Desegregated bus service (83/12/01)
The Reverend Martin Luther King was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He received it in 1964 at the age of 35 for his work in leading the struggle for racial equality in the United states through nonviolent demonstrations. King was the pastor of a Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and first gained world attention through a bus boycott in that city which began 28 years ago today, on December 1st, 1955. That was the day Mrs. Rosa Parks, a black woman, refused to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus and was fined $14. This resulted in a citywide bus boycott by Montgomery's 50,000 black residents. King became the leader of this peaceful campaign which lasted for 381 days and resulted in the bus company's loss of 65% of its usual income. In response to this boycott which drew national attention, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was unconstitutional and desegregated bus service began in December of 1956. The Montgomery Bus Boycott is an important milestone in the drive for civil rights for all people. Beautiful words of a constitution or of a Bible are of little value unless they are put into practice.
Cabbage Patch Kid (83/12/02)
The word "craze" refers to a temporary fashion or fad, a kind of mania which causes some people to go crazy. Newspapers report that a new craze is sweeping the U.S. as the Christmas shopping season begins. The object of this craze is a cute, rag doll called a "Cabbage Patch Kid". In answer to a child's question, "Where did I come from?", some parents jokingly answer, "I found you in the cabbage patch." These new Cabbage Patch Kids come with birth certificates, adoption papers and disposable diapers. They have detailed fingers and toes and individual features shaped by a computer so that no 2 look exactly alike. Parents and grandparents wait in lines for hours to get such a doll that costs about $20, but since the demand is great and the supply is limited, fights have broken out among the shoppers. The maker hopes to sell over 2,000,000 by the end of the year. Fads in toys as well as fashions in dress come and go, but our minds should be focussed on something more permanent. In Isaiah 40:8, the Old Testament prophet wrote, "Grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever." Are our thoughts centered on what is temporary or on what is eternal?
Illinois (83/12/03)
The varied names of the 50 states in the U.S.A. reflect the pluralistic background of that country. Before the coming of the white men from Europe, my home state of Illinois was the home of red men of the Algonquian tribe of Indians. The first European settlers were from France, so they added a French ending to Illini, the Algonquian word for man or warrior, coining the word Illinois, spelled I-l-l-i-n-o-i-s. This state now ranks 24th in size and 5th in population. It has the nation's 2nd largest city, Chicago, which has the world's biggest and busiest airport, O'Hare, and the world's tallest building, Sears Tower. Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state on December 3, 1818, 165 years ago today. This is the state in which Abraham Lincoln spent his adult life until he became president, so it is also known as the Land of Lincoln and, because of its flat topography, it is called the Prairie State. The home in which I was born and raised is about 1 kilometer from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and I never saw a mountain until after I went to college. In life's experiences, there are mountains and valleys as well as plains, but we should be thankful for them all.
Thomas Carlyle (83/12/04)
Today, December 4th is the birthday of Thomas Carlyle, who was born on this day in 1795, 188 years ago. Carlyle, a British essayist, historian and philosopher, was born in Scotland. At the University of Edinburgh, he studied for the Christian ministry, but his doubts became too strong for him to continue in that direction and he became a mathematics teacher. Later, he studied law, but he became absorbed in German philosophy and became a promoter of this thought. Carlyle wrote: "Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and its power of endurance. The cheerful man will do more in the same time, will do it better, will persevere in it longer, than the sad or sullen." This is so, and it is recognized by wise employers who try to keep their employees cheerful. "Cheers" is a British term used for a toast and "cheerio" is a salutation used by Englishmen either when meeting or when parting. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 15, verse 13, it is written that "a merry heart makes a cheerful face." I believe that a merry heart comes from a healthy faith. I hope you have a merry heart and a cheerful face today. Cheerio!
Whose birthday is it today? (83/12/05)
Guess whose birthday it is today! In the 1st place, it is the birthday of the king of Thailand. He was born on December 5th, 1927 and became king while he was an 18 year old student in Switzerland. Today is a national holiday in Thailand to commemorate his birthday. It is also the birthday of Martin Van Buren, who became the 8th president of the United States. He was born on December 5th, 1782 in Kinderhook, New York. He was called Old Kinderhook and some historians claim that the term "O.K." originated from the abbreviation of that nickname. Today is also the birthday of the famous American cartoonist, Walt Disney, from whom Disneyland gets is name. He was born on December 5th, 1901. Last, but not least, today is the birthday of my brother's sister-in-law, who is also my wife. She was born on this day just a few decades ago, but I dare not be more definite than that. Robert Lee Frost has written that a diplomat is "a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." Tomorrow evening at 6:30 my fortnightly Bible Study in Japanese at the city kyōikukan in Sakae will be held. You are welcome to attend.
Christmas (83/12/06)
The traditional Japanese name for the 12th month of the year is shiwasu, literally meaning "teacher run". As the end of the year approaches, it is not only teachers who run hither and yon but most people seem to get busy with one thing or another. In Japan, the focal point of this season is New Year's Day, while in America, it is Christmas. Many non-Christian Japanese are also celebrating Christmas in some manner these days. What do you think of Christmas, Christmas decorations and Christmas celebrations in this non-Christian land? What does Christmas mean to you? Christmas in Japan or What Christmas Means to Me is the theme for those of you who wish to write an essay this week and have it corrected for publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. This will be the last subject for the coming issue and all essays must be received by Saturday, December 17th to be included in that issue. 250 years ago, Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard's Almanack: "How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments." This is "Daily Word " Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Ivory Coast (83/12/07)
Ivory is the hard, white substance forming the tusks of elephants. It is mainly used to make piano keys, billiard balls and decorative objects. An ivory tower is a figurative place of mental withdrawal from reality and action, so writers, teachers and others who try to escape from or avoid the problems of the real world are said to live in an ivory tower. The Ivory Coast, however, is a country in the real world. It lies on the south coast of West Africa and is the most prosperous of tropical African nations--but not because of its production of ivory. These days, its major exports are coffee, cocoa and wood. Today is a national holiday in the Ivory Coast, commemorating its independence from French colonial rule 25 years ago in 1958. In the Bible, ivory is a symbol of wealth and luxury. The prophet Amos pronounced woe upon those who lie on beds of ivory but are not concerned about the suffering of those around them. The lack of compassion for the poor on the part of the rich is a perennial problem that exists today also, but the Bible teaches that we who are rich should share our blessings with those who are poor.
Mistaken traffic sign (83/12/08)
This year, today, December 8th, begins the season called taisetsu in Japan. Taisetsu literally means "big snow" and that's what some parts of the United States have been having recently. Some 4 meters of snow has fallen in the Rocky Mountain area over the past month. The more common meaning of taisetsu, however, refers to something important. A couple of days ago, I made a call to the police department regarding a matter I thought was important. The evening before, as I was driving on the Seto Kaido near my home, I was about to turn down a one-way street I often take, I was surprised to see the arrow traffic sign pointed in the opposite direction, so I continued on the main road without turning. Upon my return that night, I investigated and found that only that one arrow had been changed, so I informed the police the next day. In life also, we may find people or writings that point in the wrong direction and give us mistaken advice. We need to be careful whose advice we follow along the road of life. The Bible teaches that the way to true happiness and peace is the way of Christ, which is the way of self-denying love.
Space shuttle Columbia (83/12/09)
A shuttle, or hi in Japanese, is a device used in weaving for carrying one thread back and forth between the other threads. It comes from an older word meaning missile because it is shot back and forth like a missile while weaving. A shuttle cock is the feathered object, also called a bird, that is batted back and forth over a net in the game of badminton and a shuttle bus or shuttle train is a bus or train making frequent, short trips back and forth between 2 places. Thus, the American vehicle for making trips back and forth from earth to outer space is called a space shuttle. The Columbia space shuttle is returning to earth today after 10 days in space with its 6-man crew, 4 of whom are scientists, including 1 from Germany. In their space laboratory, various experiments were conducted to increase scientific knowledge of the world and to try to understand some of its mysteries. The American poet, James Russell Lowell, has written, "Behind the dim unknown, / Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own." Many mysteries are still unsolved, but behind them all is the mysterious presence of a merciful God who cares for his people.
Human Rights Day (83/12/10)
Most member countries of the United Nations observe December 10th as Human Rights Day for it was on that day in 1948, 35 years ago, that the U. N. General Assembly unanimously adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations Charter, which was approved 3 years earlier, contained numerous references to "human rights and fundamental freedoms" that it supported. However, the charter did not make clear what those rights and freedoms were, so a committee was asked to prepare a statement of principles that could serve as a universal standard. That is how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights came into being. In the U.S., the week beginning December 10th is called Human Rights Week and also includes Bill of Rights Day, December 15th, commemorating the adoption of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution on that day in 1791. Respect for the basic human rights of all people without distinction is a goal that all conscientious people should work to achieve. The Nagoya Group of the human rights organization known as Amnesty International meets monthly at the Y.W.C.A. If you are interested in further information, please let me know. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
Indiana Day (83/12/11)
Polis is the Greek word for city and some American cities include "polis" in their names. Anapolis, Minneapolis and Indianapolis are 3 examples. Indianapolis is the capital city of the state of Indiana and today is known as Indiana Day in that state. The name "Indiana", of course, comes from Indian and means "land of the Indians". On December 11, 1816, 167 years ago today, President Madison approved a congressional resolution admitting Indiana to the Union as the 19th state. Indiana is also known as the Hoosier State and natives of Indiana may be called "Hoosiers". Southern Indiana was largely settled by mountaineers from Kentucky and "hoosier" originally meant mountaineers, although the root word refers to a dirty person or a tramp. Kentucky is known for the Kentucky Derby horse race and Indiana is known for the auto races held yearly on Memorial Day near Indianapolis, called the Indianapolis 500. If you wish to receive a weekly, typewritten copy of these "Daily Word" messages, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
"Orphans" left in China (83/12/12)
When writing Chinese characters, a "child" drawn next to a "melon" produces an "orphan". The English word "orphan", referring primarily to a child whose parents have died, comes from the Greek word orphanos, which may refer to a child bereft of parents or to disciples bereft of a teacher. The group of 60 Chinese citizens of Japanese parentage who are now visiting Japan are commonly called orphans, even though their parents may be alive. They were left in China during the troubled days at the close of the war and are now trying to find relatives in Japan almost 40 years later. Even for those who are successful in locating family members, problems of language and cultural differences along with feelings of divided loyalties make for a complicated situation. The Greek word orphanos is used twice in the New Testament. In John 14:18, Jesus told his disciples before his death, "I will not leave you orphans", and James 1:27 states that true religion is to be seen in such practical ways as visiting orphans in their distress. I pray that many of those seeking for loved ones will find them and that you also may not feel like a spiritual orphan but know the joy of being a part of God's family.
Maimonides (83/12/13)
A nickname is a substitute name given to a person, usually in fun or affection. It may be descriptive, such as Shorty, Fatty or Slim. It may be a shortened form of one's real name, such as Freddy instead of Frederick or Jim in place of James. Rambam was the nickname given to one of the greatest Hebrew scholars who was a Jewish rabbi, physician and philosopher. His real name was Moses ben Maimon and Rambam was formed from the initials of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, but he is commonly called Maimonides. He was born in Spain in 1135 and he organized and systematized the great mass of Jewish oral law, wrote several medical books and a great philosophical work which has been a predominant element in Jewish thought since that time. Maimonides died on December 13, 1204, 779 years ago today. He wrote that "man should know his station, and not erroneously imagine that the whole universe exists only for him." Although we consider human beings the apex of God's creation, God has a plan for the entire universe that is greater than that for man alone.
Election campaign (83/12/14)
An election campaign is now being waged in Japan to elect members to the House of Representatives. As a foreigner living in Japan, of course, I cannot vote in a Japanese election, but I do have some opinions about Japanese election campaigns. For one thing, I question the value of the time, energy, money and manpower expended in sending public address vehicles around the city which merely call out the name of a candidate and request support. For another, it seems that in some organizations, people are pressured into campaigning for a candidate that they, in fact, do not genuinely support, and, in traditional Japanese style, support for a candidate is often based on feelings of obligation rather than on a genuine belief in the candidate's ability and the conviction that he or she is the best qualified for the position. Bernard Baruch, an American businessman and statesman, once advised, "Vote for the man who promises least; he'll be the least disappointing." I hope you plan to vote if you have voting rights, because in a democracy, the vote of every citizen is important. I'll have more to say about elections in my message tomorrow.
Choosing a politician (83/12/15)
In a speech in the House of Commons, Winston Churchill once referred to democracy as "the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." In many ways, a democratic form of government is less efficient than other forms, but because of its respect for the individual as a reasonable being, it is better than the rest. In an election, is it more important to vote for a person or for a party? In America, I would say we should choose the person we want to represent us, but in Japan, where representatives vote as a party unit, one must consider the party policy carefully as well. In my viewpoint, a conscientious politician, who is sometimes referred to as a statesman after his death, should first consider his responsibility toward God (or truth, justice, conscience) and then toward the country as a whole and finally to his particular district, although I presume most politicians in Japan would reverse this order of priorities. In the U.S. we may vote for as many candidates as there are positions to be filled, but in Japan you vote for only one person, so you must consider carefully whom you choose and the basis of your choice.
My birthday (83/12/16)
In these "Daily Word" messages, I often mention the birthdays of famous men and women. Of course, every day of the year is the birthday of many people--famous, not famous or infamous. I will let you choose which of these categories is appropriate for the following people who were born on December 16th. Ludwig van Beethoven, born on this day in 1770 in Germany, was a composer of symphonies, the last of which he composed after he was totally deaf. Jane Austen, born on this day in 1775 in England became a composer of English novels, known for their social comedy. On this day in 1863, George Santayana was born in Spain, became a professor at Harvard University and composed various philosophical treatises. Finally, my brother-in-law's brother-in-law was born on this day in the United States and he became the composer of these "Daily Word" messages. He was born on the 154th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, which occurred in 1773 and was one of the crucial events leading to the American Revolution. The poet wrote in Psalm 118, "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Birthday of Muhammad (83/12/17)
In countries with a Christian tradition, December 27th is a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe was the Christ or Messiah, sent by God to be the Savior of the world. In Islamic countries, the birthday of Muhammad, whom Muslims believe was the last and greatest of the prophets sent by Allah, is a national holiday. However, since the lunar calendar is used in Islamic countries, the date of Muhammad's birthday on the solar calendar varies from year to year. This year it falls on today, December 17th. Muhammad, whose name means "one praised " in Arabic, was born in the Arabian city of Mecca about 570 A.D. His father died before he was born and his mother died soon after his birth so he was raised by an uncle. When he was 40 years old, he felt himself called of God to be a prophet. The subsequent revelations he received are found in the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the very words of God, providing them with an infallible guide for all aspects of life. Each of its 114 divisions begin with the words, "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate." Jews and Christians also can agree with that description of God.
Election Day (83/12/18)
Today is Election Day in Japan. For the past 2 weeks, 848 candidates in the 130 electoral districts throughout the country have been campaigning for the 511 seats in the House of Representatives in this 37th general election under the present constitution. In the Japanese Diet, the term of offices of members of the House of Councillors is 6 years and that of members of the House of Representatives is 4 years, however the House of Representative may be dissolved and a general election held before the completion of their terms. In the United States Congress, the terms for Senators are 6 years and those of Representatives are 2 years, but general elections are held every 2 years only. The date for American general elections is always the Tuesday following the first Monday of November. In America, Sunday has been considered a day of worship, rest or recreation rather than a day of work or business of either a commercial or political nature. For the candidates and their earnest supporters, today, in Japan, is probably a day of prayer, but it is better to pray for the good of the country and the world as a whole rather than for the success of a particular politician.
The Sun of Righteousness (83/12/19)
Yesterday, the title of my sermon at the little church in Takahama was "The Sun of Righteousness". The text was from the last chapter of the last book in the Old Testament, where the prophet wrote, "For you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in his wings, says the Lord of Hosts". Christians interpret the "sun of righteousness. . . with healing in his wings" to refer to Jesus Christ, who was born about 460 years after this prophecy was given. He is the Sun that shined the light of God's truth into a spiritually dark world and under his wings people find healing and salvation. Stars and candles are popular Christmas decorations because they symbolize light. In Japan, the traditional symbol of light is the sun, which is also an object of worship for some, but the Bible teaches that the sun and other natural phenomena should not be worshipped for they are merely created things and true worship should be given only to the living God, the Creator. In the birth of Jesus Christ, the sun of righteousness has risen, radiating the light of God's truth and the warmth of his love into the hearts of those who believe. Tomorrow evening at 6:30, our final Bible Study for this year will be held at the Kyōikukan in Sakae. Come if you can.
Election results (83/12/20)
What do you think of the election results? In one way, I was pleasantly surprised. In another way, I was disappointed. Yet, overall, I think the election returns indicated a healthy democratic process at work. I was pleasantly surprised at the unexpectedly large loss of seats by the Liberal Democratic Party, although I presume the weather and overconfidence on the part of some non-Tanaka faction LDP supporters helps to account for that as well as dissatisfaction with the LDP. I was disappointed that the local districts continued to show such strong support for representatives convicted of wrongdoing while in office. Although the results foreshadow a time of political instability for the country, it is unhealthy for one party to be in power for too long a time so this shaking-up period may be a stimulant for some healthy reflection and possible beneficial changes of policies. Franklin Roosevelt said that "Democracy is not a static thing. It is an everlasting march." Life itself is constantly changing and the person with faith in God who works in human history will seek to bring God's will to pass in political affairs and in all other areas of life.
Forefather's Day (83/12/21)
363 years ago today, on December 21, 1620, a group of men left their ship off the North American coast to explore the land to see if it was an appropriate place to establish a colony. They decided that it was a good place and the other passengers then left the ship, called the Mayflower, and established the Plymouth Plantation in New England. This group of pilgrims had previously left England for Holland in search of a place where they could practice their religious beliefs without interference from the authorities and away from the evil influence of ungodly people. The so-called New World offered them such a place and these Pilgrim Fathers became a decisive influence in colonial America. December 21st continues to be celebrated as Forefathers' Day in Massachusetts. The U.S. has societies of Mayflower descendants, made up of those who take pride in tracing their lineage to a passenger on the Mayflower. Remembering one's ancestors is fine, but we should not blindly follow in their paths. Although our roots are in the past, we should seek to improve on that tradition with our eyes on the future. This is "Daily Word".
Winter solstice (83/12/22)
The areas of the earth lying between the tropics and the polar regions are called the Temperate Zones. Countries lying in the North and South Temperate Zones have 4 distinct seasons of the year, related to the position of the earth as it makes its annual journey around the sun. The spring and fall seasons begin on the day we call an equinox, from the Latin words meaning "equal night". Summer and winter begin on the day we call a solstice, from the Latin words meaning "sun standing still". Today is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, which marks the astronomical beginning of winter. In ancient Rome, there was a festival at this period in honor of the sun, called Saturnalia, and it was probably because of this festival that the Christian Church chose December 25th to commemorate the birthday of Jesus. From today onwards, the days will lengthen and a part of the meaning of Christmas is the shining of God's light into the world through Christ, who is called the Light of the world. If you wish to contribute to the expense of this telephone service, you may make a deposit in the Yūbin Furikae Kōza of Deiri Wa-do, Nagoya 3-37078.
Christmas tree in my home (83/12/23)
The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ, is held on December 25th, known as Christmas. However, since the actual day of his birth is unknown, around the 4th century the church chose to celebrate his birth in connection with a pagan festival to the sun. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, other pre-Christian customs were assimilated into the Christmas celebration. One of them was the use of certain trees or plants that remained green throughout the winter. Such evergreen plants symbolize everlasting life. Among them are mistletoe, holly and ivy, but the fir tree or pine tree has become especially popular. When decorated with pretty ornaments and colored lights, it is called a Christmas tree. This Christmas tree tradition comes from Germany, which is the country of my ancestors. In our home, we also erect and decorate a Christmas tree every year. When our children were small, we used to enjoy decorating the tree together, but this year the artificial tree was assembled by our elder son, who arrived from the States 2 weeks ago, and decorated by our daughter, who arrived 2 days ago. Customs change according to time, place and occasion, but the meaning of Christmas remains: "for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son."
Christmas Eve (83/12/24)
X is the 24th letter in the English alphabet, but there are many other meanings of this symbol. In Roman numerals, it refers to the number ten. In Chemistry, it is the symbol for the colorless gas called Xenon. In America, it is used as the signature of an illiterate person who cannot sign his name. It is also used to indicate a particular point on a map, so we may say "X marks the spot". In love letters, it is the symbol for a kiss and in mathematics, it is the symbol of multiplication. It may also symbolize an unknown quantity or an unknown person who may be called "Mr. X". However, in the term "Xmas", it does not refer to an unknown person but to Christ, for X is the 1st letter of the Greek word Christos, meaning Christ. Tonight is Christmas Eve. As you enjoy the unique, Japanese confection called a Christmas cake, don't forget that you are celebrating a birthday, not of an unknown person but of Jesus Christ. Tomorrow, which is Christmas Day, would be a good time for you to attend a church to become better acquainted with him. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
The Christmas Season (83/12/25)
Today is Christmas Day, but for most people, Christmas is not only a day but a season. According to the church calendar, the season before Christmas is Advent or the Advent Season, in preparation for celebrating the advent of the Christ at Christmas. This season ends the night before Christmas, or Christmas Eve. Properly speaking, the Christmas Season or Christmastide begins on Christmas Day, December 25th, and lasts for 12 days until January 5th. Since Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, today is both a holiday and a holy day, both of which originally had the sane meaning. In all countries, the meaning given to traditional celebrations varies with the individual. To the few, more sensitive thinking people, a religious festival may be a very meaningful experience, while to the many others it is only a time of social merrymaking. However, I pray that something of the true spirit of Christmas which teaches us of the self-giving love of God, will touch your heart during this happy season. In I John 4:10, it is written: "This is what love is: that God loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven."
Boxing Day (83/12/26)
Boxing may refer to a sport or a fight in which the opponents hit or punch each other with their fists. Boxing may also refer to the material used in making boxes or to the act of enclosing something in a box. In England, boxing has a more specific meaning of giving a Christmas box to someone. In England and some other commonwealth countries, the 1st weekday after Christmas is a legal holiday called Boxing Day. On this day, Christmas boxes are traditionally given to postmen and and other service workers. In our home this year, the Christmas boxes under the Christmas tree will be opened on this Boxing Day evening instead of Christmas Day morning as usual because that is the most convenient time for our whole family to be together. Our son and daughter are now visiting us from the States and our younger son, who works for the Nagoya Board of Education, must report for work today. But whether in the morning or the evening, on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, the time is not as important as the spirit of the celebration. Gift-giving is an expression of gratitude and affection and this form of boxing is preferable to that in which boxing gloves are used. The Bible teaches that true love is expressed in giving.
Pasteurization (83/12/27)
The grassland on which cattle graze is called a pasture. The milk which the cows produce is pasteurized before it is sold. Pasteurization is a method of destroying bacteria in milk by heating it for 30 minutes and then rapidly cooling it. However, pasteurization is not related to pasture. Rather, it is related to the name of a French chemist who is regarded as the founder of the modern science of bacteriology, Louis Pasteur, who was born 161 years ago today, on December 27th,1822. Pasteur's experiments with the tiny organisms called bacteria clearly refuted the theory of spontaneous generation, which held that living organisms can originate in nonliving matter independent of other living matter. Pasteur's research made clear that a living thing can only be produced by or from some other living thing. This is true in the spiritual realm also. People who are enjoying spiritual life have been regenerated or born again by the Spirit of God, who is the Source of all life. The Bible teaches that those who are born of God's Spirit and share the divine life are his children, therefore, they call God their Father.
Statistics about this service (83/12/28)
December 28th is the final day of work for government employees in Japan. The year's business needs to be completed on this day of goyo-osame. So today may be a good time for me to make a report on statistics related to this "Daily Word" telephone service. During the past 360 days, a total of 36,983 calls were received, which is an average of 104 calls per day. The highest number of calls in one day, 567, was received on September 4th, the day after an article regarding this service appeared in the Asahi Shinbun. An average of 11 copies of the daily messages were sent out each week during this year. 4 meetings of listeners were held, attended by 37 different people. The average number in attendance was 18. Four issues of "Daily Word" Echoes were published in which 153 articles were printed from 16 different contributors. I enjoy the little research required for making these daily messages and I'm happy that many people seem to be enjoying them. In tomorrow's message, I will give a financial report for this calendar year and I invite you to join with me in thanking God for his blessings during this year.
Financial report about this service (83/12/29)
Today's message is a general financial report related to this telephone service for 1983. After an extra telephone and answer phone machine were installed last September, 35 individuals contributed a total of ¥71,000 to he1p pay for them. Present regular expenses are the monthly telephone bills, amounting to ¥3600 a month. The Y.W.C.A. room rental charge for listeners' meetings is more than covered by offerings taken at those meetings. Because of Mr. Iwai's volunteer service, the "Daily word" Echoes publication always shows a profit and the weekly copies of messages sent to those requesting them also is more than covered by the fee charged. Overall expenses for this year totaled ¥206,885 and overall income amounted to ¥179,840, which left a deficit of ¥27,045. Now 2 telephones and 2 answer phone machines are being used daily for this service. If you wish to make a contribution to this ongoing service--now or in the future--you may deposit it in the Yūbin Furikae Kōza of Dei-ri-wa-do Nagoya 3-37078. Thank you for your faithful support.
Cabbage Patch Kid (83/12/02)
Illinois (83/12/03)
Thomas Carlyle (83/12/04)
Whose birthday is it today? (83/12/05)
Christmas (83/12/06)
Ivory Coast (83/12/07)
Mistaken traffic sign (83/12/08)
Space shuttle Columbia (83/12/09)
Human Rights Day (83/12/10)
Indiana Day (83/12/11)
"Orphans" left in China (83/12/12)
Maimonides (83/12/13)
Election campaign (83/12/14)
Choosing a politician (83/12/15)
My birthday (83/12/16)
Birthday of Muhammad (83/12/17)
Election Day (83/12/18)
The Sun of Righteousness (83/12/19)
Election results (83/12/20)
Forefather's Day (83/12/21)
Winter solstice (83/12/22)
Christmas tree in my home (83/12/23)
Christmas Eve (83/12/24)
The Christmas Season (83/12/25)
Boxing Day (83/12/26)
Pasteurization (83/12/27)
Statistics about this service (83/12/28)
Financial report about this service (83/12/29)
Cleaning our homes (83/12/30)
Ringing in the New Year (83/12/31)
Desegregated bus service (83/12/01)