South Carolina Pastor Serving in Japan

Rising From What?

2009-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Wisconsin ELCA Congregation Rising from Painful Post-Assembly Conflict‏" is the title of the latest apology for the heresy of the decision to live outside of the norm of Scripture; the result of the CWA decisions last summer. The article put out by the news service of the ELCA attempts to be a story of conflict turned to renewal and renewal turned to a vision of an even stronger future. After reading the article one has to wonder who would be so naive as to find it encouraging; rather than tragic. All the conflict of the story arose when faithful disciples reacted as they will do when the truth of God is abdicated for the false views of the world. Granted the false view was endorsed by the ELCA at the CWA in words that from "Human Sexuality Gift and Trust"; but that does not change the error. It only brings into the question the continuing legitimacy of the ELCA as a valid expresssion of the Church catholic. Further granted that after some time some people who left the parish returned out of their love for community; but at the price of orthodoxy inflicted upon them by leaders who now stand in the judgement of Mark 9:42. Finally and left unsaid is, "What about those whose discipleship has been diminished or faith impaired who are now wandering without a shepherd because of this imposed heresy by the ELCA?" "What of the members who have been driven out permanently?" For now they have left a former expression of the Church and I pray they have again found a place; an expression of the Church where they may be fed in Word and Sacrament.

Until we reform the ELCA, so that this organization again is faithful to the "canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life" it remains only that; a diminished religious organization.
By God's grace may the ELCA beginning with each congregation and then each synod reform and return to Scripture. Only then will Pastor Sowell's words ring true, ""I am sure St. John is not only going to survive, it's going to thrive." Only then will any congregation, synod or the wider church thrive as God intends; as a community that is the body of Christ; an expression of the Church.

Peace

Pb

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ? March 31

2009-03-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bob and Chris are not in Japan. They are on the way back to Aiken, South Carolina. They are on the way home to the place where they love to live and to the people Pastor Bob loves to serve at St. Paul Lutheran church. They were humbled and blessed to be missionaries to the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church for this unique assignment from the South Carolina Synod. They are thankful for the guidance and support of so many people. They will always remember the loving guidance of Rev. Jerry and Janice Livingston. They treasured the loving cards and remembrances of those praying for them at St. John’s Charleston. They are thankful for the faithful service of Pastor Mark Cerniglia to St. Paul in Pastor Bob’s absence . Now with a deep love and respect for so many Japanese brothers and sisters they are no longer in Japan but in the air and on the way back to Aiken. While they are flying home I thought you might like some information about me; the one called Zen Ben. I am called Zen Ben because that was the name given to me by a wonderful little girl at St. Paul Aiken. But I have another name according to the historic legends of the Church. You may have noticed that even though I look like a Buddhist monk I don’t look very Japanese. I am pictured as a monk sitting in the beauty of nature; but I look more like someone from the Middle East than from Japan. The husband of one of the women Pastor Bob and Chris got to know in Shimizu, Japan knew my other identity and told his wife who then shared the information. He is a Buddhist who knows of my identity from his studies. There is a tradition based in history and perhaps legend that says I am one of those who followed Jesus and even saw him as the risen Christ. That is why I am not Japanese in appearance. I am one of the disciples who people believe took the Gospel to India and beyond after the resurrection of our Lord. I am the image of Thomas. I am the one you know from Scripture as the disciple who wanted proof, who got his proof from our Lord and took the Truth and shared the Good News of Jesus the Christ. So now you know my historic name, Thomas along with my reporting name, Zen Ben. If you want to see me again you may find me on the bottom of the Japanese scroll that Pastor Bob bought from a print shop in Kyoto in 1970. The scroll hangs in his office in Aiken, South Carolina. That is where you may find him very soon. He will be back in the office on April 6th and in worship on Easter serving a congregation that lives the truth written by one of South Carolina’s first missionaries to Japan. “Show me a congregation which is active in its work for mission, and I will show you a congregation which is blessed in its work at home.”Rev. R. B. Peery AM PhD. Pastor Bob will be back home serving and Chris will be worshipping with brothers and sisters active in their work for mission and blessed at home at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken, South Carolina.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben or Thomas ?

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ? March 23,24,25

2009-03-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

“Heaven and Earth will pass away; but my words will not pass away.” Matt. 24:35. Bob and Chris were in Hirosaki, Japan on March 23-25 and were reminded of these words from Jesus in what they experienced in a brief return to the place where Bob came to know, respect and love Japan, its culture and its people. In 1970 as a student from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio Bob lived for a summer in Hirosaki, Japan in a home stay with the Miyakawa family. He was in Japan as part of the East Asia Studies program as it existed at the time at Wittenberg. Now almost 39 years later Bob was returning with Chris for a day and a half to see the Miyakawa family. In 1970 he came to know love and respect a family that was one of the leading families of Hirosaki, Japan. For three generations they owned the department store of Hirosaki. The building was three floors and sprawled over enough of an area to make it one of the largest buildings in the city. Near the department store was the Miyakawa home. It was a beautiful traditional Japanese home of corridors and richly painted panels surrounded by Japanese gardens. It was a beautiful home where one could simply ponder the beauty and the mystery of Japan while walking along the ponds and gardens. In the home lived three generations of Miyakawa. The first was Chuzo and his wife. Chuzo was the second generation to run the family business. He saw the store inherited from his father through some of its toughest times in the occupation after World War II. At one point the store was taken over by the Allied Occupation and made the headquarters for the US Army in this part of Japan. In 1970 Chuzo had turned over a thriving business to his oldest son and his wife Kikuyo. Kikuyo was an educated woman, a talented fashion designer. She was a tremendous asset to the family business. She was also the person given primary responsibility for hosting a college student from the United States; Bob. Kikuyo and her husband had two children. Shigeki was the oldest and was ten. He would one day take over the business from his father. Momoko was their daughter born on March 3rd the festival after which she was named “peach blossom”. Momoko was five in 1970. Bob & Chris came to Hirosaki this year and found a much different Miyakawa family. In 2009 only Momoko and her perfume shop remain as the legacy of Miyakawa in Hirosaki. Many things had passed away. In 1978 the family had a series of setbacks. The final result was the loss of the business and the tearing down of the historic department store. Today in its place is a parking lot. The building only remains as part of a display of models in a local museum of historic buildings of Hirosaki. The Miyakawa home was also lost in the financial aftermath of events. Today it is a fifteen story condominium. In 1985 ground was broken in the parking lot of the old department store for another condominium building. The lot had been retained and the condominium constructed by the Miyakawa family. Two apartments in that building comprised the homes of Kikuyo and her daughter Momoko. By the completion of the condominium in 1986 they were all that remained of the family in Hirosaki. Kikuyo’s husband died of cancer before the building was completed. Chuzo and his wife had died in the late 1970’s. Momoko’s brother Shigeki and her uncle had moved to Tokyo. The once proud and prosperous family business by 1986 was reduced to a perfume and small dress shop. Kikuyo was still known in the Aomori area and beyond as a fine fashion designer; but in 1996 Kikuyo began having health problems. She spent the next 10 years in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time. Momoko who had taught school after graduating from a local women’s college was now helping run the perfume and dress shop. Then in 2006 her uncle died of cancer and her mother Kikuyo entered the hospital for the last time. As Momoko cared for her dying mother and tried to run the shop she received the unexpected news that her brother had an asthma attack and had died in Tokyo. Leaving her mother’s bedside she returned to Tokyo to take charge of matters and then returned to Hirosaki where her mother, Kikuyo died about one month later. Bob & Chris visited a much different Miyakawa family in 2009 from the one Bob remembered. Today Momoko Miyakawa, a lovely lady; but a lady alone with some of her friends and those who remember her mother, is the Miyakawa family. Today there is no department store, or even fashion design business; but simply a pleasant little perfume store on the first floor of a condominium. It was a stark reminder to Bob and Chris; of the fragile nature of all things in this world. It was a reminder to them of one way to hear Jesus, “Heaven and Earth will pass away; but my words will not pass away.” Matt. 24:35. All things as we know them are temporary except the Word and the words he gave us as the living truth of God’s love. That is in a sense the very reason that Bob and Chris came to Japan for their short six month stay. It was to share the one Truth that does not go away and to see how that Truth is share by faithful servants in the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. In a bitter sweet way Bob and Chris had a good visit with the Miyakawa family in Hirosaki; they spent a few days with Momoko Miyakawa and visited the grave site of those Bob remembered who with the family business have long since passed away. Close to the end of their time in Japan they were reminded of the reason they came in the first place; to share the one who said “My words will not pass away.”

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris? March 21 & 22

2009-03-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

Bob and Chris were at their first youth meeting in Japan on March 21 and a children’s worship service on March 22nd. The first event was for all youth in the Sapporo area and met at Shin Sapporo Lutheran Church. The fun time included extended food preparation for a meal of Okonomiyaki and a desert of crepes and whipped cream as well as a devotion. The group meets once each month with the area Lutheran Pastors. The children’s worship service was the beginning of Sunday activities at Sapporo Lutheran Church. It was bright and early at 9:00 am. Worship was conducted by two members of the congregation and used a power point for the songs. Pastor Bob was asked to give a sermon to the children based upon the days Gospel of John 3:14-21. He did and as with many of his sermons to children he finished the main message by talking about candy and God. He of course had some candy to give out as a tangible illustration. He even gave instructions on how the eat the candy and dispose of the wrapper. When he asked the children what one should do with a wrapper from candy a little child maybe four years of age said they should take it home to put in the waste can. Pastor Bob was impressed that such a young child had been taught to be a good steward of God’s earth. He agreed and reminded the children to never put wrappers on God’s earth; but always in a waste can. Worship and preaching at Sapporo Lutheran Church for the regular service and a time of fellowship afterwards were fine events that completed the formal schedule for this Sunday.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

2008-11-24T19:06:00.000-08:00

On November 27th Bob and Chris will celebrate their 2nd Thanksgiving Holiday of 2008. They will be with Rev. Dr. Jim and Carol Sacks in their home on the campus of Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary. Jim and Carol are both long term ELCA missionaries in Japan. They are part of a wonderful missionary community that has been so welcoming and supportive of Pastor Bob and Chris while they have been living in Tokyo and on the seminary campus. This year Bob & Chris really are celebrating two Thanksgivings. By the time they celebrate the one on the 27th the first one will be past. In Japan there is an official holiday of thanksgiving celebrated on November 23rd. This holiday has been a long standing part of Japanese culture. Thanks to an invitation from a member of Hoya Lutheran Church Bob and Chris participated recently in a Japanese culture class in Mikata and wore clothes similar to what might have been worn by Japanese in the Meiji era. Thanksgiving is officially listed in National Ritual Calendar established during the Meiji era. The actual name of this thanksgiving holiday is Niinamesai. On the calendar established during the Meiji era it says "the emporer both offers and partakes of firstfruits of the harvest". Like the United States Thanksgiving holiday the understanding in Japan has modified over time; but the principle remains the same. In Japan there is a harvest festival to give thanks for the rice harvest that sustained and continues to sustain the people. In the United States there is a harvest festival to give thanks for the crops that sustained the Pilgrims and the Indians and continues to sustain the people . Bob and Chris this year in a new way have and will celebrate thanks giving.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

2008-11-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

All Saints Sunday was the first Sunday of Pastor Bob's work in the East District of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. He and Chris began the day leaving their apartment at Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary at 8:00 am in order to make the 90 minute trip to Hiyoshi and arrive by 9:30 am at Hiyoshi Lutheran Church. Hiyoshi is a beautiful church in a college town setting. It has a nave with dark and beautiful furniture that was once the interior of the chapel for Japan Lutheran Seminary in it's earlier Musashino location. During worhip this very traditional furniture mixes nicely with the use of projected images for the liturgy and songs. Pastor Asano's congregation appreciates the alternative this provides to the small print in the hynmals.

Pastor Bob preached a sermon for All Saints Sunday based on the Beatitudes. It was well received as it was well translated by his colleague Pastor Naoki Asano; the same pastor who came to the South Carolina Synod and was at St. Paul, Aiken for Holy Week as the "Exchange Pastor" from Japan a few years ago. Pastor Asano also invited Pastor Bob to help with Holy Communion distribution. Worship was meaningful and the church was filled beyond capacity.

During this wonderful day at Hiyosih Church Pastor Bob and Chris met many wonderful and interesting people. One of them Mr. Yagisawa was someone who will stand out in the memory of this trip. This gentleman now 84 years of age is the pen pal to Mr Si Lambert, an active and faithful member of St. Paul, Aiken SC. Pastor Bob presented a gift to Mr Yagisawa from Si Lambert as well as his greetings and prayers. Mr Yagisawa was most appreciative and asked Pastor Bob to express his great appreciation to Si Lambert . He shared about his life as an engineer, his joy at being able to correspond with Si despite some difficulty with failing eyesight and had one more request. This was to be remembered to a young missionary whose picture he showed me. The picture was of a gathering of young Christian converts with their missionary pastor. The missionary in the picture, taken over forty years ago, was a young Rev. Charles Dawkins. Pastor Dawkins is now retired and living in South Carolina His faithful work planted the seeds that today are seen in a vibrant Hiyoshi Lutheran Church, Hiyoshi, Japan.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

: 2nd Harvest Tokyo Japan

2008-11-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 1st was a special day to work among those Christ calls Christians to serve; the "least of these". Bob & Chris were invited by Pastor Phil Hausknecht, St. Paul International Lutheran Church to volunteer with 2nd Harvest Tokyo Japan. 2nd Harvest prepares and distributes meals each Saturday in Ueno Park. St. Paul International Lutheran Ch . participates on the 1st Saturday of the each month. When Bob & Chris were invited they were reminded of the participation of their own church, St. Paul in Aiken, South Carolina in the food distributed to the elderly and needed of Aiken on the 1st Saturday of each month. They were excited to be asked to volunteer. 2nd Harvest is located about one hour total travel from the Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mitaka. Up and ready at 9:15 they left with directions from Pastor Phil to 2nd Harvest in Akihabara where food would be prepared for distribution. Bob was assigned with another volunteer to first drain Japanese pickles from their brine and then to inspect and wash produce. Chris was assigned to cook potatoes to be made into a salad. They enjoyed the fellowship shared with other volunteers in the preparation of food. Bob was particularly impressed by the large group of employees from Ciscio Systems Inc. One of them explained that their working at 2nd Harvest on Saturday was strictly optional as employess; but they also knew that Cisco as a company had a commitment to social consciousness.

After all the food was prepared it was loaded into a 2nd Harvest van for the trip to Ueno Park. The volunteers who had worked the preparation session and were also working in distribution, Bob & Chris included, made their way to Ueno Park on the train. Once at Ueno Park the van and volunteers and leaders gathered at the distribution area. The equipment and tables were set up, assignments were given out and the distribution process began. Bob was assigned to placing a piece of chicken in the rice on each plate. Chris was assigned to hand the completed meals to the recipients. It was good to do work as they remembered the words of Jesus, "As you have done unto the least of these by brothers, you have done it unto me."

The distribution fed 485 persons on this Saturday. About 585 meals in total were handed out. Produce and other food items were also distributed. Nothing was left over or left to waste. It was good to feed so many people and it was sad to see so many people who needed to be fed. It was a blessed time of stewardship for all who participated. Bob and Chris were thankful for the opportunity. Google "2nd Harvest Tokyo, Japan to find out more about this ministry.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

Reflections on a Special Reformation Service

2008-11-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

On Friday October 31, 2008 the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Japan Lutheran Church Missouri Synod held a joint Reformation Service at Ichigaya Church. The service celebrated the work of the Holy Spirit through Martin Luther, a German Augustinian monk that began the Reformation. The service was attended by members of both churches as well as new and veteran missionary workers from Lutheran Churches throughout the world. The service was the occasion to install in the JELC the 1st “Exchange Pastor” from the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA.

Our God is an awesome God!

I was honored when asked to preach on the Reformation texts at this service. The installation rite that followed was a humbling experience. I responded to the installation questions directed by to me by Rev. Sumiuki Watanabe, President of the JELC. My response was a solemn promise to God and the JELC given in Japanese even though I do not speak the language. Most of those in the congregation understood my promise. God understood my promise.

Our God is an awesome God!

Rev. Naoki Asano , Rev. George Oshiba and Rev. Sumiuki Wantanabe laid hands upon my head and prayed during the installation rite. I sensed the presence of our God in a way I have not since my Ordination in 1995. The God who establishes this and all ministries is God of all people. When I ponder the next five months of service in the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church I pray for my abilities to be sufficient. By faith I know whatever talents and abilities God has given me will be sufficient; because they are given by the same God who calls. By faith I know this because God has blessed me to be working with ordained brothers and sisters in the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. By faith we know this because so many people in the United States and in Japan are in prayer for the ministry of our two churches. By faith we know this because;

Our God is an awesome God!

Peace,

Pastor Bob Byrne

October 30th Where are Bob & Chris in Japan?

2008-10-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

"God's Fingerprints in Japan"

We worship a God greater than anything in the universe. After all he created it all. So surely the God who came to the Hebrew people must have in others ways come to other people. Our God is not culturally limited. This is the premise behind some work of Rev. Danile Kikawa and a video that has come from his colaboration with other religous scholars. "God's Fingerprints in Japan" is a video that reveals the results of their work. Bob & Chris were in a lecture given by Dr. Toshifumi Uemura, Professor of Christian Studies at Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary on October 30th. This video and it's implications were the heart of the lecture. It was a fascinating look at how God is not culturally limited. God has been understood within the Japanese culture in ways tantalizing similar to the understandings as recorded in the Bible from creation. The video revealed writings in oldest known Japanese book on relgion, the Kojiki. These writings seem to have a striking parallel understanding to creation as recorded in the Bible. The implication is that God in both is the God we worship in the first person of the Trinity

The lecture and the video also went on to show parallels in the Tea Ceremony and Holy Communion. The practices from the washing of hands and vessels to the act of eating both bread or a cake and wine or tea bore interesting similarity. The tea ceremony is known to have been used during the 200 year period when Christiantiy was illegal in Japan as a secret way to celebrate Holy Communion by underground Christians. This and many other parts of the lecture were fascinating for Bob & Chris. The video that was shared is availble from a website at Aloha Ke Akua Ministries. A google search for anyone interested would be well worth your time.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

October 26 and Where in Japan are Bob & Chris

2008-10-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ichigaya Lutheran Church

Why they are in worship in another church in the East District of the JELC of course! This Sunday, Reformation Sunday they worshipped at Ichgaya Lutheran Church. It is unique because this church worships in the same building that has the offices for the JELC. The worship area is also used by the JELC as a concert hall rented out to the public. The income from the concert hall supplements the financial needs of the JELC. This means the congregation must set up and take down everything needed for worship every Sunday. The altar, lectern and pulpit are all set up and taken down each time the congregation worships. The service was different from others that Bob & Chris have attended in Japan. This was the 1st time they saw a children's sermon as part of the liturgy in a JELC church. It was wonderful. The children even had their own reserved seats for the rest of the service! Another wonderful part of this service was the fine choir of Ichigaya Lutheran Church. They filled the room with the presence of the Holy Spirit when they sang. After worship there was a fine congregational lunch where Bob & Chris were asked to speak briefly. They also met the parents of Pastor Sato, the pastor from the JELC currently at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC. Take a long look at the picture with this blog. It shows a unque part of the concert hall used by Ichgaya Lutheran Chruch. How many crosses do you see?

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

Deep in Japanese

Bob and Chris today, October 22, 2008 are at the completion of three weeks of language study at Lutheran Language Institute in Tokyo, Japan. Their teacher told them she would miss them; they were fun to have as students. They were not sure if this meant fun to teach or amusing to watch. It was ok either way. Bob and Chris will miss her too. She was a good teacher and demanding enough to be inspiring. This was especially true in light of the brief time for their studies. In additon to the regular primer and workbook that most students use their teacher provided many materials tailored to the Church, a very helpful thing for the coming months. At the last class the teacher also provided enough work materials to keep Bob and Chris in language study for most of the rest of their time in Japan. After three weeks they both agreed that they have learned just enough to appreciate the vast nature of the language and what they do not know. They have therefore resolved to spend the beginning of each day working on lessons and the end of each day talking to each other in Japanese. This will have many benefits for them as students and as a couple. As students they are bound to learn more and even perhaps to begin to understand some conversations of native speakers and to respond. As a couple they will be able to reinforce each others learning and at least in the early months they will do so without any fear of conflict or disagreement. They don't have enough vocabulary for such matters!!

Keep Praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris

2008-10-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

Worship at Tokyo Lutheran Church

October 19th found Bob & Chris in worship at Tokyo Lutheran Church; a worshipping community, one of the largest in the JELC. This church will celebrate 100 years in 2012. Bob & Chris worshipped at the Children's Service 9:30 am, the English Service 10:00 am and the Regular Service 11:00 am. The current building is clearly new and beautiful. It was build in 1996 to respond to needs to replace the prior stucture with something better able to withstand the challenges of earthquake stresses. Each service style this Sunday was what folks back in South Carolina would recognize as traditional. The children's service used a liturgy of the Word. The other two services were Word and Sacrament. Though the 11:00 am service was the largest, all were well attended. Included in the staff of three ordained pastors is Rev. Eric Hanson. Rev. Hanson's first call is to Tokyo Lutheran. Though he conducted the English service on October 19th he has already given his first sermon in Japanese. Bob & Chris heard of it in complimentary terms from one of Rev. Hanson's former teachers at the Lutheran Language Institute where he studied to learn Japanese after arriving in Japan. This week Bob & Chris actually understood and even sang a few words in Japanese at the 9:30 am and 11:00 am service. But most of all they experienced the love of God communicated in smiling faces and warm bows and handshakes exchanged with the their brothers and sisters at Tokyo Lutheran.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Worship at Musashino Lutheran Church

On Sunday, October 12 Bob & Chris worshipped at Musashino Lutheran Church in Asagaya City part of Tokyo Japan. The church used to be the church for the Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary until the seminary moved to it's present site in Mitaka City, also part of Tokyo. The building, recently rebuilt to meet earthquake specfications is designed to resemble Noah's Arc. Worship was a spiritual wonder for Bob and Chris. Yes they struggled at times with language; but the liturgy was familiar in the components. Since they had a romanji translation they tried to keep up in Japanese. It was a very special Sunday at Musashino. The invited preacher was Rev. Chushianta, a missionary from Finland retiring in March after serving in the Nagoya area for the past ten years. She began her ministry in Japan while in her fifties, learning the language while worshipping at Musashino. There was also an adult baptism. Since the candidate was an adult the rites for Baptism and Confirmation were both part of the service. The woman baptized had faithfully checked the Finnish pastor's sermons for proper Japanese during her ministry. After reading so much proclamation of the Gospel supplemented by conversations with pastor the Holy Spirit brought her to faith. Today was her baptism. Pastor Bob was invited to help distribute during Holy Communion. Though he asked for the words, "The blood of Christ shed for you." in Japanese he was told with a warm smile by Pastor Oshiba, the pastor of the church that folks would understand his English! The chalice and it's contents communicate a truth not bounded by language! It was a wonderful day for Bob & Chris as they enjoyed a two hour worship service to start the Sabbath of October 12, 2008. After a congregational meal following worship they returned to their apartment back in Mikata about 4:30 pm; a little tired.

Keep Praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-10T02:32:00.000-07:00

Learning Japanese at Lutheran Language Institute

After spending hours of time to study the lessons from language class of the previous day including trying to write and memorize the beginnings of the 107 letters and combinations that make up the Hiragana symbols Chris and Bob are right back the next morning at Lutheran Language Institute each day about one hour from their apartment by bus and trains. You might be asking yourself why? Why try in three weeks to cram language and why try to add to the effort by actually learning 107 symbols of Hiragana? The short answer is to do something about the very real fact that in this culture Chris and Bob are illiterate. Degrees and certificates and all the rest from the United States mean nothing when you are not able to speak or read and write! So even though they will have translation help they are trying to become as literate as possible. Perhaps a true story of one American pastor will illustrate..

Pastor Phil from the St. Paul International Lutheran Church here in Tokyo told this story while visiting with Bob & Chris after their very first day of language training. As the story goes, an American pastor who had been in Japan for some time and was very proud that he was beginning to really get the Japanese language down was excited in worship one Sunday. On that Sunday he announced to his Japanese congregation his joy that this Sunday during worship they would have a baptism in the congregation. While his language ability may have been improving he still needed some work. Inflexions are important in Japanese. His was just a bit off.

When the pastor announced that this Sunday during worship there would be a baptism in the congregation his inflexion actually announced something quite different. He actually said in rather loud Japanese for all the members to hear and with great joy, “During worship this Sunday there will be nude bathing in the congregation.” Inflexions are important! Literacy is important in any language. According to Pastor Phil the pastor who made this mistake never knew of it. When the major "oops" left the pastor’s lips his congregation did not react. Maybe a slight smile here or there; but they remained quiet and their pastor therefore did not even realize that he had made an embarrassing mistake. Such is the respect of the Japanese for another's dignity. Such was their respect that day for their pastor. According to Pastor Phil the congregation made no mention of the error and most likely he speculated, simply prayed that their pastor's Japanese would improve; especially his inflexions!

Keep on praying,Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Apt 23 Guesthouse

Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary, Tokyo Japan

A kitchen that works just fine!

A good living area to study Japanese and write home!!

Chris hard at work at our table.

Bob and Chris are now "at home" for the first two months one of orientation and one of serving the East District of the JELC at the Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary in the western part of Tokyo, Mitaka. The apartment is cozy and they consider themselves blessed to have such a fine place to begin their exchange ministry.

Keep praying,

Zen, Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-08T00:55:00.002-07:00

Dinner at Arcadia, Ichgaya Hotel

On October 7th Bob & Chris were invited to a welcome dinner by the leaders of the JELC at the Arcadia Hotel in Ichgaya, Tokyo. Present were Pastor Bob & Chris and the leadership team of the JELC including President Watanabe, Executive Director Tokuhiro, Global Mission Director Asano and his assistant Otomori San and the District Presidents. A meal of celebration and looking forward to future ministry was joyous for all in attendance. During the evening Pastor Bob was able to discuss future ministry with each of the five District Presidents to whom he will report in the coming months. After yesterday he and Chris were given a new schedule. They remain in Tokyo until December 2. Then Bob & Chris board a plane for Kumamoto on the southeran island of Kyushu. They remain there until January 11th. They will then board the Shinkasen or fast train to the city of Osaka in the West District. On February 8th they get on the Shinkasen one more time for the smooth fast ride to the Tokai District were they will be working with seniors and abused children. On March 8th its another flight. This time to the snow of Hokodate on the northern island of Hokkaido. That will finish their exchange ministry travels until they return to Tokyo for a farewell event on March 30 and then board the plane to return to the USA on March 31st. After great fellowship, a fine meal, and a new schedule Bob found the right moment to give a gift to the JELC via their President Watanabe. The quilt was made both lovingly and skillfully by the quilters of St. Paul. As the pictures show, it was very well received.

Keep on Praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

Worship at Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary (JLTS)
October 5, 2008

The experience of Word and Sacrament in our Lutheran Liturgy even when you do not understand the language is an enriching spiritual experience. Bob & Chris worshipped in the beautiful chapel of JLTS this morning. Thanks to Professor Katsuyoshi Nakamura retired from JLTS they were able to understand the the content of the sermon. Professor Nakamura a retired Latin and Greek scholar after thirty years of teaching at JLTS quietly translated the message as it was delivered. In the time of fellowship he shared the final project in his career; that of translating the Gospel accounts and the Acts of Apostles into simple Japanese; understandable even for children. His final professional project will be a wonderful gift to the Church in Japan. After worship a time for lunch and fellowship that is characteristic of the practice in Japanese churches was a great way to sense the community of the people of Mitaka Lutheran Church.

Keep Praying,

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

2008-10-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

On October 3 they were at the headquarters of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church with Matt from Los Angeles, Ca; Carolyn from Portland, Or. and Jennifer from Chicago, Il. Bob, (he took the picture)Chris and these three youthful and enthusiastic J-3's were there to be greeted by Rev. Sumiuki Watanabe, President of the JELC and Rev. Hirotaka Takuhiro, Executive Director & Director of Global Mission for the JELC. They also were given a presentation of the JELC then and now. After the presentation by Rev. Takuhiro there was time for questions, discussion and fellowship. Bob & Chris were impressed with the meeting the information and most of all with the J-3's. Do you know what a J-3 is? A J-3 is a short term; 3 years missionary whose primary duties are teaching English as a second language to Japanese students in Lutheran schools that are part of the JELC. They first come to Toyko for six months of language training at the Lutheran Language Institute. Bob & Chris will also be trained there in the coming weeks. During this training J-3's have extensive support from the JELC as they adjust to life in Japan and prepare for their service. After language training they will be assigned to schools either in Tokyo or Kumamoto. These new J-3s are just starting. Their smiles tell you of their joy. Two of them will be off to Kumamoto and one will remain in Tokyo after language training. Each of them has different backgrounds from the undergraduate educations. They share a common desire to serve God's youth in Japan. If you are a young Lutheran in college or soon to graduate or even an older college grad you could be in a picture of J-3s one day. You might have three years of an experience in Japan that is life changing. You might live and serve our Lord in a culture different from your own and have broader vision and joy as a result. Pray about it; especially you young Lutherans. You could be in the picture.

Keep Praying

Zen Ben

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris

2008-10-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Learning to Walk
October 3, 2008

Ok Bob and Chris already know how to walk; but how about walking to the store with a name you don’t know on a street you cannot pronounce using a transportation system you do not understand? Get the point? It is like learning how to walk for the??? time. Anytime you must do something with which you’re not accustomed it is like learning how to walk. Now you may say, "Hey once or twice was enough even if I accept your simile!” The truth is however that each time you learn or relearn how to walk you also approach a new day when you will experience again the exhilaration of running; of feeling the freedom of the wind in your face; of knowing again that God has given you talents you did not even realize you had before; before you tried to learn how to walk for the??? time.

So October 3rd Bob and Chris learned how to walk for the ??? time. You see when you are not a tourist; but a resident alien then you must learn how to live; daily live in your new land where you are the foreigner. The JELC provided housing; but now it was time for Bob and Chris to find food; a place to buy food. So with help from Cindy Otomori as to where to look and with a map of the area; a map of the bus routes; with a newly cash infused card that you pass over a reader to pay for your bus ride in both their hands, off they went. They left the safe confines of the seminary in search of a grocery store; one with food; cheap in cost but good in quality food in Tokyo, Japan.

First they went out of the seminary grounds and down a nameless street in search of the bus stop, the one that had two routes ichi or queju ichi; 1 or 91. The bus stop was Nishino and the route they would take stopped at Mushishisaki Station; the nearest train station. It was six stops down the route. Now they had to first get on the bus; check the number on the bus that stopped at their stop, get out the newly acquired cards; find the machine that you held them over to pay the fare as they boarded the bus and then find a seat among all the eyes staring at the fumbling foreigners; Bob and Chris. Six stops did not mean counting the number of times the bus actually stopped because a bus here does not stop unless a rider makes a request via an electronic signal; funny little boxes with yellow lights next to each seat and on the poles where people stand when the bus is packed; almost all the time. To count six stops they had to listen and view the screen that announced the stops in Japanese and in English and count those. They did. First steps were completed they arrived at the train station.

A train station in Tokyo is a concentration of commerce; stores where the millions who commute to various parts of the city may shop in the midst of the daily sojourn to and from work. Among the stores around our train station was Itoyo Kado; a department store. It was across the street from the Star Bucks and the KFC ! Department stores in Tokyo offer more than the soft goods of American counterparts. They have all that the American stores plus restaurants on the top floor and giant supermarkets on the bottom floors. Thus after Bob and Chris arrived at the train station they went to Itoyo Kado department store in search of groceries. They found groceries most of which looked strange and exotic. They found prepared foods in a department about five times the size of what was their experience back at Publix in Aiken, SC. The food itself was mostly beyond their prior experience; except perhaps for the sushi in a case about thirty feet long!! After a tour of the floor Bob and Chris with heads aching from more choices and more food they did not recognize than ever before, decided to go to the top floor and find a place to eat for dinner.

On the top floor of Itoyo Kado they found four restaurants. Each had a window with plastic models of the food they offered and individual signs showing the cost. Even when you cannot pronounce the food names the models give you the opportunity to ask the waiter to come with you; to point at a model and then wait in wonder to taste what you hope you just ordered. Bob and Chris looked at the windows for each establishment, chose one that seemed affordable and edible; sat down at a table in real chairs; and waited for the waiter. Surprise! The waiter handed over menus with pictures of each food offered; genuine reproductions of the models; pictures just like Shoney’s in Aiken; but the food was not Shoney’s. So now to find the picture that looked almost like a model and that is what they did. The meal was very different; but very good. Many things did not taste like what they appeared to be; but they tasted good in an odd sort of way. Now filled somewhat if not satisfied Bob and Chris resolved to conquer the grocery department back on the bottom floor of Itoyo Kado.

It took another hour or so to resurvey the store or the floor with the groceries all the while wondering just how strange they appeared to the Japanese patrons. Finally after another hour of looking, picking up and trying to find any English on a label, of viewing strange and wondrous fresh fish, fruits and vegetables and speculating on what they might be and how they might be cooked, the first shopping for food adventure was over. Two small hand baskets of food; enough for maybe two days of meals had been selected. About $67 later after their credit card was rejected and cash was substituted Bob and Chris left the store; satisfied and tired. Now it was dark in the early evening and the attempt to return home began.

Thankfully the bus stop though not the same one where the 1st bus had stopped was easy to find. It was right were Cindy Otomori had showed them earlier in the day! So Bob and Chris waited for the bus; got on the first Ichi that stopped, swiped those new cards one more time, counted six stops or six potential stops, pressed the “let me off” button when they heard the announcement for Nishino, got off and turned in the direction of the seminary made a little more difficult for it was now totally dark, and found the seminary and their apartment! Tired, no exhausted from the exercise of trying to buy groceries; from the attempt to learn to walk they stepped in the apartment; took some aspirin and went to bed! Learning to walk is hard; requires effort; but it was worth it!! Tomorrow they try to find the headquarters of the JELC in the middle of Tokyo!

Keep on Praying

Zen Ben

2008-10-02T01:02:00.000-07:00

Where in Japan are Bob & Chris ?

Arrived !!

October 2, 2008

Yesterday was a long flight and exhausting. The ride was good; the movies ok; but the time dragged. When they arrived in Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan Bob & Chris were met by Rev. Naoki Asano and Cindy Otomori of the JELC at the airport; driven the two hours back to the city; had a light dinner and then went to the guest house at the Lutheran College and Seminary in Tokyo. This is home for the next two months. Orientation began before the night ended. They were given a folder for orientation that Cindy had prepared and some yen as an advance to get started on expenses. By the time they arrived Bob and Chris had been up from 5:30 am Los Angeles CA time to 9:00 PM the next day Tokyo, Japan time. After some light unpacking they passed or sacked out for the night exhausted. The next day; today began with registration at city hall as foreigners and then opening a bank account; all with the assistance of Cindy. Why assistance? Bob and Chris are really God’s “children” when it comes to reading instructions in Japanese characters!! The day began with Cindy at 11:00 am; extra time to sleep off the jet lag and do more unpacking. Much of their early days will involve real feelings of dependency or better said; walking in faith lead by the hands of faithful people to guide them; their brothers and sisters in Tokyo. The picture below is Chris before take off in Los Angeles, CA. Where is Bob?

Keeping praying,

Zen Ben

Departure Pictures September 21, 2008

2008-09-22T08:25:00.001-07:00

Where are Bob & Chris?

2008-09-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

On Sunday September 21st they began the journey west. The day began when Phil and Carol Van Leeuwen arrived at the Cherry Hills home to take them to Columbia Metro Airport, After loading up the luggage; all 300 pounds of it a party consisting of Phil, Carol, Pastor Bob, Chris and Lyn Patterson (Chris’s sister) made their way to the airport. They were met by Rev and Janice Livingston for a joyous farewell. The group was a metaphor for the entire experience. Wherever Bob and Chris are in the next six months they are their only because of God’s grace expressed in the support of faithful people. From Columbia, SC to Portland, Oregon. For a few days now they will visit with family in Oregon and then California. On September 30 the journey to Tokyo will continue with a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo.

Keep Praying,

Zen Ben

I HAVE A NAME

2008-09-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right I have a name!

Thanks to Sela Grooms my name is Zen Ben. Sela submitted her idea along with many others from the youth of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aiken SC. I really liked Zen Ben. Now I pray that Sela will really like her ice cream gift certificate. You might even remember me as Zb for short. I will bring you the thoughts; pictures and reflections of Chris and Pastor Bob in months ahead during their ministry in Japan. Come to think of it Pastor Bob is known at St. Paul as Pb for short. Sooo Zb will be happy to bring you news of Chris and Pb in Japan! One more thing; Some folks who have come to Pb's blog have told Pb I don't look very happy. Well don't be concerned I am really a happy monk. But you see; if you had been sitting in full lotus position (legs like a pretzel) as long I have, you too would have my inverted smile!

Keep on reading and praying.

Commissioning Pictures September 7, 2008

2008-09-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

(left to right)

DM Beth Barkhau, Rev. Jerry Livingston, Rev. Kathleen Chartier, Pastor Bob Byrne, Chris Byrne, Rev. Sato, Bishop Herman Yoos III, Pastor Mark Cerniglia

( left to right)

Rev. Jerry Livingston, Pastor Bob Byrne, Chris Byrne Rev. Sato, Bishop Herman Yoos III

WHERE IN JAPAN ARE BOB & CHRIS ?

2008-09-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Commission Reflections

We are not there yet! No we are not there but the sense of the adventure began last Sunday when we were commissioned by our Bishop Herman R. Yoos III at a wonderful service last Sunday afternoon. Rev. Jerry Livingston, missionary to the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church for forty years preached and Chris and I heard clearly the reality of both the opportunity and the expectation that awaits us in Japan. Then when Bishop Yoos asked the questions of commissioning we answered, “Yes with the help of God”. Each time both the affirmation and reality of our utter dependence became more real to us. We will surely venture to Japan in faith, supported by prayer and sensing in a new way our utter dependence on God. We go to Japan thankful for the Rev. Mark Cerniglia who was commissioned to be our interim at St. Paul, Aiken at the same service. With partners who will direct and support our work in the JELC and with partners who support us at St. Paul, Aiken and in the South Carolina Synod, together we go forth to do whatever God calls us so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may be shared by loving and serving all. The more you think about it; or pray about it the clearer it becomes. The ministry that Bob and Chris will be doing for six months or the ministry each of us does in daily response to God’s Grace is only possible

“with the help of God”.

Peace,

WHERE IN JAPAN ARE BOB & CHRIS??

2008-08-17T16:07:00.001-07:00

Hi I am the monk you will see at this blog each time there is news about "Where in Japan are Bob & Chris". You may be a part of the exchange of Bob & Chris to be missionaries sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in the JELC. Simply check the blog each day or so and look for me and the question "Where in Japan are Bob & Chris?" Each article will fill you in and invite you into the experience of the people and places they will be serving. It all begins on October 1st. See Ya.

Monk

God Provides an Interim Pastor to Serve St. Paul

2008-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

God has provided and the people of St. Paul will welcome Rev. Mark A. Cerniglia to serve during my absence for service to the Japanese Evangelical Lutheran Church Pastor Mark was welcomed by a unanimous vote of the church council after an evening of fellowship and introductions. Pastor Mark's interim ministry will begin on September 7 when he will be commissioned along with Chris and myself at a festive worship service at 4:30 PM at St. Paul. We will work together until Chris and I leave for Japan on September 21st. This will insure a smooth transition for St. Paul in our ministry to "share the good news of Jesus Christ by loving and serving all."

Thanks be to God,

pb

INTERIM PASTOR ARE YOU OUT THERE?

2008-06-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

From September 1st 2008 to April 1, 2009 there is a great opportunity for you, ordained person who is capable of taking on a temporary role as Senior Pastor in a multiple staff situation, to serve Jesus Christ by serving St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aiken South Carolina. While I am serving the JELC you may be in Aiken where the surroundings are wonderful, the weather is better and the people of St. Paul are the best; motivated and active Christians because of the Grace of God in Jesus Christ. For this Exchange Pastor to serve in Japan we need you to step up and serve in Aiken. If you are reading this post and want to know more; maybe want to serve?; Call the Bishop of South Carolina at 803.765.0590 or call St. Paul at 803.649.4021.

Peace

Pastor Bob Byrne
St. Paul, Aiken, SC

Comissioning For Service

2008-06-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

On September 7 at 4:30 PM the Bishop of South Carolina, Rev. Herman Yoss will preside and retired ELCA Missionary to the JELC, Rev. Jerry Livingston, will preach at a service of commissioning for Rev. Robert T. Byrne, South Carolina Exchange Pastor to the Japanese Evangelical Lutheran Church, and for an Interim Pastor (yet to be named) for St. Paul Lutheran Church during Pastor Byrnes time of ministry in Japan. The service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Rd., Aiken South Carolina. Directions to the church may be obtained by calling the church office at 803.649.4021. A festive meal of celebration will follow in the church fellowship center. All those with a heart for taking the Gospel to the world are invited to this special event.

LUTHERANS IN SOUTH CAROLINA SEND PASTOR TO JAPAN

2008-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

On October 1st of 2008 this pastor will be the 1st "exchange pastor" from the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA to be sent for six months to serve the JELC or Japanese Evangelical Lutheran Church in Japan. I will serve throughout the country of Japan at the direction of the JELC in both churches and social institutions. I will serve on the streets working with the abused, the disadvantaged, and the outcasts as well as in the member churches and related institutions. Each time I am able you will see a post about the people, the experience and the feelings that come to mind as I serve along with my spouse under the direction of the JELC on this first of a kind exchange for the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA and the JELC. This blog is your invitation to experience the exchange as well. In words and pictures posted that you respond to or enter into you are invited to become part of the adventure. How do you share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed in a country that is 99% non Christian after 400 plus years of Christian missionary work? Where is God in this country and in the work of Christians? Our God is at work and well in Japan. Jesus Christ is present in the lives of people; all people through the Holy Spirit? Our challenge is to learn how this is lived out in a culture whose very mode of experiencing the world is beyond our own daily mode of experience. Our adventure is to continue the work of sharing and serving and in it experience the Truth in a context completely outside anything most of us have ever tried to understand. Sound like fun? You may come along anytime you wish; just check into the blog. For the next few months I will share the beginning; getting ready to go to Japan; then the adventure begins. While I am preparing perhaps you would like to do some preparation. May I suggest reading Zen and Japanese Culture by Daisetz T. Suzuki and The Samurai by Shusaku Endo as a great way to start. ENJOY

Peace

SCEP