Yaegashi Quarterly Update - April 2016

First Quarter Report

   “…for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught a great number of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” 

                                                       Acts 11:26 

The Great Commission to the world outside the Jewish circle came to its first fruition at Antioch. The disciples were called “Christians” for the first time by the people in that city who saw what kind of people those disciples of Jesus were. People realized the disciples were truly serious about following Him. How did they know the disciples really followed Christ? Two reasons seem to be apparent from this section in chapter 11. First, the church kept on witnessing Christ. Secondly, “the Christians” demonstrated the love of Christ in their diaconal activities offering help to those suffering the famine in Judea. Proclaiming Christ both in word and deed is certainly what I would dearly desire for a little, but His own, Yamagata Reformed Church.

Yamagata Reformed Church has been in a difficult, yet challenging and blessed process of transition in its ecclesiastical status. In the congregational meeting held in January, the church set up a pulpit committee to seek for “a new pastor” after April 12, 2016, when my cooperative status with the RCJ (Reformed Church in Japan) expires as its chapel’s resident pastor. This happened, partly because our congregation decided in November last year to leave the denomination, and partly because the OPC also decided to terminate its working relationship with the RCJ due to the RCJ’s acceptance of women in the office. To make a long story short, Yamagata Reformed Church decided to extend a call to me to continue to be their pastor. Accordingly, the OPC Japan Mission has approved the call given to its missionary as mission work. An installation service is scheduled to be held on April 24th, which I shall touch on in my next quarterly report.

    Mr. Tada, our record-holder seeker (some 30 years with us) has been very faithful since January of 2015. He comes not only for Sunday worship almost every week, but also to Katie’s Wednesday English Bible Class. He was moved by the simple remark I made during the service that our church is the only one in town that offers an English Bible class. Last week I overheard him saying in the class that Japan has a very long and deep history of its own and the Japanese carry that heritage making it difficult for people to break away from it. It sounded as if his Japanese heritage is something that still makes it hard for him to decide for Christ.

What is important, however, is that he has not quit coming to worship. Pray that the Lord will break through his misunderstanding and that he will know his country’s history is in no way an obstacle for his faith, for God is sovereign over all histories of mankind.  BTW, he is an excellent calligrapher and has written Yamagata Church’s slogan of the year. Here is the picture of his beautiful calligraphy which says “The Church Natured by the Word of Christ.” 

Another noticeable figure in the first few months of this year is the presence of Mr. Yarimizu, Miki Yarimizu’s husband. He often comes to attend Sunday worship, sometimes together with his wife, and other times, to Mrs. Yarimizu’s surprise, without telling her that he would be coming to church. He comes to hear the Word of God much more often than one member of the church who comes only once a month due to her shift at an old-folk’s health care service center. The whole church is praying for Mr. Yarimizu with acute interest in finding how the Lord is going to open his heart to Christ. They are a couple in their middle forties. Their becoming a Christian couple will strengthen our small flock. They have a son and a daughter in their early twenties.  Please remember this family.　

We had a greatly blessed Easter both at our annual children’s Easter Party held March 26 and at the Easter worship the next day. There were more adults than children; yet having been able to invite 7 children is a fairly successful outreach knowing that in many churches it has been harder to have children come. Below is a picture of the Children’s Easter Party. Four non-Christian mothers were also reached by this program and we are very thankful that they were able to hear the story of Christ’s resurrection!

Far left is Shie Sasaki, our member, and the next four ladies in the back row are the non-Christian ladies.

At the Easter worship there was much joy in the church as we gathered to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ, a true assurance of both forgiveness of our sins and reality of physical eternal life. The blessing in the Easter worship was doubled by the baptism of a covenant child, James Yoshihiko, our son Morris and his wife Yuki’s first baby.

From left in the front: Dr. Yamamoto (Elder Candidate), Yuki, Morris & baby James. Furthest to the right is Mr. Tada, Calligrapher

In a pre-marital counseling session, I met a couple in March. The man sounded very interested in some sayings of the Bible. He quoted “the Golden Rule,” “Love your enemy,” and “Knock and it shall be opened,” and a few more passages from the Scriptures. I don’t meet many people talking to me willingly and expectantly about the Bible. He and his fiancé told me that they are like best friends. Then he asked me if there is anything in the Bible about “a friend.” So I gave him Jesus teaching about the greatest love which is to give one’s life for the friend. They were so amazed and moved as they heard such love being possible. I told them I will use that passage for their wedding ceremony! We will wait and see how it will come out for them.

Lastly I would like to share with you the Guidelines expressed by the new-born Yamagata Reformed Church as she has just begun her new life in the Lord:

Guidelines for Church Formation and Administration

April 3, 2016

Preparatory Remarks 

Our Reformed Church in Japan Yamagata Chapel, in a called meeting of the congregation held on November 15, 2015, determined to leave the Reformed Church in Japan denomination. The reason for our leaving is the fact that the Reformed Church performed a change in interpretation of Scripture which forbids the ordination of women pastors and ruling elders, revising the Book of Church Order and recognizing women officers. 

In our Biblical understanding here at Yamagata Chapel, the Scriptural doctrine which prohibits women officers is a fundamental matter which is connected with the relationship of men and women in church and home, and we have come to the conclusion that it is of the true nature of the church to duly maintain the sexual distinction of functions between male and female which God has established. And that has brought us to the place of withdrawing from the Reformed Church in Japan (hereinafter RCJ).

Our whole congregation at Yamagata Chapel, following our official withdrawal from the RCJ on April 12, 2016, has decided to set out anew on the path of a self-supporting church, standing on the Reformed Faith and Presbyterianism based on Scripture. Placing our whole reliance on the Word of God and on the gracious guidance of the Holy Spirit, here we set forth our direction connected with church formation and church administration.

We pray that in everything God's glory may be revealed and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ be praised. 

If anyone is interested in reading the whole document of the Guidelines by the Yamagata Reformed Church, please contact me. 

Your servant for Christ’s sake in Yamagata Japan,
Kazuhiko (Kaz) Yaegashi

OPC Missionary & Ministerial Member of the PCA
Presenting this report to:
The Presbytery of MS Valley of PCA
The Committee on Foreign Missions of the Ohio Presbytery of the OPC
The Ad-Hock Committee for the Support of Japan Mission
The Committee on Foreign Missions of the OPC General Assembly

Yaegashi Update - Spring in Yamagata

Sakura Cherry Blossoms in Yamagata 2016

It has been hard to tell here when Winter ended and Spring began.  However, new growth within the chapel has been obvious.  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."  (3 John 4)

At the last members' meeting, two elder candidates and one deacon candidate were elected along with two women to assist in diaconal ministry.  This for the first time in forty years! Membership has hovered around 20 almost as long as we have been here (39 years), with conversions and baptisms, then transfers and withdrawals. For about 10 years men who seemed worthy of office, family men who are devoted to Christ, have been hesitant about taking on more responsibilities. But the Holy Spirit of God has shown them the necessity of stepping up and leading the Church of Jesus Christ.

Please be in prayer for Messrs. H.Y., S.S., and S.I.

Several months ago it was suggested that each of the church women who attend the cooking class learn how to express her faith by taking turns bringing the devotional, especially by sharing a verse or passage from the Bible that has touched her life. Up until then one mature Christian sister, who was brought up in a Christian home, was always depended upon to be the teacher for Circle, for Sunday School, and for whatever other activities the women had. At the class in March, Mrs. A.A. told the group, 3/4 of whom were non-Christians, about her sad visit to a friend whose daughter had committed suicide. Walking home from her friend's house, Mrs. A.A. felt depressed and helpless. But, she said, God had prepared a lovely way to comfort her.  She noticed a man in a wheelchair who was trying to get a drink of water. She was able to help him and realized anew that her life is in God's hands. She remembered Isaiah 41:10. He alone knows our heartache, leads us by His hand, and heals us with His touch.

Second from the left is Mrs. Aiko Akiho 

We are grateful to witness to His work in Yamagata.  And we thank you for your prayers.

Lovingly,
Kaz and Katie

Lauer Update - April 2016

Dear Friends,

We are particularly giving thanks that the Lord has been working mercifully in the hearts of many. Praise God for new opportunities to introduce the gospel! This past week, we held the last meetings of several regular ministries here at Kita Numazu Chapel.

On March 24, twenty-seven gathered for our last cooking class, bringing with them a feast of delightful dishes. The purpose of this class has been to provide a friendly atmosphere for women to hear the Bible’s message without pressure. Although they have been very reticent to speak about their reactions each time, over the last few months, a number of women have said how much they appreciated learning about the Bible. This time, Laurie was asked to give a talk on the Christian view of marriage and family. After enjoying the food, each lady spoke about what the class meant to her. Mrs. K. said she wished she had been coming for at least another year in order to learn more about the Bible. Mrs. I. said she wanted to love her husband better. Mrs. Z. described how she had begun reading the Bible this year, realizing as she read that the Bible is filled with wisdom. It flows through history, is sometimes very difficult to read, but she is impressed with the wisdom. With tears welling in her eyes, she said that it is filled with power…even the power to change her. We are thankful to God that several joined us for worship on Sunday.  Please pray with us that the Lord would complete this good work in bringing these women to faith in Christ and join them to the church.

Final Cooking Class Message at Kita Numazu Reformed Church: March 2016

Thursday evening, we met for the last time with our English Bible classes. We thank God for the blessing of teaching the Scripture every week to those who have not yet made a profession of faith. In the last portion of the class, every member said goodbye. Two of the teenagers were visibly moved as they gave thanks for the Bible teaching and expressed their hope that Woody would be able to teach the Bible to many in Yamamoto. One of the women specifically asked for materials on how to raise her children as Christians. All are eager to continue studying. Please pray with us that God will provide a faithful teacher for the class after we leave and that all will profess faith in Christ.  

Friday night was set to be our last youth group meeting with a sleepover included. Although our group has dwindled in number due to family moves, they have grown close together as friends. Nevertheless, the Lord had a surprise for us. Two new high school girls were introduced via an advertisement for our “moving giveaway” on Thursday. When they came to the giveaway, they were surprised to meet some of their friends. Woody and the kids invited them for the youth group’s Friday overnight. Though they seemed reticent, explaining that they are Buddhist, they came. Friday evening, the kids really enjoyed being together, playing a game and listening to a Bible message, so much so that the older girl stayed overnight. We went to the hot springs together in the evening, and the kids went to the beach for an early morning walk before breakfast. The older girl really appreciated the Bible message on Saturday morning as well. Sunday, she attended worship and stayed all day to talk. The Lord can work even through the smallest of things. Please pray with us for the salvation of all of those who have attended youth group these past 5 years and for Y. to begin reading the Bible.  

Youth Group Overnight: March 2016

Finally, we give thanks for the fellowship we enjoyed in worship on Sunday morning and afterward together at the reception they held for us. Once again, the biggest blessing was listening to those whose lives had been changed by the Holy Spirit through the preaching and teaching of the Word. One man who has been unwilling to share his thoughts and questions, yet has been attending for several years, surprised us. He remembered coming to the church to study the Bible in English with a friend, but he gave up because it was too hard. Sometime later, he began faithfully attending worship. He said that he has now read through the Japanese Bible 5 or 6 times; each time he reads it, he wants to read more. Praise God! Many Japanese find it difficult to speak about their thoughts until they are certain they believe and are willing to stand out in the crowd. Pray that the Lord will grant saving faith and repentant hearts to the many seekers here and that they will join the church of Christ!

Farewell Worship and Reception for Lauers: March 2016

Additionally, please pray:

1. For a faithful new pastor to lead this congregation along with wise faithful men to serve as elders and deacons.

2. For Naomi and Sakura as they complete their class for profession of faith and baptism. May the Lord strengthen each to commit their lives to Christ, eager to attend worship.

3. For the family of R. whose father died suddenly.  May the Lord provide follow-up to bring the gospel to this family. Mr. R. plans to return to work near Numazu next week.

We are ever thankful for all of you who have prayed faithfully for the saints in Numazu.  May the Lord yet establish a faithful congregation here to his glory and praise.

In Christ,
Woody and Laurie

Lauer Update - February 2016

[In order to protect the privacy of the individuals involved, certain specifics have been withheld in the following story.]

Late this past Sunday afternoon after all the congregation had left, I sat down to rest and contemplate how the people had received the Word preached. The phone soon rang with an unknown foreign voice asking to visit. Minutes later, a bubbly young woman arrived and began asking questions about the church. Though her family are followers of a different major religion, she had grown up attending a Catholic mission school in her Asian country. She explained that she and her husband had been in Japan a few years, having recently moved to Numazu, and were very happy visiting temples and churches, feeling at peace when they did.  She is interested to learn more about the Bible, but indicated her husband was not. Finally, she asked if I could perform a Christian wedding ceremony for them in order to celebrate a very special wedding anniversary, but she wanted to surprise her husband (that would be a good trick, surprising the groom, right?). Naturally, I told her I always do counseling for the couples before performing weddings, so the surprise element might be a bit tough. Hmm...funny how Sunday afternoons go in Numazu. 

A few nights later, the young couple along with their toddler son came for dinner, and stayed for the English Bible study. During self-introductions, a non-Christian Japanese lady was interested to learn of their religious background and willingness to read the Bible. Despite the wife’s apprehensions, the husband was very engaged in the discussion as we read from various parables of Jesus. Though he seemed a bit uneasy, he now plans to attend the weekly 2 hour Bible class while his wife watches their son.  She now plans to attend both English and Japanese services, while he takes care of the boy. The other non-Christian woman, too, is uneasy, for she has come to see that if the Bible is the Word of God, she needs to believe it and obey the Lord.  That would change her life. So, please pray that the Lord would grant faith and salvation to each of the 12 non-Christians who attend our English Bible class! 

Looking back on life in Numazu as the end of our work in this city approaches, we remember the interesting mixture of people attending our Japanese worship services--beyond the usual crowd of Japanese Buddhists and Shintoists-- a few Muslims, a Soka Gakkai teacher (strictly a member of the English Bible class; for information on this very aggressive Buddhist sect (and others), read here: http://cultbustersgalactica.yuku.com/topic/561/Soka-Gakkai-Cult-of-Power#.Vr59ItCJVPY), a former Aum Shinrykou (you remember the Sarin gas cult? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum_Shinrikyo) member who attended worship and prayer meeting frequently for quite some time, and a Chinese woman from Hong Kong who did become a Christian! In this modest homogeneous city, we quietly marvel how the Lord has brought so many people from so many countries to this small Japanese chapel to hear the Word of God: our dear Japanese friends as well as Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Indian, Peruvian, Brazilian, Canadian, German, Pakistani, Turkey, Somali, and American friends!

How we are encouraged to think that the Lord is using us even in our last few weeks here to bring the Bible to those who do not know the Lord.  God is merciful. May his glory reach to the ends of the earth!

Please also pray for:

• OPC mission work throughout Japan, keep up with the news at http://opcjapan.com/

• Faithfulness and unity at the annual congregational meeting on Sunday, February 14.

• Woody’s new class at the Reformed Presbyterian’s Kobe Theological Hall.  Beginning this year, his four NT Introduction Students will also be taking a class with him in OT Survey and Introduction.

• Two junior high girls, Sakura and Naomi, who are preparing for profession of faith and baptism.

• The women of the cooking class (Feb. 18) to believe the Bible and receive salvation in Christ.

• The Lord to provide housing near the Nozomi Center where we are preparing to move in April.

In Christ’s service,
Woody and Laurie Lauer

Yaegashi Update - December 2015

Dear Ones,

"Bless the Lord, O my soul!"  The Spirit of the living God is at work in this nation!  We are witnesses to that!

Babies and more babies!  Babies in the church and babies in the family!  In January last year, a dying man, the husband of one of our members, proclaimed his faith in Jesus and was born again just hours before he was ushered into Heaven to meet Him face to face!

In the spring, a woman who had been searching for salvation for many years, whom we met through her interest in English, and who had come to realize there is no other name than Jesus whereby we must be saved, received baptism.  She dreaded having appear before the congregation, but her testimony was sweet and powerful, a blessing to all.

Then to close the year 2015, our son David, and his wife, Amy, claimed God's promise to be God to them and to their infant daughter, Alisa Rei, and presented her for baptism.  They had moved back to Japan in May, and Alisa was born in July in Tokyo.  The day after Alisa was born, Amy developed the HELLP Syndrome and had to be rushed to another hospital.  It was a frightening occurrence, but she recovered with skillful care.  "Bless the Lord...Who healeth all thy diseases." 

How we yearn for our Japanese friends to know the love of God in church and family.  Therefore we make many opportunities to share that love in word and deed.  Besides weekly Bible studies and English lessons, Sunday School and worship, seasonal celebrations bring many non-Christians into our homes and church.  

In April children and their parents came to hear the Resurrection story and sing and play.  Many Christians in this country first heard the story of Jesus at a children's event, and remember it all their lives.

In July a mother-daughter team in our church, Shio and Aiko Akiho,  produced an outstanding three-day VBS "Prince of Egypt", complete with a baby in the bulrushes, a "burning" bush, and a hallway "sea" that parted!  They also wrote and illustrated a three-part card story.  The first day we tried something new: a sleep-over following bowling, dinner in a restaurant, and bathing at a spa!  We are hoping to do that again!

In the fall we held a bazaar to support Nozomi Center, a relief ministry begun after the tsunami four years ago.  While this is not an evangelistic opportunity, it is a chance for friends and relatives to observe the sacrificial love of the church.  The members work hard and long all year just to give away whatever money they can raise.  And they love doing it!

Christmas is the whole world's favorite holiday, so Christians in Japan finally have the upper hand.  Family and friends who have turned a deaf---or too busy---ear all year are finally ready to listen!  And, boy, have we got a story! “God made us and loved us so much that when we turned away, He wouldn't let go.  He sent His precious, irresistible, only Son to forgive our sins and make sure we would live with Him forever."  Please, please pray that the Japanese people would believe that!   

During this eventful year, thanks to the generosity of thoughtful friends, Kaz and Katie were able to go to NY tin August to see James, Tami, Samuel and Anna, Megumi, Jason and Kaila, and Emi.  Katie and Emi also got to go to NC for three days to visit Margie and Gwladys and her brood from TX.

Back to the "Babies" theme.  Morris and Yuki's Baby Boy is due any day now!  Grammy Katie will go to Tokyo Wednesday to stand by with open arms day or night for two weeks.  (Then Yuki's mother will come have a turn.)  One of the sweetest experiences of my life is when a baby is held out to me so the parents can get a bit of undisturbed sleep, while baby and I do our bonding.

Then in April, Megumi and Jason will present their Kaila, now eight years old, with a little brother or sister.  This has been a long-awaited child!  And Grammy will be called for again.  I plan to be in NY from mid-May to mid-June.   Kaz announced a "Yaegashi Baby Rush!"2016, what is in store?  "As for man his days are as grass...but the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting...and His righteousness unto children's children.  Bless the Lord, O my soul!"

(Psalm 103:1, 3, 15, 17)

Our love to every one of you, 
Kaz and Katie Yaegashi