A letter from Bill and Ann Moore in Japan
December 6, 2007
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you as I ride the Takamatsu-to-Kobe ferry on the way home from a board meeting at Shikoku Gakuin University, an institution the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was instrumental in founding soon after the Second World War. I normally take the high speed “bullet train” on these trips but from time to time when I feel the need to slow down a bit I ride this car ferry, which leisurely makes its way through the islands of the Inland Sea. The four-hour trip each way makes for a very long day, but the time spent in the deserted passenger lounge affords ample time for reflection as the ship glides through the darkness of the winter night.
As 2007 quickly comes to a close, I marvel at the opportunities Ann and I have been given for witness during the year. Our major focus remains the new church development project in Nishitani, a rural and increasingly suburban community north of Kobe. This year we celebrated two adult baptisms that were a great encouragement. It is exciting to see our church grow surely, albeit slowly in this community that has never had a church. It is especially gratifying to see our Sunday school expand to serve upper primary school students. This is the fruit of our first summer camp that Ann led in August. What a joy and responsibility it is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have never heard.
All three of our children are in the United States now. John is working as an industrial designer in a research division of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Paul is also in Boston studying film at Emerson College. Sarah is thriving at Davidson College in North Carolina. While we are still adjusting to an empty nest, it is exciting to have more time for witness. Ann is increasingly involved at the Kobe YWCA serving on numerous committees and helping to lead their elderly daycare program. She is finding it challenging but at the same time gratifying to be promoting the “C” part of the YWCA.
In the spring Bill was persuaded to serve as director of the Kobe Reformed Presbyterian Church’s kindergarten. This church and kindergarten were started by PC(USA) missionaries in the 1950s, so it is a joy to continue their witness. Thanks to a wonderfully talented and dedicated staff, the kindergarten responsibilities are part-time for Bill. It is a pleasure to share God’s love with 80 lively youngsters and their parents, few of whom are believers. Planting seeds of faith at the kindergarten is an exciting sideline!
We are constantly reminded of your partnership in our witness to Jesus Christ. Your prayer sustains and encourages us. Your offerings are now more important than ever for keeping us in Japan.
In a couple of weeks we will be celebrating Christmas in Nishitani. We make this a community affair, inviting all our friends and acquaintances to our congregation’s Christmas events and services. We ask you to pray that the joy and hope of the gospel will increasingly take root in the hearts of the people in our community so they may join us in giving thanks for God’s great gift.
In Christ,
Bill and Ann
Financial support for the Moores
Make checks payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). On the subject line write “Bill and Ann Moore, E200388,” which specifically directs funds to our support. Send it to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 249
