"The Nail that Sticks up Should be Hammered down"

I am very interested in Japanese culture and what they are thinking regarding religion.  I am gathering information along the way in order to equip us in this journey of reaching them with Jesus Christ.

I came across "A Christian's Pocket Guide to The Japanese" published by   OMF International (formerly the China Inland Mission and Overseas Missionary Fellowship), founded by James Hudson Taylor in 1865.  This booklet is a quick read and holds information that we are becoming well aware of and we want to share it with you.  It is helpful for us to know where someone is coming from in order to relate to where they are going and making the decisions that they do.  In a culture that is so old and steeped with customs and refuses change, it is helpful to be a student of the strongholds that keep a people of such a culture in bondage.

Excepts from the booklet:
"One People"
The Japanese are a homogeneous people.  With few exceptions, they have a common ancestry, appearance and culture throughout the four islands.  They consider uniformity a good thing and view non-conformity as a threat to social harmony.  "The nail that sticks up should be hammered down" so the Japanese say.

"Japanese Attitudes Toward Foreigners"
The Japanese people have been borrowing from other nations for centuries.  Much of their language and culture has been borrowed from China, Buddhism, one of their major religions came from India via China.  The constitution was modelled on 19th  century Europe and succeeding waves of Portuguese, Dutch, and latterly North American influence have left their marks on language, foods and customs. 
The Japanese people hold two attitudes simultaneously: a healthy curiosity of foreign things and a strong national pride. 

Order your copy from Amazon today and start gathering a clearer understanding of where you live and how to reach this people group for Christ.

America, short version

Grandpa Tom enjoying his precious Harper!  We had such a great trip to visit her and her momma and daddy and the rest of our families in America. 

 

 This was certainly our motivation for our trip this year to the states.  We spent a whirlwind 3 weeks there and saw many sights, but none compares to this little bundle of precious beauty and intelligence.  

We enjoyed a wonderful visit with the Arnold's.  Can't even remember the last time we saw them, although Michelle and I get to chat on the phone on occasion, emal and FB communication.  But nothing like fellowship with great friends and wonderful food.  As our families grow in size and love for the Lord, it is a pleasure to continue to share a common bond of the love of Jesus with them and to have the pleasure to pray for each other.

Here we are after our personal tour of the Capitol with Jim Ryan.  His lovely bride Anne is taking the picture.  They are parents of friends here in Okinawa Heather and Damon Tiffany.  When the Tiffany's heard we were taking a trip up the East Coast, they insisted we contact her mom and dad who live a block or two away from the Capitol and they were more than happy to feed us a wonderful lunch and take us on a tour.  It was the perfect way to end our 3 week trip to the states.

Statue of Dr. Crawford Long representing one of the two statues that are placed in the Capitol from the state of Georgia. 

The Rotunda in the Capitol. 

 The chapel in the Capitol.  We had the priviledge to pray for our country and our leaders.

 View from the Inaugural Balcony looking toward the Washington Monument.

The absolute center of the Rotunda.

Bethany seems to be saying, "Perhaps I'll run for President one day....and make a speech from here....maybe not!"

The Ryan's home, saying our goodbyes and having a sweet prayer time.

The famous "Occidental Cafe" a block away from the White House.  There have been some major desicions made here regarding our nation over a meal.  The only decisions we made were what to order...

We went out with a BANG.  No kidding, we were leaving the cafe, heading to the White House for a night time pic and the "Fireworks" began to go off to our surprise.  We haven't seen fireworks in America in a while.  They were fabulous.

Time is a flyin'

I'll try and catch you up on what has been going on with the Smith Clan since Tom and I celebrated our "30th Anniv". 

Tom celebrated his 50 BDay and while home Jillian enjoyed taking a picture of Tom by his High School Graduation Picture.  A few years have come and gone, but I still see him in those beautifully handsome blue eyes and gorgeous smile.  He continues to be the funniest person I know and continues to keep me laughing and very happy.

I also celebrated 50 years of life and am now a Nana to the smartest and most beautiful 5 month old in the world.  And if you don't believe just ask her momma, daddy, Grandpa Tom, Mimi and Papa John and the rest of the Smith and Reimer Clans.  It is true, believe us.