Toastmistress Club (83/06/01)
Did you have any toast for breakfast this morning? Toast is a slice of bread that has been browned by heat, that is, toasted. Because pieces of spiced toast were used to flavor the wine which was drunk to honor someone, the drink itself was called a toast. The proposal to honor someone in that way may also be called a toast. Thus, a toastmaster originally was the person who proposed toasts at a banquet, but now it refers to any man who presides at a formal dinner. If a woman presides, she may be called a toastmistress. In 1938, a club to train women in communication and leadership skills was organized in the United States. It now has clubs in all 50 states and in 20 other areas of the world. It is called the Toastmistress Club. The 1st Regional Conference of Japanese Toastmistress Clubs was held this week in Nagoya. Improving the ability to communicate is an important element in increasing genuine understanding between people. At the same time, we need to improve our communication link with the living God who also has spoken to us. What answer have we given to him? This is "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
Corpus Christi (83/06/02)
A year or two ago, a minor furor occurred in the United States over the naming of a new ship. The Navy planned to name it Corpus Christi but there was a vigorous protest. Corpus Christi is a Latin term meaning "Body of Christ". But why would the Navy want to give such a name to a ship designed for warfare? Because naval ships are often named after American cities and there is a city in Texas with this name. But why was this city given such a name? Because it is on a bay of the Gulf of Mexico called Corpus Christi Bay. Any why was this bay so named? Because it was discovered by a Spanish explorer on Corpus Christi Day in the year 1519. In the Roman Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Day, commemorating the institution of the mass, has been observed since 1264 on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday, which is today this year. My own opinion is that Corpus Christi is not a good name for a naval ship, nor for a city, nor for a bay either for that matter. In the New Testament, the church is referred to as "the body of Christ" in which all the members work together for the common purpose of accomplishing Christ's will in the world. Are you a part of that body?
June bride (83/06/03)
In Japan, the month of June may be associated with rain and planting rice, but in the United States is associated with pleasant, warm weather, school graduation and weddings. Picnics and other outings are held in June. The school year traditionally begins the 1st week of September and ends the 1st part of June. And this is also the month when June brides make their appearance. It is said that June was named for Juno, the wife of Jupiter. In Roman mythology, Juno was the guardian of women and played a leading role in fostering marriages. Roman women thought that June was the most favorable month for marrying and its popularity as a marriage month has survived through the centuries. My wife was married in June and, as a matter of fact, so was I. The Old Testament book of Ruth tells the story of how a Gentile girl got married to a Jewish man and, thus became the great grandmother of King David. It is an interesting story, reflecting the customs of thousands of years ago. You'd probably enjoy reading it. If you wish to receive a copy of this week's telephone messages, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
The Liberty Bell (83/06/04)
One of the historic sites of the city of Hakodate is the old Russian Orthodox Church located there. The church has a bell tower and has used 4 different bells since it was erected. Now, the 4th bell has cracked and is no longer usable so a new bell is being provided by a factory in Mie Prefecture. Hearing this bit of news yesterday, I was reminded of a famous American cracked bell called the Liberty Bell. This bell was ordered from London in 1752 by the Pennsylvania Assembly to commemorate the state's 50 years of religious freedom under William Penn's Charter of Liberties. It cracked while being tested after its arrival in America, but was melted and recast and then hung in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House. It was rung on many historic occasions, but it cracked again in 1835 while tolling the death of Chief Justice John Marshall. This historic bell is now on display in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. On the bell are inscribed these words from Leviticus 25:10: "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." The Gospel of Christ is a proclamation of liberty to those who are in bondage.
Nazareth (83/06/05)
Nazareth is the name of the town in Palestine where Jesus was raised. It was a place with a poor reputation. It is recorded in the Gospel according to John, chapter 1, verse 46, that when Nathanael heard that Jesus came from Nazareth, he asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Nazareth is also the name of a small college in the suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan in the United States. A few days ago, a picture taken in the cafeteria of that college appeared in a Japanese newspaper. It showed a 91 year-old lady eating at the table with young college students. This lady is a resident of one of the student dormitories on the campus. This dormitory previously had many vacant rooms but now, with the help of government funds, it has been made into apartments for low-income, elderly persons. There are 80 such persons living there at present and many of them enjoy having lunch with the college coeds in the cafeteria. This program, which must be having a positive influence on the lives of these older people, is proving once again that, "Yes, something good can come from Nazareth!"
Y.M.C.A. (83/06/06)
George Williams was born in a rural area of England in 1821. At the age of 15, he left his farm home to work in London. He was one of many young people who migrated from rural to urban areas as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Since there were few opportunities for healthy recreation or intellectual stimulation in the cities of that day, many youths who were separated from their families were drawn into gambling halls, saloons and brothels. From his own experience, George Williams knew the problems and temptations of young workers and, along with 11 like-minded men, on June 6, 1844, he organized the Young Men's Christian Association. From that simple beginning, 139 years ago today, the Y. M.C.A. movement has spread around the world and now includes some 23,000,000 members in 90 countries. Along with the Y.W.C.A., founded 11 years later, it offers enriching programs for body, mind and spirit, not only for young people but for all ages, not only for Christians but for all who agree with its principles and wish to participate in its activities. A Christian spirit is at the heart of many programs for social improvement.
Old Traditions (83/06/07)
Japan is usually thought of as being conservative and intent upon maintaining its tradition while the United States is considered modern and open to new methods. However, in regard to measurement systems, the opposite is true. When I came to Japan in 1951, I bought meat measured in momme and bread by the kin. Length was measured with shaku and area by tsubo. Then, suddenly, the following year on June 7, 1952, 31 years ago today, the metric system was put into effect, with its grams, liters and meters. The United States still uses pounds and gallons, inches, feet and miles, although a law was passed in 1866 making it lawful to employ the weights and measures of the metric system throughout the country. In 1971, the Secretary of Commerce recommended a gradual changeover to the metric system during the next 10 years, at the end of which the U.S. would be predominately on the new system. But it hasn't worked out that way. How do you explain the Japanese character of accepting rapid change and modernization in some areas but holding on to old traditions in others? That's the theme for this week's essays. Send them for correction and publication to "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
Frank Lloyd Wright (83/06/08)
The root form "arch", spelled a-r-c-h, comes from a Greek word meaning ruler or chief. We find this root in many English words such as archbishop, patriarch, monarch and architect. An architect, literally a chief worker, is a person who designs buildings. He is a specialist in architecture. John Ruskin has written that "No person who is not a great sculptor or painter can be an architect. If he is not a sculptor or painter, he can only be a builder." Today is the birthday of one of the most famous of modern architects. He designed the only large structure in Tokyo to withstand the Great Earthquake of 1923. That structure, of course, was the Imperial Hotel, and the architect was Frank Lloyd Wright. He was born on June 8, 1869 in Richland Center, Wisconsin. He was interested in architecture from his youth and, by the time he died at the age of 89, he had designed over 600 completed buildings. He emphasized "organic architecture" in which buildings harmonize with their users and their surroundings. The Bible teaches that there was a divine Architect behind the harmonious structure of this universe who revealed himself and his purpose in Jesus Christ.
Ishidōrō (83/06/09)
One of the symbolic objects that foreigners associate with Japan is the traditional Japanese lantern. Japanese lanterns are not all made of thin paper and easy to carry. Some are made of heavy stone and are erected on the grounds of temples and shrines as well as in private gardens. These ishidōrō, literally meaning stone lamp cages, originated in China as lighting devices for Buddhist temple grounds. They have distinct divisions from top to bottom that are said to relate to sky, wind, fire, water and ground. In Japan, they are now used as decorations more than for light. In response to a request from the mayor of Sydney, Australia, Nagoya's sister city, 5 stone lanterns are being shipped to that city for placing in a Japanese garden area of the Royal Botanical Gardens. They were made in Okazaki City by a traditional artisan at a cost of ¥1,890,000. They will be shipped next week from the Port of Nagoya and are expected to be set in the garden the first part of August. These lanterns are both beautiful and usable as light bearers. Our lives should be like that also: beautiful instruments through which God's light shines.
Time (83/06/10)
In Japan, today is called toki no kinenbi, literally time memorial day. It was established in 1920. June 10 in the year 660 is said to be the day the 1st clock, a water clock, was used in Japan. In English word "time" comes from a root meaning to part or to divide up. The same root is at the base of "tide", so in the proverb, "time and tide wait for no man", both of these words have the same basic meaning. The Chinese character for "time" is made up of a sun and a temple. Originally, this character probably referred to the 4 seasons of the year that are related to the sun. In the Greek New Testament, there are 3 different words for "time". Chronos, from which we get such words as chronicle and chronology, refers to time in general. Hōra, from which we get the word hour, refers to a definite period of time or a season. But the more important word is kairos, which means a particularly suitable time, an opportunity. There is an English expression that "time flies" and a Japanese expression compares time to an arrow. Because our time is limited, we are told in Ephesians 5:16 to make the most of the time and opportunities that God gives us.
The rainy season (83/06/11)
According to the Japanese almanac, the rainy season is scheduled to begin this evening at 8:51. I'm not sure how such a precise calculation is made, but I think it may prove incorrect today. Many countries of the world have dry seasons and rainy seasons, but in Japan, the rainy season is given the more colorful name of ōbaiu. This may be translated "plum rain", which is the name that came from China because plums get ripe there during this season. However, using another Chinese character produces the meaning of "mildew rain", for this rainy season gives rise to mold as well as to plums. Which character we use may depend upon whether we have positive or negative feelings about the season. Anyway, the same rain can produce quite different results. In our lives also, the very same experiences may produce quite different results depending upon our attitudes or faith. The New Testament Letter of James teaches that even our trials can produce good results. You may receive a typewritten copy of this week's "Daily Word" messages by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: "Daily Word", post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Ramadan (83/06/12)
The calendar used in Islamic countries and followed by Muslims around the world is a lunar calendar divided into 12 months, 6 of which have 29 days and the other 6 having 30 days. The 9th month, called Ramadan, the month in which the 1st revelation of the Quran came to Muhammed, is now observed as a month of fasting. In the Islamic calendar, that month begins today, so for the next 30 days Muslims are prohibited from eating anything, drinking anything and having sexual relations during daylight hours. Sick people and travellers are exempted from these rules but are expected to obey them at another time. The purpose of this abstinence is not to express sorrow for sins nor to appease the wrath of an angry God, but to train the believer in self-discipline and scrupulous obedience as well as to heighten spiritual perception. In Matthew, chapter 6, Jesus warned his disciples against fasting in order to show off one's piety and in Isaiah, chapter 58, an Old Testament prophet wrote that the kind of fasting God desires is concrete action against injustice and oppression and for liberation and social betterment.
E Pluribus Unum (83/06/13)
In area, the United States is almost 25 times as large as Japan. Its population, a little less than twice that of Japan, is composed of a great mixture of racial and national backgrounds. A recent Census Bureau report indicates that 45 1/2 million Americans, more than the total population of England, list themselves as of English descent. Almost the same number profess to be of German lineage. Some 40 million Americans, 12 times the population of Ireland, claim Irish descent. (Incidentally, my wife is of mixed English, German and Irish descent, but mostly English, and I have a bit of English blood in me but am basically German.) The next largest ethnic group is the 21 million Afro-Americans, with French, Italian, Scottish, Polish, Mexican, American Indian and Dutch descendents following in that order. A motto of the United States that is inscribed on many American coins is the Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum, meaning "out of many, one". Variety within unity is an American ideal. It is also a Christian ideal as people of many different traditions are united in a common faith.
The rainy season (83/06/14)
Hebrew names, like Japanese names, have meanings. The name Ezekiel means "God strengthens". Ezekiel was the name of a Hebrew prophet. The Old Testament book in which his prophetic writings are contained is also called Ezekiel. In the last half of chapter 34 of that book is given a picture of the future age. Included in this prophetic vision is the promise that God will send showers down upon the earth to cause it to bring forth fruit. These showers are called "showers of blessing". Japan is now in the rainy season when there are frequent showers. People have different attitudes toward this rainy season. It may be considered either a blessing or a nuisance. What are your thoughts about rain and the rainy season? That is the theme for this week's essays. If you send me a short essay on this subject, I will correct it for publication in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, to be published the end of next month. My address is: "Daily Word", Post office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. I pray that God will send his showers of blessing upon you.
Rabu hoteru (83/06/15)
Recently, Japanese newspapers have carried a number of articles regarding community opposition to the construction of a rabu hoteru in Nagoya. What is this strange building that people are so opposed to? Rabu is the Japanese transliteration of the English word lab, spelled l-a-b, which is the abbreviation of laboratory. However, a rabu hoteru doesn't have a lab in it. Rub, spelled r-u-b, is what a masseur does when he gives a massage, but that also is not related to a rabu hoteru. That leaves the English word love, spelled l-o-v-e, but to call such a structure a "love hotel" is a prostitution of the word "love" and a misuse of the word "hotel". (In this case, prostitution means debasement or corruption.) It is a travesty that the word "love" has been debased into a synonym for selfish sexual passion. Agape, the Greek word for love in the New Testament, refers to a completely selfless quality of active concern for others which was seen in the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. The cross of Christ is a symbol of the infinite love of God for all people, including you!
Discipline in a yaching school (83/06/16)
During the past few days, a certain yachting school, well-known for its Spartan education, has been in the news. "Yacht" is one of many English words with unnecessary letters which defy simple pronunciation rules. It is spelled y-a-c-h-t and comes from a Dutch word meaning to chase or hunt. Originally it referred to a ship used in hunting or chasing pirates. Until I came to Japan, I had always thought of a yacht as a luxurious pleasure ship used by rich people. However, the yachts of this yachting school are very simple sailboats used in racing. Sparta was a city in ancient Greece, famous for the rigorous training of its male population, all of whom became soldiers. At 7 years of age, a boy was taken from his mother to begin the disciplined military training that made him into a stoic soldier at 20. The training given by Mr. Totsuka and his assistants seems to have exceeded the limits of common sense at times, resulting in the deaths and disappearances of some boys. Discipline is good, but all extremes are bad--even extremes of that which is good. There is a saying that "the orange that is squeezed too hard yields a bitter juice."
The Capitol in Washington (83/06/17)
What do you think is the most famous building in the United States? Certainly one of the most famous buildings is the majestic, white-domed U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. When the word "capital" ends in a-l, it refers to something of chief importance--sometimes meaning money, but when the word ends in o-l, it refers to a particular building. The Capitol in Washington is the building in which the 2 houses of Congress assemble. The top of its dome is 91 meters above the ground. Several weeks ago, 16 large chunks of the original sandstone exterior of that building came tumbling down, showing that the 160 year-old building is wearing out. The British are blamed for the structural weakness of the building because they set fire to it before it was completed, during the War of 1812. Now, Congress is faced with the problem of whether to merely restore and preserve the West wall of the building or to rebuild and extend it. Arguments between the preservationists and expansionists will now be added to the other debates going on in Congress. Voltaire has written that "to preserve and renew is almost as noble as to create."
War Hawk (83/06/18)
These days it is common to use the word "hawk" to refer to a certain kind of politician, one who favors increased military might, a supporter of warlike policies. Actually, of course, a hawk is a bird of prey. It has short, rounded wings, a long tail, a hooked beak and long sharp claws. It first stuns its prey, then carries it off with its clawed feet and finally tears its flesh with its hooked bill. In recent years, the term "hawk" was first used to refer to the advisers of President Kennedy. who urged him to take a tough stance during the Cuban Missle Crisis of 1962. It then became a common term for the staunch supporters of the Vietnam War. It was Thomas Jeffersen, however, who coined the term "War Hawk" in 1798 in reference to those Federalists who advocated war with France. 171 years ago today; on June 18, 1812, the War Hawks were pleased when the U.S. declared war on Britain and the War of 1812 began. According to the Old Testament book of Leviticus, chapter 11, hawks are considered unclean, an abomination. This designation still fits today.
Father's Day (83/06/19)
This year, this 3rd Sunday in June falls on the 19th day of the month. It fell on that same day in the year 1910, 73 years ago, when the first Father's Day observance was held in the churches of Spokane, Washington in the United States on that day. The observance was sponsored by Spokane clergymen and the Y.M.C.A. It was a Mrs. Dodd who suggested having an annual Father's Day to honor all fathers. Her own father was a Civil War veteran whose wife died while giving birth to his 6th child. He raised these 5 sons and a daughter by himself and his daughter wanted to show her appreciation to him and to all fathers who are devoted to their families. Although this first Father's Day observance began only a couple of years after the first Mother's Day, it has never become as popular as the latter. The common figure used for God in the New Testament and in the Christian Church is "Father". To call the almighty, eternal God "Father" emphasizes his quality of loving concern along with his power. There is a deep meaning in those first words of the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father". If God is our Father, then we are his children and brothers and sisters of one another.
The Moutain State (83/06/20)
Today, June 20th, is a state holiday in one of the states of the U.S.A. That state is called the Mountain State, so in which part of the country do you think it is located? No, it's not a Rocky Mountain state, in the west. It is an eastern state, even though it is the only state with "West" in its name. Yes, it is West Virginia, the one state that resulted from the Civil War. The old state of Virginia was made up of two distinct areas that were quite different in many ways. When the eastern Virginians decided to secede from the Union and join the Southern Confederacy, western Virginians decided to secede from Virginia and remain in the Union. Thus, the state of West Virginia was born and admitted as the 35th state on June 20, 1863. The state motto is Montani, Semper Liberi, a Latin phrase meaning "Mountaineers Are Always Free". Actually, freedom does not depend upon where you live, but upon what you believe. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "the truth will make you free". Tomorrow evening at 6:30 at the City Kyōikukan in Sakae, we will be studying that Bible passage in our Japanese Bible Study. You are invited to attend.
Election Customs (83/06/21)
In the 1st chapter of the New Testament book of Acts, Jesus disciples selected the man to become an apostle by drawing lots after praying that God would show them his choice. An election campaign is now taking place in Japan. There are various differences between Japanese and American election customs. In Japan, sound cars roam the streets, calling out a candidate's name and requesting support. Do you think this method is effective? Do people decide to vote for a candidate because they hear his or her name repeated more often or louder than others? In America, we vote for as many candidates as there are positions to be filled from a particular district. That is, when 2 senators are to be elected from one state, each voter may vote for 2 of the candidates. If 4 representatives are to be chosen, we may vote for 4. The names of all political parties and candidates are written on the ballot, so the voter only makes a mark beside his choices, but in Japan the voter himself must write only one name on the ballot. What are your thoughts about elections in Japan? Send your essay for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes, to "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Sally Ride (83/06/22)
Sally is a feminine name, but as a common noun, "sally" may refer to an excursion or an unusual side trip. "Ride" may also refer to an excursion or journey using some vehicle, but Ride is also a surname. When these two names are put together, the result is Sally Ride, which is the name of the first American woman astronaut and she is now one of the five crew members on their trip into space in the space shuttle named Challenger II. This trip might be referred to as Sally's sally or Ride's ride. When she was a teenager, Sally Ride was a gifted tennis player. She was advised by Billie Jean King, one of the top professional women tennis players, to turn professional. However, Sally's mother says that Sally stopped playing tennis because she couldn't make the ball go just where she wanted it to. So she turned to science instead, which seemed more controllable than tennis. As a tennis player, I sympathize with her frustration, but that's life. There are things beyond the individual control of even the professional. And that's where the need for a healthy faith in God comes in, for he has all things under control.
Donkeys in Israel (83/06/23)
The French expression, double entendre, is also used in English. It refers to a word or expression with 2 meanings. Thus, it is similar to a pun, which is a humorous play on words. Recently, the Maaviv newspaper, published in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, used a double entendre in the headline of a story. The headline stated, "There Are Too Many Donkeys in Israel". What did the headline mean? Of course, a donkey is actually an animal resembling a small horse, but with longer ears and a different disposition. The story was about the government's refusal to issue a permit for the importing of 80,000 wild donkeys from southern Africa, where they were facing destruction. The Agriculture Minister stated that there are already enough donkeys in the country. However, donkey is also used to refer to a person regarded as stupid, foolish or obstinate, so the Minister's statement and the headline could also mean that there are too many stupid, obstinate people in Israel. There probably are--and in all other countries of the world as well. Shakespeare has written that "the fool thinks he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."
Midsummer Day (83/06/24)
One of William Shakespeare's famous plays is entitled A Midsummer Night's Dream. About what time of year would you consider to be "midsummer"? According to the Japanese lunar almanac, geshi, or the summer solstice, is midway between rikka and risshū, that is, the beginning of summer and the beginning of fall, so this is the real midsummer period. However, in the west, summer is considered to begin with the summer solstice around June 21st. Thus, this period should be considered the beginning of summer. Nevertheless, for many centuries, June 24th has been called Midsummer Day and, particular in the northern European countries of Scandinavia where the winter nights are so long, this midsummer season is a time of festivity. Visiting friends and relatives, feasting on traditional foods, singing folk songs and joining in folk dances are part of the celebration. American communities with a strong Scandinavian tradition also hold midsummer celebrations. In nature, summer is a time of light and warmth, a time of growth, development and fulfillment. With a healthy faith in God, the Creator and Source of light and life, it may be such a time in our lives also.
Custer Battlefield National Monument (83/06/25)
The word "monument" comes from a Latin word meaning to remind. In modern English, it usually refers to some structure such as a building or statue to honor the memory of someone. In America, however, the term "national monument" is used in a peculiar sense to refer to a natural geographic feature or an historic site maintained by the national government for public enjoyment. There are over 90 such national monuments scattered throughout the country. The only one in the state of Montana is called Custer Battlefield National Monument. It is the site of a famous battle between some thousands of Indians and some 200 U.S. cavalrymen under the command of Colonel George Custer, who ordered the ambitious attack. All of the U.S. soldiers were killed and later buried on this battlefield. This battle, which occurred 107 years ago today on June 25, 1876, is now referred to as "Custer's Last Stand". It is a famous event in American history and has been used as an example of loyally fighting to the end. Faithfulness unto death is a good ideal, but we must first make sure we are fighting on the side of justice and right.
Floating votes (83/06/26)
Today is election day in Japan, the first election under the new proportional representation system. 239 individuals are competing for 76 seats in the various election districts and 18 parties are competing on the national level to elect 50 representatives. 12 of these parties are so-called mini-parties that have been newly organized to compete in this election. In any election, the so-called floating votes are important. To float means to stay on the surface of a liquid or to drift in the air. A floating vote refers to the vote of a person without a strong preference for any particular party or candidate. Floating refers to something not firmly fixed or rooted. Our lower ribs are called floating ribs because they are not attached to the breastbone or to other ribs. However, floating or drifting is not a satisfactory way to go through life, for we need both roots and a definite purpose. In the 4th chapter of his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges his readers to be firmly rooted in their faith and not to be tossed by the waves nor blown by the shifting winds of the teaching of deceitful men. A firm foundation is necessary both for a sturdy building and a meaningful life.
Helen Keller (83/06/27)
Today, June 27th, is the birthday of that most famous blind and deaf American woman, Helen Keller. She was born a normal child in Alabama on this day in 1880. When she was 19 months old, a short illness left her both blind and deaf. Enveloped in darkness and silence, she became a wild, unruly child, but at the age of 6, a young lady was employed to be her teacher. She was 20 year old Annie Sullivan, who became Helen's eyes and ears and constant companion for the next 50 years. Through the wisdom, patience and love of Miss Sullivan, Helen's life was transformed. She learned to read and write and speak. She graduated from Radcliffe College with honors and spent her life seeking to improve the education, vocational training and living conditions of blind people throughout the world. Shortly before her death in 1968, at the age of 88, she remarked: "I believe that all through these dark and silent years God has been using my life for a purpose I do not know. But one day I shall understand and then I will be satisfied." The life of Helen Keller and the dedication of Annie Sullivan have been an inspiration to people of every nation.
"Ancestor-worship" in Japan (83/06/28)
It is our custom to hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages on the 5th Sundays of the month. The last meeting was held on May 29th and the next one will be held on July 31st. It is also customary for me to suggest a topic for listeners to write an essay on my Tuesday messages following such meetings. I correct the essays, which are then printed in the "Daily Word" Echoes issue prepared for the next meeting. Since there are only 2 months between meetings this time, today's topic will be the last one to be included in the next issue, but it is of special interest to me. I am now writing an article for an English periodical on so-called "ancestor worship" in Japan. I think many foreigners have a misconception about the reason for and meaning of Japanese rituals before home altars and the customary practices at graves. What are your views regarding the traditional observances related to so-called "ancestor worship"? What do you think their aim and basic significance is? How do they compare with or differ from the Christian worship of God? Your essay will help me in my research. Please sent it to: "Daily Word". Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Corpus Christi (83/06/02)
June bride (83/06/03)
The Liberty Bell (83/06/04)
Nazareth (83/06/05)
Y.M.C.A. (83/06/06)
Old Traditions (83/06/07)
Frank Lloyd Wright (83/06/08)
Ishidōrō (83/06/09)
Time (83/06/10)
The rainy season (83/06/11)
Ramadan (83/06/12)
E Pluribus Unum (83/06/13)
The rainy season (83/06/14)
Rabu hoteru (83/06/15)
Discipline in a yaching school (83/06/16)
The Capitol in Washington (83/06/17)
War Hawk (83/06/18)
Father's Day (83/06/19)
The Moutain State (83/06/20)
Election Customs (83/06/21)
Sally Ride (83/06/22)
Donkeys in Israel (83/06/23)
Midsummer Day (83/06/24)
Custer Battlefield National Monument (83/06/25)
Floating votes (83/06/26)
Helen Keller (83/06/27)
"Ancestor-worship" in Japan (83/06/28)
Mr. Shigechiyo Izumi (83/06/29)
Ballots rather than bullets (83/06/30)
Toastmistress Club (83/06/01)