May (87/05/01)
Today is the first day of the month of May. An American writer, Edwin Teale, has written, "The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May." There are two explanations of the origin of the name of this month. One is that it comes from the Latin word for "elders" and was intended to honor the senior members of the population even as the name of the following month was derived from the word for "juniors" and commemorated the younger generation. However, other scholars say that just as June comes from the name of the goddess, Juno, May is derived from the goddess Maia. There are also different theories regarding the origin of the traditional Japanese name for this month, which is satsuki. Is it the shortened form of sanae-zuki, meaning month of rice sprouts, or of samidare-zuki, month of the early summer rain, or of sachi-zuki, the happy month? Although using different Chinese characters, satsuki is also the name of a flower, called azalea in English. In America, May is considered a month of flowers, some of which are called Mayflowers. In Matthew, chapter 6, Jesus told his disciples to look at the beautiful flowers and have faith that God, who gives flowers such beautiful clothes, will certainly provide their needs also.
Returnees finding jobs in Japan (87/05/02)
The word "edge" may refer to the sharpened side of a razor blade. It may also refer to the border of something, the line at which a surface ends. A somewhat different meaning of the word is "advantage". We may say that a superior baseball team has an edge over its opponents. Do you think that studying in a foreign country gives an edge to Japanese young people seeking employment in Japan? A survey related to such questions was conducted recently among 163 returnees who got jobs in the Tokyo area. The results indicated that 65 percent found that their overseas experience helped them find employment. 50 percent replied that knowing a foreign language made them more attractive job candidates. About 40 percent said their present jobs had something to do with their experience abroad and 50 percent indicated they were performing an international-related task. On the other side, some 42 percent felt ill at ease because customs in Japanese offices clash with habits acquired overseas. Both pluses and minuses result from overseas study and travel, but positive factors should outweigh the negative ones and the experience should broaden one's outlook, resulting in a greater understanding of one's own country as well as of other lands.
Sacrifices (87/05/03)
There are many different kinds of religions in the world. All of them have their own distinctive forms of worship. In most religions, some type of offering is included in the worship ceremony. Offerings may include such natural products as grain and fruits or vegetables. They may include other kinds of food or drink, such as mochi and sake. Beautiful flowers may be offered or something of special value, such as money. In ancient Judaism, it was common to offer animal sacrifices to God as an expiation for the sins of the people. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ was called "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." In Christian thought, Jesus' death on the cross is considered a kind of sacrifice, whereby he took upon himself the sins of all people in order that all people might be forgiven through their faith in that crucial expression of God's infinite love. My sermon today is taken from the 10th chapter of Hebrews, where a comparison is made between the sacrifice of Christ and the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament. On this first Sunday of the month, we will also commemorate Christ's sacrifice in our celebration of the Lord's Supper, remembering that even as Christ gave his life for us, we also should give our bodies as living sacrifices in loving service to God and people.
Laughter (87/05/04)
Laughter is a kind of universal language which is understood in all nations. When a baby laughs, it does not laugh in a particular language, but, among Japanese adults, laughter sounds, such as ha-ha, hi-hi, fu-fu, he-he and ho-ho, seem to each have a particular nuance. Today is the day of the annual Laughing Ceremony at the Atsuta Shrine. It is said that the sacred grass-mowing sword was temporarily taken from the shrine and deposited within the Imperial Palace around 686 A. D. When it was returned to Atsuta Shrine, the shrine personnel were so happy they laughed hilariously. Priests related to the shrine try to recreate the joy of that time through this Laughing Ceremony. Although it may be possible to force ourselves to laugh, true joy comes from within and, according to Galatians 5:22, it is produced by the Spirit of God.
Children's Day (87/05/05)
This fifth day of the fifth month is a national holiday called Children's Day not only in Japan but also in South Korea. Children have been called "poor men's riches" and it is true that in poorer countries people have larger families. Children can bring much happiness into a home, but Emerson was right when he said: "There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep." In reference to fruits or vegetables, "fresh" and "spoiled" are opposite terms, but when given a slight change of meaning, both of them can be used of children. Morris Goldfischer has written that "If a growing object is both fresh and spoiled at the same time, the chances are it is a child." In this quotation, "fresh" has the meaning of impudent and "spoiled" refers to a child who is pampered or who always gets its own way. In an affluent society, many children are both fresh and spoiled. They have not experienced hardships and are given little responsibility, thus their values and aims are different than their forebears. Along with loving discipline, all children need to have a good example to follow. Both of these are provided by conscientious parents. In Proverbs 22:6, we read, "Teach a child how he should live, and he will remember it all of his life."
Sigmund Freud (87/05/06)
To analyze something means to separate it into smaller parts for more careful study. We may analyze problems, things or people. The prefix "psych" or "psycho" refers to the mind, so "psychoanalysis" is an analytic technique to investigate mental processes. This technique was originated by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian psychiatrist, who was born 131 years ago today. Freud wrote: "Look into the depths of your own soul and learn first to know yourself, then you will understand why this illness was bound to come upon you and perhaps you will thenceforth avoid falling ill." The theories and methods used by Freud have been challenged, rejected and revised by various psychologists but he remains a key figure in the history of treating mental disorders. In 1933, following a public burning of his books in Berlin, he wrote, "What progress we are making. In the Middle Ages they would have burned me. Now they are content to burn my books." Freud also wrote that, "The idea of life having a purpose stands and falls with the religious system." I agree that it is only through a healthy faith that people are able to find a satisfying purpose in life. The Bible teaches that human satisfaction is found through a loving relationship with God, our Creator, and with our fellow human beings.
"Woman cleans up on U. K. Pools" (87/05/07)
The headline of a newspaper article read: "Woman cleans up on U. K. Pools". Can you understand it? The word "pool" has various meanings. It may mean a swimming pool, but a "pool room" is not a room in which there is such a pool. In a pool room, there is a pool table on which a game called pool is played. Pool may also refer to a grouping of resources for the common advantage of the participants. People going to the same place may join a car pool, going together in one car instead of using many cars. But this article was referring to yet another kind of pool, in which bets are placed on the outcome of sporting events. The bets are pooled and then paid out to the winners. "Clean up", as an informal expression, means to make a large profit and the article told of a housewife who placed a 1.20 wager on the outcome of British soccer games. Since her predictions came true, she won the jackpot of 1,032,088, so we can say she really cleaned up. Another meaning of "clean up" is to make something clean. In Matthew 23:25, Jesus spoke of hypocrites who clean only the outside of things while the inside remains dirty. He taught that it is more important to clean up our minds than to cleanse our bodies.
The Red Cross (87/05/08)
The Red Cross is an international organization which aims to alleviate human suffering and to promote public health. There are national Red Cross societies throughout the world having millions of members. Today is World Red Cross Day, commemorating the birthday of the Swiss philanthropist who was responsible for its founding. Jean Henry Dunant was born on May 8, 1828. In 1862, Dunant published an account of the terrible suffering of wounded soldiers on a battlefield in the Italian War and urged the formation of voluntary aid societies for the relief of such war victims. As a result, the Red Cross came into existence. In 1901, Dunant was a recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The Red Cross symbol is identical to the Swiss national flag except that the colors are reversed. The cross has a special significance to Christians, for whom it is a symbol of the self-giving love of God that has no limits. The ministry of the Red Cross may be an expression of that love of God to suffering people. You may receive a weekly printed copy of these daily telephone messages by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥30 in stamps to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Rakugo in English (87/05/09)
Rakugo is a form of comic monologue performed by a kimono-clad storyteller who uses a variety of vocal and facial expressions in his narration of a drama dealing with the joys and sorrows of common people. The dictionary gives the English translation as "a comic story, a story ending in a joke". Because there is an ochi in the story, it is called rakugo. Do you think English-speaking people can enjoy rakugo? A 45-year-old storyteller from Osaka, Shijaku Katsura, has decided to find out. Since enrolling in an English conversation school, he began translating some of his stories into English. He now has eight English pieces in his repertoire which he plans to use during a trip to the United States and Canada next month. He is scheduled to perform in Honolulu, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Since there are many Japanese residents of those cities, at least they will be able to enjoy his performances. One of his original pieces, entitled "Robot Shizuka-chan", which satirizes talking dolls and machines, will appear in an English language textbook for Japanese senior high school students next spring. According to the famous comedian, Charlie Chaplin, laughter is "the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain."
Mother's Day (87/05/10)
This second Sunday of May is celebrated in many countries as Mother's Day. The first such observance took place 79 years ago in a church in Philadelphia, on May 10, 1908. Within a few years, Mother's Day services were held in churches throughout the country. For some reason, the apostrophe in "Mother's Day" is placed before the "s" instead of after it. I presume it is to call attention to each mother in particular rather than to mothers in general. In the Second Letter to Timothy, chapter 1, the Apostle Paul refers to the faith of Timothy's grandmother Lois and of his mother Eunice which had also been transmitted to Timothy. Certainly, the faith which is seen in the life of mother and grandmother has a long-lasting effect in the lives of their children and grandchildren. A 19th century American preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, has written, "What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin." Mothers have a great responsibility in providing a good influence on their children throughout their lives. Although the Bible often refers to God as our Father, in Isaiah 66:13, the Lord says, "I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child." All of us should remember with thanksgiving the love and care given to us by our mothers and by our Creator, on this day and always.
Minnesota (87/05/11)
129 years ago today, the number of states in the U. S. A. increased to 32 with the admission of Minnesota. The name of this state comes from Sioux Indian words literally meaning "sky-tinted water", which may refer either to "sky-blue water" or to "cloudy water". The largest city in the state is Minneapolis. This name is a combination of the Sioux word for "water" with the Greek word for "city". In a public park in the southeastern part of this city is a 15-meter high waterfall called Minnehaha Falls. What do you think this word means? It means "laughing water" and was made famous in the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, entitled "The Song of Hiawatha". Water is one of the great resources of Minnesota, which is said to have over 11,000 lakes. According to the Gospel of John, chapter 4, Jesus gives life-giving water to thirsty people.
Studded tires in Sapporo (87/05/12)
One meaning of the word "stud" is a nail head or rivet slightly projecting from a surface. In recent years, tires for use on roads covered with snow have contained metal studs to give better traction. However, when these studded tires are used on bare paved roads, they shave fine particles off the road surface, creating air pollution. Last month, the Sapporo city government banned studded tires within the city. During a three week period, the city offered to remove studs from snow tires without charge. Some 10,000 car owners took advantage of this offer and over 3 1/2 million studs were collected by the city government. It has now decided to build a space shuttle monument with these snow tire studs, hoping that other drivers will be encouraged to quit using such tires. Air pollution caused by snow tires is an example of how the solution to one problem may create another and we are forced to choose which problem is greater. In this imperfect world, we often must make a choice between the lesser of two evils. At such a time, on what basis do we make our decision? For the Christian, the standard of judgment is the character and will of God we find in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ in particular.
My trip to America (87/05/13)
Today's message will consist of personal information and announcements. My wife and I plan to make a trip to our American homeland this summer. We expect to be gone from Japan from mid-June to mid-August. I am now pre-taping the telephone messages which will continue to be transmitted during our absence. However, during that period, weekly printed copies of messages will not be sent out. That service will be continued following our return. Before leaving Japan, we plan to move into an old Japanese house, a few minutes away from our present residence, that is now undergoing repairs and remodeling. We are thankful for the suggestions regarding possible houses made by some listeners following my request a couple of months ago. On Sunday afternoon, May 31st, we plan to hold another meeting of listeners at the Nagoya Geijutsu Sōzō Senta-. At that time, I would like to hear your impressions of this "Daily Word" telephone service, what use you make of it, how it has been helpful to you and what suggestions you have to improve it. If you can do so, please write a short essay giving your view of this service and its value which I can show church leaders in the United States so they also can make a judgment regarding its benefit and whether or not it is worth continuing.
Paraguay (87/05/14)
Coins commonly have an obverse side and a reverse side. "Obverse", from a Latin word meaning to turn toward, refers to the principal side of the coin. In America, the obverse of the coin is the side which contains the figure of a head while in Japan, I presume it is the side which contains the numerical value of the coin. The opposite side is the "reverse", from a Latin word meaning to turn back. Among the national flags of the world, only one has a different obverse and reverse. It is the flag of Paraguay, which has a red, white and blue stripe on both sides, but on the obverse, the white stripe contains the national coat of arms while on the reverse, there is a lion with the inscription Pazy Justicia, "Peace and Justice". Today is the Paraguayan Independence Day, commemorating its declaration of Independence from Spain on May 14, 1811. Paraguay is one of two landlocked countries in South America. A little larger than Japan in area, Paraguay has a population of less than four million. Its motto, "Peace and Justice", is a good one and should be the aim of all civilized nations. In Isaiah 32: 16-17, the prophet looks forward to a golden age of peace, which, he says, will come as the result of justice.
A handicapped youth's death (87/05/15)
Sonomi Hara was born in a small town in Gifu Prefecture in January 1961. From birth she suffered from an abnormal condition known as hydrocephalus, in which an accumulation of fluid causes severe headaches due to pressure on the brain. At the age of three, she became blind. Despite her physical handicaps, she kept her bright disposition and indomitable spirit. After graduation from junior high school, she became a scholarship student at NHK Gakuen High School, studying English, French and German and corresponded with an American pen pal. She also played the piano and even composed musical pieces of her own. Eight years ago she passed away, three months before her 19th birthday. Last week, a factual account of her life during her junior and senior high school days was published as a supplementary reader for senior high school English classes. This easy-to-read, interesting, 84-page book, entitled Snow Angel, is the work of ten Gifu teachers of English who were deeply impressed by her extraordinary character. They hope her example will prove an inspiration to readers. In learning to speak a foreign language or to live truly meaningful life, a good example is of great importance.
"'Big Apple' losing front-office shine" (87/05/16)
A couple of weeks ago, I read a newspaper article headlined: "'Big Apple' losing front-office shine" . Can you understand its meaning? The "front-office" is the executive office of an organization and "shining" or "polishing" apples adds to their beauty. A slang expression, "polish the apple", means to try to win favor by flattery or by doing things that will win the approval of another. Some students become apple polishers to get better grades and an employee may polish the apple to gain special recognition from his boss. But, what is the "Big Apple"? This is an Americanism referring to New York City. In the 1930s, the Big Apple was the name of a popular dance and somehow this term came to be applied to the "Big Town" of New York. The above-mentioned article noted that some major corporation headquarters were moving out of New York because of the rising value of real estate. Cities or towns that once were attractive and shining may change their character and deteriorate due to various factors. The same thing may happen to countries, companies and even to individuals, including prime ministers and presidential candidates. The way to keep an outward "shine" is by maintaining a firm moral character within.
Righteouness (87/05/17)
There are three English homonyms pronounced "rait". The verb, spelled w-r-i-t-e, refers to inscribing words. The noun spelled r-i-t-e refers to a kind of ceremony. But the word spelled r-i-g-h-t has over a dozen meanings each as an adjective, a noun and an adverb. From this word come the words "righteous" and "righteousness" in reference to those who conform to the standards of what is right and just. These words are often used in a religious sense. My sermon today, from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 51, verses 1-8, is about the character of God, which in older English versions was translated as "righteousness". Modern English versions use such words as "integrity", "deliverance" and "saving power". This word is translated into Japanese as gi, for which my Japanese-English dictionary gives 20 different English translations. "Righteousness" is one of the basic characteristics of the Biblical God. It is also a quality that God requires of human beings. The Chinese character for gi is made up of the character for "sheep" over that for "self" and the Christian understanding of how to attain the kind of righteousness that God requires is through the mediation of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
St. Eric of Sweden (87/05/18)
If you ever meet a man named Eric, chances are great that either he or his ancestors came from northern Europe for Eric is a popular name in Scandinavian countries. There have been a number of kings of Sweden named Eric, which means "kingly". King Eric IX led a crusade to Finland. It is said that he "converted the Finns to Christianity by the sword", but this kind of "conversion" cannot be considered genuine. Rather, any forced conversion is completely contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, soon after Eric's assassination by a pagan Danish prince in 1160, he began to be revered as a saint. He became the patron saint of Sweden and today is the feast day of St. Eric. In the New Testament, the term "saint" is not limited to special people. It is the common term for all believers in Christ who have been purified by his Spirit.
A man in coma who recovered (87/05/19)
The English word "coma", from a Greek word meaning "deep sleep", refers to a state of prolonged unconsciousness which is usually the result of injury, disease or poison. People may remain in a coma for months or even years and some comatose patients never recover. A recent newspaper article told of Fred Dugan of Ontario, California, who fell into a coma and was hospitalized. His relatives did not think the 76-year-old man would recover, but he surprised them and returned to consciousness. Three weeks ago, following his discharge from the convalescent home however, he was the one who was surprised when he returned to his home. His two-bedroom cottage was almost completely empty. All that was left in it were a few old chairs, an electric organ and a television set. All the rest of his possessions had been sold by his relatives who never expected him to get out of the hospital. In the 5th chapter of the Gospel of Mark is the story of Jesus visiting the home of a 12-year-old girl whose relatives thought she was dead. Jesus took her by the hand and brought her back to consciousness. The hearts of some people today seem to be dead and need the touch of God's loving hand to raise them to a new, abundant life.
Cameroon (87/05/20)
Today is a national holiday in the United Republic of Cameroon. This country, located on the west coast of central Africa, has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and shares land borders with six other nations. Its name comes from the Portuguese word for shrimp or prawn for many of these sea animals were found there by early navigators. For centuries, the Cameroon coast was a regular source of supply for the slave trade of European nations. The area has been ruled by Germany, Britain and France, but the French Cameroon became an independent republic in 1960. Later, it was joined by part of the British Cameroon, becoming a federal republic, having two separate states. On May 20, 1972, 15 years ago today, a new constitution was ratified, abolishing the separate states and establishing a united republic. The area of Cameroon is about 20 percent larger than that of Japan. It has a population of 9 million people from over 200 tribes speaking 24 different languages. The Cameroon flag has green, red and yellow bars with a yellow star in the center. In the Bible, a star is a symbol of divine light and guidance and Jesus Christ is called the "bright morning star" [Revelation 22:16).
Children (87/05/21)
Two recent articles regarding children in Japan attracted my attention. One was a statistical report indicating that the number of Japanese children under age 15 dropped more than half a million last year when 1.38 million children were born, the lowest number of yearly births since the end of the war. Before the war, children represented some 36 percent of the population but that ratio has now shrunk to a record low of 20.6 percent. The other article concerned a guide published by the Ministry of Education for parents of children in the lower elementary grades. It indicated that children these days are not good in developing human relations and encouraged parents to let their children engage in kenka, for which my dictionary gives the following translations: quarrel, dispute, altercation, wrangle, brawl, squabble, row, disagreement, dissension, feud, fight, scuffle, fray, strife and free-for-all. Learning how to handle disagreements requires personal experience and this learning process continues throughout our lives. The Bible teaches that qualities needed to improve human relationships are: humility, respect for others and self-giving love.
Conan Doyle (87/05/22)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes are a series of clever and popular detective stories in which the hero, a private detective, uses his extraordinary scientific knowledge and unusual powers of reasoning to solve many baffling mysteries of criminal cases. The stories are told by Holmes's friend and companion, Dr. Watson. Although some people may think of Mr. Holmes as an historical character, actually he was the fictional creation of a British physician turned novelist who was born 128 years ago today. Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and received a medical degree in 1881. His medical practice was not so successful and he began writing in his spare time. His first Sherlock Holmes story appeared in 1887, three years before he abandoned his medical practice. In 1900, he was knighted for writing patriotic pamphlets during the Boer War. In his later years, Doyle became an advocate of spiritualism, the belief that it is possible to communicate with the spirits of those who have died, and lectured on this subject. In The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, "it has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important."
Prison products (87/05/23)
On the getabako in the genkan of our house stands a 35 cm. tall figure made from a single block of wood. It is an Ainu mascot, called a nipopo, meaning small wooden child. It was made in the Abashiri Prison and presented to us by our landlord who lives in that city. It is one example of traditional craftwork being produced by prison inmates around the country. A prison industry corporation recently reported that over 3/4 of the 55,000 inmates in Japan's 74 prisons are engaged in producing articles for sale as a part of their rehabilitation process. Sales of such items amounted to ¥12 billion last year, even though the aim is not to make a profit. The particular type of product depends on the district where the prison is located and the traditional craftwork of that area: Ainu dolls in Hokkaidō, tansu in Miyagi, traditional tops in Himeji, mikoshi in Toyama and Hiroshima and textiles featuring bingata cut stencil designs in Okinawa. Because of their low price and the present popularity of traditional items, prison workshops are busy these days. Some kind of productive activity is needed to make life meaningful.
Spiritual peace (87/05/24)
Thomas Jefferson, who became the third president of the United States of America, was a rich landowner who lived in a beautiful mansion. However, in a personal letter to a Mrs. Marks, written in 1788, he wrote, "It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation, that give happiness." Many poor people think that riches bring happiness, but many rich people know better. Happiness does not necessarily accompany wealth and splendor. In fact, riches may actually bring increased worry and mental anguish. On the other hand, the person with a peaceful spirit may find happiness in the midst of difficulties. In the 5th chapter of his Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul wrote that a person can gain spiritual peace--peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The one who has this inner peace of mind is able to rejoice even in suffering and in times of trouble because of his or her faith that some good purpose of God, our Father, is being accomplished through all experiences of life. The title of my sermon today is "Always be joyful". However, true joy cannot be produced by self-effort. It is a gift of God that comes through a healthy faith. I pray that you also may know that inner peace which brings joy.
A happy day (87/05/25)
Today is a national holiday in many different countries. In the U.S., it is Memorial Day, honoring those who died in the service of their country. In Jordan, it is independence Day, commemorating the end of British rule and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy on May 25, 1946. In the African nations of Chad, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is Africa Liberation Day, celebrating freedom from colonial rule. In Equatorial Guinea, the Organization of African Unity, created by 30 African leaders on May 25, 1963, is commemorated. The Sudanese Revolution Day Commemorates the establishment of a Revolutionary Council on May 25, 1969. Before I could decide which of these holidays to talk about, my time has run out, but in Christian thought, every day is a day to celebrate the goodness of God so I hope today is a happy day for you.
Anti-Semitism in Japan (87/05/26)
Elie Wiesel was born into a Jewish family in Romania 58 years ago. His parents and a sister died in German concentration camps and he himself survived internment in the camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald. He is now a naturalized American citizen and a human rights activist. Last year, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and last week, he gave a speech at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Japan Advertising Council in Tokyo. In that speech, he acknowledged Japanese successes in the fields of industry, technology and business, but he asked the rhetorical question, "Why don't you reach higher? Why don't you go into other fields . . . of spiritual values and of human rights?" He also made a plea to Japanese intellectuals to speak out against the growing anti-Semitism in Japan which is reflected in the popularity of recent books describing Jewish conspiracies to run the world and ruin the Japanese economy. He called on Japan to protest against violations of human rights and human dignity wherever they occur. I believe that his words should be taken seriously by all conscientious Japanese and by the rest of the world as well. If we are not concerned about the rights of others, we show a lack of understanding of the responsibility which accompanies the rights which we enjoy.
Snoring (87/05/27)
Do you know the difference between snorting and snoring? A snort is the rough, noisy sound made by breathing forcefully through the nostrils as a horse does. A snore is a similar noise made while sleeping. At the Sleep Institute Conference in Tokushima this week, a report was made on the relationship between snoring and high blood pressure, or hypertension. A study made by a doctor at Akita University shows that many more people who regularly snore loudly have more high blood pressure than those who do not. This doctor considers snoring a major factor in causing hypertension. Sleeping soundly, however, does not refer to snoring. In this case, "sound" does not mean noise. It refers to something wholesome. Sleeping soundly is to enjoy a deep and undisturbed slumber. In Proverbs 3:24, we read that the person who has a sound mind that is centered on sound thoughts will sleep soundly. On Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the Nagoya City Geijutsu Sōzō Center, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. At that time, I hope to hear or read your comments and suggestions regarding this telephone service which I can take with me when I visit the United States this summer.
Prime Minister William Pitt (87/05/28)
An election campaign is now under way in Great Britain and Prime Minister Thatcher is expected to be elected to an unprecedented third term. The British custom of holding a general election to "appeal to the country" was begun by Prime Minister William Pitt, who was born 228 years ago today. His father, who had the same name, had previously served as prime minister. In 1783, the younger William Pitt became the youngest prime minister in British history at the age of 24. Pitt was considered a liberal Tory, which sounds a bit strange because Tories are considered conservative, but it may not sound so strange in Japan where the conservative party is called the Liberal Democratic Party. Among William Pitt's memorable quotations are the following: "Where the law ends, there tyranny begins." "Necessity is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." A meeting of listeners to these telephone messages will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Geijutsu Sōzō Center, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. My wife and I hope to meet you there and to hear your comments about this telephone service. I hope some of you will write down your impressions for me to take back to the U.S. this summer to show our supporting churches there the value of this service and why it should be continued.
Wisconsin (87/05/29)
There are now 50 states in the United States of America. The names of 26 of those states came from native Indian words, but we are not sure of the meanings of some of those names. 139 years ago today, on May 29, 1848, one such state was officially admitted to the Union as the 30th state. This state ranks 26th in area, 16th in population and is located in the north-central part of the country between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Do you know its name? It is nicknamed the Badger State. Its capital is Madison and the state motto is "Forward". Since my hometown is located just five kilometers south of the state boundary, I have often visited that state, which is named Wisconsin. It is thought that the name means "grassy place". According to the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus performed a miracle in a grassy place where a multitude of people were told to sit on the grass. Jesus provided food for them from a few loaves and fish that a boy had brought. So God can make abundant use of the little bit we offer to him. My wife and I hope to meet you at the "Daily Word" listeners' meeting on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Geijutsu Sōzō Senta-, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. Please join us there if you can.
Returnees finding jobs in Japan (87/05/02)
Sacrifices (87/05/03)
Laughter (87/05/04)
Children's Day (87/05/05)
Sigmund Freud (87/05/06)
"Woman cleans up on U. K. Pools" (87/05/07)
The Red Cross (87/05/08)
Rakugo in English (87/05/09)
Mother's Day (87/05/10)
Minnesota (87/05/11)
Studded tires in Sapporo (87/05/12)
My trip to America (87/05/13)
Paraguay (87/05/14)
A handicapped youth's death (87/05/15)
"'Big Apple' losing front-office shine" (87/05/16)
Righteouness (87/05/17)
St. Eric of Sweden (87/05/18)
A man in coma who recovered (87/05/19)
Cameroon (87/05/20)
Children (87/05/21)
Conan Doyle (87/05/22)
Prison products (87/05/23)
Spiritual peace (87/05/24)
A happy day (87/05/25)
Anti-Semitism in Japan (87/05/26)
Snoring (87/05/27)
Prime Minister William Pitt (87/05/28)
Wisconsin (87/05/29)
The Divine Comedy (87/05/30)
Letter to Titus (87/05/31)
May (87/05/01)