Pledge Allegiance

As we are going to have this discussion of "Is Christ the only way to Heaven?", this song came to me, "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb".

This song was one of my favorite songs, not that I can sing them well, but songs that I listen in my quiet time, as I seriously consider my faith. 

God had quietly introduced to me a number of songs that almost review the whole history of early disciples and the life of Jesus before I was matured enough to read the bible on my own. It was the time while i was seeking, I was listening Nichole Nordeman; then Michael Card before I made my choice; then while I was building my foundation on Jesus Christ, Roy Boltz became my another source of inspiration. And because of the work of these artists, my heart was heavily pounded and half aware by the sacrifice of Christ and choices that believers have to make.

Look for these singers, Nichole Nordeman, Michael Card, Roy Boltz, and may you be bless! May you begin to seriously hear the Gospel, and choices that comes with it. If you are still considering in making that choice in your life, and you are not reading the bible, these songs would help you.

Bless you, my friends!

Coming back to this song, "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb", If Christ is not the only way to Heaven, it doesn't make sense of the effort of the early church. And beware my friends, there will come a time for us to choose. What will you choose?

Listen to it carefully, and you will hear, it is the name of Christ that Herod had asked the people to reject, so we can see the name of Christ is really important, a foundation of our faith. Not all who does good go to heaven, but the one who believe in His name, Jesus Christ.

You were born to be love

きみは愛されるため生まれた
きみの生涯は愛で満ちている
きみは愛されるため生まれた
きみの生涯は愛で満ちている
永遠の神の愛は　われらの出会いの中で実を結ぶ
きみの存在が　私にはどれほど大きな喜びでしょう
きみは愛されるため生まれた　今もその愛受けている
きみは愛されるため生まれた　今もその愛受けている

When one is searching the meaning of life, when one has doubt about his or her own existence, perhaps this will be the song that speaks to him or her. Yet, without a practical action of love that is shown by you and me, believers, how would we expect them to understand the fulfillment of eternal God in their live?

Mourning over one who lost - remembering BEYOND

It's always painful to lost someone who is dear to us, or even someone who had impacted our lives. For Christians, because of our faith, the sorrow would be flushed by the ensure of Heaven in the love and mercy of Christ.

There was a band in Hong Kong in the mid 80's to mid 90's. And there was this singer, 黄家驹Ka Kui. Ka Kui was the main song writer for the band - BEYOND. There was a heavy message of peace and hope in their songs. Music was great, they introduced bridge into their music, and it was not common at that time. They were at the front line, silently striking difference, yelling for equity when the rest on the stage were still lingering in popular music.

They really had made a great impact in the youth! Marginal or not marginal, respected their work.

In 1993, he fell off a 3 meter platform head first while he was working with the Fuji Television. He was then admitted into Tokyo Hospital and died after spending several days in coma. He was 31.

He had a vision, a dream, and a fighting sprit, never gave up. Sometimes he wore a big cross at his neck, and it kept me wonder if he was a Christian? Had it been a time that he was seriously considering about this faith, had someone reached out to him? perhaps he had sometime in the past even had said the sinner's prayer? It had been 15 years after he had left, and I still had that thought in me. A hope to see him in Heaven one day, and talk to him, tell him how much we miss him, just like a friend. O Lord, have mercy!

I thank God for all the people that had impacted my life, yet there are so many that I love and know do not know Christ! It's very uneasy to see such person leave us without knowing Christ. We talked about mourning in the last bible class, and you would be surprise that I'm constantly in pain mourning for my love ones who died before they became a Christian. And that feeling of lost and sadness created a big hole in my heart, and this is painful.

And I begin to think over this again, if I would mourn over the lost of someone that much, what more the mourn of the Lord to the lost of His people?

O Japan, how should I forget you？There are 128million people in Japan that do not know Christ. And many are fading away because of their age! Japan is not getting any further without Christ, in both physical or spiritual sense! People are dying without Christ in Japan! 100 people suicide in a day of average. The figure equals to the average total death in a year for Hong Kong. What would God think about this situation? Would he mourn over Japan?


O Lord, I plea to thee, not one to be lost!



Below is a video clip in remembering of Ka Kui, setting aside what we had missed in this young man's life and talent, what I felt the biggest miss is if we do not meet in Heaven......

SUKIYAKI = I look up as I walk?

To listen to the "SUKIYAKI" song, please click on "SUKIYAKI".
The correct translation of the title of this song is "I Look Up As I Walk"


taken from youtube video, uploaded by stereodyles.

The first time for Japan pop music hit into the pop charts of the world (1963) -- SUKIYAKI Song sung by Kyu Sakamoto.

The song was so popular, that it was "translated" into English version and being sung by popular artist then. Yet, the translation was never what the original song meant. Even as we are excited about the fantastic ideas we are going to present and the wide open opportunities in front of us, yet there are also chances of people who are only interested with the rythm more than the meaning of the lyrics.

But nevertheless, "All things work together for the benefit of the people who loves Him". So let us not be discouraged, but just be "aware", be "alert", and be "OPEN" of the work of the Holy Spirit at this time.

God bless you!

J Gospel hits Japan

Our friend Joe Ozawa had sent us a great news, exciting and idea provoking! Marking another benchmark of Japan gospel.

Friday, February 15, 2008
J Gospel hits Japan
By Michael IrelandChief Correspondent,

ASSIST News Service TOKYO, JAPAN (ANS) --

While the world still marvels at Japanese Technology, Japanese Fashion and Japanese Food, a quiet revolution is taking place in the small Island on the other side of the world. Known as J-Gospel, a new musical phenomenon is growing and spreading and beginning to exert influence similar to J-Pop and other forms of Japanese music that have taken over Asia by storm. According to Kaori Yamamoto one of the leading voices in the genre, "J-Gospel is in a sense a going back to our own roots. Many people do not know that gospel music has been sung in Japan for centuries, as far back as the first century when boatloads of refugees from the mainland came to Japan in search of freedom." In particular,in the 17th century the music of Kirishtan was Japanese, indigenous and spread through the country, Yamamoto said. "Following World War II, American Gospel spread throughout Japan and in the early 90s there was boom in Black Gospel Music which resulted in many choirs and even a television program on the main Government Channel.

Partly in reaction to that and partly in a going back to their roots in indigenous forms of the genre, Yamamoto and others are seeing the birth of a completely Japanese version.
"Ranging from `Ryukyu Gospel` with the haunting tones of Japan`s southernmost Island, Okinawa to `Enka Gospel` written in the traditional Japanese musical style, J-Gospel has spawned a weekly Radio Program, soon moving to TV, Live concerts throughout the country and its own label," he said.From February 27 to March 2, in Shinjuku in central Tokyo, J-Gospel fans are preparing for what is being billed as the introduction of the genre to the world.Entitled Gospel Legend the five-day event in one of Japan`s premier venues will be featuring in addition to Kaori Yamamoto, J-Gospel bands such as Hide-C, Kiki, Yoshi Blessed, Route of Soul and more.
Event producer Yoshi Ikarashi says: "Starting from one of Japan`s key venues we are planning over a five day period to introduce J-Gospel to Japan and the world. Following the introduction in Japan, we are planning to taking J-Gospel to the world."

Japan`s newest invention is seen by some experts as a possibility to finally revive the last time a Japanese song hit the pop charts of the world -- in 1963 when the `Sukiyaki Song` sung by Kyu Sakamoto hit number one on the US Charts.

Yamamoto, Ikarashi and the other J-Gospel artists and their fans are convinced this can happen again beginning on April 27 in the heart of downtown Tokyo.

For more information on Gospel Legend,

contact:03-5780-1111/1113 info@kirisuto.com

Heart4Japan Promote Clip

We have produce a new version of Heart4Japan promote clip! Chinese, time around 3.5min.

Feel free to ask a copy from us for the recruitment of His people for His Kingdom!

GOD BLESS YOU!

一个小孩，摇摇晃晃

感谢神，今天我和朋友一起吃了一顿很滋味的午饭，有很好的交流，又和康叔到街市买了一些腊味，认识了一些新朋友（其中一个应该在日后的研究中会有更多的交流吧），后来还和一众社工一起去看了《没有回忆的街道》社会剧场。除此之外，还收到了好几封很有意思的信件。这一些都是神给我的一些鼓励和安慰。

跟上帝得关系有点像情人。每一天都必须有一剂从祂而来的兴奋剂，要是感受不到上帝的那份贴心，就觉得很不自在，很难受。感谢神，祂总不叫我的日子太难捱。

很高兴今天能和这个朋友很悠闲地吃了个午饭。我们在偶然下的一个情况里认识，对我来说就像在寒夜里喝了一碗热粥。可能就是那种感觉，于是很自然地聊起来，很自然地把一些很个人的事，平时不会特别去谈的事，一件一件地聊起来。可能不是同一个单位，也没有特别的因素要叫我有所顾忌，所以就变得很自由地相处、没有压力。虽然我平时也喜欢说话，而且也喜欢自我解剖，但是怎说呢？ -----

好像一个小孩，摇摇晃晃地坐在舟中，有时候紧紧闭着眼睛，有时候兴奋地指着水里游到舟边的鱼儿比手划脚，有时候静静地卧在舟板上看着在天上飘浮的白云，然后幻想，然后微笑。

能够这样轻松地谈Heart4Japan，谈圣经，谈末世，谈想法，不是作答也不是为了教导，这种心情对我来说是少有的。所以，我想上帝真的很爱我。在冷天里给了我一丝的温暖，让我可以藉着这样的分享和分析里好好地思考，嘴嚼着上帝放在我面前的盘菜，细细地品尝里面的味道。这些都是平时一个人静下来才办得到的事，却在今天的午饭里有得着。所以，今天我特别感受到上帝的爱和恩典，而且还是很个人的。

于是特别在还记得的时候记下来，这样的心情 -- 一个小孩，摇摇晃晃 --

感谢神，阿门。

Jeremiah 3:25

There is different message for different time.

In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham tried to convince God not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if as many as ten righteous people could be found.

In Jeremiah 5:1, God offers to forgive Jerusalem if a single honest person can be found.

While I am reading Jeremiah 3:25, I thought I saw Japan.

"Return, faithless people; I will cure you of your backsliding."

"Yes, we will come to you, 

for you are the LORD our God.

Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; 

surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Japan.

From our youth shameful gods have consumed the fruits of our fathers' labor --

their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.

Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us.

We have sinned against the LORD our God,

both we and our fathers; 

from our youth till this day

we have not obeyed the LORD our God."

"If you will return, O Japan, return to me,"            declares the LORD.

"If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray,

and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear,

'As surely as the LORD lives,'

then the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory."

Jeremiah 3:22-4:2

みんな、頑張ろ！

Christianity in Japan

It's a pain in my heart before I can start writing again after reading these books. 

Perhaps there were a lot of truth in there which we as missionaries and evangelists had failed to see, and we are repeating the same cycle again because of our ignorance. 

Or perhaps it's reminding us about how the history was, and we really need ask God why, and pray that He will pour His Spirit on us, so that we can pray and act according to His will!

I encourage you to find these books, and read it, and learn, and pray, and share with us! 

Peace be with you, Amen.

tithing

About tithing, very true! I experienced the same as the couple said. 

And giving out more than 10%, I believe it's the practice of most of the readers here.

As of reverse tithing of 90%, hmm... I never done that....... but then it came to a part of my life, that I felt giving my off-work time, and weekends to Him and the work of Heart4Japan was not enough. I needed to give it more, perhaps all of my time, all that I have.

Guess perhaps that's tithing.

Mushi 無視

In the observation of Hattori Yuichi 服部雄一, some clients reported emotional abuse by their parents, particularly shunning or ignoring the child, which is called "mushi" 無視　in Japan. 

He further described the case of "mushi無視" probably being a mother refused to talk to a child from a few hours to several days or weeks. The mother will not tells the child the reason for her behavior and never responds if the child asks for an explanation. And this emotion neglect had left pain and wounds in these children, thus perhaps as the trauma experience hidden within a hikikomori patient. 

Yuichi defines Hikikomori as a disease, a post-trauma event.

Well, the findings does not support if a Hikikomori is a post-trauma event at all, but the association of "mushi無視" with "emotional trauma" experience.

"mushi無視" is definitely not a pleasant experience. I'm not sure if it only happens in Japan, but I guess Asian females share this commonality in "purposely neglecting one's request in silence".  Perhaps you can tell me more!

Re: Yuichi Hattori. Social Withdrawal in Japanese Youth: A Case Study of Thirty-Five Hikikomori Clients. 2005 Haworth Press.

In less than 48 hours, Japan is receiving her New Year of 2008. To many of us, we have a dream for this year. Somehow or rather, there is going to be a decision that need to be made. I pray that Japan will see His light in this eve, and they will yearn for Christ! Show them the truth, Lord! Show us the truth!

Concern Japan: Mark the events of the last 20 year

In the years reigned by King Akihito, many things happened in past 20 years. Below are records of some of the events. It wouldn't bring us anywhere, if we ignored the social and practical issues in Japan while we pray for them. The influence of spiritual warfare do creep in real life. Be aware, soldiers!

Heisei 平成(1989-present)

Burst of the Bubble

The most rapid economic growth spurts in Japanese history was in 1989. With a strong yen and a favorable exchange rate with the American Dollar,  Tokyoproperty values had a 60% increased within the year. However the "Bubble Economy" burst in 1991.

Great Slump in Heisei 

Then, Japan experienced more than a decade of price deflation and largely stagnant GDP. Japan's banks struggled to resolve their bad debts and companies in other sectors struggled to restructure. 

Hanshin Earthquake

1995, large earthquake struck Kobe with no foreshock, taken away 6,424 lives, and cost $200 billion USD in damage. Later the incident was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the "costliest natural disaster to befall any one country." The tragic also had caused the rise of NGOs. 

Sarin Gas Attack on the Tokyo Subway 

In the same year, Aum Shinrikyo attacked the Tokyo subway system with sarin gas terrorist, killing twelve people, severely injuring fifty and causing temporary vision problems for nearly a thousand others. This was the most serious attack to occur in Japan since the end of the Second World War.

Chūetsu earthquake

On October 23, 2004, the Heisei 16 Niigata Prefecture Earthquakes rocked the Hokuriku region, killing 52 and injuring hundreds. As late as November 3, the 39th fatality attributable to the earthquakes occurred as perceptible aftershocks continued. Over 3,000 injuries were reported in Niigata Prefecture. Over one hundred thousand people fled their homes. The earthquakes caused houses to collapse in Ojiya and damaged thousands in the area.

Children Suicide

2006, rise of children suicide raised concern in Japan.

Challenges: Identify the spiritual and physical needs in Japan at the moment. What can we do? What God impressed in you for what you should do?

Our Hearts Do Not Cease!

The population had grown to such an enormous number that it excites the missions field, yet it also  brought about worries of what we were lack of. 

Japanese had ceased to be the largest unreached people group on earth this month. The population of Shaikh in Bangladesh had grown so  much, that the number out beat the Japanese. The demographic in Japan is such that soon, Japanese will dropped to the position of no. 3, 4, or 5. Does it sound good to your ears as Japanese is no longer the largest unreached people group as of now? 

Nothing had really been changed in Japan. Even as we cried for REVIVAL, REVIVAL, REVIVAL! Many new centers had been set up in Japan， many new churches, home churches had taken over the died down old churches. We see a spark of reconciliation, awakening here and there, yet it is still NOT ENOUGH！

Yes, Japanese may ceased to be the No. 1 largest unreached population in the world, but it is not going to remove us from guilt of not telling the good news to the diminishing millions! One thing that we cannot do is to claim that because we had done so and so and so, or it is because of God had aimed His way so and so and so, that there are people doomed to be perished! 

Yes, many people perished in Japan. 

The blood is on our hand. 

We did not send enough workers！

Even as there are places with workers, yet the arrogant and pride had stumbled the harvest.

We got to REPENT! It's a pain to admit it, but we had just not done enough! 

The Christian world had been BLIND to the cry of millions of souls in Japan!

The number of the Japanese population in Japan had not changed, 122, 179,000. But the Shaik in Bangladesh increased, 128,292,000 while in September this year, it was 122,139,000.

Soon, the old are going to die and the new had not come forth. Sadly it is the same in the demographic of the Japanese as well as the mission field. 

The missionaries in the India contingent have a lot to do. The population is uprising with the uncontrolled birth. There are going to be more problems, and more issues. Everywhere in the world is a pressing mission field itself at present! Japan will not ceased to be the largest mission field even with the drop of the population. We have much to do!

The Heart of the Father does not cease, and our hearts do not cease!

The Lord do not send people to hell. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Peter3:9)

Re: Statistics from Joshua project, Dec 7, 2007.

What Christmas is About

It had been a long time that I read about the story of Christmas shoes. Then, now someone sent me this video. 

It reminds me about Christmas, about what Christmas is all about.

I am blessed, and you?

8 million gods in Japan

日本号称有“天神地祗八百万”，大至生育出产，小至柴米油盐，均有相应的神各司其职。求神问佛是日本人的癖好，三天两头就往神社，寺庙跑，祈求得到神灵的保佑，消灾免祸。据统计，日本列岛目前共有大大小小的神社13万座，遍布城市和乡村的每一个角落。每逢夜幕降临，一阵阵乌鸦刮噪声随风飘来，为肃穆、古朴的神社平添几分寂静、几分阴森。神灵，在这里聚散；亡灵在这里出没；生者的希望，也在这里寄托。
～ 李兆忠《暧昧的日本人》

It was said that there are 8 million of gods in Japan, there is a specific god for everything start from wood, rice, oil, salt, to production. It become a special interest of Japanese people, every three days or two, they would stream into the buddhist temple or shrine, asking for protection from their gods. According to statistic, there are a total of a hundred and thirty thousand of shrines, standing in each corner of villages and cities. In the evening, the sound of the crows swift with the howling wind, added to the extra silent and gloom of the old shrines. Gods, assembly and disperse in this place. Spirits, come and go in this place. The hope of the remain, is parked in this place. ～ 李兆忠《暧昧的日本人》

Though today, statistics shown that most Japanese do not care about religion so much in their daily activities. Yet, in areas like Aomori, Shiga, Akita, Toyama, Ishikawa, temples and shrines still deeply influence the people. Even in cities like Tokyo, where people seems casually dealing with religions, yet Asakusa is never always packed not only by tourist, but the locals. Higashi Temple, Asakusa Temple are still strong holds. People take time early in the morning to the temple before work and worship. Students rush into the temples, buying charms, drawing mikuji, for fun also for guidance.

People who still go to shrine and temple today, and put a lot of effort in it are good people who wish to see changes in their lives and society. People who thirst for GUIDANCE, LOVE and PEACE. Remember this, my friends! And off we go to point the TRUTH to those who thirst! May God bless you! Amen.

遗憾

我这一生最害怕就是和人永别。今天主医治了我的头疼，我给大家弄姜汤驱风寒。正要入睡的时候，想起了外婆。以姜作饭是外婆给我们传下来的秘方。我坐起来，看着窗外的星火夜帆，想外婆怎么也没料到我有一天也会到香江吧！外婆......

我这一生最错就是在外婆和爸爸信主的时候，没有给他们安慰的说话，没有支持，只有揶揄。最疼爱我的外婆和爸爸，我最爱的外婆和爸爸，在寻觅主和得着主的那段宝贵记忆里面，我只想把他们从主的身边扯开。当时没有信的我，是个很大的绊脚石啊！外婆，爸爸，你们都在天家吧？只要心里承认，口里宣告，耶稣就会把我们把守到底不是吗？爸爸，外婆，当年那条孤单的路，求你们原谅我。

我心里更大的遗憾是在外公最后的那一年，爸爸给外公传福音的时候，我就尽量碰砸，没有让外公得着福音是我毕生的懊恼。外婆，外公，大舅舅，相继去世的时候，我不但没有给他们传过福音，还因为不信也不想他们信。我当时的确是个很糟糕的人啊！

今天，我身边很多人信了主，但也有很多人没信。我但愿身边人人信主！我不想再和任何人永别，永别是多么哀伤的事！希望在天堂里，在耶稣基督里面。当我看清楚，内里有确据的时候，让人信主比什么都来得重要。我所爱的家人啊，盼你们都能信主，并在主里站稳脚步！

曾几何时我对所爱的人都抱着怨恨，甚至怨恨着自己。很多人，我都再也见不着了！我一直孤单地行着，醒着不比醉好。当身边的人一个又一个的离我而去的时候，我的怨恨反过来烧着了自己，毁灭销魂。

我感谢神！因为神，我今天不再一个人。因为神，我的罪得赦免。因为神，吞噬我的怨恨被净化了。耶稣的宝血洗净了我污浊的灵魂。

日本有一亿人口不认识神，渴望神但不认识神。年轻的一带啊，在涉谷迷茫的一群少年人，在新宿沉沦的青年，在秋叶麻醉的寓宅族，把自己锁在房里的隐蔽一族，他们和我一样是迷失的人啊！他们是不是和过往的我一样不晓得珍惜身边的幸福？不晓得珍惜父母家庭的付出？只看见冷酷和淡然的关系，理不出埋藏于深处的温暖和封锁的热情？怨恨啊，惆怅，悲苦，痛楚，只有靠麻醉再麻醉，就像恋上自刺的少年，在未愈的伤口上再划上一刀，以疼痛麻醉自己一般。悔恨会吞噬了他们的灵魂！

主啊，你要放任他们不顾吗？主啊，我求你拯救他们的哀痛，成为他们生活的依靠，生命的凭据！
主啊，你不是我脸上的光吗？主啊，我求你如同爱我一般，爱我身边的人，叫人人都能得着那至美的福分！

Updates

1. This blog at the moment is still a mix of Roseline's personal journey and main issues of Heart4Japan, until we have enough funds and a committed expert to manage the website. The website will help to facilitate the missionaries and intercessors in spiritual mapping!

2. There is an outreach program organized by Lorraine Sakka! Keep an eye on it so that you can participate in it! Good thing is you just need to sit back, relax, read a letter, and respond at your desk. That's all it takes! Write to me, if you wish to participate in this program!

3. There is an outreach/ exploratory trip to Japan organized by OM, please sign up!

4. I had developed another group, "HIKIKOMORI Concern" in the facebook. I am hoping to develop a network/support group for Hikikomori. One need not to be a Christian to join this group, but experiences dealing with Hikikomori is the main target. Please intercede for this group and its members!

5. For the research of Hikikomori and the Japanese teens, I am working on BBS and manga as well as some drama series. At this time, I need to get closer to God more than ever! Please intercede for me, for spiritual discernment and wisdom in time management as well as language ability. Pray that my heart will not be wearied by worldly pressures.

Appreciate of your prayers

Manga and it's elements

In the Japanese manga, JUMP series is the top manga series that most welcomed by readers. Weekly Shonen Jump (週刊少年ジャンプ Shūkan Shōnen Janpu?), better known as Shonen Jump, with a circulation of over 3 million, is one of the longest-running weekly manga compilations in Japan.

Bleach, Gintama (Silver Soul), Hunter × Hunter, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, One Piece, Samurai Usagi, Dragon Ball, Rurounin Kenshin, Slam Dunk, Death Note, etc. were all best selling manga not only in Japan, but Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, even the West.

The main theme that made it most selling item are always: Friendship, Strive, Victory.

Business make a good sense of desires, an item can only be good seller when it is catered to the psychology desires of the customers. "Friendship", "Strive", "Victory" drives the heartbeat of the readers! In another word, there are always these 3 elements in their dream, TEENAGE DREAM!

He knows my needs!

A friend dropped by my place this evening, and found my blanket was not good enough for winter. So, she bought me a 4LB blanket to keep me warm. It was indeed a great blessing!

I will have a warm winter this year, with all the blessings that you had given me! A room by myself, a warm blanket, storage of food and friendship etc., all these had given before I asked. He knows my need!