A letter from Bill and Ann Moore in Japan
August 3, 2009
Dear Friends,
The writing of this letter finds us based in Pasadena, California, as we are on six months of “interpretation assignment” for World Mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As always, leaving our work and life in Japan behind and entering into the reality of living in the United States has caused a bit of culture shock, but we have made a good recovery and are enjoying the change of scenery and the attractions of southern California as well as connecting in person with PC(USA) congregations.
Leaving behind members of our Nishitani Chapel new church development for a season has been hard, but we are gratified to see how they have pitched in to keep attendance at worship up and the work of the church going. The chaplain of the Yodogawa Christian Hospital and faculty and students of the Reformed Church of Christ in Japan’s Kobe Theological Seminary have filled the pulpit every Sunday. As always, our partners in this work and in whose home we meet, Dr. and Mrs. Haruki Kondo, have amazed us with their faithfulness and dedication. We have long suspected that we are not indispensable, and now we know it.
On Easter Sunday we had the joy of receiving a new member of our church by profession of faith. Born into a Christian family and baptized as an infant, she left the church as a teenager but at the age of 60, sensing her emptiness, was drawn to faith in Jesus Christ. Her faith has been a great encouragement to all our members, and we are praying that her witness will draw her family to faith as well.
Upon our return to Japan in Late October 2009, we plan to concentrate on how we can build a space to accommodate our growing congregation. While it has been a blessing to meet in the Kondos’ home, we need more room for worship and Christian education as well as programs for members of the community. In addition, having a separate meeting place will engender a stronger identity and sense of ownership among the members and raise the profile of the church in the wider community. One idea is to erect a building behind the Kondo’s medical clinic. This will keep the property together when the Kondo’s eventually end their medical practice and grant the clinic building to the church. Please pray that God will give us the wisdom and resources needed for this building project.
While we have been away from our church, it recently came to us in the form of three members of our Sunday school who visited us here in Pasadena. Three delightful 12-year-old girls, Yuki, Honoka, and Kirika, were with us for 10 days. They participated in vacation Bible schools of the Pasadena Presbyterian Church as well as the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, where they made many friends. Also, they participated in home stays and saw the sights of Los Angeles. It was an eye-opener for them to see God’s family in another land.
Left to right: Sarah, Ann, Paul, Bill, and John Moore at Paul's graduation from Emerson College in Boston.
At our son Paul’s graduation from Emerson College in Boston this spring we were able to be together as a family for the first time in several years. John is working as an industrial designer in Boston, and Paul is seeking employment in the film industry in Los Angeles. Sarah has one more year to go at Davidson College.
We look forward to seeing many of you during our time in the United States. We appreciate your prayer and support that allows us to continue serving as your representatives in Japan.
Blessings in Christ,
Bill and Ann Moore
The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 123
