lois plays the organ and helps a lot with the ore-arrangements, rehear
sal s^, advice etc. Three of these were for our. church girls, lie v/ere disappoint
ed that all married non-Christians, but Christians.are such a minority group in*
Japan it is hard to find suitable mates. We continue to hope and pray that the
husbands will come with them to church and become Christians, and it is not im
possible in any of the cases. The other. 3 were cases where both parties v/ere not
Christians but they or their relatives specially requested that I perform the.
ceremony. "Christian" v/eddings are becoming increasingly popular in Japan Isitely.
One of these young couples has attended church several times since the v/edding,
and v/e try to keep in touch with them.
He also had two funerals here during the year: The husband of one member,'
and the daughter of another, 'le have already written about these in the Tokyo
Christian and earlier newsletters. ' '
Lois has a vêekly meeting of a group of around 10 ladies of the neighbor
hood (about 3 non-Christians) called the Ladies Chorus. They have a period of
Bible reading and prayer and then sing and have refreshments, to v/hich all con-
tribute various things. Several times a year they sing for special meetings, and
are always enthusiastically received. He also have 5 Bible studies at church and
in homes every month.
I teach Conversational English five hours every v/eek in tv/o of the local
'.High Schools, as well as five hours Tuesday and IJednesday PM in the church., Lois
teaches two hours in an English school every Monday afternoon, five hours for
neighborhood children at our house every Wednesday, and three hours for neighbor
hood housewives every Friday morning. Between us v/e have face to face contacts
with over 300 people each v/eek. He enjoy our life and v/ork, and are thankful .
for the health and strength to keep busy and moving on.
Japan-Hide
llarold was one of over 100 missionaries invited to be delegates to the. 2700
member Kyoto Congress on Evangelism last June, The rest of the people were
Japaneseboth laymen and women and preachers. He also attended the Hayama. Sem
inar for missionaries in Januaryy andi.2 one-day Church Rrov/th and Church Plant
ing Seminars. He v/as chosen as the Tokyo Area Representative of the Independent
Missionaries in the Japan Evangelical ilissionary /Association,, and spoke at, the
yearly meeting in February. Me continues to serve on the board of the Japan
lifssionary Language Institute. He also attends the local Hachioji Ministers
Association meetings. And he is one of the 10 Councillors of the Osaka Bible
Seminary.
Osaka Bible Seminary Building Project.
The Osaka Seminary has one metal building which has served v/ell for 30 years
after being obtained from U.S. military surplus. It is the home of Prof, and
Mrs. Saito and their family, and also the girls' dormitory. But now it has rust
ed out beyond repair and must be replaced. The Japanese graduates and friends
are undertaking to raise one-third of the costj and vje Americans are trying to
raise the remainder., I vjouTcllike to,.contribute $4.j000. We have sent a brochure
with information about this to some, of our supporting churches^ but would like
for all of you vjho read this to give this project your prayerful and serious con
cern during this year. Gontril3Ut"ions can be sent directly to Osaka or to Eustis.
If you send to .Eustis.for ithis,purpose^ be sure to so designate.
Recent Âctivities
The highlight of the year for us was the 43 day round trip to the Unfted'
States.July 23 - September 4... We already told, about that in detail in our Christ
mas letter. We will just briefly .mention some things from November and December.
Wov. 1-5 v/e. made a trip by car to Wagoyas Osaka arda (about 330 miles from
here.) We spent Monday night with a,.former. Hakano member tnâgoyay who is in-'
terested in getting something started dovjn thefe. Tuesday and Wednesday We at
tended the annual. Tanemaki. Kai sponsored, by the Osaka Bible Semiriary, and Thurs--
day morni ng I attended a Counci 11 or.' s meet1 ng there. We spent those nighfs wi th
Mr. and Mrs. .Fujiwara. She used to attend here before her husband was trans
ferred there by his company. Also while,there^ we.saw a' lady v)h6 used to live
in-our home while, attending Tokyo Bible Seminary, and is now a grand-mother. We
hadn't seen her for over 20 years^ because,she lived in a distant part Of Japan.
Thursday night .we again.stayed in the Magoya.area, with the family of the girl
we took to the U.S. last supier.
/ i'lov. 7.we had the annual memorial service for all tnose whose funerals have
been held at Majirodai church. Mov. 14 v/e had the special prayer for children
on Sonday afternoon, with, four children present and good refreshments and fellow
ship foliov/ing.. . i'iov.,,2T we ,had" our usual carry-in fellowship dinner, and each
one gave, a little speech telling'v/hat he v/as thankful for. All three of thesO- ^
follow Japanese,jtradifiipns and'fepjj.n^..and'th^ Japanese time of yOar foir such
activities, and they are well accepted' and attended by the people. This is what
is called "Contextual;! zatIon''.in modern missionary literature.
.' We had our tradi ti onal church and. $%.day Scnool tiieeti ngs at Chri stmas, wi th
a veify good attendance and. spirit, . We also received a good number of cards 'and
letters and gifts from friends and supporting churches. To save-space T vJtTl not
relate: the details here, but it was siipilar. to past years in'every way.
....^ ^. .... ' ' "
On Dec. 9, a daughter (the fourth) v/as,bdrn to Tom and Hope Schmidt. =Our -
seventh,.grandchild. We talked to all of our children on Christmas day oh the
phone... ..x... ^ .
Plans for. 1933 ;
We are planning 2 weeks of camp again the l^st of March and the first of May.
Jonathan graduated.from language school on Dae. 17, and he vi/ill be starting
new Bible studies and activities this year.
Bobby and .Helen will be coming to Japan for about 4 weeks from about mid-July
to, visit his old friends. It has been 10 years since he left, and v/ill be Helen's
first time.
Danny and Jeanne plan to be married August 27. We will make a brief trip
to Cincinnati, Ohio, for that and return immediately to Japan,
Our Theme or Project for this year is to get as many families as possible
started on regular family devotions.
Pray especially for: '
1. The spiritual growth of our members, and families united in Christ.
2. More young people and more coup!eis "to come.
3. Four of our churciV ladies v/ho are caring for sick mothers which takes a lot
of time and is a big burden of Worry and time.
4. For God's, guidance upon Jonathan and his future work. >
5. For the camps and Vacation Bible Schools.
6. For the Osaka Bible Seminary building project.
We'thank you for your faithful''support and prayers and encouragement always.
Yours in His service,
Harold and Lois Sims
REPORT OF FUMDS HAf^DLED BY HAROLD SIMS IW TOKYO Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 1982
INCOIC
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
From Eustis:
Regular $500 monthly General Expense
Special for unusual expenditures - Air tickets to U.S.
- Painting house roof and car repair
- For travel In U.S. Most offerings received were turned
over to Eustis 1
Special offerings
Offerings sent direct from U.S. to Japan:
First Christian Church, Chester, W. Va. (Mrs. Tuttle)
Mrs. Charles Meadows, Charlottesvllle, VA
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Beard, Philippines
Primary Dept., Westwood-Chevlot Church of Christ, Cincinnati, OH
Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Lucas, Leesburg, FL
Offerings received In the final days of US trip, after most had
been turned tn-to Eustts^
Cash
Honorarium from C.B.S.
Church of Christ, Alexandria, KY
Reimbursement of tuition I paid for Jonathan's language school, 1979
Sales of Bibles &Hymnals etc. at Mejlrodal church
Reimbursement for travel In Japan
$1^
EXPEMDITURES
1. Round-trip air fare for Harold and Lois, Including Inside U.S,
2. Hotel at HACC, Kansas City
3. Hotel and registration at Kyoto Congress on Evangelism,
Hayama and Church Growth Seminars in Japan
4. Painting roof and other minor house repair
5. Shinshu Bible Camp, Including faculty transportation
6. PrintingStationery, advertising and Christmas letter
7. Church supplies
8. Tracts and literature for distribution
9. Upper Room and other gift literature
10. Stationery and duplicating (same place)
11. Postage
12. Postage In U.S.
13. Telephone In Japan
14. Telephone In U.S.
15. Tapes for recording sermons
16. Video tape and recording expenses
17. Pictures for publicityslides
18. Membership In Missionary Organizations &Subscriptions to
related journals
19. Books for sale at church
20. Books for n^y sermons
21. Travel: by train and taxi In Japan
by taxi and gasoline in U.S.
by car in Japan, gasoline
by car In Japan, toll and parking
car tax. Insurance, repairs
23. Fire Insurance on our house
24. Visas, etc.
1982 RECEIPTS - SIMS TOKYO HISSIOM
$ 6
2
1,000.00
,000.00
,000.00
,200.00
284.00
40.00
60.00
250.00
10.00
10.00
35.00
50.00
75.00
550.00
440.40
183.67
rr507
$ 4,035.10
196.77
380.82
730.20
312.00
270.04
192.36
218.61
104.08
65.61
740.67
89.72
436.85
17.35
17.00
134.69
82.12
65.97
461.10
41.75
400.69
88.15
497.95
175.71
731.18
130.60
38.36
$10,746.47
Alexandria Church of Christ, Alexandria, KY
Allgood, Mrs. H.B., Athens, GA
Atklns, Frances A., Ml111gan Col 1ege
Barstow Christian Church, Barstow, TX
Central Christian, St. Petersburg, FL
Christian Church, Bainbrldge, GA
Christian Church Missions, Confluence, PA
Christian Restoration Assn., Cincinnati
Church of Christ, Hamersvllle, OH
Churc' C*lA
General
Expense
00
txpen
30.00
40.00
1200.00
429.00
110.00
29.22
300.00
10.00
Living
ITnr^
Designated
Funds
$100.00 (Grace Sims)
Clovernook Christian, Cincinnati
Uhrich $100.00
Special 184.00
Nissionary 1000.00
Eade, Kenneth W., English, lil
Englewood Christian, Jacksonville:
First Christian, Charlottesville,
PL
VA
(General)
$1000.00
First Christian,
First Christian,
Travel
Speaking
Mr, Senning
First Christian,
First Christian,
First Christian,
First Christian,
Women's Counsel
Win-A-Kuple
Speaker
First Christian of Chicago, IL (McClelland)
First Christian of Fayette City, PA
First Church of Christ, Eustis, FL
of Christ, Garrett, IW
$285.00
480.00
50.00
27.50
100.00
.10
1.21
C., Blountstown, FL
Col uinbus
flapa, CA
li!
(total $5,311.00)
130.00
1200.00
250.00
PA
, as personal gifts
Missions, F!ev/ Sal em.
Turtle Creek, PA
Yuma, AZ
IMC, Johnson City, Ti!
First Church
Schmi dt
Mission
Baker
Jr. Church
Special
Platner
Bunn
Garrett, Mrs. Wiley
Co.
CWF of liyattstown Christian, Clarksburg, MD
Inius, Mr. Alden E., Jr. Silver Springs, MD
Island City Adult B ble Class, King City, MO
Markle Church of Christ, III
Monroeville Christian, Mission Acct, PA
[lew Somerset Christian SS, Toronto,
-iiojctJisIde Churclôf- Cliri St, -Hewport
Ladies Day Circle
Simpson, Edith J., Greentown, IM
South. Side Christian, Munster, IM
Warwood Christian, Wheeling, WV
White Oak Christian, Cincinnati, OH
TOTALS
OH
Mews YA
400.00
155.00
660.00
55.00
520.00
943.81
25.00
5.00
45.00
274.60
45.00
10.00
125.74
150.00
2150.00
(Lv.Lk.)
4376.00
3687.34
425.00
1293.00
1200.00
10&^.50
(Designated)
$284.00
2816.99 (Lois)
600.00
85.00
350.00
200.00
175.00
190.00
30.00 (Mrs. Sims)
15.00 (Christmas)
45.00 (Harold, Lois)
$11312.37 $12368.84 $4^90.99
FUMDS RECEIVED by Harold while in USA and receipted by him:
Grimstad
Church of Christ, Markle, IM
Robert Caley
First Church, Garrett, IM
*Hope and Joy Class, Garrett, IM (cash)
First Christian Church, Turtle Creek
'Monroeville (each)
R. Curry
*A. Havelick (cash)
*i!orthside Church of Christ
Many personal cliecks also amounting to
Englewood, Jacksonville
First Christian Church, Charlottesville
Total received by Harold
(If there seems to be a deficit in various church records and those of the
forwarding agenti it is likely because the money was given to Harold and
recorded by him, amounting to $1,371.42, listed above.)
^Personal gifts are not reported by Harold.
$100.00
176.05
100.00
104.00
50.00
150.00
20.00
361.00
210.37
100.00
$1371.42
EXPtMDITURES
General Expense 7,000.00
Living Link 10,800.00
Designated 1,679.00
(travel expense within U.S.$1,484.00)
Insurance 593.00
i lission Services 611.34
Office Supplies 172.42
Postage 0 thank you notes 86.00
Travel 2,000.00
TOTAL $22,941.76
[RECEIPTS
General $11,312.37
Living Link 12,668.84
Designated 4,790.99
By Harold 1,371.42
TOTAL RECEIPTS $30,143.62
Expenditures 22,941.76
BALArlCE FOR YEAR $ 7,201.86
Tokyo DO Christian
VOLUME 82 APRIL, 1983 NUMBER 2
PATTONS' NEWS
PATTONS RETURN TO JAPAN
It hardly seems possible that 6
months could have passed so quickly
but they have. Our furlough is now
history and we are now back in Tokyo
preparing for the next phase of our
work in Japan.
Our furlough now ended was one of
our most enjoyable ones. In pre
ceding ones we had to spend a lot of
time in travels in the interests of our
work. In contrast most of the past 3
and a half months was spent with rela
tives and as a real furlough. A trip to
Mayo Clinic in January for medical ex
aminations and Andrew's trip to
Charleston, S.C. to see son Stephen
and to Atlanta to see his father and
other relatives were necessary ex
ceptions to the rule.
Our general health condition, con
sidering our age, was pronounced good
by Mayo and we got their blessing on
our plans to return to Japan. Andrew's
medicine was changed and the side
effects resulting from his former medi
cine have disappeared. We are very
grateful for that good report and on its
basis, we were able to return to our
work in Japan without being nagged
by fear that our health would not bear
the stress of another term on the field.
Our last few weeks in Joplin were
spent in purchasing and mailing the
supplies we will need in Japan. The
boxes we mailed perhaps will not all
reach us until June, but surprisingly
enough, Mr. Buttray reported that 3
have already arrived.
On April 1.we leaded our baggage in
to the car and with the Scheurichs,
Chris, Sharon and Sandy, drove to Ed-
mond, OK to visit our son Noel and
grandson Zachary for four days. We
found both of them well and Noel busy
in his work from which he was given a
short vacation to be with us. We found
Zachary a very grown-up and well-
behaved four year old. The short visit
with them was very enjoyable, but that
joy was mingled with the sadness of
knowing that perhaps we would not
meet again for many, many months.
The Scheurichs had to return to Joplin
on Sunday evening and saying fare
well to them was a sad event too.
On the following Wednesday we
departed by plane for Fontana, Cali
fornia to visit Betty's aunt, Gladys
Stackhouse, and her many cousins
there. That visit was a thoroughly
enjoyable one and, as is usual with the
Stackhouses, Perezes, Bitontis, etc.,
they entertained us royally until they
drove us to the Los Angeles airport
early on April 10 so that we could board
our plane for Tokyo.
At Narita Airport we were met by
Harold Sims, Mabel Buttray and
Satoru Taninari. On Sunday April 17
we plan to worship with the Yokosuka
church. Some time during the
following week we intend to depart
for Shinshu Bible Camp to help in the
work of a camp which is scheduled to
be held at the end of April. Thus will
begin our labors in that new phase of
our work for Christ in Japan.
Words are inadequate to adequately
express our joy and gratitude over our
furlough which has just ended. We
were treated so very kindly and be
friended by so many people time and
space are inadequate to mention them
here. We were able to meet and enjoy
the fellowship of many Christian
people during our sojourn in the
U.S.A., a truly unforgettable ex
perience. We were able to rest, to
learn more concerning the condition of
our health, andto visit relatives we had
not seen in several years.
Now we look forward to a fruitful and
happy ministry in Nagano Prefecture
with Shinshu Bible camp as its base.
-Andrew Patton
PATTONS' FUTURE
PLANS
The fact that Stan and Mabel
Buttray will retire from Mission work
in Japan and return to the U.S.A.
permanently around June of this year
has already been publicized. Also our
plans to replace the Buttrays as the
responsible missionaries in the work of
the Shinshu Bible Camp has been
made known among our friends and
supporters as well as among the
brethren in Japan. Now we would like
to spell out the nature of our work at the
camp.
We will be working in close
cooperation with Brother Satoru
Taninari, the Japanese manager ofthe
camp. It will be his and our
responsibility to maintain the camp
grounds which consist of about seven
acres of land, (above 8000 "tsubo"), a
missionary home and camp building,
oversee the purchasing and
preparation of food for each camp,
conduct the financial and business
affairs of the camp, and do any
thing else necessary to enhance the
vital ministry of the camp for Christ.
We hope to work out a close
relationship between the camp leaders
and the Japanese ministers, churches
and the missionaries served by the
camp. We hope to include the repre
sentatives from each of them in
planning the program and affairs of
the camp. We believe that they can
offer many excellent ideas for
conducting the camp affairs and their
inclusion in the camp planning will
encourage their interest, support, and
participation. We expect through this
and other means to keep the churches
using the camp informed of the
financial condition and needs of the
camp. The more they are informed of
the good work of the camp and its
needs and the more wholesome contact
they have with the camp the more their
interest, support, and participation in
the camp will be, we believe.
To accomplish these objectives is our
main reason for our acceptance of the
heavy responsibilities involved in
managing the camp affairs and for
moving to the camp ground. We will
occupy the home on the camp ground
provided for the missionary overseer
of the camp.
Though we wish it were otherwise,
the camp season each year is mostly
confined to spring, summer, and early
autumn. This is due mostly to the fact
that work, school, or other personal
responsibilities will not permit people
to attend camp in other seasons. We do
have, however, a year-end camp
around Christmas time because people
are free to come then. Ofcourse, during
"slack" times also the maintenance of
the camp grounds must be continued.
That is the responsibility of Bro.
Taninari and us.
We also have plans of cooperating
with Bro. Taninari in establishing
churches and evangelizing in the
towns, cities, and villages of the area
where the camp is located. After
moving to the camp, we intend to
confer with Mr. Taninari and if he
concurs in cooperating in that work we
plan to launch out in it at the earliest
possible time. We will keep you
informed on the progress of those
evangelistic endeavors as it occurs.
Mr. Taninari's becoming affiliated
with us in the work of the camp and in
church and evangelistic work will
necessitate our paying his salary (to
be negotiated) for his services out of
our mission service funds. He has no
other means of support. And, should
he get married, it will be necessary to
increase his support at that time. We
would appreciate your keeping this in
mind when sending support for our
work hereafter.
We are entering this new phase ofour
work for Christ with joyous
anticipation. Having been engaged in
mission work in Japan for over 35
years, we have learned that there are
some things which one must
anticipate-hardship, indifference,
misunderstanding, opposition,
suffering, to mention a few-and that,
though a healthy optimism is
essential, we can expect the way to be
sprinkled liberally with thorns, pricks,
backsets, and discouragements. We
have our eyes open for these things
and pray for wisdom and courage to
deal with each difficulty as it occurs.
Your prayers for us and the work of
both the Shinshu Bible Camp and our
evangelistic work in the area of the
camp are appreciated.
Please note our change of address:
Andrew & Betty Patton
571-1 Innaihara
Mochizuki Shi
Kitasaku Gun
Nagano Ken 384-22
Japan
Our phone number is 02675-3-3749
and the camp number is 02675-3-5447.
-Andrew Patton
BUTTRAY NEWS
"Bhutan", the sign on the super
highways in Japan which indicates
the end of the road is fast approaching,
illustrates vividly where we are today
as missionaries in Japan! April 27th
will be the SHUTEN marking the end
of 33 years of serving our Lord in
Japan. And May 31st will end our term
of service of working together with the
late Mrs. W.D. Cunningham, Harold
and Lois Sims, and Andrew and Betty
Patton. During this time we had only
six furloughs, and two of these were
only short visits.
It all began when with our eight year
old son Paul we arrived at Atlanta
Christian College in the Fall of 1945
to study for the ministry. In doing so,
we became the first of a great number
of recruits to leave the First Christian
Church of our hometown Meadville,
Pennsylvania.
There is no doubt that the accept
ance of us as students at A.C.C. by
President George Bondurant was the
turning point in our lives, and the
means of opening the door to God's
purpose of being witnesses for Him in
Japan!
Though we began preaching
midway of our first year, we had not
yet been committed to a full-time
church ministry as we came to the last
year of schooling. And just as God
directed our lives to A.C.C., He again
stepped in during our last year, to lead
us to Japan. It was early December
that President Orval Crowder came to
challenge us to accept an invitation to
work with the Cunningham Mission in
Tokyo, Japan. Through previous con
tacts with missionaries a definite in
terest in missions had arisen, but the
Call to mission work in Japan came as
a complete surprise! However, the
result of a number of weeks of prayer
confirmed the invitation was God's
Will!
So upon graduation in June 1949
Mabel and I travelled eight months
visiting churches. But because we were
urgently needed in Japan, we made
plans to leave even though we lacked
$50.00 of our goal of $200.00 monthly
support. While enroute to San
Francisco and embarkation on the S.S.
Wilson we learned the Fairmount
Church in Richmond, Virginia had
just pledged the $50.00 needed!
It was on April 27th, 1950 with Paul
now 13 years old, that we came to
Yokohama and was met by Mrs.
Cunningham. Harold Sims, and
Andrew Patton. Our first impression
of the Japanese was that everyone
looked exactly alike and came from one
mold. In a very short time we knew
differently. But from another view
point they are exactly alike, and even
today haven't changed. Their ethics,
morals, religions; family, village,
town, city, and National traditions
have not changed! Christ, and Eternal
Salvation through Him still remain
FOREIGN and 99% rejected! Thus in
our judgment, 33 years have made little
change or progress, except in the area
of affluency, economics, and World
Power!
Those first five years were busier
than the average new missionary. The
reason was, we followed in the
footsteps of the Samuel Saunders
family who because of sickness had
suddenly left Japan about ten days be
fore our arrival. So our immediate re
sponsibilities included preaching at
the Yochomachi Church and teaching
in the Bible College. Also, in that first
year at the insistence of the Ogden
Robbins family (Navy) we went to
Yokosuka and started a new church.
During the next four years there were
four major events. (1) Paul returned
to the States in 1953 to finish high
school and enter Penn State
University. (2) Mrs. Cunninghamdied
Christmas 1953 and went to be with
her Lord. (3) The responsibility of the
Mission fell squarely upon the
shoulders of the remaining young mis
sionaries. (4) And David our youngest
son was born December 20, 1954.
The conviction that we should have
our own Christian Camp was quite
strong even while Mrs. Cunningham
was living. But it was not to be for
many years. During our second term of
service we continued a belated
"language study", preached for eleven
months at the Oji Army Chapel,
started a Sunday school and Bible
class in our home, which resulted in the
construction ofthe Kamiochiai Church
building beside our house.
The next two terms of service were
spent assisting the new Kamiochiai
Stanley and Mabel Buttray
Church next door, and the Yokosuka
Church which were both experiencing
difficult preacher problems.
Morimoto San, the young preacher
we left in charge ofthe newKamiochiai
Church when we went on furlough in
1961, was in the preparation stage of
going to Thailand as missionary when
we returned in 1962. It is now 21 years
since they left Japan. Then, among the
original members of the Kamiochiai
Church was a young man named
Mizoguchi. He later entered the
ministry. Also, the preaching at Camp
Oji resulted in one young man
becoming a chaplain, another an
assistant chaplain, and another on
returning to the States entered a Bible
College. Also, of two Japanese that
were baptized from the Oji Chapel
experience, one remains faithful today.
It was about the time we returned
from our third furlough in 1968 that a
strong urge to have a Camp returned
and wouldn't go away. It was during
this time that we were helping the
Julius Fleenors in their small camp in
Karuizawa and cooperating in
Summer Festival Evangelism. This
resulted in a new church establishedin
the Tokyo area. And then our son
David graduated from the Christian
Academy in June 1972andwe returned
home for his enteringMilligan College.
But it wasn't until 1974 that 6V2acres
of mountain land in Nagano
Prefecture were realized. And it wasn't
until two years later that money
became available from the sale of
Mission property to begin construction
of a home for us to live in, and begin
planning the Camp Building Project.
It was during this time that
Matsutaka San, an architect and
owner of the Cowboy House
Restaurant in nearby Karuizawa came
to our rescue. His designing and
finding a suitable construction
company was invaluable help to us.
Even so, the Camp building was not
completed until December 20, 1979.
From the dedication celebration on
January 15th, 1980 until now April
1983 the first camp was the most
thrilling! This was the Jr. Hi. and High
school Spring Camp of 1980. Three-
fourths of the 56 campers heard the
Gospel for the first time. Including
the Staff and helpers the total reached
76 persons which is about maximum
capacity.
Just when we needed someone to
help in the Summer camps, Taninari
San's name was mentioned. Upon our
invitation, he accepted and arrived in
July. That first summer was a trial
period for himand us. But his abilityin
cooking was a real help, and he liked
what he saw and experienced, and
decided to stay. It has been decided
that Taninari San will become the
Camp Manager as we leave June 6,
1983.
Chaplain Hendly brought a group
from the Yokota Air Base during the
early days to help clear the land for a
Softball field. Also, from the Air Base
these last two years Cliff and Darlene
Bassham have come many times and
been a big help. One time they brought
Dale Thayer and worked on drain
ditches and the road. Also, each year
during the Julywork camp a number of
missionaries and teenagers have been
a great help. Much yet remains to be
done! And unfilled plans must remain
just that!
May 1983 will mark the 30th
anniversary of our son Paul leaving
Japan. He has never returned during
all these years, but is planning to come
before we leave Japan. He will be
accompanied by his wife. Faith, and
her mother, Mrs. Alma Sellers, who
will be visiting Japan for the first time.
This will be a very special occasion for
us, and will climax our time of service
for the Lord in Japan.
We are leaving the work of the Camp
in the hands of Andrew and Betty
Fatten, and Taninari San. Our
prayers for them and the progress of
Camps in the future will be for 100%
success...increasing the number of
campers and multiplying those who
will be saved.
We wish to acknowledge and thank
God for all the cooperating
missionaries, preachiers, and workers
that helped us in any way, directly or
indirectly in the success of the Camp
these 3V2 years.
We must apologize for not being able
in this short space to recognize
everyone to whom we are eternally
grateful! So we just simply but
sincerely say THANK YOU to all
Churches, Individuals, and Readers of
the Tokyo Christian for your faithful
fellowship and support in preaching
the Gospel in Japan through the years!
If possible, we would like to visit one
more time the Churches that have
supported us through the years. For
our feelings, prayers, and support for
the Camp will not end because we are
returning home.
Since we have no home (property) in
the States, and because of other cir
cumstances, we don't know when we
will have a permanent address. So for
some time to come we will continue to
use: P.O. Box 287, Meadville, PA
16335.
Now the Toll Gate and Off Ramp is
in view, so it is time to say Sayonara!
-Stanley and Mabel Buttray
SIMS' NEWS
SPRING CAMP IN
SHINSHU
Early in April the cherry trees
blossom and the new school year
begins. For 2 weeks preceding this all
students enjoy a vacation, which
makes it an ideal time for the first
camp of the season up in Shinshu. Al
though in mountainous Nagano
prefecture the wind is still cold and
there is snow on the mountains and in
shady places, the camp building has
heat, ping-pong tables and the other
necessary facilities.
This year there were only 13 Middle
and HighSchool campers, but we had a
good program; including lively action
songs, ice-skating at a large rink in the
area, a talent show, Bible dramas,
cross-country hiking as well as
interesting classes and evening
messages.
Penny Boggs, who led the singing
and helped in the kitchen, and 3 boys
who are members of our Mejirodai
Middle School Class, and Jonathan
and I made the 5 hour trip in our light
van. We had brought our lunches with
us, but when noon came we were
crossing a mountain where it was cold
and there was no good place to stop.
We kept loo^ngTor a.auitable p.lê,
but passed through a city and many
miles with no picnicking spots visible.
Finally we stopped to get gasoline at a
place out in the country and noticed a
few large trees on a hillock across the
road. We got our lunch bags and
thermoses out of the car, and as we
started walking up the lane we passed
a "factory" where a man and his wife
were making concrete blocks, pipes,
etc., and asked them if it would be all
right to eat lunch up there. It was OK
with them, of course, but they must
have thought it a little unusual since it
turned out to be an old cemetery.
A few minutes later we were quite
surprised to see the "cement lady"
coming toward us with a Japanese
woven straw mat to spread on the
ground, a large pot of hot-water and
green-tea leaves in a teapot and tea
cups for all of us plus rice balls
wrapped in sea-weed, which were made
of rice grown in their paddy and was
for their own lunch, no doubt. It was
certainly an expression of true, warm
hearted hospitality which brightened
our whole trip.
-Harold Sims
Ei. P. R*
All through the winter months we
struggled to keep our Sunday AM
worship attendance above 20. Some
were absent almost every week with
flu. At one time 3 of our regulars were
caring for their seriously ill mothers.
We needed a revival.
One day I got a phone call asking if
we could have Steve Fox speak on
Easter Sunday morning, as he was
already scheduled to speak in another
church in western Tokyo that
afternoon. Steve Fox is well-known
among Japanese young people as the
bass guitarist and singer with a
popular musical group called
"Godaigo." He was born in Japan to a
U.S. soldier and a Japanese mother,
and is bilingual, bicultural and a
zealous Christian. He quit the above-
mentioned group at the peak of their
popularity several years ago to go to
the U.S. and study in preparation for a
lifetime as a missionary in Japan. He
was in Japan on a short trip over the
Easter holidays.
I talked the idea over with our small
group of young people, who were more
excited about it than I had anticipated,
and also our deacons readily agreed,
saying "Sometimes we need to do
something different."
So things began to fall into place for
what we are calling Easter to
Pentecost Revival. We are planning
something a little special for each of
the Sundays, and have set goals of 250
total attendance, 25 new people in
church and 5 baptisms. We also
printed a handbill and the young
Campers at Middle-High School Week. March
28-31.
Group that ate lunch together at a Chinese
Restaurant on Easter Sunday. Steve Fox is next
to Harold Sims. Two girls behind Lois Sims were
in church that day for the first time in their lives.
They are fans of Steve, and a cousin in Mejirodai
who received our hand-bill about his coming
notified them. The cousin hasn't been to church
yet.
people distributed it to every house in
the neighborhood. The printer caused
us some embarrassment by misprint
ing the title of the handbill as ERP, so
we had to cut that part off of 3000
copies.
On Easter Sunday we broke our
previous record of 59 adults at a wor
ship service with 63, including 9 new
' j
The audience at the City-wide special Easter
meeting on the roof of the Daimaru Department
Store in Hachioji at 2:30 I'M April 3, 1983.
?!!!!:;
r. *
I>ois Sims and her Ladies Chorus at her birthday
Two of the Ito children playing their
instruments for us as we visited in their home to
jointly celebrate our wedding anniversaries-our
36th, their 12th, on March 21.
The wedding of Suzuki Keiichi, pastor of the
Arakawa Church of Christ on March 27, 1983.
people. As this is being written we are
not yet to the middle of the campaign,
but already have had 14 new people in
our services. So it is already a revival,
and we are most happy and thankful.
Thanks all of you for remembering to
pray for us. This is an answer.
-Harold Sims
Tokyo Christian
(No. 776-370)
April, July and November for the
Mission Services, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road,
Knoxville, TN 37920. Second Class
postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION
SERVICES. PC Box 2427, Knoxville, TN
37901.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 571.1
Innaihara, Mochizuki, Kitasaku Gun,
Agent: Mrs. Lois Messier, PO Box 287,
Meadville, PA 16335.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 571-1
Innaihara, Mochizuki Shi, Kitasaku Gun,
Agent: Mr. and Mrs. G. Wade Fletcher, Rt.
6, Box 15, Rushville, IN 46173.
Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193 Japan.
Forwarding Agent: First Church ofChrist,
Orange at Center St., Eustis, FL 32726.
Subscription and
Flaming Torch $1.00
/=?/3
2 5
June 16, 1983
Dear Friends*
After a bus/ spring* we are now enduring the annual rain/ season here* It is
a time for farmers to plant rice* students to take mid-tem tests* missionaries
to get out a mid-/ear report and all others to keep their heads cool and their
ponder dr/.
MISSIONARY CHANGES OF LOCATION
Ten da/s ago we went out to Narita Airport to sa/ good-b/e to Stanle/ and Mabel
Buttra/* who were leaving for retirement in the United States after exactl/ one-
thlrd of a century of service in Japan. This is the first change in personnel
in what used to be called "The Cunningham Mission^since the death ot Mry. Cun-
ningham 30 /ears ago. We would be the first to admit that we are "insufficient
for these things"* but we think ever/one must admit that at least we have kept
at it. And we are thankful, for the Lord's presence with, us according to His
precious promises and for /our faithful encouragement and support.
On i^ril 11* we were at the same Aizpox^ to welcome Andrew and Bett/ Fatten
back from a 6-month furlough during which the/ both had complete ph/sical check-
iq)s (Andrew has had some heart trouble) at the Ma/o Clinic and received a rather
unexpected and welcome bill of health to continue in the work here a while longer.
Since then the Fattens have moved to the Shinshu Bib^ Cai^ to take the place
of the Buttra/s as directors of the camp program. Our son Jonathan moved down
to Yokosuka on April 22 to begin his ministr/ with the church there tdiere Fattens
had lived and worked for the past four /ears. Yokosuka is a main U.S. Navy base
as well as a pretty large city in the neighboring prefecture about 40 miles south
of Tokyo. Jon se^ns to be happy in his new work with the small group of Christ
ians there.
We believe God has been guiding in these changes* and we trust He will continue
to provide laborers for His harvest field* and wisdom and strength to those >ô
are laborers now. We have not moved, and are in our 13th year with the Mejirodai
Church.
The two Buttray sons came for a final visit with them in May. It had been 30
years since the older son Faul had left Japan as a High School boy, and it
the first time for his wife and mother-in-law to see the country. They stayed
at our house a number of nights while sight-seeing in the Tokyo area* as well
as pending some time in Nagano prefecture.
The Fattens and we sponsored two farewell meetings to which Buttrays'Japanese
friends were invitedone at the Camp in Nagano for neighbors and friends in
that area on toy 3rd* and another on toy 15th at the Kamiochiai Church in Tokyo
where they lived for 20+ years. Also the Fleenors had a "This is your life"
type meeting for missionary frineds on May 13th.
AT MEJIRODAI CHURCH
Meanwhile at Mejirodai we were having vdiat we called EFREaster to Fentecost
Revival. It was an atteiapt to get us out of a slvtng> in attendance that had per
sisted all through the winter. We set goals of 1) a total of 250 in attendance
at the 8 morning worship services (an average of 31 per Sunday* which was 10
above the average for Jan.-March)* 2) 25 new people among these who had never
been in a church service here before* and 3) five baptisms. I am happy to report
that we went over the attendance goal with 307 (38 average) and exactly met the
new visitor goal on the last Sunday* but am sorry that we hdd no baptisms dur
ing that period. We hope and pray that some of the new folks will make that
important decision onethese days. Baptism is often a barrier for the Japan
ese* as they dread family reactions. Our small congregation got into the spirit
of the EFR casâign after a coi^le of weeks and worked hard an4 enthusiastically*
so it was good for all of us.
CAMPS
Jonathan and I took three boys from here to the Jr. and Sr. High School camp
during the last week of March. It was still cold, and one afternoon they all
went ice-skating for the recreation* but the building is heated adequately and
all had a very good time and learned a lot of things. The boys we took have
been attending church some since that time* although they had only attended the
Jr. High Class before that.
April 28-30 we had about 30 people from several churches participate in an
adult can^ on the theme of Church Growth. The weather at that time was just per
fect* and we enjoyed one long afternoon walk very much.
EVANGELISTIC MEETING IN KYUSHU
May 27-^30 I flew down to Kagoshiisa for a short evangelistic meeting and some
good fellowship with Walter and Mary Maxey and the Yoshino Church. The attend
ance averaged 15+ each night, and on Sunday night two people made the good con
fession. One was the husband of one of the members, who works in the city
office, and the other was a neighborhood housewife who had been attending the
services regularly for some time. There were many tears of joy and thanksgiving.
On Sunday afternoon I went with Walter to another city where nine people met
around a table in a small rented hall. Four of those present were members, and
the others were all men and good prospects. We pray there may be a church in
that city before too long.
SUMMER PLANS
Robert and Helen Sims plans to arrive on July 20th for a four-week visit. It
has been 10 years since Bobby left Japan a few days after graduation from High
School, and they have been planning and saving for this trip since their marriage
four years ago. They will attend the allrJapan Convention and see some of our
work and also some interesting places in Japan during their short visit.
The same day that Bobby and Helen return to the U.S., we plan to leave on a
three-week trip to the United States to attend the wedding of our son Daniel to
Jeanne Blnan in Cincinnati on August 27th. Jeanne's father is a Professor of
Aerodynamics and related subjects at the Univerisity of Cincinnati. Jeanne is a
graduate of UC, now con^leting her first year of teaching and an active Christian.
Under the Co-op plan of work and study in which Daniel is enrolled he still has
one more year of work and study before graduating from U.C. with a degree in
Industrial Design. We will make this trip at our own expense.
We request your prayers for Danny and Jeanne and their new life together, Bobby
and Helen on their trip to and from Japan, Jonny in his work in Yokosuka, Sylvia
and Dave and their ministry in W. Des Moines, Hope and Tom and their 4 children
in Indiana, and for iis and the work here in Mejirodai and all over Japan, in
addition to your prayers for your own family, church and the many needs of our
world and its millions these days.
In His service,
Harold and Lois Sims
SIMS TOKYO MISSION
First Church of Christ
315 Orange Ave.
BUstis, Florida 32726-4194
ADDRESS CORRECTION
REQUESTED
Non-Profit Orgn.
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No; 57
Eustis, PL 32726
Christian
VOLUME 82
EPR AT
MEJIRODAI
CONCLUDES
In the last issue we mentioned our
Easter to Pentecost Revival. We set 3
goals-a total of 250 people attending
the 8 morning worship meetings
(averaging over 31 per Sunday, which
was 10 above the average for Jan. -
Mar.), 25 among these to be "new
people" (who had never attended this
church previously) and 5 baptisms.
1. We went over the attendance goal,
with a total of 307. This was an
average of 38+. 2. We exactly met the
new visitor goal on the final Sunday. 3.
We had no baptisms. Most of our 33
member congregation got into the
spirit of the campaign after a couple of
weeks and worked hard and happily.
We celebrated with a barbecue in the
church yard on Pentecost afternoon,
and most of the folks said "Let's do this
again next year" when they left.
Harold Sims
EVANGELISTIC
MEETING IN
KYUSHU
May 27-301 flew down to Kagoshima
to preach a short evangelistic meeting
for the Yoshino Church where Walter
and Mary Maxey are the missionaries.
Nightly attendance averaged 15 to 20,
and on Sunday night 2 people made the
good confession-the husband of one of
the members (middle-aged and
working for the City Office) and a
neighborhood housewife who had been
attending regularly for some time.
These decisions had been prayed and
hoped for, and there were tears of joy
and thanksgiving. -Harold Sims
ANNIVERSARIES
On October 18 1883, Mr. and Mrs. C.
E. Garst and Mr. and Mrs. Smith
arrived in Japan as the first
missionaries to set foot on this land
from our brotherhood. They were
among the earliest to go out under the
old Foriegn Christian Missionary
Society, the first to India going in 1882.
Harold Sims attended a special
lecture on Garst's contributions to
Japan by Dr. Kudo, a Professor of
Economics at the Meji Gakuin
University, on June 19 at the former
Disciples (now United Church of
Christ) church at Takinogawa in
Tokyo. There will be other celebrations
to mark 100 years this fall.
On July 3 the Wakaba-cho Church of
Christ (next door to Mrs. Cunning
ham's former house, and always called
First Church by her) will celebrate
their 80th anniversary. This is the
oldest of "our" churches in Japan now.
JULY, 1983
ADULT CAMP
April 28-30 Camp
April 28-30 (April 29th is the
Emperor's Birthday) a total of 36
people (counting Mrs. Buttray and Mr.
and Mrs. Patton who helped a lot in the
kitchen) from 9 different churches
gathered at the Shinshu Camp for a
series of messages and discussions on
the theme: Looking Toward Church
Growth. The 4 messages were Growth
Expected, Growth Encouraged,
Growth Experienced 1 & 2. Two men
from Minato Church gave the 2 on
Growth Experienced, and told of their
personal experiences in seeing their
families come to Christ one by one and
other things. All who attended were
given opportunity to express their
thoughts in a final informal fellowship
time that was mutually edifying. As
always we wish more could have
attended. -Harold Sims
Left to right: Stanley, Paul, Faith Buttray, Lois
Sims. Mabel Buttray, Paul Pratt, at missionary
farewell meeting.
JONATHAN SIMS
BECOMES
MINISTER AT
YOKOSUKA
CHURCH
On April 22 Jonathan Sims moved
from a room in his parents' home to the
second floor parsonage of the small
church in Yokosuka. This is a town
made famous by the large American
Naval Base located there, but there are
thousands of people living there who
are not connected with the U.S. Navy
in any way. It is about 40 miles south
of Tokyo. There are only a few
members. Andrew and Betty Patton
had worked there before their furlough,
but having now moved to Nagano
prefecture to take over as directors of
the Camp someone was needed to serve
the church there. Jonathan seems to be
enjoying the work and life and getting
some valuable experience, and we get
to see him twice a month or so when he
NUMBER 3
comes to Tokyo for various business or
meetings. -Harold Sims
KUBOTA
FEATURED IN
NATIONALLY
CIRCULATED
MAGAZINE AND
ON TV
One of the members of Mejirodai
church is a popular song writer. She
prefers to keep her professional life and
her Christian faith separate-
especially not wishing to use either to
benefit the other. But one of the staff
members of the Japanese version of
"PTL Program" picked up the
information about her from one of our
preachers when they happened to meet
on the street. The staff-member is a
former member of one of our churches
here in the city. So he got in touch with
her and arranged to have her as the
special guest on one of their half-hour
TV shows. That was quite a scoop for
them.
The next week a reporter and
photographer from the most widely
circulated Christian Monthly in Japan
"The Gospel for the Millions"came out
here to interview her. And in the May
issue there was a 6 page feature article,
including 3 pages of pictures showing
our church and the Sims family with
her in our living room, about her
conversion and her Christian faith as
related to her work.
Her stage name is Kubota Saki, and
her most popular song, written before
she became a Christian and listed that
year among the top ten records in
Japan for the year was entitled "The
Gentile." Her father and mother are
not Christians. He is an executive of
the Sony Corp. But they say she has
changed for the better in her
personality and attitude since
becoming a Christian. She is an only
child, and went to Sunday School as a
small girl.
She first came to our church one
night in June 1981 when the Kentucky
Singers were here for a special
program, and we had a good crowd of
young people present.
-Harold Sims
NAKANO
PREACHER'S
WIFE HAS
OPERATION
On April 8 Mrs. Itagaki, wife of the
minister at Nakano, had a tumor twice
the size of a grapefruit removed from
her womb. It was benign, and the
Doctor brought it out and showed it to
Bro. Itagaki, and even cut it in two to
showthe inside. We are all thankful for
her rapid and complete recovery after
10 days in the hospital and a couple of
weeks of rest at home.
SIMS SUMMER
PLANS
On July 20 Robert and Helen Sims
will arrive for a visit of almost 4 weeks
in Japan. It has been 10 years since
Bobby left Japan a few days after
graduation from High School at
Christian Academy. It will be the first
time for his wife. They have been
planning and saving for this trip since
their marriage 4 years ago.
We will attend the All Japan
Conventions of our Japanese brethren
and then of the missionaries in Kobe
July 22-26. Following that they will
sightsee and also participateinsome of
the work.
After Camp and Vacation Bible
School are over both Bob and Helen
and Harold and Lois will enplane for
the United States on August 12.
Daniel, who still has 1 year remaining
in his study program in Industrial
Design at the University of Cincinnati
is going to marry Jeanne Elnan,
daughter of a Professor of
Aerodynamics at the Univerisity, on
August 27 at White Oak Christian
Church in Cincinnati. We will be
absent from Japan a total of only 3
weeks, and will be pajdngthe expenses
of the trip ourselves. We have never
seen one of our children graduate from
College, but we haven't missed a
wedding yet. -Harold Sims
ISHI STARTS
NEW WORK IN
- KOTESASm
At the Fifth-Sunday Rally in
Sayama Church on January 30, Mr.
and Mrs. Bill Turner announced that
Mr. Akira Ishii, who graduated in
March from Tokyo Christian College
(interdenominational) would be going
to work with them as they are trying to
establish a church in one of the
growing "new towns" on the Seibu
Railway Line in the edge of Saitama
Prefecture adjoining Tokyo. People
were asked to support the new effort in
prayer, finances and by giving names
and addresses of friends and relatives
living in that area.
Mr. Ishii is the third young man to go
into the ministry from the small
Arakawa church. One is now the
minister at Arakawa, and was just
married in March. The other is now
preaching in Shikoku.
Some 16 or 17 years ago we gave
serious thought to closing the
ArakawQ-werk-and-selling-the-land-
and deteriorating building. Andrew
Patton said he would first like to try to
revive the work for a year or so, and it
has continued and has produced more
preachers than many churches that
have a larger average attendance.
I told this to the people at the Rally.
After I had finished, Mrs. Ishii, who
has helped to put him through school
by teaching organ lessons in addition
to his part-time work, came up and said
she vividly remembered the talk of
selling that church building. One day
a missionary had called at their home
and asked if her father would be
interested in buying it. (That was H.
Sims.) At this time she was in
elementary school and attended
Sunday School every week. The front
door of their house was right across a
narrow street from the front door ofthe
church. How thankful I am that the
building was not sold! How
wonderfully God works!
-Harold Sims
LILAH
Lilah Spooner, our forwarding agent
for almost 20 years, was taken to her
heavenly reward on Sunday Nov. 21,
1982. One week earlier she had
celebrated her 85th birthday. I want
you to know a little bit about her
personality, her work and her final
days.
When my father took the ministry of
the Church of Christ in Eustis, Florida
back in October 1937 some of the first
people we met were "Mrs. Lewis and
Lilah"~mother and daughter. They
had come to Florida from Michigan
many years ago, and sometimes
mention was made of Lilah's brief,
unlmppy marriage by others but sucl^
"personar'~matters rarely came into
their conversation. Mrs. Lewis was the
recorder of all births and deaths in that
small town, and they knew everybody
and vice versa. They always came to
church services in an ancient
Chevrolet, and Lilah sang alto in the
front rowofthe choir-not onlythrough
thousands of musical scores but
through scores of years, cantatas, and
directors. They were always on the
side of "our minister", whoever it
happened to be through the changing
years.
They were co-leaders of our youth
group, and got us to go to an old-
people's home in the next town to sing
one Sunday afternoon every month as
well as encouraging us to attend area
rallies and the Christian Service
Camps just beginning in Florida then.
Every Sunday evening after church 20
or 30 young people from the town's
churches-Methodist, Baptist, Sal.
Army, but mainly ours-would gather
in omeone^-homofor an hour of-
singing and a closing circle of prayer.
Form 3579 Requested, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901.
This was called "The Friendship
Circle." Lilah and Mrs Lewis (40ish
and 60ish at the time) always went and
kept it going through the years with a
word of advice, rebuke or encourage
ment when needed and just
"presence"most of the time.
Looking back, those pre-WWII days
were "golden". And Lilah and Mrs.
Lewis never forgot any of those young
people. They kept in touch with them
as they scattered over the world, and
letters to us were always full of news
about various others we had almost
forgotten.
They lived in a little house out on
Atwater Avenue, with a screened front
porch. Many hours of my youth were
spent there playing their favorite game
of "Sorry" and other fun games that
the TV, Pac-man, Invader generation
doesn't know. They always had a
white Spitz dog named Sugar I, II, III
etc. who barked at all visitors, but
adjusted when they said it was OK.
Lilah became our forwarding agent
when she was already retired from her
life-long job at the gas company and
her mother was in her final years-she
died in her mid-nineties. She never
went to a Convention or any kind of
Seminar for missionary work or
forwarding agents. But she faithfully
wrote us every month, usually
including some jokes, clippings from
the locEil and church papers, etc. She
also wrote to those who sent in
offerings, saw that the bookkeeping
and banking were done, that the
newsletter was mimeographed and
mailed out and that requests for
display material were taken care of.
She was a real booster of our work both
to her church people and to us.
Several years ago she began
suffering a very painful deterioration
of her backbone. She once wrote that
only the Lord knew what pain she had
endured. We were surprised to see how
she had shrunken in size and
weakened when we saw her in 1979.
After that shehad to giveup all her
beloved things-house, dog, car, etc.,
but she took all in a good, thankful,
truly Christian spirit and was
constantly praising the good people of
the local church for the good care they
were taking of her. It was her only
family, but a good big one.
The last word we had from her was a
Christmas Card which she had on her
table preparing to send to us the day
she died. A mutual friend went ahead
and sent it. The old expression has new
and deeper meaning now-bless her
heart.
-Harold Sims
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray.
Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Lois Hessler, PO
Box 287, Meadville, PA 16335.
Mr and Mrs Andrew Patton, 571-1
Nagano Ken, 3apan 384-22.'Forwarding
Agent- Mr. and Mrs. G. Wade Fletcher, Rt.
6, Box 15, Rushville, IN 46173.
Mejirodai, Hachioju-shi, Tokyo 193 Japan.
Forwarding Agent: First ChurchofChrist,
Orange at Center St., Eustis, FL 32726
Two year subscribtion $.50
Subscription and
Flaming Torch $1.00
Tokyo Christian
(No. 776-370)
April, July, and November for the
Mission Services, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road,
Knoxville, TN 37920. Second Class
postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION
SERVICES, PO BOX 2427, Knoxville, TN
37901.
Christian
VOLUME 82 NOVEMBER 1983
NUMBER 4
PATTONS' NEWS
Living in the mountains among
God's glories, nature has revealed to us
many things. First of all, one must and
can take time to observe that which he
has taken for granted during his life
time. Then there is a feeling of
preserving and beautifying what is at
hand. This task can become
stupendous especially here at Shinshu
Bible camp's seven acres of wooded
land and mountainous terrain.
Since June Andrew has been
working 10-14 hours a day, 6 days a
week here at the camp. His first project
was to cut excess trees and haul them
to the back of the camp building to
build a "natural" retaining wall to
preserve the soil and building. All
huge rocks were loosened and taken
out as some had fallen into the camp
building damaging it last year.
During the April camp we observed
many areas needing repairs inside the
building. Also the need for some new
conveniences, especially if we have SO-
SO campers at a time. To help dish
washers' backs, the kitchen double
sink was raised 10 cm., making
necessary the raising of the faucets as
well. Toovercomebathproblems when
a full camp is in session, 2 more
showers in each bath area have been
installed. To help keep the building
cleaner, a shoe and foot washing area
outside of the first floor entrance way
has been installed. Also the steps to
that entrance have been repaired as
someone was injured before this time.
We have desired more classroom
space for a long time. So the dirt under
the front of the camp building has been
removed. Now this will become a
large classroom and storage area for
camp maintenance tools.
Also to help decrease the dampness
on the walls outside and inside of the
building, rain gutters were put on the
rear of the building. A sturdy roof was
made over the second floor veranda to
preserve it and the one on the first
floor. This will stop the water from
running into the first floor dining room
area.
Another great asset was built with
funds left by Stanley Buttray~a large
PATTON CAMP NEWS
hexagon pavilion near the ball field
has been built. This will serve as
another classroom. Plans were
already drawn up and the estimated
cost received before the Buttrays left
for the U.S.A. Also a small retaining
wall near the house-garage area and
the finishing of a vegetable-fruit cellar
has been completed with the fund left
here for that purpose.
A new alarm system for propane lines
at the camp was made compulsory by
the government. Now the government
says the camp can use "EXIT" lights
that can be turned out when camp is
not in session. Before, we were required
to use the type that they had prescribed
that could not be unplugged or turned
off and had to be lit the year round.
These special projects were
undertaken this year as funds were
available for most of the construction
work. Water lines to the ball field and
sports' areas have been another needed
addition. All campers will rejoice when
quenching their thirst at the nearby
area.
At present we are in the middle of the
camp Work-Week. Kensei Yokomizo, a
member of the Yokosuka church and a
3rd year student at Osaka Bible
Seminary, loaned a helping hand
before returning to his home for the
summer. Mr. T. Sato, a university
student from Osaka stopped by on his
way home and worked with the crew.
Bill Turner, father of Steve (junior at
Christian Academy) and Tim (Atlanta
Christian College) all came to help
along with Bruce Norton of Orland
Christian College. Nishiyama san
from Isehara church came for 2 days
also. Bob Tison, Yokota Air Base, who
worships with the Turners, rode his
Beginning of the pavilion with funds from
Stanley Buttray
motorcycle to camp to work all week on
his leave. Stephen Fleenor brought
Vernon Hund, a carpenter from
Oregon and Mr. Ishii, minister of the
Kotesashi church to help for 2 days.
On Friday morning during the rain,
the helpers all left the camp at 7 a.m. to
go to schools in the area and hand out
tracts, camp literature and
questionnaire cards so they can be
contacted by workers in the area.
Hopefully a good response will come
from this effort and follow-up work
begun to bring them to the knowledge
of Jesus Christ and His salvation.
The weather the first 4 days was
beautiful. On the fifth day rain
prevented working outside, so for half
a day inside work was continued. Most
were glad to have less strenuous work
on the last day. Much of the
underbrush was cut out of the areas,
trees were thinned out and wood cut
and stacked for furture use. A ditch
was dug by six of the workers and
completed in one day. Road repairs
were made and the tennis court taped
off. We were very thankful for the crew
who volunteered their services with
meals furnished each day and laundry
done at the end of the day. Only one
accident occurred during the week.
Bruce Norton stepped on a nail just as
he was about to finish his wood cutting
job. We pray for a fast healing of the
wound.
Camps start July 17 and will end
September 25th. Please pray for the
camps, campers and leaders as they
proclaim the gospel to the many who
come and know not Christ as their
Savior.
CAMP NEWS
UPDATE
Since July 18th the Shinshu Bible
Camp has hosted 14 camps and is
looking forward to the annual
Christmas camp December the 24th.
Some camps were designed for high
school groups, some for a special time
of Bible study and fellowship by a
church or churches, some to teach
English and music combined with
Bible study, and some for family
groups. One group of 6 university girls
devoted their time to punching 100
pages of braille from Japanese text
books to be donated to blind students at
their university for study.
On July 28 a camp program was
conducted for university students from
schools where Paul Pratt, Stephen
Fleenor and Bill Turner teach. Of the
30 campers less than 5 had had any
contact with Christianity or a church.
Video programs were used and cell
group discussions followed. No one left
without pondering about the one, true,
living God, ruler of the universe and
giver of salvation.
The University Camp July 28:'U
The annual family camp August 15-
17 was extended one day due to a
typhoon that closed us off from Tokyo
by rail and car for 2 days. Wewereglad
to have 7 from Osaka at this camp
along with the groups in the Tokyo
area. Again we were able to fellowship
with the Yokosuka people where we
formerly worked-Miss Ichinose, John
Sims, Kensei Yokomizo and 2 Sunday
school students.
Besides our regularly planned
Church of Christ camps, about 200
denominational people used the camp
at other times during August and
September. We are thinking about
establishing a camp next year for
students to come, relax and get their
"daily summer vacation homework"
done in the cool of the mountains. We
would select competent teachers for
math, science, and English to
supervise the study time. Chapel time,
devotions and a Bible study along with
recreation would complete the
program. Many students remain at
home each year because they must get
their homework done and therefore
miss camp. This could be an answer to
their problems and would increase the
number using our camp each year.
Rains plagued us this summer at
camp. Two typhoons washed out
different parts of the hillside areas.
The narrow strip of land in front of the
camp building which is used for a road
gave away again. Andrew had battled
with it for 5 months but failed to make
it a safe area. So October 10 a company
will come and reinforce the embank
ment with a concrete wall and make it
a safe area for all.
We hope to have a better camp
season next year as already new
plans and changes are being
contemplated. This year we were
definitely novices in some areas of the
camp work. But we are learning -
sometimes the hard way. Please pray
for us and the work so that God will be
glorified and that salvation will be
brought to many and that Christians
will be strengthened as they meet here
to study His Word.
Andrew's health remains excellent
and he is able to do the outside work 10-
14 hours a day. On October 4 he was 66.
(His father was 101 on September
26th). Betty and Mr. Taninari will be
busy "closing up" camp-cleaning the
inside of the building and airing the
Japanese style bedding the rest of
October. The camp's straw mat floors
were taken up due to the excess
moisture this summer. They must be
aired in bright, warm sunlight daily for
awhile in order to get the odor out of
them. Each one is 3' x 6' and there are
39 of them!
Visitors from the U.S.A. to the camp
were numerous this year. We were
grateful for each one who came and
participated in the various phases of
the work. Just now we are enjoying the
Juve family's fellowship and their
contribution to the camp work at
different times. They live 45 minutes
from us and are studying the Japanese
language . For each dean, leader, and
each camper this year, we give the Lord
thanks. Many campers have left camp
this year saying "I'll be back" or "we
are looking forward to next year".
We thank each one of you that has
contributed to the camp work and to us
personally.
-Andrew Patton
CHANGES
Not only has the face of the camp
outside been changed in various ways,
but the life style of the Pattons has too.
We have moved, or are moving by
degrees as time permits, into the house
at the camp. It seems to be very large
after living 3 years in the small
apartment at the Yokosuka church
building. Also we have spent little time
in it as we have been busy readying the
camp building and grounds for the
camp season. We have had to adjust to
buying essential everyday needs as it
takes us 15 minutes to go down the
mountain to the city of Komoro to the
supermarket and post office. So we
must carefully plan for shopping trips
and business trips. Our gasoline bills
are tremendous compared to living in
the city and walking or taking a local
train to most places. Also our electric
and water bills are enormous here as
we are considered a summer pleasure
resort organization instead of a
religious-non-profit organization.
Our Sunday worship is with the
Christianson family at a nearby public
hall on Sunday mornings. We greatly
miss the fellowship of the Japanese
congregation. Hopefully in the Fall we
can establish a new work among the
people in this area. Please pray for us
concerning this. All of our telephone
calls are long distance and at a high
rate. So we try to wait until after 8 p.m.
to do any business that can be
accomplished at that hour of the day.
Our mealtime in the evening has be
come very late as all work while it is
daylight. Our bedtime comes earlier in
the evening as Andrew arises about
4:30 a.m. Banking facilities here have
much to be disired-only one name on
an account; also if we want dollars
changed into yen it is about 3 weeks
faster to do it by mail with a bank in
Tokyo than here. The charge is about
$6 at present for the service. The
constant check on propane tanks and
kerosene tanks is a must here in the
mountain area. Each day a check on
the land and the drainage lines is
needed to prevent further land erosion.
There are many other new "duties"
that we must perform to keep the area
in good shape.
We are thankful that God has given
us good health and strength to be able
to work in this capacity for the Lord.
We thank you one and all for your
prayers for Andrew's health and for
our return to Japan to work for Him.
Andrew will be teaching in some of the
camps this summer.
FAREWELL
A farewell was held for Stanley and
Mabel Buttray at the Kamiochia
church in Tokyo on May 15th. The
Kamiochia church members hosted the
meeting with the help of Lois Sims and
Betty Patton. Seventy friends came in
the afternoon to wish the Buttrays well
on their retirement. The preachers of
the Tokyo churches met at the same
time to say Good-bye to their co-
workers. Sons, Paul and David
Buttray from the States were also able
to meet many old friends of theirs and
their parents at the same time. It was a
sad occasion for them to leaye these
loved ones behind. But these
friendships in Christ Jesus will be
forever!
FAMILY
Our family has been scattered since
1972. At present Sharon and her
family are located at Carl Junction,
Mo. Noel is now located at Edmond,
Okla. and working fora food wholesale
outlet. Phillip has graduated from
Nuclear Power School and is going to
Radar, Satellite schools until
September 22. Then he will join the
crew on board the USS America, an
aircraft carrier. He is now at Norfolk,
Va. in school. Stephen now has shore
duty but is still on the USS Blakely
stationed at Charleston, S.C. His ship
is in reserve now. Phillip and Steve
were together for about 3 days at New
Year's time when we were in Mo. on
furlough. They got to spend the Fourth
of July together in Norfolk this month.
Hopefully they can get stationed
aboard the same ship someday. Steve
is in radio-communications also. They
both have served 3 years in the U.S.
Navy and have 3 more years to serve.
Their hope is to head toward Japan on
their last day of service in the Navy in
1986. We pray that they will be able to
come then and visit their "home" land.
"Andrew Patton
SIMS' NEWS
SIMS' TRIP TO
U.S. FOR WEDDING
Harold and Lois Sims went to the
United States for 3 weeks in August, at
their own expense, to participate in the
wedding of their youngest son Daniel
and Jeanne Elnan. Yonako
Nakagawa, a young lady from the
Medirodai Church (in her second year
of Jr. College) went with them, paying
her own way, to fulfill a long-time wish
to see America. If you ask us, she saw
the real and best of it.
Jeanne has already graduated from
the University of Cincinnati, and is
presently employed there in a program
for training nursery school teachers
and attendants. She is a zealous
member of Christ's Church there, and
that is how she met Daniel and Bob
and Helen. Her father is a Professor at
the University in Aerodynamics and
related things. They originally came
from Norway, and 2 aunts came from
there for the wedding.
The ceremony was performed by
Harold on Saturday evening August 27
in the 150 year old White Oak
Christian Church. Mrs. Elnan and
some others had worked and planned
hard and well for a nice reception in the
church basement. About 200 people
attended, including some of Daniel's
classmates and professors and most of
our family and many friends.
All of our children except Jonathan,
who stayed in Japan, and grand
children were there. In addition Lois' 2
sisters, one of my brothers and 4 of
Daniel's cousins were there. Most of
these arrived a couple of days prior to
the wedding, and what talking.
laughing and eating we had. One meal
was a Japanese one, including raw fish
right there in the mid-west.
On the way to Cincinnati we stopped
for brief visits with the church in
Napa, California, Sylvia and family in
Des Moines, and Hope and family in
Kendallville. We were in Cininnati 2
Sundays, and Harold spoke in the
Forest Dale, White Oak, Hamersville
and Western Hills churches. Some of
the family were with us at the
Convocation Ceremony in the new
multipurpose building at CBS on
August 24.
On the way back we stopped
overnight in Los Angeles to visit Mr.
and Mrs. Nakata. She is the grand
daughter of Mrs. Lee at Mikawashima,
one of the first people we met when we
came to Japan 36 years ago. She has
been gone about 30 years, but her
children continue in the faith. We also
spent an enjoyable 2 nights in Hawaii
visiting with old co-workers Eleanor
Still Sprankles and Ruth Still Powell.
Harold brought a short message at the
opening chapel service of the 31st
school year of Sunset Beach Christian
School there. The Hawaii stop helped a
lot with jet-lag problems.
We returned to Tokyo via Korean
Airlines flight 001 just the day after
flight 007 had been shot down, and
plunged immediately into a full
schedule of church activities and
English Classes.
"Harold Sims
Harold Simssiands by the tnmbstimeof Charles
E. darsl, who was the first of our missionaries to
Japan, and died here in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. C.E.
GarsI and Mr. and Mrs. G.T. Smith, sent by the
Foreign Christian Missionary society, arrived in
Japan on October 19,1883: so the work in Japan is
now lOU years old. The bottom line on the stone
says. "Faith is the Victory".
Specail meetings commemoratinfj the 100th
anniversary are being planned for November 6, 7
when Leroy Garrelt will be coming through
Japan. More about this will be reported in the next
EVANGELISTIC
MEETING AT
MEJIRODAI
This is being written just the day
before we are to begin a 3 day series of
special meetings October 8-10. October
10 is a Japanese holiday, so the week
end is free of work for most people. We
have distributed 3000 handbills to the
surrounding area, and have 6 posters
up in various places. The evangelist
will be Shigeru Akada who is a
Timothy of the Nakano church when
we were there and now ministers with
the Onta Church of Christ in another
part of the city of Tokyo.
ROBERT AND
HELEN SIMS VISIT
JAPAN
Robert and Helen Sims arrived at
Narita Airport for a 3 week visit on
Wed. afternoon July 20. It had been 10
years-almost to the day--since Bobby
had left Japan after graduating at the
Christian Academy High School. Four
years ago he maried Helen and got a
good job with Cincinnati Millicron in
computer-related research and de
velopment. The have both been
working hard and saving money
looking forward to this big trip. Of
course it was Helen's first time to see
Japan.
After one day to get acclimated and
see a few local sights we left early
Friday morning in our light van to
drive 8 hours to Kobe. The Japanese
Convention began that night in the
nice Portopia Hotel in Kobe. We were
very busy and happy enjoying the
wonderful fellowship of 500-plus
brethren gathered there and the
messages, singing and other parts of
the program until noon Sunday. Just
after lunch we left in a 9 car caravan
for about a 50 mile trip over to Nara,
the ancient capital of Japan, where
about 40 adults and 12 children stayed
in a Youth Hostel for the annual
missionary convention. Mr. and Mrs.
Sherman Nichols from Colorado
Springs were the main speakers, but
almost everyone else participated in
some way in the full progam. We also
were able to take a little time off one
afternoon to visit the nearby park
where deer roam freely and where some
of the largest and oldest wooden
buildings (temples) in the world are
located and take a roll of pictures.
After the missionary convention ended
at noon Tuesday, Bob and Helen, using
a Japanese National Railways Pass,
went south to Hiroshima, Kyushu and
back to Osaka before returning to
Mr. and Mrs. Dwain and Becky Anderson and
children Mark and Sara from Honf> Kong and
Robert and Helen Sims in front of Osaka Bible
Seminary.
After returning to Tokyo they went
down to spend one night with
Jonathan at Yokosuka and then went
up to High School Camp with us,
spending 1 night at the camp and the
rest of the week sightseeing at Nikko
and other places.
On Sunday July 31 they attended the
Nakano church where Bobby grew up
and was baptized, and on Sunday Aug.
7 they were here at Mejirodai to get
acquainted with these people. Bobby
also spent some time with Mr. Saito,
one of the members here, on a special
tour of the Toshiba Electric plant
where he works. He also visited an
advanced research laboratory outside
of Tokyo to which he had a letter
of introduction. And he was able to
contact several of the 9 members of his
High School class of 1973 who are
presently living in Japan. So it was a
very interesting and profitable as well
as nostalgic trip for him.
On Monday Aug. 8 we all left the
church here by chartered bus for our
Vacation Bible School at Lake Saiko.
On the way we drove up the toll-road to
the fifth station-about halfway up Mt.
Fuji, and ate lunch up there in the
natural air-conditioning. After lunch
all of us went up on the mountain for a
little bit of exercise. Suddenly a strong
earthquake occurred. For the first time
I actually saw the earth moving-in
waves like on the sea. Helen had been
hoping to experience one, and got her
wish fulfilled memorably.
After the VBS we had just one day to
pack suitcases for our trip to the U.S.
on August 12.
It was a short but wonderful vist.
The Japanese are still talking about
what a nice "oyome" (daughter-in-law)
we have.
-Harold Sims
Mejirodai V.B.S, at Lake Saikv
Harold Sims playing the role of Potiphar's wife
during Bible Drama night at V.B.S.
DAVID COLE
GRADUATES FROM
LANGUAGE
SCHOOL
On July 20 David Cole, the youngest
son of veteran Japan missionaries
Harold and Leone Cole, graduated
from Japan Missionary Language
Institute. It is extremely expensive to
study language full-time for 2 years-
about 5,800 to 6,000 dollars at current
rates of exchange-(this is about 3
dollars per hour in class). And it is also
generally admitted that the study of
Japanese is very hard on anyone's
mental, physical and emotional
strength. But we feel it is a worthwhile
investment of time, energy and money
for all who are committed to a life-time
of service as missionaries of Christ to
this culture. We are very glad to see
more and more of our younger set
starting out in language school and
staying the course, and also to feel that
the supporting churches are showing
an understanding of this necessity.
We are glad that we were able to rent
the house where the Pattons lived for
many years to David and Rika and
their 3 children (two born during
language study period) at a modest
price during this time. They are now
preparing to move to a place in
Nagano Prefecture in the central part
of the main island where there are few
churches of any kind to begin a new
evangelistic work. David has already
preached in Japanese a number of
times, in the church next door to their
house, at Camp and other places.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bultray
I'orwarding Agent: Mr.s. Lois Messier, TO
Box 2H7, Meadville, I'A Kid;).').
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew I'atton, 57M
Nagano Ken, Japan 'AM-'2'2. Forwarding
Agent: Mr. and Mrs. G. Wade I'letcher, Rt.
6. Box 1."), Rushville. IN .KiUiJ.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims. ;i-;i;i.7
Mejirodai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo KK) Japan.
I'orwarding Agent: First Church of Christ,
Orange at Center St., Ku.stis, FL ;{2726.
Subscription and
Flaming Torch $1.00
Tokyo Christian
(No. 77()-:{70)
I'uhlished four times a year in January,
April, July, and November for the
missionaries of the Church of Christ.
MissionServices,7525 HodgesFerry Road.
Kiuixville TN 37920. Second Class postage
paid at Knoxville, TN ;i7901. POST
MASTER: Send address changes to
Tokyo Christian, c/o MISSION
SERVICES, rO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN
;17901.

Sims Harold Lois 1983 Japan

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