Information control

When I was in a car in Indonesia on 11th of Mar, 2011, I received a phone call from a pastor there. He told me big earthquake and tsunami hit Japan and many people were killed so I should call my family in Japan. The next day, photos of devastated area in Japan were on the first page of all the newspapers but the content of Indonesia’s news was different from the Japanese one. When Japanese government announced radiation leakage it wasn't verified from the Nuclear power plant in Fukushima, newspapers in other countries reported 5 U.S. soldiers who went to the N. plant were exposed to radiation and some photos were also posted.

In any countries, government controls information at some level to avoid from going into nation’s panic but I can say it’s lack of plan to upgrade the accident assessment to level 7 after the election. (The reason why I don’t write “information manipulation” is it’s dangerous to think the same as cult groups.) The government may be concern for nation but it needs prompt actions when it urges people to evacuate or they feel threatens.

Christians already received eternal life. Peace from God is different from controlled “peace-addiction”. Many people take alarm at a nuclear accident or earthquake in this world. When we look back what we were in the past, we feel it doesn’t change that much although we cry out to Japanese government or mass communication for clarifying all the information. What churches have to declare louder is people will be judged by God and Jesus Christ is Savior who forgives any sins.

2 Timothy 2:14~15

Japanese food in the other countries

Pastors in Indonesia asked me to eat Japanese food and took me to a Japanese restaurant. This restaurant had just opened recently was questionable as I thought. My wife and I don’t eat Japanese food overseas but we see Japanese restaurant in most of the countries where we visit. Maybe long-stay travelers or expatriate employees think about Japan while they eat Japanese food in a country where they stay.

Israelis who lost their country and were broken up in the past have special emotions that gentiles can’t understand. Japan stands at a crossroad but we shouldn’t forget about Israel where is the sundial of the world. The Gaza strip is explosive, Egypt and Iran substantially established an alliance, and the relationship between Japan and America is different from the past. Every eye is fixed on these things.

Christians are grafted and maintain adequate nutrition from a root. God’s will is when Israel goes back to true God and true Savior.

Jeremiah 3:21~22

Across the ocean

In India or Indonesia we sometimes watch some programs of TV evangelists who are famous in America and some other countries. These TV programs are broadcasted in India and Indonesia during a *prime time and TV evangelists have their office in great location because of their sufficient funds. Churches there give local director due respect.

These photos above were taken in a radio station in Indonesia when we recorded a message there. “Tida Sakty” is a commercial radio station and the owner is not a Christian. Also, a person who is in charge of this ministry is a young and nameless local pastor. We prayed for listeners, the radio station, and the owner at the end of this radio program.

This time we recorded 3 TV programs and 3 radio programs. I am so impressed that this church is doing a truly good ministry in this pagan country. The reason why they can share the gospel like this is they pray and make effort every day. It is absolutely imperative for breaking a fortress to grow churches and raise disciples there. That’s why it’s worth to go across the ocean and to expand our ministry.

2 Corinthian 10:15~16

* Golden time in Japan

Those who capitalize on~

Victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and people all over Japan felt sorrow and anxiety but there are some people who capitalize on this emergency. They try to expand their organization or collect money. They say, “Earthquake hit as Mr. ~ prophesied.”, “The earthquake was supposed to hit capital area but because of Mr. ~’s prayed it moved to the ocean so give us offering.”, or “I received a prophecy, earthquake and terrorism will hit Tokyo on certain day.” These are common maneuver for cult groups. Also, some other groups use the Bible and say, “Join Mr. ~’s meeting and pray together to move the Second Coming of Jesus forward.” or “Jesus Christ will come back soon.”

Surely, the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ will come. Also, it’s important for us to keep awake, to pray, and gather but if you are a normal Christian, there is something else we have to share first no matter what happens. That is “Jesus Christ is the one who forgives our sin and is our Savior.” Sharing the gospel to the whole world across time and borders is a mission for churches who are the brides of Jesus.

Acts 4:12

選択の自由

台北のホテルでベッドサイドの引き出しを開けると、３冊の書籍がありました。
その場で、このホテルに宿泊する人が聖書を選択してほしいと祈りました。
僕には、他の２冊を除外する権限がないからです。

中国や北朝鮮などの国では、自分の意志で選択する自由がありません。
また、多くの国では、信教の自由があるといいながら、選択肢が制限されています。

では、日本はどうでしょうか？

義務教育やマスコミによって、進化論やマルクス・レーニンなどの共産思想が教えられ、聖書に対しては、高等批評等の見解だけが与えられたなら・・・。

結果は、中国や北朝鮮、ロシアと同じように、自ら考える能力が育つ前に、無神論者を育てることと同じ効果をもたらすでしょう。

僕は、誰でもまっさらな状態の時、神を求める心を持っていると信じています。
だからこそ、無神論の人々は、イエスキリストと聖書を封印したいのでしょう。
しかし、どの時代、どの国であろうと、自由意志と探究心、創造する力があるからこそ、人間なのではないでしょうか？

ローマ人への手紙　１章１９節～２０節

エコノミークラス症候群

飛行機で長時間は苦手と言う方も多いと思いますが、
エコノミークラスの乗客から発症例が多いため、こう呼ばれています。

原因は、体内の水分が不足することと、運動不足（つまり同じ姿勢を続けること）です。
機内では、炭水化物中心の食事を摂取し、限られたスペースと、乾燥した環境で過ごすことになります。
ただそれだけで、と思うでしょうが、血管内に血栓が出来ると深刻な症状になる事もあるのです。

この症候群の予防策は、水分を充分に補給し、体を伸ばし、動かすことです。

教会は、キリストのからだ（エクレシア）です。
このからだは、限られた空間から良い行いをするために、世に出て行きます。
また、いのちのパンだけではなく、生ける水も充分に受けて、健全に成長するのです。

主が愛してやまないこのからだは、互いに愛し合う素晴らしい共同体なのです。

エペソ人への手紙　４章１６節

化石は語る？

進化論（といってもあまりにも幅が広すぎますが）では、化石を証拠とする説明があります。
ですが、本当の化石の出来方が、進化論や化石年代測定という仮説と合致しないのはどうしてでしょう？
また、化石と並び、進化論の証拠とされてきた以下の骨には、それを証明できるものはありませんでした。

アウストラロビテクス
ジャワ原人
北京原人
ネアンデルタール人
クロマニヨン人

どれも聞いたことのある名称ですね。
あたりまえのことですが、サルから人間に進化しつつある生き物も存在しません。
創造主である神様は、ご自分のイメージに人を創造されたのです。

創世記　１章２５節

情報統制

２０１１年３月１１日、僕はインドネシアで車中にいたのですが、現地の牧師から携帯に連絡が入り、
「とても大きな地震と津波が起こり、人が死んでいる。日本に連絡をとって下さい。」
と教えられました。

その翌日、全ての新聞の一面は、日本の被災地の写真に覆われました。
すでにこの時点で、日本のニュースと海外のニュースでは報道の内容が異なっていました。
また、日本では、原発からの放射能漏れは確認されてないと発表されていた時、海外の新聞は、現地に向かった米軍兵５名被爆と報道され、写真も掲載されていました。

どの国でも、パニック状態になるのを避けるため、政府はある程度、情報統制をするものです。
しかし、選挙終了後に事故評価をレベル７に上げるのは無策極まりない方針です。
（＊あえて情報操作と書かないのは、カルトの手法とだぶらせて考えるのは危険なことだからです。）

ある意味、国民への配慮なのかも知れませんが、危険が迫る時や避難を勧告する時は、一刻を争うはずです。

キリスト者は、すでに永遠のいのちを受けています。
神から来る平安は、統制された「平和ボケ」とは異なります。
世間では、原発事故や地震などに恐れを抱く人が大勢いるでしょう。

過去の日本の在り方を考えた時、今さら「政府とマスコミは情報を明らかにせよ！」と叫んでも、即効性は無いでしょう。

今、教会がそれ以上に声高く宣告するべきは、人間は必ず神の審判を受けること、そして、イエス・キリストはどんな罪も赦す救い主であることです。

テモテへの手紙第二　２章１４節～１５節

海外で食べる日本食

インドネシアの牧師たちに「日本食を食べに行こう！」と連れて行かれました。
最近オープンしたばかりのこの店は、予想通り「あやしい」味でした。

僕と妻は、海外で和食を食べることがありません。
しかし、訪れるほとんどの国で日本食レストランを見かけます。
長期滞在者や現地駐在員は、和食を食べながら自国のことを思うのでしょう。

過去に自国を失い、離散したイスラエルにとっては、異邦人には理解できない特別な思いがあるのでしょう。

日本は大変な岐路に立たされていますが、世界の日時計であるイスラエルも忘れてはならなりません。

ガザ地区は一籌即発の状態、エジプトとイランの実質の同盟化、過去とは異なるアメリカとの関係など、どれも注視しなければならない状況です。

クリスチャンは、つぎ木されて、根から養分を受けているのです。
イスラエルが本当の神、本当の救い主に立ち返ることこそ、神のみこころです。

エレミヤ書　３章２１～２２節

The Lord who sees our heart

The Great East-Japan Earthquake got a lot of media coverage in the world. Many Christians in India and Indonesia cried and prayed for Japan. Not only that, they gave us an offering for Japan. I was much impressed by their action. When we exchange this offering to Japanese yen, it’s not a big money but I felt their love, faith, and a lump in my throat.

In the Bible, there was a poor widow who threw in two leptas, which was the minimum amount of offering. Also, there were rich people who threw in big money. The Lord, Jesus said, “this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury.” Our eyes see how much we give but our Lord sees our heart and faith.

Mark 12:41~44

The shining island in South Asia

Sri Lanka is an island which has beautiful beaches and lush tropics. I can say their national character is the most serious and constraint in South Asia. This country is famous for tea leaves, gems, and tourism. Many people speak English in the city area. However, the national budget has been strangled because of the longstanding civil war so it had discouraged tourists from visiting this country. Many other countries might think Sri Lanka is a small country in all aspects. Minority Christians in Sri Lanka had faced persecutions or oppositions from Buddhist and Hindu people who are more than 70 % of the population.

There are many Christians who get a lot of attention and appear on stage but God gave a true prophet in this small island. I would like to ask you to read the Bible carefully about the situation and the position of prophets. L. Keegel is a spiritual leader who has a responsibility for more than 1,000 churches in this country. (I received a mail from him and more than 600 Christian families in his churches became victims of flood and they are in serious situation.)

Isaiah 49:1~3

The one who stands in the gap

Whenever I go abroad, I use the same bag. Finally, the bag was broken. This photo is the place where it was broken and one of my friends sewed it skillfully. I tried to pay for the cost of material but he refused to receive it. The place was fixed and my bag toughened.

In the Bible, there is a man who stood in the gap between God and the Israelite, but the man, Moses was not appreciated, instead had a rough deal from them. The Savior also was despised, forsaken, and hated by people. I feel strongly that now is the time we need Christians who stand in the gap even though there is a great sacrifice to be made.

Psalm 106:23

In a tribulation time

We need new hope. This hope is produced through faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. In Romans, it says, “not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Right now, Fukushima Nuclear plants and devastated areas are in danger and in catastrophic situation but many Christians get together to distribute relief goods to people there. Some of my friends are also doing relief activity with no regard of their own personal safety.

The Bible says, “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” The hope does not disappoint. What a wonderful word it is! God is talking to victims who are full of sense of loss and powerlessness and Christians who had dove into God’s grace and arose from sleep.

Romans 5:3~5

Celebrity diplomat who fulfilled his mission

When I used ANA lounge at New-Chitose airport after so long, I found an interesting article on Japanese version of Newsweek magazine published on 2nd of Mar. This article was about a referendum for separatist in Sudan, North Africa. Since the government established Islamic law, the South of Sudan where many Christians live tried to attain independent. It was an important referendum. As a result of it, 98.8% citizens supported independence and the South Sudan Republic will be born on 9th of July formally. Thanks to an invocation of one “celebrity diplomat”, they could turn the table from desperate situation. The Hollywood actor is George Clooney. He had visited Sudan for the past 5 years and engaged in humanitarian activities. He had a shocking experience when a refugee village where he gave donations was attacked and some people were killed. After that, he used all of his funds, publicity, and network, launched a satellite, and contended with this mission.

When I see this historical news as viewed from the perspective of Christian, I can say two things. First, God used the Hollywood actor to save Christians. Secondly, the result was everything not only participating in this humanitarian activity. There is a mission which is worthy only to participate it. On the other hand, there is a mission we have to fulfill. Paul went to Rome for his life and Thomas fulfilled his mission in India without making compromise. These are the wonderful examples because they followed what the Lord said and made wonderful fruits in consequence.

John 15:16

The country who cried for Japan

The 9.0-magnitude earthquake which was the biggest in history hit east Japan on 11th of Mar. 2011. It was the worst disaster that many precious lives, houses, working places, and hope were washed away by Tsunami.

I heard this news while I was in Indonesia and churches in Indonesia cried and prayed for Japan. Although there is a significant economic gap in this country, some people gave an offering for the victims. I was filled with deep sorrow and pain but I felt their love and mercy while I was staying there for a week. God’s family who can share joy and tears is a significant treasure in my life.

Romans 12:15

Chitose Airport in winter

Troubling winter came in Hokkaido again. The Shin-Chitose Airport needs to clear away snow from the 260 hectare (370 square kilometer) runway and is the gateway of Hokkaido which has the biggest number of flights between Haneda Airport and Shin-Chitose Airport. The amount of snowfall in the last season was 5 times as large as Tokyo Dome. Under this terrible condition, workers support flights by snow-removal, anti-icing, application of ice protection, and operation. It may be no exaggeration to say that mission in Japan is in prolonged winter.

When we hear God’s work in overseas, we praise the Lord but at the same time, some people feel why nothing happens in Japan. At the Shin-Chitose Airport in winter, all the workers have their own role and responsibility. The purpose is the only one, safety of aircraft and on-time flight. If Christians and churches in Japan love each other and cooperate together for the only purpose, I believe we can break down this challenging season.

John 17:11

Satan who plays outstandingly (??)

This is an article about Happy Science covered the other day. According to the article, a master’s wife was called Satan (from the article of Shukan Bunshu) and was said Satan is in her by her children so she went to a hospital (from the article of Shukan Shincho) and was suffering from suicidal urge. There were many causes along the way but the wife who used to be called a goddess of beauty is an object of prayer to seal bad wives in the same religious group. Everyone except for believers of this religion can say it has a significant gap and is out of norm. Also, after the weekly magazines were published, it seems the Happy Science delivered a mysterious special lecture out into the open toward all the branches in Japan. In the lecture, they said, Lucifer and Beelzebub in the Bible seduced this article and exercised the power behind the scene. (Since Japan has a freedom of faith, believers of this group have the right to believe this.)

Groups who are generally called cult have certain things in common and that is when those who can’t obey a leader or a group are blamed or instilled a sense of anxiety. A cult group often comment to the one who left the group that, “he became mentally ill”, “he will meet misfortune”, or “Satan is working in him.”

How about Christian’s faith? Of course, it is true that Satan or evil spirit exists in this world but it is not proper to say those phrase. Everyone tend to think we are the center of the world. If we use Satan whenever we fight with others, Satan will be busy but Christians think God’s word which will never change as the base of our lives. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against invisible things.

Ephesians 6:12

Welcom service

Small consideration, such as welcome drink, fruits, letter, and so on, makes us feel happier in journey. Church wants to be the place where welcomes people who are tired or have a burden.

We can serve the Lord by taking care of people. To show kindness to people is a necessary service in a church. God uses everyone. That’s the magnificence of Christians.

1 Peter 4:8~9

海の向こうまで

インドやインドネシアでも、アメリカ等で有名なＴＶ伝道者の番組を見ることができます。
豊富な資金力により、それらは「＊プライム・タイム」に放送され、一等地に「○○ミニストリー」の事務所を設置しています。
現地のディレクターは、その国の教会から一目置かれる存在となります。

写真は、インドネシアのラジオでメッセージを収録したものです。
ここは、日本の民放にあたるラジオ局「ティーダ・サクティ」で、オーナーはクリスチャンではありません。
また、この働きの担当者は、若く名もない現地の牧師です。
番組の最後には、視聴者・ラジオ局・オーナーの救いを祈りました。

今回も、ＴＶとラジオ各３回分の収録を行いました。
異教の国であるこの地で、教会は本当に良い働きをしていると感心させられます。
このように福音を伝えることができるのは、日ごろの彼らの祈りと努力があるからです。

敵の要塞を破るには、その地にある教会が成長し、弟子が育つことが必要不可欠なのです。
そのためにこそ、海の向こうにまで行く価値があり、私たちの働きが広げられる理由があるのです。

コリント人への手紙第二　１０章１５~１６節

＊日本ではゴールデン・タイム

便乗する者たち

今回の大震災によって被災者の方はもちろん、日本全土が不安と悲しみを抱いたことでしょう。
そんな中、この非常事態に便乗して、組織の拡大やお金を集めることに精を出す者もいるのです。
「○○先生の予言の通りに地震が来ました」
「本来は首都圏に来るはずの地震が、○○の祈りにより海に移動したので、献金をしなさい」
「○月○日東京で地震とテロがおきるとお告げがあった」
カルトの常套手段です。

また、聖書を用いながら、
「再臨を早めるために、○○先生の集会に参加して祈ろう」
「もうすぐ○○にイエスキリストが再臨される」などと語る者もいます。

確かに、世の終わりは来ますし、再臨は必ずあります。
また、目を覚まし祈ることも、集まり続けることも大切でしょう。
しかし、正常なキリスト者であるならば、どんな状況でも最優先に伝えることがあるはずです。
それは、「イエス・キリストこそが、罪を赦す救い主である」ということです。
時を越え、国境を越え、全世界に福音を伝えることこそ、キリストの花嫁である教会の使命です。

使徒の働き　４章１２節

心を見られる主

今回の東日本大震災は、世界中で大きく報道されました。
インドでもインドネシアでも多くのクリスチャンが涙の祈りを捧げています。
それだけではなく、日本のためにと献金をささげてくれました。

これには感動を覚えました。
日本円にすると、決して大きな額にはなりません。
しかし、彼らの愛、信仰の重みに胸が熱くなりました。

二レプタ（献金の最少額）を捧げた貧しいやもめがいました。
そこには、大金を投げ入れた金持ちもいました。

主イエスは、弟子たちに「この貧しいやもめはどの人よりも多くを捧げた」と語りました。
人の目は、その金額の大きさに向けられます。
しかし、私たちの主は、捧げる人の信仰と心を見られるのです。

マルコの福音書　１２章４１～４４節