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Traditional Dancing
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Okinawa Pastors
Dear Friends;
The cooler, crisper air of fall lifts the heaviness and oppression felt during the sultry month of August. We’re not speaking of just the weather. Our evening conversations and quiet rest times were drowned out by thrumming drums and shamisen (traditional banjo-like folk instruments) as they pounded and plucked on our eardrums the repetitious beats and strains villagers use to summon the spirits of their ancestors.
We experience this with mixed emotions. We appreciate the festive community involvement in cultural events such as parades and dancing. Yet, knowing that these practices are rooted in the fear and worship of spirits enshrouds the whole season in darkness. However, glistening against this darkness are the lifelines of your prayers and gifts to the World Mission Offering that back us up. As our partners in this battle, we want you to know some of the needs and what the Lord is doing here through relationships he has given us among these gentle, humble, yet spiritually needy people.
David has written before, about Mrs. Shiroma, a believer in one of his Bible classes. A mother of three children, her two sons became Christians and were baptized with her husband’s approval when they were young. When Dr. Shiroma finished his medical residency, their daughter was born. She says her daughter became the “apple of his eye” and he did not want for her to become a Christian, and when Mrs. Shiroma began talking about it, he forbade it with his mother’s backing. Mrs. Shiroma had burst into tears during a Bible study session last year as she gave this testimony and asked for prayer. In a newsletter, David relayed that request to the churches.
Well, this year, the class explored Joshua 2: 8-15, concerning how, after Joshua died, Israel began to serve the gods Baal and Ashtoreth. When David asked the class why they thought the next generation forsook God and “followed and worshiped various gods of people around them,” there was silence. So David asked, “Why is it hard for you to stay true to our God when you are with your family members who do not know the Lord?”
It was a “teachable moment” because the class had met just after “Obon,” the above-mentioned festival for welcoming the spirits of the dead. Most of the class members are compelled to participate in family gatherings at their homes and at the grave sites during the festival. As believers, they know that they are not supposed to do anything that could be viewed as worshiping the spirits of the ancestors, and yet some, as eldest children or spouses of the eldest, must not only attend the event, but must even host the gathering. So, this question opened a floodgate of discussion about what they may do, or must not do during these family events, and still be good witnesses to their loved ones.
Leslie said later, as we discussed this at home, that one of the elderly women in her Bible class at Naha Baptist Church had said that she always hosts the gathering for her husband’s family because he is the eldest son. Mrs. Kinjo said, “The way I cope with the situation is to consider my role of hostess as a ministry to the family. I make sure that when they arrive at the house that I have prominently displayed the Bible and other items and decorations that have deep meanings for me as a Christian. Then, when they ask about them, I have an open door to share my faith. “
Back to David’s story, after class, Mrs. Shiroma said, “I am in a quandary again because my pastor has told me that I must divorce my husband, and ‘live my faith!’ She exclaimed, “I love my husband, and he is good to me and the children, even though we disagree about our daughter! The pastor is putting too much pressure on me! What should I do?” (Later, she explained that the pastor is elderly and over the last four years has been getting more critical with everyone). Class members assured her of their love and understanding, and many options were discussed including her personal desire to find another church. Then we prayed. Every decision involves so many relationships, not just the repercussions for the individual who feels responsible. For example, Mrs. Shiroma’s two sons are happy at the church they have attended since they were toddlers. As pre-teens, her move to another church may affect their faith unless she carefully explains her position to them. David promised Mrs. Shiroma that he would again ask American church members to pray for her, as well as for her family and church. Her face lit up at the thought that many Christians in America would offer up prayers on her behalf!
Will you, as faithful ministers of the gospel of Christ lift up this woman and her family? Will you pray, as well for all of the Christians in Okinawa who experience division within the family that Jesus foretold would happen to the faithful? When you do, you are praying for those who are truly taking up their “cross” daily to follow Christ. They are holding onto the lifeline of faith and their crosses, but they need encouragement through their struggles.
As you pray, may you be filled with feelings of gratitude to God for what He has already done through you to make this ministry opportunity possible. It was your faithfulness in giving to the Lord’s work through the World Mission Offering that placed us in Okinawa. The “bread you cast upon the waters,” has come back to you to bless you, and to provide another opportunity to minister, through prayer. The cycle continues—giving, praying—giving, praying—and our Lord’s kingdom grows! Brothers and sisters in far places are being encouraged, and “keep on keeping on” in the face of many daily crosses they bear in their faithfulness to the Lord, all because you care. Thank you for being our partners here, through your daily ministry where you are. Our Lord is wonderful isn’t He? Let’s all keep on praying and pressing on, and giving in His name. David is looking forward to seeing many of you at the West Virginia Baptist Convention annual meeting in Lewisburg, WV October 21st-24th. He will be happy during his visit to share more about what God is doing in Okinawa. He will be in West Virginia from Oct. 14th through the 27th, so please contact Lisa Simmons, Director of Mission Support at the West Virginia Baptist Office, if you want him to speak at your church during that time. In Christ’s Love,
David and Leslie Turley
The cooler, crisper air of fall lifts the heaviness and oppression felt during the sultry month of August. We’re not speaking of just the weather. Our evening conversations and quiet rest times were drowned out by thrumming drums and shamisen (traditional banjo-like folk instruments) as they pounded and plucked on our eardrums the repetitious beats and strains villagers use to summon the spirits of their ancestors.
We experience this with mixed emotions. We appreciate the festive community involvement in cultural events such as parades and dancing. Yet, knowing that these practices are rooted in the fear and worship of spirits enshrouds the whole season in darkness. However, glistening against this darkness are the lifelines of your prayers and gifts to the World Mission Offering that back us up. As our partners in this battle, we want you to know some of the needs and what the Lord is doing here through relationships he has given us among these gentle, humble, yet spiritually needy people.
David has written before, about Mrs. Shiroma, a believer in one of his Bible classes. A mother of three children, her two sons became Christians and were baptized with her husband’s approval when they were young. When Dr. Shiroma finished his medical residency, their daughter was born. She says her daughter became the “apple of his eye” and he did not want for her to become a Christian, and when Mrs. Shiroma began talking about it, he forbade it with his mother’s backing. Mrs. Shiroma had burst into tears during a Bible study session last year as she gave this testimony and asked for prayer. In a newsletter, David relayed that request to the churches.
Well, this year, the class explored Joshua 2: 8-15, concerning how, after Joshua died, Israel began to serve the gods Baal and Ashtoreth. When David asked the class why they thought the next generation forsook God and “followed and worshiped various gods of people around them,” there was silence. So David asked, “Why is it hard for you to stay true to our God when you are with your family members who do not know the Lord?”
It was a “teachable moment” because the class had met just after “Obon,” the above-mentioned festival for welcoming the spirits of the dead. Most of the class members are compelled to participate in family gatherings at their homes and at the grave sites during the festival. As believers, they know that they are not supposed to do anything that could be viewed as worshiping the spirits of the ancestors, and yet some, as eldest children or spouses of the eldest, must not only attend the event, but must even host the gathering. So, this question opened a floodgate of discussion about what they may do, or must not do during these family events, and still be good witnesses to their loved ones.
Leslie said later, as we discussed this at home, that one of the elderly women in her Bible class at Naha Baptist Church had said that she always hosts the gathering for her husband’s family because he is the eldest son. Mrs. Kinjo said, “The way I cope with the situation is to consider my role of hostess as a ministry to the family. I make sure that when they arrive at the house that I have prominently displayed the Bible and other items and decorations that have deep meanings for me as a Christian. Then, when they ask about them, I have an open door to share my faith. “
Back to David’s story, after class, Mrs. Shiroma said, “I am in a quandary again because my pastor has told me that I must divorce my husband, and ‘live my faith!’ She exclaimed, “I love my husband, and he is good to me and the children, even though we disagree about our daughter! The pastor is putting too much pressure on me! What should I do?” (Later, she explained that the pastor is elderly and over the last four years has been getting more critical with everyone). Class members assured her of their love and understanding, and many options were discussed including her personal desire to find another church. Then we prayed. Every decision involves so many relationships, not just the repercussions for the individual who feels responsible. For example, Mrs. Shiroma’s two sons are happy at the church they have attended since they were toddlers. As pre-teens, her move to another church may affect their faith unless she carefully explains her position to them. David promised Mrs. Shiroma that he would again ask American church members to pray for her, as well as for her family and church. Her face lit up at the thought that many Christians in America would offer up prayers on her behalf!
Will you, as faithful ministers of the gospel of Christ lift up this woman and her family? Will you pray, as well for all of the Christians in Okinawa who experience division within the family that Jesus foretold would happen to the faithful? When you do, you are praying for those who are truly taking up their “cross” daily to follow Christ. They are holding onto the lifeline of faith and their crosses, but they need encouragement through their struggles.
As you pray, may you be filled with feelings of gratitude to God for what He has already done through you to make this ministry opportunity possible. It was your faithfulness in giving to the Lord’s work through the World Mission Offering that placed us in Okinawa. The “bread you cast upon the waters,” has come back to you to bless you, and to provide another opportunity to minister, through prayer. The cycle continues—giving, praying—giving, praying—and our Lord’s kingdom grows! Brothers and sisters in far places are being encouraged, and “keep on keeping on” in the face of many daily crosses they bear in their faithfulness to the Lord, all because you care. Thank you for being our partners here, through your daily ministry where you are. Our Lord is wonderful isn’t He? Let’s all keep on praying and pressing on, and giving in His name. David is looking forward to seeing many of you at the West Virginia Baptist Convention annual meeting in Lewisburg, WV October 21st-24th. He will be happy during his visit to share more about what God is doing in Okinawa. He will be in West Virginia from Oct. 14th through the 27th, so please contact Lisa Simmons, Director of Mission Support at the West Virginia Baptist Office, if you want him to speak at your church during that time. In Christ’s Love,
David and Leslie Turley