July and August (83/08/01)
Do you know the difference between august and August? August refers to something inspiring awe or admiration, something majestic or venerable. August, spelled with a capital A, refers to the 8th month of the year. In the old Roman calendar, this month was originally called Sextilis, being the 6th month. When 2 extra months were added to the beginning of the year, it became the 8th month. Then, the name of the 7th month was changed from Quintilis to Julius, in honor of Julius Caesar. After the Roman Senate granted Octavian, Caesar's successor, the title of Augustus, he decided he should have a month named after him also. He chose the 8th month, for it was the month of some auspicious events in his life. He also added another day to the month so that it would not have less days than that of the month named for Julius. Thus, both July and August have 31 days. According to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, it was Caesar Augustus who ordered the enrollment that cause Jesus' parents to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born as prophesied in the Old Testament. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Leisure (83/08/02)
At our 11th "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting last Sunday afternoon, we talked about how to spend leisure time. As Japan has become more affluent, this is an increasingly relevant topic. How do you make use of your free time? In my talk at that meeting, I mentioned such words as relaxation, recuperation, restoration, refreshment, recreation and renewal. All of these words have significance for the whole person--including body, mind and spirit. To keep ourselves in good health, physically, mentally and spiritually, we need to take time periodically to alter our regular schedule and enjoy a change of pace. In the Law of Moses, a weekly sabbath or day of rest was commanded for both the physical and spiritual benefit of the Israelites. What do you think is the Japanese attitude regarding leisure? What is your attitude toward it? How do you spend your leisure time? That is the theme for this week's essays, to be included in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Send them for correction and editing to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. I hope you enjoy your free time this week.
Columbus' journey (83/08/03)
491 years ago today, on August 3rd, 1492, approximately 90 sailors set sail on 3 small ships from southern Spain. The ships names were: the Santa Maria, the Nino and the Pinta. The leader of this expedition was an Italian named Christopher Columbus. It was his aim to reach the Orient by sailing west, across the Atlantic Ocean. Portuguese sailors had made progress in finding an eastern ocean route to the Orient by sailing around the African continent, but Columbus was ready to test his conviction that the earth was round by setting out for Japan heading directly west along the 28th parallel. He had a difficult time rounding up support for such a journey, but finally King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to finance his expedition. So on this day about 5 centuries ago, these brave pioneers left on the journey that brought them to the American continents rather than the so-called Far East. Life may be compared to a journey. We set out in faith for a certain destination, but sometimes we end up in an entirely unexpected place. Yet, Christians believe that God guides them along life's journey to their heavenly home.
World Council of Churches (83/08/04)
One of the many places on the North American continent which bears the name of Christopher Columbus is found on the western coast of Canada. It is the province of British Columbia. In its largest city of Vancouver, on the campus of the University of British Columbia, delegates from 100 countries around the world have gathered together for the 6th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. For 10 days beginning Sunday of last week, these representatives of some 400,000,000 Christians in some 300 different Protestant, Orthodox and independent church bodies are meeting and discussing social and political problems under the overall theme of "Jesus Christ--the Life of the World". At the opening session, Anglican Archbishop Edward Scott stated that the competing ideologies of capitalism and communism are the products of a culture that stressed materialism and the scientific method, but that these ideologies are no longer satisfying the deepest human aspirations nor providing unity, direction, standards and courage to their respective communities. The Christian faith must not be identified with one particular culture, for its message is universal.
Lake Nojiriko (83/08/05)
I am writing this message while sitting in a summer cabin. Looking out the window, I can see a mountain lake with an island in it. On one side of the island is a red torii standing off shore in the water. The lake is Nojiriko in Nagano Prefecture. I drove up here with my wife to spend a few days of leisure and to attend a missionary conference. As I look out the window, I see a bird leisurely flying in the distance and a spider meticulously weaving a web under the eaves of the cabin. I wonder, how did that bird learn to fly and how did that spider learn to weave a web in such an efficient manner? Actually, no one had to teach these creatures those skills. They came naturally, by intuition. Human beings also perform some functions by innate intuition. However, human beings are able to reason and to choose whether to conform to the traditions of their ancestors or to move in a new direction. Jesus came into the world bringing a new teaching and exemplifying a new way of life. In the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 11, he criticized people of his day for respecting their tradition more highly than the word of God. We also must choose whether to be bound by our traditions or to be liberated and enter a new way of life through faith.
Atomic Bomb (83/08/06)
At the Potsdam Conference in Europe, held during the closing days of the Pacific War, the leaders of the governments of the U.S., Great Britain and Nationalist China issued the Potsdam Declaration which called for the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces. 30 years ago today, on August 6, 1945, United States President Harry Truman was having lunch with the crew on board a ship en route home from that conference when he was handed a terse message: "Big bomb dropped on Hiroshima. First reports indicate complete success." It was following this message that the President announced the startling news of the atomic bomb and the world was informed that it had entered the atomic age. It is too bad that the first public demonstration of this amazing, new power was of a destructive nature. From the American point of view the bomb was used to bring a quick and decisive end to the war. This sad event reminds us that the same force or influence may be used either in a destructive or constructive manner--for either evil or good purposes. How are we using the abilities and gifts that have been given to us? Are they being used selfishly or for the good of others?
Socializing (83/08/07)
The adjective "social" refers to something related to human society; the noun "socialism" refers to a particular system of social organization; and the verb "to socialize" may refer to placing a business under public control or to taking part in social activities. Recently the Fukoku Life insurance Company of Tokyo made a survey of the socializing activities of employees of major Japanese corporations. The report indicates that these employees spend an average of ¥37,200 a month socializing, that is, drinking or playing mahjong with their colleagues, which they do an average of 2 or 3 times a week. Those on the managerial level spend an average of ¥45,000 a month for so-called "human relations". During such socializing, company related gossip and frustrations are aired and personal relationships are strengthened. The Bible teaches that Jesus also socialized, but not for business purposes. He ate and drank with the weak and despised in particular--becoming the friend of lonesome people in order to show God's love to them. His followers today should also befriend those suffering from injustice and discrimination, for it is the suffering people who are the special objects of God's love.
Autumn (83/08/08)
Today is the 8th day of the 8th month. The Chinese character for 8 is made up of 2 short slanted lines, resembling the sides of a volcano with an opening at the top. Originally this character signified separation or mutual opposition and was later used for the number 8 because that number was indicated by bending the middle 3 fingers on one hand, leaving the thumb and little finger upright, which resembled this character. Although we are sweltering in the summer heat, according to the lunar calendar, today is the beginning of autumn, called risshu. Autumn is also called fall in English because that's what the leaves of the trees do during that season. The Chinese character for autumn is made up of a rice stalk and fire and originally signified the ripe rice plant which was ready for harvesting. Just as the harvest time comes to the farmer, we also will reap the harvest of the seed we sow in our daily lives. In the 6th chapter of Galatians it is written, "A person will reap exactly what he sows" and then continues, "Let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest."
Singapore (83/08/09)
As you well know, Japan has the highest standard of living in Asia, but do you know which Asian country comes second? It is the Republic of Singapore, which is the smallest nation in Asia with a land area of less than twice that of the city of Nagoya and a population of less than 2 1/2 million. It is the world's 4th largest port, however. It was 18 years ago today that Singapore became an independent nation. For 2 years before that it was a part of the Federation of Malaysia, but tensions between the Chinese citizens of Singapore and the Malays resulted in a separation which gave birth to the Republic of Singapore on August 9, 1965. Almost all food, fuel and other raw materials must be imported. The main ethnic groups are the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Pakistanis and 4 official languages are recognized: Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil. Singapore's economy is based on the processing, packing and shipping of Asian products and the distribution of manufactured goods of industrial nations. It is an important channel between the nations of the East and West. The Christian also is called to be a channel of the love of God to all people.
Forgetfulness (83/08/10)
Today is Wednesday, which means that yesterday was Tuesday, which means that I should have suggested a theme in yesterday's message for this week's essay which some listeners compose and send to me for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. However, as a matter of fact, I forgot to do so. There are 2 Chinese characters composed of the separate characters for die and mind. When mind and die are put side by side, the resulting character means "busy"' and when mind is put beneath die, it means "forget". People often forget when they are busy (or getting older) and I confess to having both problems, but I will make use of my failure and suggest "Forgetfulness" as the subject for this week's essays. What do you have to say about forgetfulness? Have you had any interesting experiences related to this subject? Unfortunately, there are some things we remember clearly that we ought to forget and other events which we have forgotten that we ought to remember. The Bible teaches that we should remember our Creator and that we should not forget his many blessings to us. Send your essays related to forgetfulness to: "Daily Word", Post office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
A dinghy across the Atlantic Ocean (83/08/11)
The English word dingy, spelled d-i-n-g-y, is an adjective referring to something dirty, grimy or drab. If an "h" is inserted between the "g" and the "y", we get the word dinghy, a noun which refers to a small boat. This week a Scottish adventurer named Tom McClean ended 62 days at sea in a dinghy when he landed on the coast of Portugal. In doing so, he established a new record for the smallest craft to cross the Atlantic Ocean. When he Left from the Canadian province of Newfoundland in his 2.36 meter long dinghy, he expected to arrive in England, but the weather blew him off course and his voyage ended in Portugal instead. This is McClean's 2nd ocean crossing, for he made the trip last year in a 2.97 meter dinghy. His new world record may not last long, however, for Tom McNally, another adventurer is now preparing to make the trip in a smaller craft, measuring only 2.05 meters long. People will sometimes do dangerous and foolish things to become famous, but such fame is a fleeting reward. It is better to be good than to be famous.
Four balls (83/08/12)
Many television sets and radios in Japan are tuned into the National High School Baseball Tournament these days. Baseball is undoubtedly the most popular sport in this country. It was introduced from the United States 90 years ago in 1893. Its name comes from the 4 bases around which a player must run in order to score a point. Although the bases are now set at the corners of a square, the playing field is still called a diamond. Most of the terms used in Japanese relating to baseball come directly from American usage, but the Japanese expression foabōru has a peculiar Japanese meaning. In America, "4 balls" may be used to indicate the count of balls and strikes on the batter, but the result of a count of 4 balls is a "walk" or a "base on balls". That is, the batter can walk to 1st base; he need not run. Although the Old Testament prophet was not referring to baseball, in the last verse of Isaiah, chapter 40, he promised new strength to those who trust in the Lord. He wrote: "they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." A healthy faith in God gives us new vigor and vitality.
Lucy Stone (83/08/13)
Today, August 13th, is the birthday of Lucy Stone. You have probably never heard of her, but she was born on this day in 1818 in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. While still a child, she became angry at the second-class treatment accorded women in American society. She decided to study Greek and Hebrew so that she could decide whether the biblical passages related to women had been translated correctly. In 1847, she graduated from Oberlin, the 1st coeducational college in the country. She then became a popular and eloquent lecturer with 2 main themes: the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women. She married in 1855 but her husband agreed that it would be a marriage based on equality, so she did not give up her surname and adopt his. Rather, in a striking break with tradition, both husband and wife kept their full names without change. Lucy Stone was an important figure in the movement for women's rights. Mahatma Gandhi has written, "Of all the evils for which man has made himself responsible, none is so degrading, so shocking or so brutal as his abuse of the better half of humanity, to me, the female sex, not the weaker sex."
The bon odori (83/08/14)
My message today has some background music. Can you hear it? Although today is Sunday, it is not church music. It is dance music, but not the kind of dance music we hear in the United States. As I tape this message on Saturday evening, I can look out the open window on the 2nd floor of our house and see the colorful Japanese lanterns lighting the large, vacant lot across the street, upon which people in their pretty yukata or Western clothes are dancing around a center stand on which the drummer beats the rhythm and dance leaders perform. Although the teaching of Gautama Buddha in India included nothing about dead spirits and had no relationship with ceremonies for the dead, passing through China and after coming to Japan, Buddhism was changed into a religion that would surprise its founder. It seems that the bon odori nowadays, however, has become a time of enjoyment for the living rather than an entertainment for the dead. Dancing was practiced among the Jews as a part of their worship of God and the 150th Psalm calls them to "Praise him with harps and lyres. Praise him with drums and dancing. Praise him with harps and flutes. Praise the Lord, all living creatures."
The Emperor's words (83/08/15)
At 12 o'clock noon, 38 years ago today, an announcer on NHK radio stated: "This will be a broadcast of the gravest importance. Will all listeners please rise. His Majesty the Emperor will now read his imperial rescript to the people of Japan." Then, following the strains of kimigayo, for the 1st time in history, the voice of the Japanese Emperor was publicly broadcast. Beginning with the words, "To our good and loyal subjects," he stated that "We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable." He ended his statement with the exhortation to "cultivate the ways of rectitude; foster nobility of spirit; and work with resolution so as ye may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world." Thus, the Pacific War came to a close and a new era began for Japan. Due to poor reception, few listeners caught all of the Emperor's words, but they understood the meaning. It is said that at that moment, more people wept simultaneously than at any other time in history. Psalm 30:5 states that "weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Obon (83/08/16)
Although yesterday was not an official holiday, obviously it was a special day in Japan. I could sense that as soon as I began riding my bicycle on some errands downtown. I made the trip to Sakae in record time because there was very little traffic. However, when I got there, I found that 2 of the places I expected to do some business, along with many other stores and offices, were closed, but I was able to browse in a second-hand book store. Fortunately, the bank and offices which were my primary destinations were open. The number of calls to this "Daily Word" telephone was also one of the lowest for a weekday this year. It was not the commemoration of the end of the war nor the Independence Days of Korea or India that were being celebrated. It was obon. That is the subject for this week's essays. What do you think about obon? How do you celebrate it? Do you believe the traditional ideas about it? Has its character changed from your childhood days? What is its significance and value in modern Japan? Send your essays for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Indonesia (83/08/17)
Do you know the 5 countries in the world with the highest population? They are China, India, the USSR, the USA and Indonesia. Today is Independence Day in Indonesia. Like Japan, and the Philippines, Indonesia is an archipelago, that is, it is made up of many islands. Japan is said to have some 3000 islands and the Philippines over 7000, but Indonesia has 13,677 islands in its territorial waters. Until the Japanese occupation during the Pacific War, this country had been a colony of the Netherlands. After Japan's defeat, the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was declared on August 17, 1945, although it took 4 more years of fighting before the Netherlands recognized Indonesian sovereignty. Unlike Japan, the country has many natural resources. It is a leading nation in the production of natural rubber, petroleum and tin. Despite its lack of natural resources, Japan has become a great industrial nation, but Indonesia's industry is underdeveloped. Its gross national product is only 1/20 that of Japan. Whether it be natural resources or natural ability, God expects us to make good use of the gifts he has given us.
Sickness (83/08/18)
A report issued by the Health and Welfare Ministry a few days ago indicated that the number of sick people in Japan is climbing each year. The sickness rate per 1000 population in 1982 was 183.2, which was 7.7 higher than the previous year, and over double the figure for 1965. Reflecting the aging population, most patients had diseases of the circulatory system, such as high blood pressure. One out of every 4 people over 75 years old suffered from circulatory problems, but there was also an increase in the number of young and middle-aged people who caught cold or suffered from other respiratory ailments or digestive troubles. Sickness is a fact of life that all people must face at some time or other, but our mental attitude at such a time makes a big difference in how long the sickness lasts or how rapidly we recover. Sickness may produce good effects in people with a healthy faith. It may make them more conscious of their own weakness and more sensitive to the problems of others. The Bible teaches that all people are spiritually sick and that true health is found in opening our hearts and lives to the healing love of God as it was seen in Jesus Christ.
Big Ben (83/08/19)
One of the famous sightseeing spots in London is Westminster Palace, also known as the House of Parliament. This huge building with 1100 rooms has 2 towers, one of which is the 97 meter clock tower housing the famous bell known as Big Ben. This 13 1/2 ton bell was named for Sir Benjamin Hall, commissioner of works when the bell was installed in 1856. It rings out the hours from behind the clock face. However, this clock tower is now undergoing an extensive renovation for the 1st time in 50 years, so the tower and clock will be obscured by scaffolding until the end of 1984. As buildings age, they need to be periodically renovated to keep them in good condition. So do generators and cable coverings in subway systems. Human bodies also need to be taken care of as they get older, but the Apostle Paul wrote in Corinthians, chapters 4 and 5, "Though our outward humanity is in decay, yet day by day we are inwardly renewed." "We know that if the earthly frame that houses us today should be demolished, we possess a building which God has provided, eternal and in heaven." The Bible teaches that fellowship with God is daily renewed and never-ending.
Northern Islands (83/08/20)
In Genesis, the 1st book of the Bible, are a number of stories about a man named Abraham. He is recognized as the common father of both Jews and Arabs. Many Jewish, Arab and Christian boys have been named after him, including one of Americans most famous presidents, Abraham Lincoln. The common nickname for Abraham is Abe, spelled A-b-e. That is also the Romanized spelling of the surname of Japan's present foreign minister, so when Americans and Europeans read his name they are apt to mispronounce it. Mr. Abe is now visiting Hokkaido on an observation tour of the northern islands which have been occupied since the end of the war by the Soviet Union, but which Japan considers to be an integral part of its territory. Another island in the Sea of Japan, midway between Japan and Korea, said to be occupied by Koreans, is also claimed by Japan which is making a protest to the government of South Korea. Who has the legitimate claim to certain pieces of land, especially islands in the ocean, is frequently a difficult problem. Pearl Buck has written: "There is a difference between what one seizes and what one really possesses."
Armored car stolen (83/08/21)
In battles long ago, the fighters protected themselves from the weapons or arms of their opponents by wearing a kind of protective covering called armor. Nowadays, armor is no longer worn by soldiers, but armored cars, covered with a protective plate, are still used in warfare. Armored cars are also used in peacetime to carry money to or from a bank. An armored car in Oakland, California recently stopped at a red light at a busy intersection during the rush hour. Unexpectedly, its rear door swung open and bags of money fell to the street. It is reported that passersby filled their pockets with money and ran away. Some left their cars in the middle of the street; others jumped off of busses or ran out of offices to help themselves to this windfall. This is a sad commentary on the present state of morality in a part of American society. Some people consider money of greatest value and do not hesitate to seize what is not their own. In I Timothy 6:10 is written, "The love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows."
Streetcars (83/08/22)
The word "car" comes from a Latin word from which we also get the word "chariot". Car may refer to a number of different kinds of vehicles on wheels, although today it most commonly refers to a motorcar, or automobile. 150 years ago in New York, horsecars on rails were pulled along the streets by horses. Later, these vehicles were called streetcars and they were run by electric power rather than by horsepower. 80 years ago today, on August 22, 1903, a streetcar was put into operation in Tokyo between Shinbashi and Shinagawa. This was not the 1st streetcar line in Japan, however, for streetcars were already operating in Kyoto before that. Streetcars were an economical means of transportation and did not pollute the air. How long do you think it has been since a streetcar ran on a street in Nagoya? 9 1/2 years ago, on March 31st, 1974, the last streetcar line was closed down and public transportation was left for busses and subways. As times change, so do modes of transportation, fashions and life styles. However, among all the changes of life, God's truth and love remain the same.
The Emperor in Japan (83/08/23)
Ordinarily, we think of a king ruling over a kingdom, an emperor ruling an empire and a president presiding over a republic. Although the Japanese Empire no longer exists in name or in fact, the symbolic ruler of this nation is called an emperor in English. According to the present constitution, the emperor is "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power." The topic for this week's essay is The Emperor and the Emperor System in Japan: Past, Present, Future. How do you view the place of the tenno in Japanese history? What about his wartime responsibility? Are you happy with the emperor's role as stated in the constitution? Should it be continued or changed in the future? Send your essays on this subject for correction and publication to: "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463. The Roman emperor was called Caesar, from which the German word for emperor, Kaiser, and the Russian word Czar were derived. In the Bible, God is referred to as the King over all the earth and Christians consider themselves citizens of the Kingdom of God.
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (83/08/24)
Massacre refers to the indiscriminate, merciless killing of a number of human beings. 411 years ago today, a famous event in European history occurred. It is called the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Bartholomew is the name of one of Jesus' 12 disciples and his feast day is celebrated on August 24th. On this day in 1572 many French Protestants, called Huguenots, had gathered in Paris for a royal wedding. At the instigation of the Catholic queen mother, French soldiers began killing all the Huguenots in the area. Thus, another of the so-called Wars of Religion began. In mideastern and western countries, there have been many wars related to religion. Most of them have other political, economic or racial causes also but it is easy to designate the opposite sides according to their religion. People who take their religion seriously and who consider it of highest importance are willing to fight and die for their faith. Others without deep religious convictions find it difficult to understand such an attitude. The Bible teaches that persecution often accompanies a vital faith but encourages believers to endure to the end and receive an eternal reward.
Vox populi, vox dei (83/08/25)
What part of a Japanese daily newspaper do you think is most widely read? the sports page? the financial section? the comic strips? local news? foreign news? the listing of TV programs? According to the Asahi Shinbun, the most popular part of that newspaper is the daily, frontpage column called Tenseijingo. This column has been appearing in that newspaper for almost 80 years. Tenseijingo means "heaven's voice, human language". It is translated into English as vox populi vox dei, which is actually a Latin phrase meaning "the voice of the people is the voice of God". Do you think it is true? One of the basic principles of a democracy is that the will of the majority be reflected in the decisions of its leaders. However, we cannot say that the majority is always wise or always right. In fact, famous historical figures who are now highly respected often achieved greatness by not following the opinion of the masses but standing for what they believed to be right despite popular opposition. A prophet is one who hears and follows the voice of God apart from the voice of the people.
Women's Equality Day (83/08/26)
Today, August 26th, is known as Women's Equality Day in the United States. It commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which took place on this day in 1920. In the Declaration of Independence, it is clearly stated that one of the self-evident truths is that "all men are created equal". However, it seems that in this case, "men" referred only to free, white males. It took a Civil War to enlarge the meaning to include blacks who had been slaves. It took still another 50 years of persistent effort before the amendment was passed which stated that "the right of citizens... to vote shall not be denied... on account of sex". In theory, men and women have equal rights, but is it so in practice? English philosopher Bertrand Russell has written that "In America everybody is of the opinion that he has no social superiors, since all men are equal, but he does not admit that he has no social inferiors." Obviously, there are many ways in which men and women and people of different races or social classes are still not equal. We should continue to work for justice and equal rights for all people. The Bible teaches that both men and women were made in God's image and he shows no partiality.
A misinformation (83/08/27)
A newspaper is a paper in which news is printed. Shinbun in Japanese is composed of the characters "new" and "hear" and in English also "news"' is related to something new. All 4 points of the compass are included in the news, for n-e-w-s can stand for north, east, west and south. Readers expect the news in newspapers to be accurate, but it is not always so. Sometimes newspapers make mistakes and communicate misinformation. A few days ago, newspapers in England printed the picture of a girl who had just returned from spending a weekend with the royal family in the Scottish highlands and informed their readers that this girl was 19 year old Sophie Birdwood and speculated that she was a new girlfriend of Prince Andrew, the Queen's youngest son. However, actually the girl was 21 year old Carolyn Herbert, a friend of Princess Diana. When the real Sophie Birdwood returned from her vacation, she was quite upset with the newspapers' rumormongering. She said she had never met Prince Andrew and was not amused by the story. Newspapers, which have a great influence on society, should accurately report facts rather than engage in speculation in their news stories. The Christian believes that the story of God's love for us is the greatest news story of all time.
Martin Luther King (83/08/28)
The name of Martin Luther is well-known in European religious history. This important figure in the Protestant Reformation was born in 1483, so this 400th year since his birth is being celebrated in various ways and places. In America, the name of Martin Luther King is also well-known and his birthday will probably be designated a national holiday in the near future. Martin Luther King was not a Lutheran of German descent; he was a black Baptist pastor from the American south. Like his German namesake, he became the leader of a revolutionary movement. 20 years ago today, on August 28, 1963, he made a famous speech before some 200,000 people assembled at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He told of his dream of an America living out the true meaning of its creed that all men are created equal. Yesterday, another crowd assembled in the same place to continue the effort to realize that dream of the Rev. Dr. King. All nations and people should have lofty dreams which they seek to translate into reality. The world today needs practical dreamers, who not only build castles in the air but who also work to put foundations under them.
Hong Kong (83/08/29)
Today, August 29th, is a holiday in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. It is the day of the Freedom Festival commemorating the Treaty of Nanking, signed on this day in 1842, in which China was forced to give up this island to Great Britain following the Opium War. Hong Kong now comprises the island, the mainland peninsula of Kowloon, the New Territories between Kowloon and China and over 230 offshore islands for a total area of over 1,000 square kilometers. The Chinese characters for Hong Kong mean fragrant harbor, but I think the odor of that island has changed considerably from the time it was named. Fragrance and perfume refer to sweet or pleasant odors, smells, scents or aromas and a Malay proverb states that unless a piece of incense is burned it emits no fragrance. The Bible teaches that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the good news of salvation it produced is like a fragrance that sweetens the world's atmosphere. Christians should be contributing to that pleasant aroma. This is "Daily Word ", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Leisure (83/08/02)
Columbus' journey (83/08/03)
World Council of Churches (83/08/04)
Lake Nojiriko (83/08/05)
Atomic Bomb (83/08/06)
Socializing (83/08/07)
Autumn (83/08/08)
Singapore (83/08/09)
Forgetfulness (83/08/10)
A dinghy across the Atlantic Ocean (83/08/11)
Four balls (83/08/12)
Lucy Stone (83/08/13)
The bon odori (83/08/14)
The Emperor's words (83/08/15)
Obon (83/08/16)
Indonesia (83/08/17)
Sickness (83/08/18)
Big Ben (83/08/19)
Northern Islands (83/08/20)
Armored car stolen (83/08/21)
Streetcars (83/08/22)
The Emperor in Japan (83/08/23)
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (83/08/24)
Vox populi, vox dei (83/08/25)
Women's Equality Day (83/08/26)
A misinformation (83/08/27)
Martin Luther King (83/08/28)
Hong Kong (83/08/29)
Journey (83/08/30)
Trinidad and Tobago (83/08/31)
July and August (83/08/01)