Brundi (83/07/01)
Today is Independence Day in the Republic of Burundi. "Where in the world is Burundi?" you may ask. Well, it's just south of the Republic of Rwanda, which is also celebrating its independence Day today. Now do you know where it is? In fact, both Burundi and Rwanda are densely populated countries in central Africa. Over 10% of the inhabitants of these countries are of the tall Tutsi tribe and over 80% are of the shorter Hutu tribe with the remaining 1% of the very short pygmy tribe called Twa. This area had been ruled by Germany, but was entrusted to Belgium after the 1st World War. It was later divided into 2 separate countries and each was granted independence on July 1st, 1962. Burundi and Rwanda have a combined population of about 10,000,000, most of whom are primitive farmers suffering from both illiteracy and poverty. Knowing the pathetic condition of people in other parts of the world should make us thankful for our many blessings and prompt us to share them with others in need. The Bible teaches that all our blessings come from God and are to be shared rather than hoarded.
Greeting and parting (83/07/02)
Many English salutations may be used both as a greeting when meeting someone and as a word of farewell when parting. For example, Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Evening as well as Good Day may all be used either as a greeting or a farewell. Good Night, on the other hand, is used only when parting or when going to bed. Good-bye is a shortened form of "God be with you" and, as you know, is only used when parting. Another, more colloquial, parting word is So Long. Just as the Japanese sayōnara is a shortened form of sayōnaraba, this may be a shortened form of "so long as we are parted", that is, "until we meet again". However, there is another possibility that it comes from the Arabic greeting called salaam, which is similar to the Hebrew word shalom, meaning "peace". This is the word of greeting that Jesus used when he met his disciples following his resurrection. Also, according to the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 27, before Jesus left his disciples he said to them: "Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give." "Peace" is a good word both for greeting and parting, both for individuals and nations, but genuine peace is a gift of God.
Idaho (83/07/03)
93 years ago today, on July 3rd, 1890, the U.S. state of Idaho was admitted to the Union as the 43rd state. In area, it ranks 13th among the 50 states, but in population it is number 41. The principal industries of Idaho are agriculture, lumber and mining. The capital of the state is named Boise, from the French word for trees. Boise is unique among American cities in that it has a natural supply of hot water from a flowing well which is used for heating houses and one of the city's outdoor swimming pools. The name Idaho comes from an Indian term meaning light on the mountains or gem of the mountains. Idaho is also known as the Gem State. In English, gem and jewel have about the same meaning today, although gem is the original precious stone and jewel is the ornament into which it is made. In Proverbs 20:15, it is written that "the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel" which the New English Bible translates: "a wise word is a rare jewel" and in the Good News Bible it is translated: "If you know what you are talking about, you have something more valuable than jewels". I wonder, is our conversation loaded with jewels?
Independence Day (83/07/04)
12 years ago, Takeo Doi, a professor of Tokyo University, wrote a book entitled Amae no Kōzō, in which he maintained that the amae attitude of indulgence is at the core of all Japanese relationships. This book has been translated into English under the title The Anatomy of Dependence. While dependence is a key concept in Japanese thought, in American culture and history, independence is a basic idea. Today is Independence Day in the United States, commemorating the approval of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia in 1776. With this "Unanimous Declaration of the 13 United States of America", as it was officially called, the colonies dissolved their political bonds with England and became an independent nation. Throughout the U.S., today celebrations are being held on this 207th anniversary of the country's independent existence. The Bible teaches that there is a need for both dependence and independence in a healthy society. Tomorrow evening at 6:30 at the YWCA, we will continue our study in Japanese of the Gospel According to John, chapter 8. You are invited to attend.
Venezuela (83/07/05)
Today, July the 5th, is known as independence Day in another American republic. This one, however, is in South America and is the most prosperous country on that continent. It is a leading oil exporting nation and one of the world's top producers of iron ore. Can you guess its name? In 1499, when Spanish explorers saw the native huts built on pilings off of the lake of Maracaibo, it reminded them of the city of Venice in Italy, so they called it "Little Venice", which in Spanish is Venezuela. In 1811, a revolution against Spain was begun and independence was declared on July 5th of that year, 172 years ago today. Following Venezuela's independence, however, the country was ruled for over a century by local dictators. As Jesus taught in Luke, chapter 11, verses 24-26, after one evil influence is eliminated, unless something good is put in its place, an even greater evil may result. We must not only work against evil but also to replace it with something good. Those of you who are writing essays for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, please send them to me this week. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Discovering Friends (83/07/06)
There is a saying in English that a dog is man's best friend. I like dogs, but I don' t agree with this saying for I believe that people make better friends than dogs. The American poet, essayist and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson has written that "Every man passes his life in the search after friendship." He also wrote that "the only way to have a friend is to be one." During this month, 31 university students from the United States are visiting Nagoya in a program called "Discover Friends". These young men and women are seeking to further mutual understanding between East and West by learning about Japanese thought and culture and sharing their own viewpoints in friendly conversation. For the next two Friday evenings, from 5:15 to 7:00 PM, they will be at the Nagoya Shiritsu Daigaku Gakusei Kaikan in Mizuho Ku near the Takiko bus stop. If you would like to meet and talk with them, feel free to visit them there. You may also discover a friend. In the Gospel of John, chapter 15, Jesus called his disciples "friends" and told them that the greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them---which Jesus did. He gave his life for you also.
Tanabata (83/07/07)
Today is the 7th day of the 7th month. In Chinese tradition, in odd-numbered months the day with the same number as the month is especially auspicious. Thus, the 3rd of March, the 5th of May and the 7th of July are traditional festival days. However, this Tanabata Festival, which is related to a legend about a couple of stars, is celebrated on 3 different dates, depending upon local custom. Some places celebrate on July 7th of the solar calendar. Others celebrate it exactly one month later, while still other places follow the lunar calendar, according to which the 7th day of the 7th month falls on August 15th this year. Tanabata literally means "shelf loom" but it is said to be a corrupted form of ten-no-hata, or "heavenly loom". It is usually written with the Chinese characters for 7th evening. It is on this evening that the weaver girl star and the cowherd boy star are said to meet for their annual tryst. As you look up at the starry heavens, what do you think about? In the 8th Psalm, the poet wonders that the Creator of the stars also is concerned about him. As you look at the stars, remember that God also created and loves you!
Juvenile delinquency (83/07/08)
Parents of junior high school students cannot help but be concerned about the frequent reports of juvenile delinquency. In a junior high school gymnasium in Nakagawa Ward here in Nagoya, some 260 mothers gathered recently to consider what to do about this problem. The speaker, Kohei Suzuki, chief of the Crime Prevention Section of the Nakagawa Police Department, indicated some characteristics of parents of juvenile delinquents such as the following: being either too lenient or too strict, being too concerned about school grades and not noticing their children's troubles. He suggested that irregular or untidy dress, rude language and lying may be signs of delinquent behavior and emphasized the need for parents to understand their children and keep in good communication with them. Sympathetic understanding and open communication are important factors in human relationships--not only between parents and children, but between all people and between nations as well. The cross of Christ is a symbol of selfless love, the true basis of communication vertically between God and people and horizontally between people themselves.
Sewing machine (83/07/09)
There are 3 different English words pronounced sō. One, spelled s-o is an adverb meaning consequently. By adding a "w", a verb meaning to scatter seed is formed. Yet another verb, with the same pronunciation, is spelled s-e-w and refers to the work done with a needle and thread. Sewing seems to have an ancient history. According to the biblical story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, chapter 3, the first thing they did after eating the forbidden fruit was to sew fig leaves together to cover their nakedness. One of the many mechanical devices invented during the Industrial Revolution was the sewing machine. Men in England, France and the United States invented different kinds of sewing machines, but the American inventor, Elias Howe, received the first patent for such a machine in 1846. A few years later, Isaac Singer made improvements and began producing the Singer sewing machine. In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2, Jesus said that no one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment to repair it for it would only cause a bigger rent, thus indicating that his new teachings will not harmonize with the old traditions.
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (83/07/10)
A whistle is an instrument for making whistling sounds and a whistler is a person who whistles. But Whistler is also the surname of a famous American painter. James Abbott McNeill Whistler was born 149 years ago today, on July 10, 1834. One of his most famous paintings, now known as the portrait of Whistler's Mother, hangs in the Louvre Art Museum in Paris. Whistler was a unique painter who had his own individualistic style and ideas. He was influenced by various artists and artistic concepts, but he imitated no one. He did not attempt to paint only what he saw with his physical eyes. He said, "If the man who paints only the tree or flower or other surface he sees before him were an artist, the king of artists would be the photographer." He attempted to send a kind of message or to create a certain impression with his paintings. Like the artist, the prophet or the man of faith sees more than the physical objects before him. In God, events of history and of our individual lives, we may see the hand of God, our loving, heavenly Father, working out his purpose in the world.
John Quincy Adams (83/07/11)
In Japanese tradition it is common for the eldest son to follow in his father's footsteps and to carry on his profession of business. This is not so common in America although, of course, it does happen there also. In American history, there has been only one case of the son of a president also becoming president. Do you know the names of the father and son who were the 2nd and 6th presidents? Both of them were named John Adams, but the son's middle name, Quincy, is also usually used to distinguish him from his father. John Quincy Adams was born 216 years ago today, on July 11, 1767. He served in a number of important government positions before he was elected president in 1824. There were 4 presidential candidates in that election. Andrew Jackson received the most votes, both in the popular election and in the electoral college, which usually elects the president, but he did not get a majority so the House of Representatives had to make the choice and, there, Adams received 13 of the 24 votes, thus becoming president. John Quincy Adams referred to the Bible as "an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue."
Festival of Fast-Breaking (83/07/12)
In English, the word "fast" may have a number of different meanings. Some of them are quite contrary to each other. For example, fast may refer to something firmly fastened and not easily moved, but it may also refer to something that moves very rapidly, something swift. It may refer to someone having loose morals and living a promiscuous life, but also to complete abstinence from food for a religious purpose. The 1st meal of the day is called breakfast, for that is the meal that breaks our fast that continued throughout the night. According to the Islamic calendar, today is the beginning of a new lunar month, the 10th month of the Muslim year. Since it follows Ramadan, the month of fasting, this 1st day of the month of Shawwal is a festival day called the Festival of Fast-Breaking. Fasting is a religious discipline in various religions, but according to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2, Jesus' disciples did not fast for his teaching was characterized by the joy and brightness of a wedding rather than the gloom and sadness of a funeral. Christians today also should show that joyfulness in their lives.
A Balloon from Taiwan (83/07/13)
When an airtight bag is filled with a gas that is lighter than air, it will rise and float in the air. Such an object is called a balloon. In Japan, sometimes we see balloons with advertisements attached to them that are held in place by a long rope, but if the rope broke, what would happen to such balloons? Last Sunday, a mysterious 10 meter tall balloon landed in an orchard in Tel Aviv, Israel. A large number of police immediately surrounded this mysterious intruder. Investigating, they found that it was filled with pamphlets written in Chinese which called on residents of China to defect to Taiwan and noted the success story of a pilot who defected 7 years ago with his jet aircraft. The balloon was launched a couple of weeks ago from Taiwan, destined for mainland China, but it floated for more than 10,000 kilometers to Israel instead. Sometimes the simple words we speak also have very long-range and unexpected results. Words of kindness and encouragement, words of anger and abuse, may be carried in the hearts or on the lips of others to some far destination and bear some surprising fruit, so we should be careful how we speak and what we say.
Bastille Day (83/07/14)
The main patriotic day in the United States, called Independence day, falls on the 4th of July and commemorates the signing of the Declaration of independence in 1776. The great national holiday in France comes just 10 days later, on July 14th. Called Bastille Day, it commemorates the storming of the prison-fortress with that name in Paris in 1789 at the beginning of the French Revolution. The French were not rebelling against a foreign government but against a tyrannical monarchy. After the Bastille was captured by the rebels, it was dismantled piece by piece for souvenirs. The 18 centimeter long iron key to the Bastille was sent to George Washington as a symbol of the French Revolution's indebtedness to the American Revolution a decade earlier. Japan has never experienced a revolutionary war aimed at gaining liberty from oppression so it may be difficult for Japanese to understand the emotional appeal that such words as freedom, independence and equality have for Frenchmen and Americans. These concepts are rooted in biblical truth and are among the spiritual blessings God promises to those who believe in him.
Buddhism in Japan (83/07/15)
A survey was conducted last fall by Ryūkoku University, a Buddhist school in Kyoto, among chief Priests of temples related to the Jōdo Shinshū Honganji Sect whose head temple is Nishihonganji in Kyoto. The results of this survey were recently made public. They indicate that most of the 995 respondents are critical of their organization and of its methods of propagating Buddhism. Most priests recognize that Buddhism has very little influence on society in general and has no appeal to young people. They see a large gap between the teachings of the temples and their actual activities. Priests are called upon only for funerals and memorial services for the dead, they indicate. Do you think it is possible to inject new life into these old traditions? In the Gospel of Mark, chanter 2, verse 22, Jesus taught that if new wine is poured into old wine skins, the wineskins will burst. A new, living faith requires flexible rather than rigid patterns of expression, for new life will burst the seams of old traditions. I would like to read your thoughts on this subject if you care to share them. My address is: "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
Religion in Britain (83/07/16)
Yesterday's message was related to a survey of the attitudes of Buddhist priests in Japan. Today, I will refer to a survey regarding the religious outlook of people in Great Britain. According to the result of the Gallup poll recently reported, only 15% of the British population attend religious services once a week. Of the 1,136 people interviewed, about 56% either never go to church at all or go only for such special ceremonies as christenings, weddings and funerals. 80% said they had a Bible, but half of them had never opened it. 60% had never read the Bible. More than 30% said that churches were dull, uninspiring and old-fashioned and about 20% said that church services were boring, sermons were too serious and congregations were unfriendly. On the other hand, one-third of those who did not attend church said that God was important in their lives. In Great Britain as well as in Japan, traditional religious forms have lost their vitality. Yet, true faith is not limited to ceremonial forms. A healthy, living faith is seen in a meaningful, joyful, hopeful, peaceful life with a genuine concern for the needs of others.
Sakae Menda (83/07/17)
Every language has short words that carry great weight. The 3 letters t-o-n may refer to weights of 2,000 pounds, 2,240 pounds or 1,000 kilograms, depending on whether it is a short ton, used in the U.S., a long ton, used in Great Britain, or a metric ton, used in most other countries, that is being referred to. The same letters in reverse order produce the little word "not" and that word also has great significance. For 34 years Sakae Menda has been in prison and considered guilty of murder. Two months after pleading guilty, he retracted his admission of guilt and has repeatedly appealed for a retrial and an annulment of his death sentence. Last Friday, Kumamoto District Court Judge Kawakami used that little word "not" and pronounced this 57 year old man "not guilty". That little word made a big difference. This case should cause serious reflection on the methods of gaining confessions, on the operation of the judicial system itself and on the practice of capital punishment. The Bible teaches that Christ's death on the cross opened the way for the sentence against us sinners to be changed from "guilty" to "not guilty".
Eiheiji Temple (83/07/18)
739 years ago today, on July 18, 1244, the Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture was established. This temple, one of two head temples of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism, is located deep in the mountains. There are about 70 buildings of various sizes on its 33 square kilometers of land. Eiheiji was founded by Dōgen Zenji, who was born in 1200 and went to China to study at the age of 24. After returning to Japan, he became the founder of the Sōtō Sect and established this temple when he was 44 years old. He died 9 years later. Eiheiji means "Temple of Eternal Peace" and Dogen emphasized that the way to eternal peace, truth or enlightenment is zen meditation. The Christian also believes that the way to true peace depends on a mental attitude. However, we do not seek to discipline our minds to gain enlightenment but to open our hearts in faith to the grace and love of the almighty God, for the Bible teaches that salvation is the gift of God obtained through faith in Christ, the Savior. Tomorrow at 6:30 we will study the 9th chapter of the Gospel of John at our Japanese Bible Study at the Kyōikukan in Sakae. Come if you can. The next meeting will be the 1st Tuesday of September.
Pakistan (83/07/19)
The president of Pakistan, Mohammed Zia ul-Haq, is now visiting Japan with his wife. Although Mr. Zia ul-Haq is referred to as president, this is not an office to which he was elected. Actually, Zia is an army general who seized control of the government 6 years ago, jailed the former prime minister and later executed him. A promised national election has never been held, so Pakistan continues to be ruled by a military dictatorship although it is officially called an Islamic Republic. One of the main problems facing Pakistan today is how to handle the estimated 3,000,000 people who have crossed the border from Afghanistan to seek refuge from the Communist government there supported by Soviet troops. This is putting a heavy financial, social and political burden on Pakistan which other countries should help bear. Japan is Pakistan's largest trading partner, so it may be logical to seek for assistance from this country. Personally, I would rather see Japan assisting needy nations more rather than increasing its expenditures for armaments. Japan should strengthen its image as a force for peace in the world, but true peace begins within the heart.
Neil Armstrong's words (83/07/20)
The first day of every week is called Sunday in English and the following day is called Monday, which means Moon Day, but today, the 20th of July, is also known as Moon Day even though it falls on a Wednesday, for it was on this day in 1969 that a spacecraft named Eagle glided to a soft landing on the moon. American astronaut Neil Armstrong descended the steps of the spacecraft and stepped on to the moon's surface, saying, "That's one small step for a man, one giant step for mankind." Armstrong and his fellow astronaut, Edwin Aldrin, then planted a metal American flag and left a plaque with the words, "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." According to the Gospel according to John, chapter 14, verse 27, peace was the gift that Jesus left with his disciples who should live in peace with one another and with all men. On Sunday afternoon, July 31st we will hold another meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the YWCA at 1:30. The subject for discussion will be Leisure Time and How to Spend It. Plan to attend if you can.
A letter in a bottle (83/07/21)
The Matsumoto City Office recently received a letter from a Japanese lady in Hawaii. It asked for the current address of Hisao Momose. The Japanese lady's 26 year old daughter had picked up a bottle floating in the ocean while walking along the shore. It contained a note written in Japanese, so she asked her mother to read it. The note was written by Hisao Momose and asked the finder to write to him. However, Hisao had thrown the bottle into the ocean off of the coast of the Kii Peninsula while on a summer boat trip 14 years ago. At that time, he was an elementary school student. Now, he is 26 years old and a researcher in Okaya City. It is thought that the bottle may have made a number of roundtrips between Japan and the west coast of the United States by riding the ocean currents during the past 14 years until it was found in the Hawaiian Islands. Hisao was very surprised to find that his bottled note had finally been retrieved. This incident reminds me of the Bible verse in Isaiah 55:11 that God's word will not return to him fruitless, but will accomplish his purpose. There may be a long time between God's promise and its fulfilment, but finally his plan will be accomplished.
Solidarity in Poland (83/07/22)
Today, July 22nd, is the National Day of the Polish People's Republic, commonly known as Poland. Poland has suffered throughout recent centuries from its stronger neighbors, Russia, Prussia, and Austria, who helped themselves to Polish lands. Since 1947, Poland has been a communist state. It is expected that on this national day, the Polish government will lift martial law which has been in effect for the past 19 months after the outlawing of the Solidarity labor union. In preparation for this change, the Polish parliament has passed a number of laws to ensure the government's continued strict control over the populace. The Constitution has also been changed to that end. Voting for the constitutional revision was: 368 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention. If the Japanese parliament voted on a constitutional change, the result would be quite different, wouldn't it? Government control in communist countries is much stronger than in Western democracies and, in Poland, Solidarity seems more popular than the government. Christians consider themselves citizens of the Kingdom of God and look to God as their King and supreme authority.
Samarantha Smith in Russia (83/07/23)
Smith is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries. Samantha is a quite uncommon feminine name, but the name Samantha Smith has become well known in recent weeks and has been appearing regularly in newspapers around the world. Samantha Smith, of course, is the 11 year old girl from the United States who wrote a letter to the Russian Communist Party Secretary Andropov asking why Russia was preparing for war. Mr. Andropov invited Samantha and her parents to visit the Soviet Union and experience for themselves the Soviet people's desire for peace. During this 2 week trip, Samantha and her parents visited a number of places and met many people. I hope the cause of peace and of better international understanding was advanced by this well-planned and well-publicized journey. There should be more personal contacts on a common folk level between people of different ideologies in order to break down irrational prejudices. Charles Caleb Colton has written that "We hate some persons because we do not know them; and we do not know them because we hate them." On July 31st in the afternoon at the YWCA we will have another meeting of "Daily Word" listeners. I hope to see you there.
An old-fashioned bus in Nagoya (83/07/24)
In the American state of Utah, today, July 24th, is celebrated as "Pioneer Day", commemorating the arrival of Brigham Young and his fellow Mormons in the Great Salt Lake Valley on this day in 1847. A "pioneer" is a person who goes before, preparing the way for others. This afternoon in Nagoya, an old-fashioned bus is scheduled to appear on some downtown streets. It is not literally a pioneer bus, but it is a peculiar symbol of the war and early postwar years when gasoline was scarce. Its engine is powered by the gas produced by charcoal burned in a burner fastened to the back of the bus. Japanese born after the way and most of us foreigners have never seen a charcoal-powered bus, but it will probably bring back certain memories to older people in the community. Following its spin around the city this afternoon, it will be on display in an exhibition at Matsuzakaya Department Store. This bus is another example of the Japanese ability of adaptation. H.G. Wells has written, "Adapt or perish, now as ever is Nature's inexorable imperative." Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA we will hold another meeting of listeners to these telephone messages. Please come if you can.
James in the New Testament (83/07/25)
July 25th is a special festival day in Spain. It is in honor of its patron saint, Santiago or St. James one of Jesus' apostles. We find many references to James in the New Testament Gospels, but they are always combined with mention of his brother John. Both James and John were fishermen who became 2 of Jesus' closest disciples. In the 13th chapter of Acts it is recorded that James was killed by King Herod, thus becoming the first martyr among the apostles. According to Spanish tradition, James traveled and preached in Spain before his death and his body was later buried there. James is now one of the most popular masculine names in English. It is the English form of the Hebrew name Jacob. It has been used in a popular or slang way both in reference to a person acting like a king or to a servant. The New Testament letter of James was written not by James, the Apostle, but by James, the brother of Jesus. One of its famous teachings, found in the 2nd chapter, is that "Faith without works is dead". "How to spend leisure time " will be the subject for discussion at our "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting next Sunday at 1:30 at the YWCA. Please come if you can. I'd like to meet you there.
Liberia (83/07/26)
The American flag is well-known throughout the world. It is often referred to as "the Stars and Stripes" because it is made up of 13 alternating red and white stripes with 50 white stars on a blue field in the upper left hand corner. The flag of the Republic of Liberia, in western Africa, has the same pattern with identical colors. However, it has only 11 stripes and one large star. The colony of Liberia was founded in 1822 for liberated American slaves. On July 26, 1847, 136 years ago today, the Republic of Liberia was officially established. In contrast to the apartheid policy of South Africa, in Liberia only persons of Negro blood may become citizens. The governing power in this country of about 2,000,000 people has always been held by the descendants of the former American slaves which equal about 2 1/2% of the population. The name Liberia comes from Latin and means place of liberty or land of freedom. All people experience the thirst for spiritual freedom and the biblical "Good News" is that freedom comes through faith in Christ, the Savior. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 we will hold a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners at the YWCA. I hope to see you there.
Portuguese (83/07/27)
When many Japanese spy a word written in katakana, they immediately think that the word must come from English, but this is not always the case. Some of the very common Japanese words with foreign roots come from other languages. Tabako, pan and karuta, for example, all come from Portuguese. The Portuguese were the 1st Europeans to have direct contact with Japan. It was in 1543, some 340 years ago, that a Chinese ship, blown off its course in a typhoon, drifted onto Tanegashima, off the coast of Kyushu. On board were 3 Portuguese, who became the 1st white men known to have set foot on Japanese soil. What was most impressive about these men, however, was not the color of their skin nor their large noses and big feet, but the powerful shooting devices they carried. These muskets, later called Tanegashima, along with the subsequent visits of Portuguese traders and missionaries, changed the course of Japanese history. Tabako, pan, karuta, Tanegashima and Yaso all were introduced by the Portuguese. Should Japanese be thankful or angry? The Christian considers all events to be within the providential will of God. I hope to see you at the "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting next Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA.
Peru (83/07/28)
There are 10 countries in the United Nations that have names with only 4 letters in them. How many can you name? One of the 10 is in South America. Do you know its name? It is the Republic of Peru, which is celebrating its national day today. The culture of the early inhabitants of this land can be traced back to 300 B.C., but in the 15th century these earlier cultures were absorbed into the Inca Empire, which had a high level of skills in many different fields. The empire was conquered by the Spanish, who raided it for its wealth and ruled it for almost 3 centuries. Peru's independence was declared on July 28, 1821 and a successful revolution against Spain was accomplished. Peru has many natural resources and is one of the world's major fishing nations. Its name is the corrupted Spanish pronunciation of an Indian word for bamboo. The letters may be rearranged to spell "pure". In Matthew 5:8, Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." I hope you can attend the "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA in Sakae. We will talk about leisure time and the 5th issue of "Daily Word" Echoes will be available.
Jesus' reaction for two sisters (83/07/29)
Among Jesus' 12 disciples or apostles there were 2 pairs of brothers, all of whom were fishermen. Simon Peter and Andrew were brothers and so were James and John. Outside of Jerusalem in the town of Bethany was a home that Jesus used to visit. In it there was a pair of sisters who lived with their brother. The sisters' names were Mary and Martha. In the Gospel of Luke, at the end of chapter 10, there is a short account of one of Jesus' visits there. In this story the contrasting characters of the 2 sisters is clearly seen. Martha is an active person busily preparing a meal, while Mary was a quiet, thoughtful listener to Jesus' teaching. Martha became upset with her sister and asked Jesus to scold her for not helping, but Jesus praised Mary for her single-minded concentration on what was more important. Today is the feast day of St. Martha, who is the patron saint of innkeepers, housekeepers, hotelkeepers, cooks and laundresses. In the church and in society at large we need people like both Martha and. Mary. We need quiet thinkers, listeners or dreamers as well as the active workers or doers. In fact, all people should have both a reflective and an active element within themselves. Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the YWCA is the time and place of our next meeting. I hope you can attend.
Greeting and parting (83/07/02)
Idaho (83/07/03)
Independence Day (83/07/04)
Venezuela (83/07/05)
Discovering Friends (83/07/06)
Tanabata (83/07/07)
Juvenile delinquency (83/07/08)
Sewing machine (83/07/09)
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (83/07/10)
John Quincy Adams (83/07/11)
Festival of Fast-Breaking (83/07/12)
A Balloon from Taiwan (83/07/13)
Bastille Day (83/07/14)
Buddhism in Japan (83/07/15)
Religion in Britain (83/07/16)
Sakae Menda (83/07/17)
Eiheiji Temple (83/07/18)
Pakistan (83/07/19)
Neil Armstrong's words (83/07/20)
A letter in a bottle (83/07/21)
Solidarity in Poland (83/07/22)
Samarantha Smith in Russia (83/07/23)
An old-fashioned bus in Nagoya (83/07/24)
James in the New Testament (83/07/25)
Liberia (83/07/26)
Portuguese (83/07/27)
Peru (83/07/28)
Jesus' reaction to two sisters (83/07/29)
Henry Ford (83/07/30)
The Jesuits (83/07/31)
Brundi (83/07/01)