A letter from Bill and Ann Moore in Japan
November 2013
Dear Friends and Partners in Mission,
As we look back on the year 2013 and try to characterize it, perhaps “roller coaster” is the best description. That is, there were lots of ups, downs, and excitement. At times just trying to hold on was a challenge and the excitement was close to our limit. Some experiences were definitely not what we would have chosen. Yet as the year draws to a close we give thanks for 2013 because of the way the Lord has shown his loving presence to us.
Sunday School children and their mothers at the Nishitani Church
The early part of 2013 was focused on concluding our involvement with the Nishitani new church development. For over 10 years the establishment of a church in Nishitani, a rural community north of Kobe, where we live, has been the center of our ministry. There had never been a church in Nishitani and very few Christians lived there. Working over the years in partnership with the Itami Reformed Church in Japan, a congregation was established, a church building erected, and a Japanese pastor called. In May we celebrated what God had done in Nishitani and then moved on to other mission opportunities, but at the same time we were faced with another kind of challenge.
Sarah, our 24-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Especially given her youth, this was a shock to all of us—but providentially there is a world-class hospital in Kobe dedicated to the treatment of thyroid disease. Sarah was able to undergo her surgery there and has made an excellent recovery. While she must continue having periodic check-ups, the prognosis is good and she has adjusted well to drug therapy.
Bill and Ann receive a parting gift from the Nishitani Church
After completing our work in Nishitani, our work is now focused on the wider mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s efforts in Japan. The largest of these efforts that is still directly under the stewardship of the PC(USA)’s Japan Mission is the Yodogawa Christian Hospital (YCH) in Osaka. Founded in 1955, this hospital has grown over the years to become one of the major health providers in the region. It recently opened the first children’s hospice in Asia. Bill administers the chaplaincy program provided by the Japan Mission to YCH, which is the largest chaplaincy program of any hospital in Japan. It is a joy to take part in Christian witness and service to patients and staff, many of whom have never had direct contact with the Christian faith.
In addition to work related to YCH we are responsible for the administration of our Japan Mission religious corporation. Bill was recently elected Representative Director of the Japan Mission and Ann serves as a board member and is on its Administration Committee. We are in the process of strengthening the Japan Mission so that it may function more effectively as an agency in mission partnership with the PC(USA). In addition to Ann’s service in the Japan Mission and the board of YCH, she continues to take leading roles in the Kobe and Japan YWCA.
The Nishitani congregation
A challenge that has beset us this year was a serious governance crisis at Yodogawa Christian Hospital that threatened its basic direction. A very difficult struggle was necessary to bring about necessary changes. However, we are now delighted to have a new leadership team in place with which we are working to make YCH an even more effective witness to Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, managing this crisis made it necessary for us to postpone our scheduled interpretation assignment in the U.S.
Ending out this roller coaster of a year was the death of Bill’s father, John, who was for many years a missionary of the PC(USA) in Korea. Both of us were blessed to be with him in hospice for several days before his passing. We thank God for giving him to us as a loving father and for his long and faithful witness and service in Korea and the U.S. “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!”
Bill with members of the Yodogawa Christian Hospital Chaplaincy staff
Through the changes and challenges of 2013 we have experienced the grace and support of our unchanging God. This has made our ministry in Japan a joy. We also thank you, God’s people, for your support. Your prayer and gifts have made it possible for us to serve in this place. We invite your continued partnership for the year to come.
As we enter Advent and prepare to celebrate Christmas we are once more reminded of the blessings we have received from Jesus Christ, who is Immanuel, God with us. May the joy of God’s presence sustain you as it has sustained us.
In Christ,
Bill and Ann
The 2012 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 200
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 208
Read more about Bill and Ann Moore's ministry
Write to Bill Moore
Write to Ann Moore
Give to Bill and Ann Moore's sending and support
