UJmcLEtrEnl

A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxty family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan
Liinkietter No.

February, 1963

130

Dear Christian friends,

Time for the first letter of the New Year - already 1/lZ gone.
As cold as it has been perhaps there is not too much regret about that.
,

-r... , .
,
.
-1.1
1
Picking up the
narrative
of^ our travels,
at the end, of November,
^

r
.

the whole family went with me to Jamestown, Ohio, one of Pauline's living I

Tibbs, Mark, Bryan, Victor.

, t , i
Mother and Isabel,

link churches and to Hamilton, Ohio that evening. By myself, a trip East began at Rushville, Indiana;
the Missionary Rally at Xenia, Ohio; to the new church at Circleville, Ohio where I graduated from high

school and where my Father died after several years of effort to start a church there; Sunday at Norwin,
Pennsylvania and East Liverpool, Ohio; on east to Hopwood, Pennsylvania; Bel Air, Maryland; chapel
at Eastern Christian Institute at Bel Air; East Orange, New Jersey; Greenpoint Church in Maspeth, New

York. I took a train back to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. After digging my car out of the snow, I drove
back to New Holland, Ohio where I attended 7th and 8th grades and later returned to preach when I was
studying at Cincinnati; that night at Liberty, Indiana to complete the trip.

After a few days at home I went to Cincinnati and spoke for the Mother's Club of WestwoodCheviot church; at Chase Avenue and had my first session with Prof. Lewis Foster of Cincinnati Bible
Seminary with whom I am taking a reading course in the Old Testament.

On over the mountains to Waynesboro, Virginia; Gethesemane church, north of Richmond and
Charlottesburg. Here Lloyd Taylor had arranged for me to speak to the local ministerial group on the
subject, "The Future of Christianity in Japan". My summation: up to the present it has been a 'splendid
failure'.

While in Virginia I took time to visit several Maxeys, of whom the state has plenty, including
the farm near Powhatan where descendants of the originial Maxeys in the U. S. still live on the same

land given them by the King of England in the early 1700's.

En route to Tennessee I spoke impromptu at the Christmas program of the Wytheville, Va.

Rotary Club. That night, after eating the holiday dinner at the Milligan College dining hall, I spoke at
Fourth St. Church, Johnson City, long time friends of this work. The next day I brought Paula and a
carload of Louisville-bound girls back to home.

Christmas was a happy time with our family together made even more meaningful by the many
wonderful Christmas greetings and remembrances from friends like you. On December 25 and 26 we
had a Maxey reunion at the College of the Scriptures here in Louisville. Mother Maude {Mrs. Frank
Elrod) came from Claremore, Oklahoma. Youngest brother, Bryan, brought his family down from
Weston, Ohio. Tibbs, Victor and Isabel (Dittemore) and myself didn't have far to bring our families

since we were all right here in Louisville.

Only Mary Ellen (Mrso Alvin Giese) didn't get to come from

Storm Lake, Iowa. Carol Jean Maxey, daughter of brother John who died three years ago came up from
Cincinnati. Needless to say we had a wonderful time together recalling and reliving Christmases of our
youth.

December 28th I took the whole family with me on a trip south.

First stop was Mobile. Ala

bama where we attended the wedding of Pauline's nephew, Lt. Boyd Pethtel. The date, December 29,
was our own wedding day 21 years ago. We drove all night arriving in Tampa, Florida just 3 minutes
before I was to speak at a Drive-In Theatre Church, Broad St. Church's unique evangelistic outreach.

We spent three days preaching and visiting with the church and with Bro. Collins and family.

This

church has also sent support from the very beginning.

After New Year's we turned northward, speaking at Pine Hills church in Orlando; overnight
at Charlotte, N. C. with friends we had known in Japan; over the Appalachians to Milligan College the

next day where we left Paula to continue her studies.

Pauline spoke that night for the ladies of First

Church, Erwin, Tenn. and I with the Oak Grove church near the campus. We ended our tour at the
Farmdale church, Barboursville, West Virginia where the church voted to take our youngest daughter,
Hope, as their living link. Very good news, indeed.

Tuesday, January 8, I drove over to speak at the chapel services in the Seminary. Returning
I stopped off at North Vernon to visit our new forwarding secretary, Mary Deiotte. She had fallen
shortly before Christmas and broken both wrists. I also went by to thank Gladys Auerswald who had
picked up the secretarial work again until Mary recovers a couple of months hence.
That Wednesday night at Clifton Heights church here in Louisville and on Sunday all day with
Antioch church, near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. This is the country where my Father was born and reared
so we had many relatives and friends to visit with here.

The next week, January 16, I was off to the North country.

Wednesday night with Bill Thomp

son and the Aurora, 111. church; Thursday night speaking to a great missionary meeting of women of the

churches in the Minneapolis area; Friday night at Redwood Falls. Saturday Clifford Stinchfield drove up
and brought me down to Truman. En route we got an eye-opener cup of coffee at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
I can't think of a place on the map where I could have enjoyed a cup of coffee more.
I visited old friends at Truman where I had preached 1938-40 and that night went out in the
country to Horicon church. Blizzard conditions prevailed all night and the next day. With furnace full

blast the church would get no warmer than 56 degrees.

Only 16 of us got out to church so we had "close

communion" in our overcoats. I was supposed to go to Austin, Minnesota that night but it was impossible.
Just as well, I stayed another night with George and Kay Bloomquist and nursed my cold, the first real
sickness of the furlough.

Monday through Wednesday, I stayed with Pres. and Mrs. Poll of Minnesota Bible College and
lectured five times at their annual Mid-Winter Conference. Here is a unique conference in the brother
hood - held up north in the dead of winter - where people must really buck the wind and snow in sub-zero
temperature - yet they come and attend the sessions faithfully. History of sorts was made when for the
first time to my knowledge one of our missionaries was asked to give all the major addresses at one of
our conventions. I mention this fact, not to direct attention to myself, but to point out that this is indi
cative of a new missionary emphasis among our people and a recognition of the contribution that mission
aries have to make not only abroad but to our people here. It was a heavy load speaking so many times

but I wanted to express my thanks to Bro. Poll and the college for being the first to give a missionary
the chance to fully deliver himself on the many-sided subject of the missionary enterprise.
Thursday, Cy Welch and family drove me to southern Wisconsin. That night with the church
at Janesville, Friday by train to the Missions Round-Up at Garrett, Indiana. Afterwards I had a good
visit with Paul Pratt as he drove me to Indianapolis. By bus to Louisville and reunion with my family.
We left almost immediately for Cincinnati. That night while staying with the Fosters all of us had a
lot of fun coasting in the snow, an experience denied us in southern Japan. Sunday with the Lockland
and Montgomery Rd. churches in Cincinnati.

The month ended with a visit to Orleans, Indiana.

Pauline continues to emphasize her most important task, rearing her family, though she
speaks often in the Louisville area. Sons Gregory and Walter Mark turned a year older on Dec. 30 and
Jan. 18. The daughters are growing, too. Faith brought home her report card the other day very

unhappy about the "C" she got irTmusic.

"I don't understand it", she said, "I sing louder than anybody
In His Service,

Mark G. Maxey

Pauline's mother, Mrs. Charles Pethtel of Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania, died

February 2. She had fallen outside her home in January and lain four hours before
help came. Pneumonia and complications followed but death was not expected.
Pauline's father had died only three months before. Though the loss of one's
parents is not pleasant, we are glad that our family had a chance for a reunion
with them the first thing on our return.
LINKLETTER

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 98

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

Permit No.

15

'.-9

K monthly report by the Mark G. Maxty family

to the friends of the Kyushu Cbrislian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan
Linkletter No.

March, 1963

131

Dear Christian Friends;

"Backward, turn backward, O Time in your flight" is the missionary's prayer on furlough. All that he hopes to do
and all the places he ought to go are an impossibility in the time allotted.

The direct support missionary travels to report to his supporters; to stimulate interest in missions among the
churches; to interest others in becoming missionaries themselves; and to acquire funds for the return trip and future work.
These four purposes are equally important. If all four are done, the missionary is happy, the church is blessed,
missionary committment grows and the continuance of the work on the field is guaranteed.
Missionary travel and speaking is in no sense a waste of time and money. Almost by this means alone has the
missionary work of our people doubled and quadrupled in the past decade. As long as missionaries continue to share
personally their faith, their work and their experiences with the churches, the growth of missions will continue.
Of course, the missionary must pay the price of loneliness, physical exhaustion and sleeplessness. He must read,

write, plan and prepare messages on the run. His journeys, however, are made bearable, even enjoyable by n^ frier^s
made, old friend.ships renewed and the expressions of Christian love and concern that he receives.
ories that help sustain him during the long, lean years on the field.

These form the mem

Here is a day by day account of this missionary's activities since February 1:

February 1. A full day at home planning and writing about speaking dates in May.
February 2. By car to Battle Creek, Michigan. Surprise guest at class Party, Newtown church.
February 3-9

Sunday, Feb. 3. Sub-zero. Arrived 1:30 a. m. at Sparta, Michigan.

Preached at Ballard church. That night at Central

Christian Church, Battle Creek, Michigan.

Monday.
Tuesday.
Wednesday.

Drove and flew to Akron, Ohio. Met Pauline there.

With members of the family to Pennsylvania.
Funeral of Pauline's Mother at Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania.

Thursday.

Akron to Detroit by air. Car to Lansing, Michigan. Spoke for chapel at Great Lakes Bible College, arriving
at exact moment chapel service began. That night at Alma, Michigan with many other area churches represented.

Friday.

Two afternoon meetings, night service at Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Saturday.

Snow.

Zero.

Drove to Buchanan, Michigan for youth rally.

Spoke afternoon and night.

February 10 - 16

Sunday a. m. 10th. Showed pictures at Bible School hour, preaching for morning service, Buchanan.

Sunday p.m. Began week's revival meeting at Vandalia, Michigan, a former pastorate. Preached every night on John*3:16.
Spoke at three local schools. Snowed every day.
bus.

Saturday.

Vandalia is Faith's living link.

Closing night, Pauline and two girls came from Louisville by

Many old friends from other places came to close a happy week.

Showed pictures to "carry-in" missionary supper meeting at Markle, Indiana.

February 17 - 23

Sunday a. m. Pictures at Bible school hour, sermon at morning service. Converse, Indiana.
Sunday^TmT Supper"and evening program with Bethany Christian Church, Anderson, Indiana.
Monday - Saturday. A week at home catching up on correspondence, writing lecture and sermons.

February 24 - March 2

Sunday a. m.
Sunday aft.
Sunday p. ra.
Monday.
Tuesday a. m

Pictures, sermon and lunch at Western Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pauline spoke for Jamestown and Xenia ladies at Xenia, Ohio. There are living links.
Program at New Miami, Ohio. Trip both ways to Louisville over ice and snow.
Addressed men's meeting at Bright, Indiana near Ohio line. Return to Louisville.
. Drove to Cincinnati Bible Seminary. Pauline spoke at afternoon workshop on teaching her children.

I-spoke

at first evening session.

Wednesday, a. m. 6:15. "Five minutes to Live By" over WLW-TV. Hope the viewers were wide-awake.
Wednesday p. m. At Madisonville church, Cincinnati. Drove back to Louisville with Pauline.
Pauline spoke for Missionary society at North Vernon, Indiana, our last pastorate in U.S.
Thursday.
Walter got permanent Indiana driver's license. Drove me to Horse Cave, Kentucky to speak for Rotary Club
Friday.
and Horse Cave church.

Saturday.

To Milligan College, Tennessee for reunion with Paula.

March 3 - 9

Sunday a.m. March 3.

Slides and sermon at Boones Creek church, Jonesboro, Tennessee.

They will assist on Paula's

tuition at college.

Sunday p.m. Paula and Walter with me for program at Erwin, Tennessee. Walter home by bus.
Monday a.m. Gave chapel address at Milligan College. Lovely drive in East Tennessee.

March 3 - % Continued

Monday p. m.
Tuesday.

Wednesday.
Thursday.

Addressed student body at Johnson Bible College, near Knoxville, Tennessee.

All-day drive through blinding rain to East Point, Georgia. A thrill that night to address almost 1000 people.
at 8th Annual Georgia Missionary Rally.
Attending Rally sessions in a.m. and spoke for regional rally at night, Grant Park church.
Drove through mountains of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee to Bristol, Virginia. Paula attended ser

Friday.

Hardest day's drive of all through West Virginia, across swollen Ohio river, to Pittsburg for monthly mission
ary gathering at Bryn Mawr church, McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
More rain, snow and slush en route to Ohio.

vice there with me.

Saturday.

Later I drove on alone to Tazewell, Virginia for night.

March 10 - 16

Sunday, March 10. All day with Sherman church, Barberton, Ohio to keep a 2 year old promise.
To annual Missionary Rally, East Palestine, Ohio. Many old friends present.
Monday.
Addressed late afternoon session of Rally. Left immediately for home. Royce Cheesman drove me as far as
Columbus, Ohio. He had car serviced and new tires put on while we ate supper at his house. Drove on to
Louisville, Kentuclcy.
Arrived home at 3:30 a.m. Breakfast with the kids before they left for school. An hour at the desk. Luggage

Tuesday.

Wednesday.

repacked.

Farewell and to the airport at 10:30 a.m.

Flew to Quincy, Illinois via St. Louis.

Addressed area

youth rally at Clarence, Missouri.

Thursday a.m. Gave lecture: "Autonomous Churches building Indigenous Churches" for annual lectureship of Central
Christian College of the Bible at Moberly, Missouri. By car to Columbia, Missouri for a short plane hop to
St. Louis. Lyle Armstrong of Clarence saw that I made all these connections.
Thursday p.m. Spoke at Christian church of St. Ann, Missouri, first day of 4 day missionary meeting.
Friday.
At Collinsville, Illinois. Four missionaries speaking four times at four places.
Saturday.
At Landsdowne Church of Christ, East St. Louis, Illinois for 3rd night.
March 17 -

23

Sunday, March 17. Morning at Crestwood church, St. Louis to complete the rally set-up by Albert McGee. By plane for
program at Eajst Tulsa (Oklahoma) Christian Church. My mother, Mrs. Maude Elrod, came over from Claremore .
The Blackmores provided a place for her, too, for the night so we could have a good visit together.
She is in good health.

Monday.
By plane to San Antonio, Texas for meeting of area churches at Bellaire church.
Tuesday a.m. Spoke at chapel for San Antonio Christian College. Sunny skies, budding trees and green grass were a
welcome change after the long rugged winter driving.
Tuesday p.m. By light plane to Rosenberg, Texas near Houston. Preachers and people from churches around joined to
make a fine gathering. Many old friends here as in San Antonio. Stayed all night with a family who knew well

my Father and his family in Stepstone, Kentucky fifty years

Wednesday a.m. Up at five, to make 7:15 flight from Houston to Dallas.
College. Continued on to Phoenix on afternoon flight.
Wednesday p.m. Spoke at Central Church of Christ, Phoenix, Arizona.
Thursday.
Early plane to San Francisco. Spent day checking shipping,

ago. That's going back a long way.

Spoke for morning chapel at Dallas Christian
Other churches participated.
travel, purchasing and visa arrangements for

return trip to Japan on or about August 15 this summer.

Thursday night. Spoke at College Church of Christ, San Jose.
Friday a.m. Gave chapel message at San Jose Bible College. Student interviews later.
Friday p.m. At Green Valley Church, San Jose, a church truly committed to Japan.

Saturday. .

Lloyd Mefferds drove me halfway to Los Angeles.

Martin Clark drove me the rest of the way.

discussed various phases of the Japan work to which he is now returning.

En route we

Pray for him and for Osaka Bible

Seminary.
March 24 -

28

Sunday, March 24 through Wednesday, March 28 at Parkcrest Church, Long Beach, California for a Missions Institute for
this faithful supporting church.

Tuesday.
Wednesday.

Chapel and missions class at Pacific Christian College.

Following closing session at Parkcrest and farewells to many friends of long years standing, took midnight
plane to Louisville and a reunion with my family on Thursday.

^ It is a real regret that I haven't the space to mention by name every person that showed me a kindness, served me a
meal, provided a bed, gave me the use of a desk or typewriter, hauled me to airport and appointment, and in countless other
ways gave of themselves to help make these journeys a success. Until you are better paid, "God bless you all!"
In His Service,

Mark G. Maxey
LINKLETTER

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 98

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

RETURN REQUESTED

'

/
Non-Profit Organization
U.S.

POSTAGE
PAID

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

Permit No.

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UjmuMtfWm
A monthly report by the M.ark C. Maxy family
lo the friends of the Kyushu Chritfian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

Linkletter No.

May, 1963

132

Dear Christian friends,

It's past tinne for news from Japan.

j

j 1

The picture reproduced here is of the annual

All Japan Convention of Churches of Christ

convention of the churches in Japan, held this

year on lovely Mt. Sakurajima which lies in the very center of our area.

Paul Pratt and

I sent some financial help, but otherwise, the Japanese brethren in Kagoshima made all

the arrangements themselves.

Here are some excerpts from the recent letters of Bro.

Yoshii, minister in the Kanoya church.

He is also taking over many of my duties while

I am on furlough.

He says: "All Japan Convention was successful.

We had around 90 from Okinawa

in the south and Sendai in the north and many other districts. They were surprised with
the ideal hotel with reasonable price. They all commented that All Japan Convention for

1963 was held in a friendly and spiritual atmosphere.

for.

This is what we had been praying

Convention for next year is to be held in Nagoya. "

In the same letter Bro. Yoshii says: "I am happy to be able to report that baby

girl was born in my family on April 9. She and her Mother are both well in the hospital.
I will let you know her name a little later when we make decision about it. My wife is
so happy for she wanted to have girl this time. "

Not so happy is this comment: "I have also to report something inevitable to rural
churches.

Nakamura san moved to Osumi cho to work for Education Office by Prefectural

order. Mrs. Matsuda will move to Tokyo pretty soon since her husband has to move to
Naval Self Defense Force Headquarters in Tokyo.

This is sad enough.

They have been

faithful in faith, in prayer, and in financial support. Fukunaga san has moved to Saitama
ken near Tokyo for his college work. Nakamura san's sister moved to Kurume to work
in the hospital and to continue to study in the night school. Mrs. Inoue moved to Miyazaki.
Miss Horai is to go to Tokyo for the time being to her sister's.
"There are new Christians who are willing to teach Sunday School in the near future.
But I also want to be with them and teach. ( I hope this is possible after you return). I am
a little discouraged to face at this fact (moving in spring) as it weakens our effort to become
self-supported. But I also feel we should pray that they may be faithful and active Christians

wherever they may be. In order to become indigenous, I cannot help but try to find out
(in prayer) some method to fit to church like this when I face at the fact of moving. "
"There are some more good news, too. Mrs. Nakayama who started coming since
last summer was baptized on the 7th of April. She was the only person who continued to
attend the services among a few who came to Dendo (evangelism) meetings of our Service
camp last year.

Mrs. Matsuda has encouraged her from time to time.

He concludes on a happy note: "All other meetings and activities are going well.
Mrs. Kudo recovered completely. Mr. and Mrs. Tanniguchi are fine. A couple of new
comers are being added to these two church attendance. Yamashita san is also fine."

So you have the personal outpourings of the heart of a minister in Japan. I thought
these paragraphs from him written exactly as he wrote them to me would give you some
insight into the difficulties faced on the field. Remember him and the other Japanese
ministers and Christians when you pray.

The furlough year is drawing to a close for us. It hardly seems possible,
much to be done yet. So many faces and places we still would like to see.

So

I will be home the first two weeks of June as we put our things back in the suitcases
and return the borrowed furniture, Paula will come home from Milligan June 6 so she can
travel with us this summer. Our children will get out of school June 7.
We intend to leave Louisville on June 15 making a circuit to Pauline's home in
Pennsylvania and then north and west. We will end up in Oregon in early August for
Missions Week at Wi-Ne-Ma.

Then down to San Francisco where we are scheduled to

depart for Japan on the first freighter of the Pacific Far East Lines leaving California on
or after August 15. We want to be in Japan for the start of school there on September 2.
The Paul Pratt family will be on the freighter with us. Between our families we
will take all the passenger spaces on the vessel. We are looking forward to this ten days
together as we return to Japan.

Meanwhile, we request your special prayers at this time as the extra chores of
buying supplies, planning and packing must be added to Pauline's family duties and my own
speaking and traveling. Continue to address us here at: Box 98, Pleasure Ridge Park,
Kentucky until June 15. After that write us at: Box 49, North Vernon, Indiana. The
mail will be forwarded.

God bless you all.

It is nice to have you for friends and supporters.

In His service,

LINKLETTER

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 98

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

Non-Profit Organization
U.

S.

POSTAGE

PAID

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

Permit No.

15

K monthly report by the Mttrk G. Maxiy family

to che friends of the Kyuihu CbristUn Mission
Kanoya, Kagosbima,
Liinkletter No.

July, 1963

133

Dear Christian friends,

ON

THE

WAY

At last the chore of breaking up housekeeping and packing for the return trip

speaking as we go.

to Japan is finished. We are on our way to the West Coast and to Japan,
Perhaps now would be a good time to catch-up on the travels and activities since

our diary earlier this year.

March 29 -

Here goes!

The Maxey boys gathered at Stepstone, Kentucky with their families and
visited the old home place where our father, R. Tibbs Maxey was reared.

Also the grave of great grandfather, Asa Maxey.

His headstone reads; "Soldier of the War of 1812

and Minister of the Church of Christ for 51 years. "

March 31-April 5 -

Sunday A. M. at Leesburg, Kentucky.

Then one week meeting with the Mt.

Byrd Christian Church, Milton, Kentucky, a living link church.

April 7-13 -

Another one week meeting with my brother Bryan and the Church of Christ
at Weston.

Nice to have a whole week with a member of the family.

Defiance, Ohio; West Milford, Ohio; Findlay, Ohio; Tour of Willys Plant,
Toledo, Ohio; Columbiana, Ohio; Follansbee, West Virginia; Visit to Camp
bell Mansion at Bethany, West Virginia; Mill Hall, Pennsylvania,
April 14-19 -

April 21-26 -

Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, one of Pauline's living links; Greensburg, Penna;

Okolona church, Louisville, Kentucky; Pauline featured speaker at annual

Women's Banquet, Cincinnati Bible Seminary.

April 28-May 4 -

Arlington, Indiana; Brownstown, Indiana {a living link); First church, Lincoln,

Illinois; La Harpe, Illinois; Stronghurst, Illinois and Union, Iowa.

May 5 -11 -

Onowa, Iowa; Whiting, Iowa; Fertile, Iowa; Missouri Valley, Iowa; Benson St.
Church, Omaha, Nebraska; Nebraska Christian College, Norfolk, Nebraska;

ending with three day missionary clinic at Gering, Nebraska including TV appearance on Saturday.
May 12-18 -

Gering, Nebraska; Hays, Kansas; Barnes, Kansas; Manhattan Bible College,

Manhattan, Kansas; Derby, Kainsas; Midwest Christian College, Oklahoma

City; Forest Park Church, Oklahoma City, Okla; Ozark Bible College, Joplin, Missouri. (We have
spoke in 25 of our Bible colleges this year. There is a great group of wonderful y^ung people in
'training in our colleges. Th^Missions "Buildin^and Department at Ozark promises wonderful prospects
for missionary training}; Clayton, Oklahoma down in the Kaimichis; and Claremore, Oklahoma to visit
my Mother.

May 19-25 -

Carterville, Missouri; visited with Mother in her home town of Fulton, Missouri;
Hoots Chapel near Salem, Illinois; Southwest church, Mt. Vernon, Illinois then

drove on to Louisville, Kentucky in early morning hours to complete the western tour of 6000 miles 33 sermons and lectures in 22 days; Incoporator's Meeting at College of the Scriptures; final Maxey
reunion of the year at Sister Isabel's in Louisville.

May 26-31 -

Women's Bible Class, Englewood church, Indianapolis; Jamestown, Indiana;

Footville, Wisconsin, (this all in one day); Commencement speaker at 50th

Anniversary of Minnesota Bible College where I graduated in 1939.

COLLEGE EDUCATION.

Title of the address was: A BIBLE

(This address has now been printed by the college and I cim sure they will be

happy to send you a copy if you will write them at 1507 University Ave. , S. E. , Minneapolis. ) At the
conclusion of the commencement program. President Harry Poll conferred on Me the hpiiorary degree.

Doctor of Divinity, the 17th the college has given in its history . It was an honor totally unexpected and
unsought on my part. Mother and many members of my family were present. Naturally, I will treasure
the memory of this happy occasion and be grateful for this recognition from my Alma Mater. I hope also
that my friends will continue to call me just "Mark" or "Brother".

June 2-8 -

Inspirational farewell service at North Vernon with several confessions.

I baptized one. We ministered here in 1941-44. This is still our legal
address and where the mission business is conducted; Linden church, Louisville, Kentucky;
beginning of the thankless chore of buying, sorting, deciding, discarding and packing; final fare
well to Mother at the train station. Parting is such sweet sorrow but sometimes it is no so sweet.

June 9-15 -

Sunday June 9 was a day of farewells to Fellowship Class, South Louisville

church; Clifton church, Pauline's living link, and Shively church were our
family has its membership. All these have been good to our fanciily and especially Pauline and the

children during my long absences. The rest of the week was one long nightmare of 20 hour days.
Friday from noon to midnight we rented a truck and took our 14 steel drums of Japan-bound freight
to the freight dock and delivered all the household items either to storage or to the friends of Clifton
church who had lent them to us for the year. Departure day was Saturday, the 15th. It seemed those
suitcases would never get packed - or at least hold all that was left to put in them. Glen Barton,
preacher at Clifton; Arnold and Norma Nichols, and my brother Victor helped give the big push that
got our car top carrier loaded sind the suitcases wedged into the one wheel trailer. We pulled out of
the driveway at 4 P.M. almost to tired to be sentimentsd.

June 16-22 -

Little Hope injured her arm in car en-route to Ohio.

Early Sunday morning

x-rays round no permanent damage; Sabina, Ohio; Sciotoville church, Portmouth, Ohio, one of living links; Cincinnati, Ohio; Farmdale church, Barboursville, W. Virginia,
Hope's living link church; last visit to Wind Ridge, Penna, Pauline's home town. Church ladies
served dinner in fire hall to family, friends and Christians; Miles Avenue church, Cleveland, Ohio,
(John and Linda Baker who are members here will be sending out our slides and other promotional
materied from now on. Write them at 9164B North Plaza Drive, Northfield, Ohio); Akron, Ohio and
farewell to Pauline's three brothers, Allan, Boyd and Roy Pethtel and their families; Vandalia,
Michigan, Faith's living link church and a joint church meeting in honor of Pratt family and ourselves.

June 23-29

Siinday, 23rd, at Battle Creek my last post as an Army Chaplain and from
where we left in August, 1949 to begin this work. Central church, Paula's
living link with Paula and Walter while Pauline shared the service at Newtown church, Gregory's
living link; Streator, Illinois; Rockford, Illinois; {two blowouts worked up a little sweat, caused a

little worry, and delayed our arrival); Austin, Minn. ; Pauline spoke the same night to a large group
of women from 8 area churches who had gathered at Truman, Minnesota; The next night I also spoke
at Truman with other area churches there, including Madelia. Madelia was my first church
June, 1938 and Truman was my second following graduation from MBC; Worthington, Minnesota;
Bloomington, Minnesota.

June 30-July 7 -

Three days with the chruch at Pierre, S. Dakota. Pauline also speaking.
Guests of Ed Hoist family who helped us get our furlough Plymouth now
beginning its 44, 000th mile; Akron, Iowa famous for its birthday boxes to missionary families;

4th at Hull, Iowa with old Army buddy, John Hospers aij^Lfamilyj^all day Sunday, July 7th at Storm

Lake, Iowa. My sister Mary Ellen and her husbaiid/; Alvin Giese^have been with this church for
over 15 y_ars.

Alvin is a brother-in-law who forgets~'T:he "in-1:aw'' part and gives you the love of a

brother and the loyalty of a friend. My salute to one of God's noblemen. Storm Lake church supports
in equal, yearly amoxints the missionary work of three members of the same family; Tibbs, Isabel
and myself. I know of none other that does. Tibbs and family came by for final farewells.
We will finish the furlough diary from San Francisco where we sail on the
freighter CALIFORNIA BEAR, August 14. A book would fail to hold all
the names of God's people and ministers and all the good things they have done to speed us back
to JAPAN for a reunion with our Christian family there.
In His service,

Mark G. Maxey
LINKLETTER

Monthly Publication of
Kyushu Christian Mission
Box 49

North Vernon, Indiana

Non-Profit OrgEinization
U. S.

POSTAGE
PAID

Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

Permit No.

15

A monthly report by the fAark G. Maxey family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

Linkletter No. 134

September, 1963

Dear Christian friends,

Mark & Pauline

Kathleen & Paul Pratt

En Route to Japan

"Sailing, sailing, over the bounding main." That's what we are doing right now in the middle of the big, blue
Pacific. Before life in Japan engulfs.us once more, this is a good time to conclude the story of the furlough year.
It will have to be brief. You who have been so wonderfully good to us these summer months, please forgive us for
not mentioning you all here by name. Day by day:
July 8

Farewell at Storm Lake, iowa to my sister AAary Ellen Giese, her husband ATvin and family. That night
we pitched our tent in Custer (S. Dak.) State Park alongside the trailer of brother Bryan and family on
the way home from the convention in California. The sweet sadness of parting next day as they headed
East and we West.

July
9-11

July

Three days of camping in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks of Wyoming. Our first visit
to both. Unforgettable beauty.
With Pauline's brother, Guy Pethtel and family at Kearns, Utah. Her longest visit with him in 30 years.

That Sunday 1 flew to Idaho to speak at Emmett and Boise and back that night to speak at the new church
beginning in Salt Lake City.
July 16 Visited Bryce Canyon in Utah and camped that night at the edge of Grand Canyon.
July 17 We drank in the unforgettable grandeur of the Canyon and visited Zion National Park in the late afternoon.
July 18 A view of Hoover Dam and then to Los Angeles. At night with Russell Davises.
July 19 All day at Disneyland - guests of the Ladies of Parkcrest church. They bought tickets for the entire family
with the S & H Green Stamps they saved.
July 20 Caught our breath at R. H. Desbrows. He was our Navy neighbor in Kanoya.
July 21 Preached at La Puente in A. M. and at First Christian, Long Beach in P. M.
July 22 Enjoyed the hospitality of old friends, Kenneth Hansons, and a wonderful "brunch" at Parkcrest church.
Long Beach. Pauline and I both spoke. That afternoon drove to Atascadero, California where Mickey
and Leo Berg welcomed us. Their house filled with Christians for evening program. They manage a
Christian Home for the aged. Bergs have always had a vital interest in the Kyushu work.
July 23 Delightful visit with Chaplain Charles Trinkle family at Monterey, friends from Seminary days. Spent
12-15

the night at San Jose with Mrs. Martin Clark, a missionary widow for a few months since her husband
returned early to Japan.
July 24 Applied for visa at Japanese consulate. Temporary heart failure when 1 thought passport had been lost.
Good service that night at Napa, California.
July 25 Enjoyed Wayne Wells hospitality. Minister, Bob Fogleman, gave a day to drive me to Oakland and
Frisco on business. Fine service in P. M. at Sacramento.

July 26 Bade farewell to Jim and Dora Furniss who had made us welcome. Headed north.
July 27 Visited Oregon's famed Crater Lake and arrived in Portland, Ore. for evening program at Alberta church,

one of Pauline's living links. The Winders made us welcome. Fine Sunday service here, too. I was
baptized and started to school near here. Father did pioneer missionary work in Portland, 5 of us born here.
July 28- Revival meeting with Dan Burris and church at Lebanon, Oregon. Preached each night on John 3.16.
Aug 2
Ladies of church gave Pauline a "happy birthday" the 2nd. As usual ate too much good cooking. Thanks
to Vernon Millers for hospitality plus.
Aug 3
To Seattle, Washington and night with Frank Gingers, until now friends only by mail. Enroute, dinner
with Rowland Wilders, on Columbia River. We used to be neighbor ministers in Minnesota when I began
preaching there in 1938.

Aug

With Ernie Chamberlain and West Seattle church for morning services. That night at Woodland Wash
ington with Clifford Bethune.

At WINEA/\A camp on Oregon coast for participation in their Week of Missions, one of the country's best.

Aug
5-9

Aug

10

Aug

11

Walter Petersons kindly shared cabin with us.

Vernon Miller gave me a 46th birthday present by taking boys and I to pro-football game in Portland.
My first. Quite a game.

Aug 12

Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 16
Aug 18

A/\orning service and fellowship dinner with University St church, Eugene. On to Cottage Grove church,
Roy Stedman, minister for evening meeting.
Bade farewell to hosts, Jim Hemenways. Trip to California was summer's worst. Blow out and flat tire on
car. Blowout on one-wheel trailer tire. Did you ever try to find a tire that size in the wilderness? Paula
said boat trailers had wheels like that. Good idea. We drove 30 miles to a boat shop. Got one. Into
Oakland at 1:00 A.M. Weary, weary, weary! Thankful for Markie to drive.
Happy to hear ship's sailing delayed. Bergs came for day. Sent trailer with them.
Wonderful mid-week meeting, supper and program with church at Santa Rosa.
Kenneth Hanson, on reserve duty, drove up and took us out for supper. Good.

Morning service at Pleasant Hill. Lunch with Bob and Bea Neal, minister. Last message of the furlough
with Jim Francis and Martinez church.

Aug

Final purchases, packing and preparation at the Home of Peace, Oakland California. A place dedicated

19-23

to helping missionaries as they arrive and depart.

Aug

22

Spent evening with Sid Kennedy's of area, Navy friends from Japan. Made and received farewell phone

Aug

23

calls during the evening. Last call to Mother in Oklahoma.

Friend Bill Prein took us to dinner and drove us shipside. Paul Pratt family, our co-workers on same

freighter, SS CALIFORNIA BEAR. Only 12 passenger spaces. They have six, we have six. A Happy
fellowship. Many friends on board for final service of prayer and praise. Paula had supper on ship and
stayed.

Ship sailed at 7:30 A.M. Hard to see Paula on the dock waving farewell. Were our tears for her in her

lonliness or for ourselves in the sadness of parting? Perhaps both. Kennedy's put her on bus for Oklahoma
and visit with Mother before returning to her studies at Milligan College, Tennessee.

First Sunday at sea. Services in the Passengers lounge. Captain of the vessel, Archibald Cook, present.
A Bible-believing captain with 3 missionary children. Men like this are hard to find. Paul and I shared
next Sunday's services.

Everyday the 3rd Officer places "Noon Position Report" on bulletin board. Today it reads: Latitude;
39-19N; Longitude: 134-10'W. Course: 280. Distance 502 miles. Total distance 552 miles. Miles
to go: 4,093. Steaming time: 25 hours. Average speed: 20.08 knots. Retard clocks 1 hour.

Friday. Crossed 180 longitude. International date line. Lost the day.
Report reads: Course; Various (wind and waves) Total distance: 2,885 miles.
Report reads: Total distance: 3,848 miles. To go: 952 miles. Arrive September 14.

This is our 4th joul^y t6^aparr(ol^ f^tKelrnilTtary). WKerTwe arrive it will complete ^round-thi^world
journey begun in Japan, June 20 last year. During it we touched 14 countries, flew over 9 more, preached in 5
countries, visited our missions in 3. Since arriving in New York Aug. 3, 1962 we drove 50,000 miles. 12,000
more by train and plane.

Other statistics: Messages in churches: 209 in 30 states. One week revival meetings: 4; Chapel address in our

Bible Colleges: 17 (visited 3 others in connection with other meetings); Rotary meeting speeches: 2; Talks in public
schools: 5; Television appearances: 2; Radio: 1; College mission classes taught: 5; Missionary institutes conducted:
5 for a total of 18 days; speaker on 12 missionary conference programs.

Lectures: 5 at First Annual Lectureship, Minnesota Bible College; 1 at Annual Lectureship of Central College
of the Bible, Moberly, Missouri; 1 at Charlottesville, Virginia Ministerial Association on: "The Future of

Christianity in Japan."; Commencement Address: "A Bible College Education" at Minnesota Bible College.
Pauline kept the home fires burning and spoke 44 times in 12 states besides. She was speaker at the annual
Women's Banquet at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. It has been a happy and full year marred only by the death's of
Pauline's parents. We wouldn't have missed it for the world. Nor would anything have kept us from getting this
ship back HOME....
In His service.

A monthly report by the Mark G. Max$y family

to the friends of the Kyushu Christian Mission
Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

INTRODUCING SHUNG MAN CHANG OF KOREA

Dear Christian friends.

It Is a pleasure to introduce Shung Man Chang, (pronounce it; chung)

to the brethren by means of this extra issue of the Linkletter. Bro^ Chang

is in the U. S. for a year of graduate study at Cincinnati Bible Seminary

Shung Man Chang

during the school year 1963-64.

Bro. Chang is the minister of the Dai Kyo Church of Christ, a church which he started In his own home in
Pusan. Korea Is not Japan and Pusan Is not in Kyushu- We are neighbors geographically, however. It is just
-K)0-miles-(on-over-r.i^bt-ferry-4fip)-fH=om the northern part of our iskmd of Kyushu-t-Pusan-,-a large city at the
southern tip of Korea.

We have made the journey three times and each time he has kept me busy preaching In the churches of
the area, over the radio, at the leprosarium, at the University chapel and at the first Southern Christian
Convention which he organized. I have slept in his home, met his two brothers and shared the delicious Korean
dishes prepared by his Mother.

Bro. Chang has also visited us in Japan, preaching to the churches in our area. At the same time he
added to his already considerable training by studying two six week terms In Osaka Bible Seminary.

In Korea, Bro. Chang is busy preaching, evangelizing, itinerating and training young men. He has a
religious column in a Pusan daily and a similar weekly radio broadcast. He has published three books in Korean
on religious themes. Currently, he Is working toward the establishment of a Christian Center in Pusan where
local leaders can be trained. Dick Lash, myself and others are assisting him in this project. Bro. Chang has
just announced his engagement to a lovely Christian Korean girl, a university graduate, who desires to work
by his side in the field of religious education.

Spiritually, Bro. Chang is a part of all of us who wish to have the simple faith, worship and practice as
it was In the founding days of the church. Bro. Chang sought this faith by himself. He knew it when he found
it. He accepted It whole-heartedly and set about proclaiming it to his own people.

We believe with Bro. Chang that a year in Bible college work here coupled with his contact with the
churches and Christian brethren will help him greatly in his own witness In Korea, especially on behalf of the
New Testament church. Because of that belief we have shared with him a frustrating year of paper work, red
tape and correspondence to complete preparations for his coming with the two governments.
The Kyushu Christian Mission is acting as his sponsor. The Christian Church at North Vernon, Indiana,
Bill Bravard, Minister, will have oversight while he is in the U.S. They will receive offerings given to him
and for him and dispense them in his behalf. Many of you will remember that they graciously did the same for
Bro. Hideo Yoshii when he studied here two years ago. Bro. Chang will give an official mission receipt for
any offerings given to him when he speaks.

We believe brethren everywhere will receive a spiritual blessing from a visit by Bro. Chang. If you wish
to have him speak, as he is able on week-ends and school holidays, contact him directly at 2700 Glenway,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
In His Service,

BRO.

CHANG TELLS HIS OWN STORY

"I was born in the city of Pusan, Korea in November 2, 1932. Japan ruled over our country
and I grew up in the sorrows of the lost Mother-land. I was taught by Japanese in my primary and
high school days. After the political independence was achieved in 1945, I could be educated by
the language of our own. At first I intended to deliver our country with political means by studying
economics and political science in Tona-A College. By my dear Father suddenly died with illness.
"From that time I was more interested in the deliverance of people than country. I was brought
under the influence of the Presbyterian family from the days of my grandmother, however 1was not
in the real faith but formal. My Father's death made me feel the doubts of human being itself. I
was in agonies beyond description, and finally concluded that to devote myself to the Christ is the
only way to deliver my neighborhood as well as myself.
"I was admitted to the Yung-Nam Bible Institute that belongs to the Presbyterians and focused
my efforts on studying the Bible.

"During that time I happened to meet a U. S. Army chaplain in a meeting and listened to his
sermon perfectly new for me. That was the story of the New Testament. After the meeting I talked
with him about the new recognition of the Gospel a long time because 1was thrilled by his sermon.
At last I could clearly know that his words are not new but the pure gospel that Paul and Jesus preached.

"I was so happy to find the simple truth. I received the simplicity of the gospel in my mind that
did follow the teaching of the New Testament, faithfully rejecting every artificial elements. I was
baptized into Christ and promised with God to devote my whole life for the Restoration AAovement.
It was April, 1949.

"After the event I joined in the Army when the Korean War had broken. Seeing a great number
of dead bodies in the miserable looking war, I felt more the importance of the necessities of the
spreading of the gospel in my bones.
"After returning from the war first Sunday of January in 1953, 1got a worship with seven people
together that contains our family and neighbors in my own home. This is the beginning of the Dai Kyo
church, a worthy day to remember.
"It is unfortunate for us to have few churches of Christ in this district which has four million

population, and so I have chosen already seven youths and trained them individually in order to make
them Lord's servant for this district. I have been anxious for the lack of knowledge of the New

Testament church, for my studying and the background was Presbyterian.

"Then 1 have served in these^circumstances during the last ten years, and camel-o~Heci3e to study
just one year in the U.S. in order to be more useful to the works of the Lord in future ten year, too.

I would like to study Biblical Doctrine and Church History because without knowledge of these it is
almost impossible to challenge the denominational churches in Korea. In future I am planning to get
a training course for church leaders and youths, and wish to lead them when I accomplish the Christian
Center which is planning here.

"I desire wide and positive knowledge of the New Testament church sure that this knowledge
finally will be a useful influence to the future of Korea. I am sure that if the U.S. churches help
me in my trip of this time, it will also be a help to the dedication for the future of the Korean churches

S. M. Chang (J

^grrgRi
A monthly report by the Mark G. Maxey family

IlM^'

to 7he friends of the Kyuthu Chrutian Mitsion

Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan

Linkletter No. 135

November, 1963

Dear Christian friends,

i-r

W ^ m ^ '.. 'i ^4

We have been back at our stamping

grounds in Kanoya a number of weeks

>-rv

f ">,

ibii

*I

to be here

The last Linkletter was written on

the ship OS we neared Japan. I had recounted our travels of the year and how

ANNUAL
ANNUAL KAGOSHIMA
KAGOSHIMA CONVENTION
CONVENTION

God had given us safety and blessings throughout the 100,000 miles. Just the day before we landed, however,
Hope was running across the ship's lounge with a pair of sun glasses on. She tripped on the door sill and fell against
the rung of a metal chair. One of the lenses cut a long gash above her eye. The ship's purser gave first aid.
(There are no doctors on freighters.) A scar will remain but we are thankful that her eye was saved.

We landed in Yokohama on September 4. A fine welcoming committee stood on the dock: Harold and Lois
Sims, Bill and Lois Walker, Al Hammond, Martin Clark and Denzo Shimoda, the Christian carpenter who has

worked with us so many years. They all held a long streamer Lois Sims had made welcoming the Paul Pratt family
and ourselves back to Japan. It was a very happy sight 1 can tell you. A fellowship supper that night at Julius
Fleenor's in Tokyo with all the missionaries present made us feel welcome indeed.
Walter left us here and hurried south to Kobe by train. He had already missed one day of school at Canadian
Academy and did not want to miss anymore. He will board and live at the Dormitory there while he completes his
Senior year. We will be seeing him at Thanksgiving and Christmas you can be sure. (In fact, we can hardly wait.)
The rest of us stayed with the ship as it made stops in Yokosuka where the U.S. has a huge naval base; at
Nagoya where we had a Lord's Day of worship and fellowship with the Howard Davis family; and finally at Kobe
where the Claude Likins family, George Beckman, Carl Fish and a number of Japanese friends waited to welcome
us. The Claude Likins family made us welcome in their home and Claude and George helped Paul and 1 through a
tedious, back-breaking day going through customs inspection. We were required to surrender Greg's BB gun as a

possible lethal weapon. (This offended Gregory but didn't make Pauline and I a bit unhappy). We were happy to
take a couple of hours off at noon for a welcome meal with the missionaries of the Area at the Likins.
Our overnight ferry trip and all day train trip returning home was 7-1/2 hours late because of a track wash--

out. The Christians had come to the station to meet us three times but now the hour was too late.

Katsuo Shimoda

who had taken care of the property while we were gone was there. Also, Shoko Ourasaka, our faithful right hand
girl at the Book Store. The neighborhood filling station sent their truck to carry our baggage. Reiko Seguchi, one
of the earliest Christians in Kanoya, came by in the family car to drive us home. She had also prepared a huge
platter of food, a rice dish, which we hungrily consumed. The young people had prepared big signs on our door

way which said: "WELCOME TO THE CENTER OF JAPAN". This is what I fondly call this outpost.
We awoke the next morning to begin our third term of service here. We found many changes. Kanoya is

rapidly losing its country flavor. Paved roads, new stores, side walks, street lights, and "No Parking" signs have
changed that. The streets are choked with cars. Our town now boasts five driving schools. When I came here in
1950 I had the only privately-owned passenger car in town. The authorities had my license plate hand-made. It
was numbered:

1.

Stores abound with shoppers and with merchandise in spite of the fact that the cost of living has gone up
one percent a month while we were gone and still continues. Japan as a land of reasonable prices and wages is
disappearing and within five years will be no more.
In each church visited we have found new faces and new interest. This is particularly due to the earnest,

sacrificial labors of Bro. Hideo Yoshii, the Kanoya preacher, during our absence. We can not thank him enough
for his willingness to help carry on our own labors in addition to his own while we were gone.

One particular item of encouragement is the number of Christian couples now taking their places in the
churches. The young people converted in the beginning days of this work are now marrying and starting families
of their own. This will give stability and strength to the churches that could come in no other way. I have
conducted three Christian wedding myself in the last month and thus have a part of this important Christian
history in the making.

A really happy day was the annual convention of Kagoshima Christians September 24 at Kushikino at the
western edge of the Prefecture. This gathering gave one the chance to see the vitally concerned Christians
of all the churches in a group and to be encouraged by their presence and testimonies. Especially for the
missionaries, these conventions are a blessing, because they tell him plainly thathis life has not been wasted.

His witness has been heard and live's have been changed because of it.
A two day preacher's meeting followed the convention. It was good to sit back and listen to these men

discuss their work and plan for the future; to join in the prayers, the singing, the Bible reading and the discussions
together. When we went on furlough last year, it was the plan that the Pratt's would be on hand to assist the
preachers and the congregations. But when the Pratt's had to come home suddenly because of double deaths
in the-f-amily^ that loft the preacbars on their own. We are glad to report that they did very well. All cervices

were maintained. They conducted the annual Christian Service camp and the testimony of all who went was
that it was the best one ever. They continued their programs of evangelism. Each continued writing his share
of the correspondence course lessons that Bro. Pratt is sponsoring. Each month they got out their paper called
the "Bokuteki" which contains news of all the churches. This project is completely self-supporting. In short
we can say that the years of patient waiting, teaching and sharing has produced a dedicated, capable Christian
ministry here in Kagoshima. This was our happiest discovery on returning.
In HIS Service

THREE NAMES TO REMEMBER:

Forwarding Secretary:

For slides, publicity:

For speaking dates:

Mrs. Mary Deiotte

Mr. John Miles Baker

Miss Paula Maxey

Box 49

Box 577

9164 North Plaza Drive

North Vernon, Indiana

Milligan College, Tenn.

Northfield, Ohio

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