Freedom of religion (83/02/01)
Last Sunday afternoon, we held the 9th meeting of "Daily Word" listeners. I was happy to meet many listeners and to talk with them. At that meeting, I gave a talk regarding my thoughts about "Religion in Japan". Some of those present also expressed their views orally. Maybe some of you would like to express your ideas on this subject on paper. So that will be the topic for this week's essay. What are your thoughts about religion in Japan? Are Japanese a religious people? What are your own religious beliefs? If you write a short essay on this subject, I will make corrections in it before having it published in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, which should be distributed at our next listeners' meeting on May 29th, the 5th Sunday of the month. February 1st is known as National Freedom Day in the United States, commemorating President Lincoln's signing of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, on this day in 1865. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the 1st Amendment and is one of the basic freedoms in both the U.S. and present day Japan. However, we should be alert to oppose any movement to limit this freedom or any governmental intrusion into the religious sphere.
Groundhog day (83/02/02)
In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 2, is found the story of Jesus' birth, which is commemorated at Christmas. Following that story is the account of his presentation to God in the temple, which is commemorated today, February 2nd, in the church calendar. In the Roman Catholic Church, today is called the Feast of Purification, for Jesus' mother, Mary, had to perform a purification rite following her childbirth before she could enter the temple. In the Greek Orthodox Church, today is referred to as Hypapante, meaning "meeting", for it was when the baby Jesus was presented to the Lord in the temple that he had a meeting with an old man named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna. Because candles used in the Roman Catholic Church are blessed on this day, it is also called Candlemas, but in the United States it has a much more down-to-earth name. There, it is called Groundhog Day because of the legend that on this day the groundhog comes out of hibernation and, if it is a sunny day and it sees its shadow, it will return to its burrow and winter weather will continue. Thus, there are various names for this 2nd day of the 2nd month, but what we call it is not so important as the use we make of it.
Setsubun (83/02/03)
Today, February the 3rd, is setsubun, the season dividing day--according to the traditional Japanese calendar. According to that calendar, tomorrow is the beginning of spring, so tonight some people will be scattering roasted beans to chase the demons out of their homes and inviting good fortune in. I'm not sure why it is thought that beans will frighten the oni nor why hanging the head of a sardine and a sprig of holly on the front door will keep them away, but it seems that even the head of a sardine may be considered to possess mysterious power to the simple minded believer. On setsubun, Japanese seek to chase the demons from their homes, but we should make it a daily practice to exorcise the evil spirits from our hearts and minds--evil spirits such as the spirit of pride, prejudice, hatred, anger and lust. Jesus told a story, found in Luke, chapter 11, of an evil spirit that had been cast out of a man but later found that man's heart empty and brought 7 other worse spirits back with him into his former residence, so the person was in a worse state than at the beginning. Once we have emptied our heart or home of evil, we must fill it with something good, for it won't remain empty for long.
Ceylon (83/02/04)
Since today is risshun, that is, the beginning of spring, according to the lunar calendar, I'll bet you thought I would talk about that today, didn't you? However, if you bet I would, then you've lost your bet, because I'm going to talk about Sri Lanka instead. Do you know where Sri Lanka is? It is an island nation lying 24 kilometers off of the southern coast of India. This island had been controlled or influenced by invaders and traders from India, Arabia, Portugal and Holland before Great Britain seized it in 1796. At that time, it was called Ceylon and was famous for its spices, especially cinnamon. Nowadays, its chief crops include tea and coconuts as well as rubber. On February 4, 1948, 35 years ago today, Ceylon became an independent member of the British Commonwealth, so today is celebrated as Independence Day in that country. 12 years ago, the name of the country was changed to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It has continued to maintain a democratic government ever since gaining its independence, but tension continues between the Buddhist Sinhalese majority and the Hindu Tamil minority. Tension may become the stimulus of further progress, but it must be controlled, for "the bow too tensely strung is easily broken". (Publius Syrus, Moral Sayings, 1st cent. B.C.)
Caning (83/02/05)
As a noun, "cane" may refer to the slender, hollow stem of certain plants, such as bamboo, or to a stick used for walking. But, it may also refer to a stick used for beating and so when used as a verb, it refers to beating with a cane. Caning is still employed as a form of punishment of children in some places and a recent news report from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent indicates that the rules relating to this old practice have been revised to fit modern thought. The new legislation requires caning to be administered in private, applied only to the buttocks of those certified as medically fit to receive such punishment, and with a doctor present. There are also restrictions regarding the kind of cane to be used. Modern thinkers frown on such old-fashioned corporeal punishment and, obviously, caning will now be more difficult to perform legally in St. Vincent also. Forms of discipline change according to time and place, but some form of effective discipline for children is needed and the Bible teaches that disciplining a child is an act of love. In Proverbs 13:24, we read, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."
New Zealand (83/02/06)
The native, brown-skinned inhabitants of New Zealand are the Maoris, who are of Polynesian origin. The first white man to discover these islands in 1642 was a Dutch explorer whom the Maoris did not permit to land there. In the early 19th century, however, settlements were established by Australians and Englishmen and on February 6, 1840, 143 years ago today, the Treaty of Waitangi was effected between the British government and Maori chieftans, which established British sovereignty. So, today is a national holiday in New Zealand, called Waitangi Day. The total area of the two main islands of New Zealand is about the same as that of Honshu and Kyushu combined, but the total population is less than 3 million people. About 92% are of European origin and the remaining 6% are Maori. New Zealand has one of the most comprehensive social-welfare programs of any nation, including old-age pensions, free hospital care for everyone and compensation for all accidents no matter what their cause. "Welfare" refers to the state of being or doing well, but genuine well-being comes from a healthy faith rather than welfare programs.
A graduation ceremony (83/02/07)
Yesterday afternoon in the gymnasium of the Tsuruma Elementary School in Showa Ward, an interesting graduation ceremony took place. A group of men and women received the graduation certificates they should have received 38 years ago. It was in March of 1945, a few days before graduation, that a bomb attack destroyed the former Kobari Kokumin Gakko, so the graduation ceremony was never held and some 400 sixth graders never received their diplomas. A couple of years ago, an alumni association of that school was organized and when some of those students bemoaned the fact that they had never had a graduation ceremony nor received diplomas, plans were laid to rectify the situation. Yesterday, 43 members of that "Class of '45" attended the ceremony and, in the presence of some 240 alumni, received their diplomas from a 73 year old former teacher of that school. Another former teacher provided the piano accompaniment for the singing of Hotaru no Hikari and the national anthem. There is an English proverb, "Better late than never" and another one notes that "It is never too late to mend". Even mistake s of years gone by ought to be corrected.
The beginning of the civil war (83/02/08)
According to the Japanese almanac, today, February 8, is kotohajime, the beginning of something. Originally, this referred to the farmers' beginning their agricultural activities. However, this day in 1861 marked the beginning of the Confederate States of America, when 7 southern states seceded from the United States of America and the Civil War began. This day in 1910 marked the beginning or founding of the Boy Scouts of America. In Japan, a national holiday later this week will commemorate another founding--the founding of the Japanese nation. What are your thoughts regarding Kenkoku Kinen no Hi? Why is it celebrated on February the 11th? Is that the most appropriate day for such a celebration? How do you think it should be celebrated? If you write a short essay on the subject of Kenkoku Kinen no Hi ("National Founding Day"), I will correct the manuscript and edit it for publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. Beginnings are important and require both courage and faith. The Latin poet, Horace, wrote: "Once begun, a task is easy; half the work is done."
Washi making village (83/02/09)
About 35 kilometers northeast of Nagoya is the small village of Obara, with less than 5000 inhabitants. From the Muromachi Period in the 16th century, this village has been known as a paper making village because of the kind of mulberry trees grown in that area, the bark of which is used in the manufacture of a special Japanese paper called washi. Being both strong and light, this paper is used for making sliding doors and folding screens in traditional Japanese homes, wall hanging scrolls and paintings, dolls, purses and handbags. Yesterday, I accompanied a group of Australian teachers to that paper making center and tried my hand at making a decorative paper design. These teachers are leaving Nagoya today at the end of their three week visit from Aichi Prefecture's sister state of Victoria. Each of them made their own artistic creation, but the lady next to me drew the Chinese characters for "love" and "peace" on her paper. According to the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 5, verse 22, love and peace are the word of God's Spirit in our hearts and I hope these teachers experienced both God's love and peace during their visit here.
"Young Telephone" in Nagoya (83/02/10)
Those of you who call this "Daily Word" telephone number are on the receiving end of a telephone monologue. However, there are other telephone services in Nagoya that provide a dialogue between the caller and a counsellor. One of them is the "Young Telephone" sponsored by the Juvenile Division of the prefectural police department. Last week, a report was made public regarding calls received during last year. 3612 were received during 1982, making an average of 13 calls per day. Of that number, 47% were received from parents and 53%, from the children themselves. The calls from children were 10% more than the year before. However, of special interest was the fact that calls from grade school children increased 111%, confirming other statistics indicating a drop in the age of juvenile delinquents. The main problems raised by juvenile callers related to friendships, sex, the opposite sex, health and school. These are the kinds of problems that face young people of a country where the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are provided. Yet, understanding, respect and love are also needed by young people of all nations and adults have the responsibility to provide these needs also.
Iran's National Founding Day (83/02/11)
In Japan, today, February 11th, is a national holiday called National Founding Day. According to the mythological records, it was on February 11 that Japan's 1st emperor, Jinmu, was enthroned at Kashihara many centuries ago. In present day Iran also, today is a national holiday, celebrating the anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran. It was on February 11, 1979, just 4 years ago, that the last prime minister appointed by the Shah was forced out of office by the forces supporting the Ayatollah Khomeini. Since that time, Iran has suffered in many ways and continues to be at war with its neighboring state of Iraq. Until 1935, Iran was known as Persia, whose history goes back to the 6th century B.C. The name Iran is related to the term "Aryan", which was used to refer to a branch of the Indo-European family of languages. These February 11th holidays in Japan and Iran have quite different meanings, but both are considered founding days. For the Christian, the original "founding day" is described in the first chapter of Genesis, which means "beginning". There it is written that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The Bible teaches that God is both the Creator and Ruler of the world.
Abraham Lincoln (83/02/12)
There are over two dozen cities, towns or villages in the United States named Lincoln. There are also 24 counties with that name. This is a clear indication of the nation's respect for its 16th president, who was born on February 12, 1809. Abraham Lincoln was the nation's leader during a most crucial period of its history, the Civil War. Like his biblical namesake, Abraham, Lincoln was a man of faith who sought divine help for the weighty decisions he had to make. He said, "I have been driven many times to my knees to pray by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day." Although there is a Western proverb that "Might makes right", Lincoln turned that saying around and said, "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us to the end, dare to do our duty, as we understand it". In this day when some governments seem to be relying more and more on military might, we should remember Lincoln's view that true power has a moral base. Proverbs 14:34 states that "righteousness makes a nation great". Each week I send copies of these messages to those who send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
The 2nd New Year's Day (83/02/13)
Last month as the New Year began, did you make any New Year's resolutions? If you did, have you been keeping them thus far or have you been like a "3 day priest"? In case you haven't done so well in keeping your resolutions, you have another chance today to begin again, for today is the first day of the New Year according to the lunar calendar. In both mainland China and Taiwan, in Hongkong and Singapore, in Thailand and Malaysia, today is being celebrated as a 2nd New Year's Day. For the Christian, every Sunday, which is the beginning of a new week, marks a kind of new beginning as we gather in churches in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week. The new life which is given by God to the believer is a genuine new beginning of a spiritual quality of life that will never end. An old Chinese proverb says that "The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step". Yet, that first step is important and must be taken--in faith. It is never too late to make a new beginning. An English proverb says that "It is better to begin in the evening than not at all". If you so decide, today may be the beginning of new life for you.
Valentine's Day (83/02/14)
Around the year 270 A.D. in Rome, a Christian was martyred for his faith. It is said that he was beaten with clubs and then beheaded, but little is known for sure regarding him. However, his name was Valentine and he later was designated a saint. In the church calendar, today, February 14th, was appointed as his feast day. It is not clear why this feast day of St. Valentine became associated with lovers, but it seems that there was a pre-Christian, pagan festival associated with love that occurred about this time of year. Japan has added a peculiar element to the Valentine's Day tradition in considering it the time when a girl can take the initiative in expressing her fond feelings toward a boy. Although the same word is used, the content of the term "love" is quite different when referring to God's love, which is the essence of his nature rather than an emotion which rises and falls according to certain circumstances and stimulations. God's love is changeless, eternal and universal. Tomorrow evening at 6:30 at the city Kyōikukan in Sakae, we will be studying the story of Jesus and the woman of Samaria in the 4th chapter of John at our Japanese Bible Study. Please join us if you are interested.
Women's right to vote (83/02/15)
The word "suffrage" comes from a Latin word meaning to vote. It is not related to "suffer", which refers to undergoing a painful experience. A suffragette is a woman who advocates granting women the right to vote. One of the early leaders of the woman-suffrage movement in the United States was Susan B. Anthony, who was born on February 15, 1820. In some parts of the U.S., today is commemorated as Susan B. Anthony Day. She actively worked for the abolition of slavery and then, following the Civil War, she advocated extending the right to vote to women as well as to former slaves. It was not until 1920, however, 14 years after her death, that the 19th amendment to the Constitution granted women the right to vote. The Bible teaches that, in the sight of God, all people are equal, regardless of race, sex or social status. What are your thoughts regarding the status of women in Japanese life and society? Has it changed during your lifetime? Do you consider the present situation of and attitude toward women in Japan to be appropriate? "The Place of Women in Japanese Society" is the suggested subject for this week's essays. Send them for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Ash Wednesday (83/02/16)
In the Christian Church calendar, today is known as Ash Wednesday and begins the season known as Lent. In the Roman Catholic Church, a ceremony is held during which the ashes made from the palms used on the Palm Sunday of last year are blessed, sprinkled with holy water and incensed. They are then applied to the foreheads of believers with the words, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return". Ashes or dust were also used among the Jews in Bible days as a sign of grief, humiliation or penitence. This Lenten season, which lasts for 40 days, is a time of penitence, prayer or fasting in many churches. It is a time for quiet reflection in preparation for the holy and significant time when we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus during Holy Week and Easter. In Job, chapter 42, verse 6, following his encounter with God, he said, "I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes." It is good for us to take time to quietly reflect upon our lives, to recognize our weakness and sins, and to repent--whether we make use of ashes or not.
The Broken Commandment (83/02/17)
Today, February 17, is the birthday of one of Japan's well-known novelists. Toson Shimazaki was born in Nagano Prefecture on this day in 1872. He studied at Meiji Gakuin in Tokyo and later became a teacher at Tohoku Gakuin in Sendai. He achieved fame first as a poet and later as a novelist. In 1906, he published one of his most famous novels, called The Broken Commandment. It is a pioneer Japanese problem novel, relating the story of Ushimatsu, who at his father's command, concealed the fact that he was a member of the pariah eta class. His father's dying words were related to the promise he had exacted from Ushimatsu that he would never reveal his lineage. However, following many inward struggles, finally the commandment was broken and Ushimatsu emigrated to America. In the distress experienced by Ushimatsu, Shimazaki was also picturing the Japanese nation itself. "The Broken Commandment" might also refer to the situation of all people in relation to God, the it heavenly Father, for we have all broken his commandments and therefore are sinners in need of forgiveness. The Christian Gospel teaches that God's forgiveness may be received through faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pilgrim's Progress (83/02/18)
Do you know what a tinker is? The word comes from the tinkling sound made when striking something made of metal, like pots and pans. So a tinker was a person who mended pots and pans. John Bunyan, who was born in England in 1628 was a tinker by trade and had a very meager education. However, after reading the Bible and other religious books, he became an earnest Christian and a lay preacher for a congregation of Baptist believers in Bedford. He was arrested for unlicensed preaching and spent over 12 years in prison, during which he wrote a number of religious books. His most famous writing was The Pilgrim's Progress, which was first published 305 years ago today, on February 18, 1678. This book is a religious allegory about a lonely pilgrim, named Christian, as he makes his way from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. He encountered many difficulties on the way, but at the Cross, the burden he had been carrying fell off his back and he finally reached his goal. George Bernard Shaw has referred to Bunyan as "better than Shakespeare" and The Pilgrim's Progress is considered one of the world's great books. It contains an important message and if you have never read it, I think you might enjoy it.
A chaplain (83/02/19)
A chapel refers to a place of Christian worship that is smaller than a church. Some large churches have a smaller chapel within the same building. Some schools, hospitals, prisons and other public or private institutions have chapels where people may gather for prayer or worship. The clergyman attached to a chapel or the person who is appointed to perform religious functions in an organization is called a chaplain. The United States armed forces have chaplains attached to them to provide religious services and pastoral counselling for those servicemen away from home. The command chaplain of the U.S. Navy's guided missile cruiser Jouett, which is now in port at Sasebo, is from my hometown in northern Illinois. He is Lt. Bruce Blickle and he is now visiting us here in Nagoya. Tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 o'clock, he will be preaching at the Nagoya Union Church worship service at the Kinjō Kyōkai in Tatedaikanchō, Higashi Ku. You are invited to attend this service if you are interested. Also, in case you have need for pastoral counselling, I would be happy to provide some if you request it. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, 463.
Shiga Naoya (83/02/20)
The word "centennial" comes from a combination of two Latin words from which we get the words "cent", meaning a hundredth, and "annual", meaning yearly. So centennial refers to a hundredth anniversary. Today is the centennial of the birth of one of the most important and influential writers of modern Japan. Shiga Naoya was born on February 20, 1883. He died 12 years ago in 1971. One of Shiga' s short stories is called "Han's Crime". In it, a young Chinese juggler, named Han, killed his wife during a performance when he threw knives at her, which were supposed to barely miss her body and stick in the wooden board behind her. However, in this performance, a knife struck her in the neck and she died immediately. A judge had to detemine whether the act was an accident or committed on purpose. Actually Han's mind was confused at the time and it was difficult for he himself to explain whether he killed his wife willfully or accidentally. There are times in our lives also when we cannot simply explain our own actions. The Bible teaches that all people are sinners, but that we may find forgiveness by humbly recognizing our sin and, by faith, receiving God's mercy through Jesus Christ the Savior.
The real McCoy (83/02/21)
Have you ever heard the slang expression, "The real McCoy"? It refers to the genuine person or thing, rather than a substitute. It is not certain how this expression originated, but there are a number of theories about it being related to historical men named Mc Coy. A Joseph McCoy was a livestock trader in Abilene, Kansas in 1867, who made that town into a cow town from which cattle were shipped west on the new railroad. A Kid McCoy was a welterweight boxing champion in 1900, who was said to prove his identity by throwing punches at doubters until they admitted, "It's the real McCoy." It is said that advertisements of his prize fights made clear that it was the real McCoy who would fight and not an inferior boxer of the same name. Another theory is that the expression comes from the Portuguese colony of Macao, off the Chinese coast, whose uncut heroin had drug addicts asking for "the real Macao." Anything of real value usually has cheap imitations. It is important to distinguish "the real McCoy" from counterfeits--in religion as well as in other areas of life. According to Jesus, the way to distinguish the false from the true is by the fruit that is borne.
George Washington (83/02/22)
The first president of the United States of America, George Washington, was born on this day, February 22, in the year 1732. At the age of 15, he began work as a surveyor and at 20 he became a major in the Virginia colony's militia. After his marriage, he settled down as a Virginia gentleman, but as the revolutionary movement developed, he left his leisurely life and, at the age of 43, be came commander in chief of the Continental forces. He is described as a moral, just, patient and amiable man who was also fiercely ambitious, lacking in humor, obstinate and extremely sensitive. Like all men, he was imperfect, but after his death he was called "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen". Although the Bible teaches us to show respect to all people, some we respect more than others. Of all people, living or dead, whom do you respect most highly and why? "The Person I Most Admire" is the subject for this week's essay. Send your essay for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: Daily Word, P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
Guyana (83/02/23)
There is a region in the northeastern area of South America known as Guiana. The name comes from the native Indian word for the parrots found in that area. Until 8 years ago, there were 3 countries there named Dutch Guiana, British Guiana and French Guiana. French Guiana still remains, but Dutch Guiana is now called Suriname and British Guiana is called simply Guyana, with a changed spelling of its name. It was on February 23, 1970 that Guyana became an independent republic, so today is a national holiday in that country, which now has a Marxist Socialist government and is officially called the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This is the only country in South America that has a British cultural background. 55% of the population is of East Indian origin and 35% is of African descent. In regard to religion, 57% are listed as Christian, 33% as Hindu and 9% as Muslim. It was in Guyana 4 years ago that over 900 members of a religious cult committed suicide. When the New Testament teaches that we should offer up ourselves as a sacrifice to God, it doesn't mean we should commit suicide. Rather, we should offer up ourselves in loving service to God and to others.
Empire State Building (83/02/24)
New York is known as the Empire State. In New York City, there is a skyscraper called the Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931. It is over 380 meters tall and for many years was the highest building in the world. There are 102 stories in this building, but on the 86th floor is an observatory which is 320 meters above the ground. Last week, the 6th annual race up the 1,575 steps to that observatory from the street level was held. About 40 marathon runners competed in that unique track event. How long do you think it took the winner to sprint up those 1,575 steps? A 31 year old forest ranger, named Al Waquie, won the race. He is a mountain runner who is 160 centimeters tall and weighs 49 kilograms. His winning time was 11 minutes, 36 seconds. The first woman to cross the finish line took 13 minutes, 40 seconds. In the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 12, life is referred to as a race. There, it is written: "Let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end."
Kuwait (83/02/25)
The Middle Eastern state of Kuwait is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. It is the Middle East's 3rd largest producer of oil and has an estimated 15% of the world's oil reserves. It is about 4 times as large as Aichi Prefecture, but its population of about 1,500,000 is only about 3/4 of that of Nagoya. Although its residents pay no taxes, they are provided with free medical care, education and social security. For many years, Kuwait was a protectorate of Great Britain, which protected it over the years from attempted takeovers by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Kuwait became a fully independent nation in 1961, and today, February 25th, is Kuwait's National Day. 85% of Kuwait's population are Arabs and 99% are Muslims. The name Kuwait is a diminutive of the Arabic word for fort, so it means, literally, little fort. A fort, of course, is a fortified place in which one may feel secure. The Old Testament Psalmist frequently referred to God as his fortress in whom he could find refuge and safety and Martin Luther wrote a famous hymn beginning, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God".
Purification rites (83/02/26)
Yesterday, at the Konomiya Festival in lnazawa, thousands of men from throughout this area participated, wearing only a loincloth. After winding through the streets, they assembled before the entrance to the shrine grounds to await the appearance of the kami man. Water was splashed on their naked bodies as they tried to touch this man and ensure themselves a year free from misfortune. There are a number of traditional practices in many areas of Japan during this cold season that include entering cold water, standing under a waterfall or being splashed with water. Why are such practices followed? They may be considered purification rites as well as a kind of physical discipline. The purification rite of the Christian Church is called baptism. It is a transliteration of the Greek word meaning to immerse or to cleanse. The original form of Christian baptism was an immersion of one's body in water, symbolizing the inward cleansing of the Holy Spirit. Baptism by immersion is also a symbol of death and resurrection as the new believer begins a new life as a Christian, a child of God. One of the central Christian teachings is that, by God's power, we can be spiritually reborn and make a new beginning. Wouldn't you like to be spiritually cleansed and begin life anew?
Groundhog day (83/02/02)
Setsubun (83/02/03)
Ceylon (83/02/04)
Caning (83/02/05)
New Zealand (83/02/06)
A graduation ceremony (83/02/07)
The beginning of the civil war (83/02/08)
Washi making village (83/02/09)
"Young Telephone" in Nagoya (83/02/10)
Iran's National Founding Day (83/02/11)
Abraham Lincoln (83/02/12)
The 2nd New Year's Day (83/02/13)
Valentine's Day (83/02/14)
Women's right to vote (83/02/15)
Ash Wednesday (83/02/16)
The Broken Commandment (83/02/17)
Pilgrim's Progress (83/02/18)
A chaplain (83/02/19)
Shiga Naoya (83/02/20)
The real McCoy (83/02/21)
George Washington (83/02/22)
Guyana (83/02/23)
Empire State Building (83/02/24)
Kuwait (83/02/25)
Purification rites (83/02/26)
Purim (83/02/27)
How this service originated (83/02/28)
Freedom of religion (83/02/01)