A letter from Bill and Ann Moore in Japan
November 23, 2005
Dear Friends in Christ,
This November marks twenty years since we first arrived in Japan as missionaries. In some ways it seems as if it was only yesterday that we landed at Osaka airport with 4-year-old John in tow. However, as John left Japan to pursue his studies six years ago, Paul left this summer, and Sarah plans to leave home for the United States next fall, we are also acutely aware of the passing of time.
Over our 20 years we have seen a number of missionary colleagues come and go. A Japanese pastor recently observed that, “All the really smart missionaries have left Japan.” He mentioned a few names and then commented, “We are glad that you are not too smart.” We shared a good laugh over that.
Worship at Nishitani, a congregation of the Reformed Church of Christ in Japan.
Our twentieth year in missionary service has caused us to think about what exactly it is that keeps us in Japan. We have concluded that more than anything else it is the example and faith of our Japanese partners in mission that compels us to remain. We remember Mrs. Toshiko Kondo, an elderly believer who resided in a nursing home before being called to her permanent home last spring at the age of 93. Her Christian mother died at an early age when Mrs. Kondo was but a young girl, and she was told that her mother was punished for having become a believer. Her grandparents, to whom she had been sent to live, both died a few years later, so she returned to her father’s and stepmother’s home.
Despite discouragement from those around her, she grew in faith and was baptized. When she announced that she intended to marry a minister she was disowned by her family. The Second World War brought privation and discrimination against those who followed the “enemy’s religion,” but through it all hers was a bright and contagious faith. She never tired of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with her neighbors. Whenever we visited her in the nursing home we received far more encouragement then we were able to offer. Every time she told us, “I am so glad that I became a Christian. They said I was cursed for following Jesus, but actually all things have worked out for good.” When I officiated at Mrs. Kondo’s funeral it was a joy and privilege to share her witness to God’s goodness.
There are many other stories I could relate about the faith and dedication of our sisters and brothers in Christ here in Japan. Although the Christian community is small, the faith is deeply rooted in the lives of those who believe. Over our twenty years in Japan we have come to identify ourselves with God’s family here in this place and are compelled to share in their witness to the hope and joy we know in Christ.
Left to right: Bill, Paul, Ann, John, and Sarah Moore.
Our primary work continues to be that of organizing a new congregation of the Reformed Church of Christ in Japan in a community called Nishitani located just north of Kobe where we live. It is a blessing to join together with Japanese believers to share the gospel in Nishitani.
It is also by your prayers and gifts that we are able to serve in this place. You are just as much our partners in mission as Mrs. Kondo was. God has blessed our efforts and met all our needs because of your prayer. Your gifts through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for our support are vitally important as well. Your partnership with us as well as our witness in this place to God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ are made possible by your gifts.
In Christ,
Bill and Ann Moore
The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 251
