Chapter 33

HE LEADETH ME

 

(From Thursday 2 September 1976 to Thursday 29 September 1977. I travel to the States and back to Japan, mainly to attend a funeral in the U.S. Then I soon fly to Guam again, to preach there and to take a missionary journey to Truk and Ponape islands.)

 

Thursday 2 September 1976: Thank God for a safe flight to Haneda Airport, Tokyo. I rejoice to enter Japan on a missionary visa for the first time. The Hersey family is still in the States. Son (Philip) is at their house here. I call him and ask to come out and spend the night. “Come on.” I arrive late and crash into bed, plenty tired and happy.

3 September: I run many errands in Tokyo and again sleep at the Herseys’ house.

Saturday 4 September: I ride the trains to Karuizawa and rejoice to see a large stack of mail awaiting me at Bethel House. I soon walk to the PO and take more kind letters from my PO box. It was nice to leave Karuizawa and to return. I launch into Japanese language study with zeal and vigor, tropically refreshed.

Sunday 12 September: During the Union Church evening English church service held in the language school chapel, they elect new officers for the year. (I was stuck on Guam during this election 1 year ago.) Someone nominates me for Secretary and Treasurer. Much that goes on in this church grieves my spirit. I kindly say I want to decline the nomination. Veteran missionary Dick says that I cannot decline. Outspoken missionary wife Carol says that I ought to be able to decline if I want to. Apparently Carol believes that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Dick reluctantly says “OK”. Thank God that was my only debut into the governing realm of Union Church.

25 September: Back in late June and early July before leaving for Guam, I had to pack up all of my belongings and haul them from Bethel House to Bill Cook’s house and store the boxes in his attic and my scarce furniture in his house to make room for summer guests at Bethel House. On returning to Japan, I take a few necessary items from Bill’s house while in limbo in Bethel House as I search far and wide for a different abode. Today I enter into an agreement to rent a house in Christian Center (a camp and convention center). I praise God for this relief.

Thursday 30 September: I borrow Bill’s truck and start moving my belongings from his house to my new room in Christian Center.

Friday 1 October 1976: Bill and 2 other guys help me finish moving all my stuff today. I work till 2 AM the following morning arranging my room and then rejoice to fall asleep in it. The next few days, I set up my large wooden desk exactly as I want it and thus feel nicely settled in to this new abode. 

At Bethel House, I often borrowed one of their bicycles. I drove them on errands in the little car usually parked there, and rarely even borrowed it to run my own errand. They extended much such kindness. Still, It was much trouble to move out of Bethel House each summer, to have Mary show up early on a Friday morn to ask me if I can move into another room today, and for her to forget (for days) that she has a stack of my mail.

I rejoice to be much more on my own here in Christian Center. Here, I have my own bathroom and can take a shower anytime. The times I was welcome to the bathroom in Bethel House were too infrequent. Upon renting the PO Box, I immediately began informing all corresponding friends of that address. It is a joy to go to the PO for my mail. No need to inform any writing friend of the address at Christian Center. I drop in to Bethel House occasionally, checking for the occasionally letter someone still sends to me there.

Saturday 9 October: I ride the trains to the Hersey house to attend the annual gathering of the Free Will Baptist missionaries. This year they are having it in the Tokyo area. I am blessed to fellowship with them till Monday afternoon the 11th and then return to Karuizawa.

Wednesday 27 October: I drop into the local back to change a few dollars into yen. After that transaction, the teller hands me a letter and asks me in Japanese to tell him in Japanese what the letter says. He thinks it is in English. I see that it is German writing. I tell him I’ll soon return with help. I go to the language school nearby and ask a Swedish missionary if she can handle German. “Yes.” I bring her with me to the bank. She has just started language study and can’t speak much Japanese. She takes the letter, tells me its content in English and I convey that in Japanese to the bank teller.

The letter is from an elderly German widow in Germany saying her deceased husband lived in Karuizawa before World War II and she recently discovered that he had a savings account in this bank. She requests that his savings be sent to her. The teller thanks us and says he will do what he can for the widow. We missionaries go on our way. “All in a day’s work.”

Sunday 31 October: I preach this morning in Ueda Bible Church. Five Japanese Christian ladies and one child attend.

Christian Center is near the base of Mt. Hanare. Bill Cook’s house is “on around and up a short ways” on Mt. Hanare, a pleasant 15 minute walk from my house. I occasionally walk the trail to the top of the mount to pray there. “There’s a cave near the top.” After Bill told me that, I searched out and found the cave. As the leaves fall this autumn, I rake a big pile of them and carry them into the cave to make a bed for me.

Tuesday 9 November 1976: After supper last night, I pray in my room till 2:30 AM this morn, dress warmly and slowly walk for an hour up Mt. Hanare praying. I go into the dark cave and pray till dawn, then go outside and pray 2 hours, go back into the cave to sleep on my bed of leaves a couple hours and then walk outside and past the cave to pray in early afternoon. I hear voices coming down the narrow steep path to the cave. Five high school students (3 boys and 2 girls) appear and go into the cave. (They don’t see me.) I hear their surprised voices as they discover my pack inside. They soon come out with their “find”, talking excitedly as they head away back up the steep trail.

‘Hey,’ I call out loudly. They turn, surprised to see a foreigner, thinking no one was around and that the bag was forgotten days ago by the owner. ‘That’s my bag!’ They walk back to me and hand it over to me with much apology. It was an honest mistake.

When twilight falls, I walk home and pray till 11:40 PM. Lord, give me much perseverance to fast and intercede in prayer for the multitude of precious lost Japanese souls around me.  

I relish the much lovely autumn weather, several days of prayer and fasting (often on the mountain top), and frequent times of prayer, fellowship and delicious meals at Bill Cook’s house, walking to and from there in this lovely nature. Bill’s wife Rose Mary is a good cook and they look out for this bachelor’s nourishment, feeding me at their table and giving me food to take home. I am most thankful for their abundant generosity to me.

Monday 29 November: I awaken to lovely white winter scenery. The first serious snow of the season came in the night.

Tuesday 21 December 1976: I climb Mt. Hanare with a quite heavy pack of drinking water, planning to fast and pray there a few days. Nights, I sleep on the bed of leaves inside the cave. Days when weather permits, I sit atop the white mountain praying. When it snows during the day, I stay just inside the cave’s mouth, looking out on the white world as I pray.

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears…” (Hebrews 5:7) By God’s Grace, I do similarly on the mountaintop and in this cave, hoping no human is in range of hearing. Perchance they are, they will wonder what kind of maniac abides in this cave. At night inside the pitch-black cave, I see the bats flying in and out the cave’s entrance and hear the rustle of mice in the cave. “He went up into a mountain apart to pray.” (Matthew 14:23) Thank Thee, Precious Lord Jesus, for such a rich life on this mission field, striving to be Christ-like.     

Saturday 25 December: Praise God for a solid white Christmas, the 5th day of fasting, spending the day inside the dark cave in rich fellowship with God my Saviour Who was born as man to save me. This is a most blessed Christmas Day.

Monday 27 December: I descend the mount in ankle deep snow, plenty chilled, but filled with the Joy of My Lord Jesus.

Wednesday 29 December: Upon arising, I thank God for 10 days of fasting (alone with God in prayer most of that time) and start back eating this morning.

Friday 31 December 1976: This year passes into the history books and I praise God for much Spiritual growth and strengthening of my faith during this 30th year of my life.

Saturday 1 January 1977: I ride the trains to Fred Hersey’s house. They are somewhat relaxing after days of many Christmas activities at church and at home. There is much holiday food. Their house is warm, bright and cheerful. Several days of soaking in this atmosphere is a great blessing to me after days of fasting and interceding alone in the dark, cold cave with bats and mice.

Friday 7 January: I go to Bob and Sachiko’s house on Yokota Air Force Base and spend this night with them. We have much to talk about (life on Guam, missionary life in Japan, and such). And I enjoy playing with son Billy and daughter Tamiko.

Saturday 8 January: I ride with Bob, Sachiko and Tamiko to the Herseys’ house and these 2 families meet for the first time. Sachiko gives the Herseys steaks from the base commissary. They all chat briefly, getting acquainted before Bob’s family soon returns home. We eat their delicious steaks for supper. No one has any inkling that Bob will go to Heaven in April and Brother and Sister Hersey and I will attend his memorial service in the chapel on Yokota AF Base.

Sunday 9 January: I attend the Herseys’ church; spend this day and most of tomorrow with them before leaving for Karuizawa. I soon turn 31 years old.

4 February 1977: I start a 22 day fast during which time I pray much and memorize Scripture in English and Japanese. There are many snowy, cold days when I bundle up in my cold room because I have no money for heat or food.

Saturday 26 February: I arise and eat, thanking God for the longest fast in my life (thus far, 2016).

Sunday 27 February: I am scheduled to preach the sermon in the Union Church’s evening joint service (foreign souls and Japanese souls together). I will preach in English one or 2 sentences at a time. Mrs. Takahashi will stand beside me and interpret into Japanese. I invite Mr. Boren. (I have mentioned him.) Praise God he comes. He is Catholic. This is my only time to see him attend a non-Catholic church service. Thank Thee; Lord, for drawing him here.

I invite 2 young Buddhist men (Mr. Hayakawa and Mr. Nishizawa), supervisors in the cram school in Nagano City where I teach occasionally. That is about an hour and half drive away. Thank Thee, Lord Jesus, for drawing those 2 men (together) to church tonight. I praise Thee for pouring out much Holy Ghost Power upon the sermon, a reward of fasting, I believe.

When the service ends, most hearts are aglow (many somewhat puzzled, having never seen it on this wise). I thank Mr. Boren for coming as he is making a quite speedy exit. The 2 young men from Nagano City tell me they will drive me to my house. So we 3 soon head out in their 1 car. Shortly ahead, a car runs a “Stop” sign and shoots out of a side road across our path dangerously close in front of us. “What!?” The 2 Japanese men in this car exclaim in shock. I recognize the 2 young ladies in that car. Both are my language teachers and are leaving the same church service. The 2 Japanese men come into my house, we chat briefly and they leave for their long drive to Nagano City.

That reckless lady driver lives next door to me. “Come to my house and let’s sing praise a while,” she had said to her “passenger” at the end of the church service. I soon bed down, but am kept awake while they sing loud praise next door for more than an hour. Thank Thee, Lord Jesus, that Heaven came down and Glory filled our souls tonight. Please make all us Christians always willing to pay the price for such Holy Ghost Power.

The next day, I go into young Miss Hagiwara’s classroom for my lesson. “Last night, Miss Suzuki and I were so blessed in the service that she asked me to come home with her and sing praise. We were so excited as we drove away that she ran a ‘Stop’ sign and almost collided with another car!”

‘I know. I was in that other car.’ My answer surprised her.

Soon after, I go into elderly Mrs. Sasaki’s class for my lesson and she says; “Last night, your face and head glowed ever so brightly as you preached!” Dayspring from on High, visit us again and again, we plead!

On this same day (Monday 28 February) I receive a letter from Mrs. Sparks on Guam. “We plan to leave for the States on July 15th. Please come house sit for us.”

‘Ready! Set! GO!’

Sunday 20 March 1977: Up to my alarm clock at 2:30 AM to catch a 4:19 AM express train to Ueno in Tokyo. Expecting to see plenty of vacant seats at such an early hour, I am shocked to have to stand up in a packed train. I ride 2 more trains to arrive at Haijima Station where Bob’s family of 4 meets me, and I ride with them to their church near Yokota Base. We have a blessed morning service and Pastor Willet asks me to preach tonight, praise God. God again blessed the night service, with joyful testimonies popping up after the sermon. No one wanted to leave the lingering afterglow. I spend the night with Bob’s family. Bob just returned yesterday from a few weeks of Navy schooling in the States and today all 4 of his family are delighted to be together again.

Monday 21 March: Bob has today off, having just flown back from the States. After Billy and Tamiko walk to their school nearby, Bob joyfully tells how he got to visit his mother and all 5 of his brothers and sisters while in the States, tho they live scattered far apart (some he had not seen for several years). He had such a blessed trip, and now he, wife and 2 children are unusually glad to be back together again.

In a few weeks I will meet his mother and all his siblings for the first time and stand before them all to preach at Bob’s funeral in Mississippi. At that time, I think back on how gracious God was to Bob near the end of his life on earth, allowing him these memorial times with all members of his immediate family. I tell them of his joy on returning to Japan after visiting with each of them. Today I part from him and Sachiko at their house on Yokota Air Force Base and soon return to my house.

Saturday 9 April 1977: As when I lived in Bethel House, I have no phone of my own here in Christian Center. I am eating a late breakfast this morn when Bill Cook shows up unexpectedly. “Mrs. Hersey called my house. Sachiko had called her wanting to know if she could get an urgent message to you. Bob has been seriously injured (yesterday). Sachiko is with him in Yokosuka Naval Hospital. She wants you to come keep their two children at home.” Today, I set my affairs in order at home.

Bob was riding his motorcycle quite slowly on a stretch of street under construction. Uneven pavement (due to construction) at the edge of the street caused Bob to lose control and hit a utility pole right at the edge of the street. The motorcycle’s handlebar (or something) struck Bob hard enough to badly bruise a sizable portion of his liver. He was taken to Yokosuka Naval Hospital where he was in surgery for 12 hours as doctors removed that bruised portion of liver. His condition was most grave and guarded. Family and friends were notified. All us Christians set in praying fervently for Bob.  

Easter Sunday 10 April: I ride trains to Yokota Base and start making phone calls till I locate Billy and Tamiko at Larry’s house (a church friend of Bob and Sachiko). I eat supper at Larry’s, attend church with them in the evening and they bring Billy, Tamiko and me to Bob’s house where I start housekeeping with 2 children. Help us, Lord.

Daily, Billy and Tamiko walk the short distance from their house to Yokota Elementary School; walk back home for lunch and then walk home in mid afternoon when school lets out.

Monday 11 April 1977: I begin the routine of fixing breakfast for us three, seeing those two off to school, fixing their lunch and then their supper. While Billy and Tamiko are away from the house at school, I do laundry, clean house and talk quite a bit (on the phone and to people who come here to Bob’s house) about Bob and about the many things I must do.

I strive to get all chores done before Billy and Tamiko return in mid afternoon and then spend time with them, helping with homework, playing together and such, being as cheerful as possible. Their mother calls from the hospital most every day and talks to each of them. At bedtime, I read the Bible and pray with them, especially praying for their Dad’s healing and for their Mother. Local friends bring us casseroles and such good food and help in any way they can.

On Wednesday night, we 3 attend their church service.

Friday 15 April: I previously called the Herseys to ask if I may bring Billy and Tamiko out for supper tonight. “Come on.” So I drive Bob’s car to the Hersey house. Their son, Paul, is just a little older than Billy. Paul went all out to make it a fun time for his 2 guests and succeeded well.

Sunday 17 April: We three attend their church. Then Pastor Willet and wife have us 3 to their house for lunch. Returning home, Sachiko’s sister and family (living in the area) come visit and all the children play much. I welcome all “fun” that Billy and Tamiko can have now. Pastor Willet asks me to preach at church tonight and it is an honor to do so. Returning home, Sachiko calls and both she and Bob talk to each child on the phone.

Monday 18 April: I ride trains to the hospital to visit with Bob and Sachiko 2 hours or so and then return to their house to be with Billy and Tamiko. Bob is able to talk to me and I do all I can to encourage him in the Lord.

A few days later (when I go to my house in Karuizawa to attend to my affairs there), friends take Billy and Tamiko to the hospital to see their Dad. Bob is most happy to see his children.

Sadly, Bob’s condition deteriorates and he goes into a coma.

Tuesday 3 May 1977: Sachiko’s sister comes to their house to keep Billy and Tamiko. I ride trains to Yokosuka and go to the hospital to be with Sachiko. Several of their friends visit. “Bob told me that if he dies, he wants to be buried back home in Mississippi,” Sachiko tells me when she and I are alone.

‘If it comes to that, I’ll be glad to accompany you and the children back there, if you want me to do so.’

“Thank you.”

 I stay at the hospital till Bob’s death 2 days later, trying to be a comfort, and a help with much paperwork and such. A Navy friend of Bob and Sachiko takes us in his van to their Yokota house where Sachiko’s sister is looking after Billy and Tamiko. Sachiko soon takes the 2 children into Billy’s bedroom and tells them of their Dad. “The God of all comfort.” Thank Thee, Precious Lord Jesus, for being this to us.

Sachiko’s brother and sisters come with their families. American friends drop in to pay their respects.

Monday 9 May: I walk to school with Billy (age 10) and Tamiko (age 9), going with each to his and her homeroom to pick up personal things from his and her desk and to bid a final Farewell to their classmates and teachers. I go to the school office with them to get their school records to take to Mississippi.

Bob’s memorial service in Yokota Base Chapel is held this afternoon. Many souls attend, including Brother and Sister Hersey. A Japanese preacher is among the speakers, preaching in Japanese to Sachiko’s family.

Everything is sort of a hurried blur; much to be done as Sachiko packs suitcases for her family of 3 to take to the States and gives instructions to military friends and authorities regarding packing up and shipping all their family’s household goods back to Mississippi. 

Thursday 12 May: We four walk out of their house with our suitcases and bags, amidst many Farewells there and at Haneda Airport. I fly to the States with Sachiko, Billy and Tamiko all way to Bob’s home place in rural Mississippi and meet his Mother, siblings, and their families.

Saturday 14 May: At Bob’s funeral, after his sister’s pastor preaches, I preach on eternal life in Christ and tell how that Bob had spoken to me clearly of his Faith in Jesus Christ. My Dad and stepmother drive here for the funeral and return home today.

Sunday 15 May: I am honored to preach at the evening church service with most of Bob’s family attending. I stay here with Bob’s family a few days.

Wednesday 18 May: A different pastor asks me to preach at his church tonight, a few miles away, another rich blessing. Each day, I endeavor to say everything I can in the way of godly encouragement to Sachiko, Billy and Tamiko.

Thursday 19 May: This is my last complete day with this dear family. We do much together today. Approaching bedtime, I pray aloud with these three. Billy announces that he will pray aloud. As he does, that 10-year-old “man of the house” thanks God for all I have done for his family. Touching. He and Tamiko soon drift off to sleep on a pallet in the room where Sachiko and I talk till late. As I leave to walk to Bob’s sister’s house nearby to sleep there, I kneel down on the pallet on the floor where both Billy and Tamiko are sound asleep, my heart crumbling all to pieces. These 2 kids have become most dear to my heart since 10 April. I linger, plant a kiss on Tamiko’s cheek, pat Billy on the head, and walk away with difficulty.

Friday 20 May: I take Billy and Tamiko fishing and row boat riding on their Uncle Charlie’s small pond (savoring each minute), soon bid them all Farewell, and their Uncle Marty drives me to the bus station in Meridian. I catch a bus to Columbus, Mississippi where my brother Sidney meets me, takes me to his house briefly and soon on to Daddy’s house. My sister and small son Tommy arrive tonight from Illinois where they now live.

Saturday and Sunday are like a whirlwind as I visit with many relatives. Sunday morning at 10 AM, I teach Daddy’s adult Sunday School class. At 11 AM, I preach the sermon. My immediate family all attend church here today and several relatives and friends. My family has Sunday lunch and a blessed afternoon at Daddy’s house with people dropping in to visit. It was hard to get away in time to go preach at the Nazarene church at 6 PM. Then rush on to Daddy’s church to preach at the 7 PM service with several different friends coming to hear me preach tonight. So blessed!

Daily I visit many people and preach at Freewill Chapel on Wednesday night 25 May. The next day, I drive Charles’ car to Uncle Kilby’s house in Birmingham. After visiting him and Aunt Olivia briefly, I drive to Mrs. Mars’ house. It’s a joy to see my adopted Mother. Her daughter happened to be here now. I visit with their neighbors also, and get away at 11 PM. It’s all I can do to stay awake an hour and half, driving to Tuscaloosa where I get a motel room, and collapse into bed after 1 AM. I return to Vernon the next day, Friday the 27th.

Saturday 28 May 1977: I arise at 5 AM at Daddy’s house to eat breakfast with him and Ina (my stepmother), get into their car with them and leave at 6 AM. They drive me to Tuscaloosa Airport. Dad weeps as we say our Farewells. “I’m proud of you.” That is the 1st time Daddy said that to me, tho I am past my 31st birthday. I so wished he could have said such when time and again (from 7th thru 12th grade of school) I handed him a Straight A’s report card for him to sign, and he did so with no comment. Parents, are you awake and paying attention as you read this??

I fly to Atlanta, change planes and fly on to New Bern, North Carolina where Brother Beau is waiting at the airport. He drives me straight to Pleasant Acres Church where Hubert and Jodie’s wedding is just starting. They are both dear friends of mine. As I quietly enter the foyer, there stands beautifully arrayed bride Jodie with her attendant maids and other such folks. I can see awe on her face behind the veil as I smile broadly at her and ease on in to a pew because the wedding has already started. After the wedding Jody tells me; “I had made up my mind that I would not cry at my wedding. But when I saw you show up unexpectedly, I cried.” Sorry to ruin your wedding, sweet Jody, but so glad for this perfect timing of our Lord.

Two days with my Pleasant Acres church friends are a blur of activity till 2 AM or so each night.

Sunday 29 May: At church I speak to the young adult Sunday School class I used to teach. I cut that short to go talk to Evelyn’s primary girls’ class. At the 6 PM service, I preach and the Lord fills the altar with young souls after the sermon. Heaven came down and glory filled our souls, praise God! Again, it is 2 AM before I get to bed.

Monday 30 May: When I was previously at Pleasant Acres, Brother Gene Outland was pastor. He now pastors in the Raleigh-Durham area. I fly there late this afternoon. He meets me at the airport and takes me to High School Graduation service at the church school his daughter attends. I spend the night with them, retiring at 2 AM.

Tuesday 31 May: I fly thru Chicago and on to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Gerry meets me at the airport. He drives me to see several old friends. His wife asks me to speak at church ladies’ auxiliary meeting tonight. ‘Sure.’ Back to their house with several folks to chat till June.

Wednesday 1 June 1977: I fly from Tulsa to Dallas, Texas where Bob’s brother, Glen, is waiting for me. He takes me to his house to visit with his family and we all have supper together. Then Glen takes me for a drive, showing me the office building where he works and we drive thru the location in Dallas where President Kennedy was shot.

Back at Glen’s house before bedtime, we are surprised to get a call from Sachiko in Mississippi. Glen is a lawyer and is handling Bob’s will and such legal matters after Bob’s death. Sachiko asks Glen something about those matters and then asks to speak to me. She knew I planned to be at Glen’s house tonight. She and I talk. “I just pretended I needed to ask Glen something so I could talk to you again before you return to Japan.” So, after we 2 talk, I also talk to Billy and Tamiko in turn. Precious!

Thursday 2 June: I bid Farewell to Glen’s family; he drives me to the airport and parts from me. I fly from Dallas to San Francisco to board Pan AM’s (around the world) Flight 001 non-stop to Tokyo, and arrive safely in Japan on Friday 3 June. I call Brother Fred’s house and they say I may come. I ride trains to his house and we all talk till late.

Saturday 4 June: I need to touch base with Bob and Sachiko’s friends and co-workers at Yokota AF Base. So after breakfast with Fred’s family, I ride 2 trains to Yokota, walk to Bob and Sachiko’s empty, silent, still and ever so forlorn house and linger outside briefly, just for old time’s sake. I walk to the flight terminal to eat lunch there and use the payphone to call Colonel Ketchum (Bob’s commanding officer) and report to him about our trip to the States and Bob’s funeral. I call military and church friends of Bob’s family and soon a church guy comes and takes me to his house for the afternoon, supper, and then to church for an evangelistic service tonight with Dave Martin preaching. Pastor Willet asks me to tell everyone about our trip, Bob’s funeral and such. A church member drives me to Brother Fred’s house about 9 PM.

Sunday 5 June: I attend Brother Fred’s church this morning and have a nice lunch at his house with his family. “You didn’t want to stay longer in the States to visit churches, family and friends?” Bro. Fred inquires kindly.

‘That would have been nice. But I had to get back here to set personal things in order in Karuizawa to go to Guam soon.’

For some unknown reason, Brother Fred rolled his eyes upward and sighed. Missionaries do strange things.

“They certainly do, don’t they??”

‘Now just which missionary are you referring to?!’ 

I soon depart to ride 3 trains to Karuizawa to walk to my house at Christian Center with my heavy bag after dark in the rain with no umbrella. Brother Nakata (the caretaker) has cut off all electricity at the breaker box. I know approximately where it is located and stumble around in the dark till I feel it and turn on the lights. I take off wet clothes, hang them out, dry off and soon go to bed. What a reception! Welcome home!

Much water has gone under the bridge since I left my abode 57 days ago on Easter Morning April the 10th. While in Bob and Sachiko’s house with Billy and Tamiko, my sleep was insufficient many nights. That problem worsened in the States, as I made the most of the short time I had with loved ones each place I went. One night, I sat talking with Charles in his house in Vernon. “It’s 3 AM. We might as well just stay up all night.”

No, I’m about to pass out.’ With that said, I went to bed for 5 hours.

“And talked a long while, even to break of day.” (Acts 20:11)

Arriving wet at my house in Karuizawa on 5 June, I am more physically drained than I have ever been in my life. I have a deep-seated cold or walking pneumonia. Dead man walking. It takes about 4 weeks of taking it plenty easy for me to recover.

Sunday 12 June: I have been back home exactly 1 full week when Mrs. Nakata unexpectedly comes to my house about 7:30 PM tonight with a sad face. “Pastor Takahashi was summoned to Heaven.” It takes my slow mind a few seconds to comprehend that polite Japanese manner of speaking. Pastor Takahashi had died, of a stroke (less than 2 hours before) (my former landlord at Bethel House and my local pastor here at the Gospel Church).

Tuesday 14 June: More than 200 Japanese and foreigners attend Pastor Takahashi’s funeral at Union Church, starting at 10 AM and lasting more than 2 hours. I am among them. He was 71, just a few months older than I am now as I write this. Reader friend, the end of your earthly journey will come sooner than you think. Where will you end up for all eternity?

Monday 20 June: A letter from the Sparks family on Guam says they are to fly to the States on 12 July. Today (on the phone) I make plane reservations with JAL to fly to Guam on 11 July.

On returning to my house in Karuizawa from the States, I vaguely planned to get back into language study. But there is much else to be done that prevents me from going back to school. So my last day of classes at Karuizawa Language School turned out to be Friday 8 April 1977, the day Bob was injured.

Sunday 10 July: Daily I stay plenty occupied in Karuizawa till this afternoon when I take my large bag and ride the trains to Fred’s house and spend the evening in fine fellowship.

Monday 11 July 1977: I arise at 5:30 AM at Brother Fred’s house to board my plane to Guam on time. Thank God for a safe trip. I like this old airport terminal building on Guam (that soon gets replaced by a more restricted one). We deplane on the tarmac and walk a short distance into the terminal building. Spectators come to an upstairs balcony. “Uncle Sam!” Upon deplaning, I soon hear Vo and Vincent Tung calling to me from the balcony. As soon as I can get to them, I happily greet them and a few others from Villa Verde Apartments.

Mrs. Sparks is here with 2 sons. While I was in Japan, they moved from Barrigada Heights to Jonestown in Tamuning. I ride home with them where all 3 boys talk to me a mile a minute. Mrs. Sparks soon goes to buy chicken for supper, as it would be hard to cook at home now. I am surprised when she soon returns with a Japanese man and wife, tourists. When she saw them in the chicken store, she invited them home with her because I can talk with them, so here they are. They enjoy supper with us and then I accompany Mr. Sparks as he takes this couple back to their hotel.

Tuesday 12 July: The Sparks family briefs me on my various duties as house sitter. After 11 PM tonight, I accompany all five of them to the airport for their departure scheduled before 1 AM. I stay to watch their airplane take off, then drive back to their large house to lodge there alone several weeks with much food in the kitchen and 2 cars to use. Truly, Lord Jesus, Thou hast made me the most blessed human soul on the face of this earth. Thank Thee, Precious Lord. Please guard over and protect the Sparks’ house, property and possessions while they are away.

Wednesday 13 July: Churches have services tonight. The first time I came to Guam, my Lord miraculously provided the Miller family to graciously host me several months. So I naturally attended church with them at Bay View. In that church, I heard frequent talk of Harvest Baptist Church, how Harvest stood for the King James 1611 Bible. I occasionally saw Harvest Church vans on the highways and learned they had a bus ministry, bringing in a good number of souls to church. This time, I am living alone on Guam (tho in the house of members of Bay View church). I have a car to drive where I want to go. Guess where I go to church tonight? I am blessed by the service at Harvest. Pastor Wring and family are presently in the States. Missionary Randall (from the island of Ponape) is here filling in for him.

Thursday 14 July: Tonight I drive to Harvest for church visitation and Brother Randall asks me to ride with him on visitation and it is a blessing to get acquainted with him.

Friday 15 July: I drive out to Villa Verde just about every day to visit Vietnamese friends. I read Bible stories to the children. I grew most fond of Lynn when I was here last summer. Then, the Tung boys were very open to praying to Jesus, but not this 5-year-old girl. So, I prayed for her much till now. Today when I ask Lynn (now 6, I think) if she wants to pray to Jesus, she is not only willing, but also eager. My heart overflows with joy as she prays after me in earnest (as we sit on the living room floor of her apartment). Then I walk to the Tungs’ apt., where Mrs. Tung joins her sons and me in revival, singing and reading. Glory! The following night, I hold another spontaneous glorious revival service in the Tungs’ house with Mrs. Tung, sons, and Lynn attending. (Lynn lives very close by with her dad and mom.)

Sunday 17 July: I pick up Lynn and Sandy and take them to church at Harvest. (I have been visiting the Millers at home, but have not yet been to their church, Bay View.)

Monday 18 July: Vacation Bible School starts at Bay View. I take the 3 older Tung boys, one other boy, Lynn, and Sandy (6 little eternal souls) to VBS. We return to Villa Verde at noon where Lynn’s mom feeds me dog bone soup in her house. Mr. Tung desires that his 4 sons become great. Life on this small island doesn’t hold much potential for that. So Mr. Tung is moving his family to California. This evening the Vietnamese in Villa Verde have a Farewell meal for the Tung family. My farewell gesture is to eat much of their delicious Chinese and Vietnamese food.

“Missionary boy, you sound like a freeloader.”

‘Many souls are kind to this missionary boy, thank God!’

Tuesday 19 July: I feel like I am in Heaven as I again haul a carload of souls (including Minh, a Vietnamese boy about 8) to VBS that ends at noon each day. Then back in the Tungs’ apt., one spontaneous revival service follows another on the hard tile floor of the boys’ bedroom as sisters Marie and Vicky (who live above the Tungs) pray for salvation. At a later session, Julius says he wants to pray, and he does. These 2 new girls get permission from their mom to go to VBS tomorrow. I drive to the Miller house and ask Mrs. Miller to take them, as my car is full, praise God. Upon going to Harvest, there I met Billy Brunson and wife, Mai (Vietnamese). Tonight, they have me to supper at their house with their 2 sons. This starts many years of precious fellowship with this wonderful Christian couple (till their deaths).

Wednesday 20 July: Most every morning when I arrive at Minh’s house to take him to VBS, he is still in bed. This morn (as usual), I go into his bedroom, wake him, prod him to get dressed and get into the full car and off we go again. When I bring him back home at noon today, no one is home. So I take him on to Villa Verde and beg Lynn’s mom to feed him dog bone soup also. She does and I take him home later. I run several errands this afternoon and come back to the Tungs’ house for supper. “I want to go to church with you tonight too,” their oldest son (Vo) tells me. His parents give their Catholic son permission and he goes to Harvest with me for the 7 PM service.

Vacation Bible School ends at noon on Friday, a most blessed week of winning precious little souls to the Saviour of the world. In the midst of that much activity and hauling, one of the 2 cars quits on me. I have a mechanic-minded friend look at it. “Needs sparkplug wires, distributor cap and rotor.” Salt sea air is hard on such. I buy those parts, change them all myself and get the car running again. Life on Guam! Tropical Paradise Island! Love it!

Sunday 24 July: Four girls ride with me to Harvest church. Tho no soul at Harvest knew of my existence till 12 days ago, I am most honored that that they ask me to teach the adult Sunday School class this morning. After church, I take the girls home and then go to jail. Harvest men preach at the jail at 1 PM. Today, I am blessed to preach in jail, followed by hospital visitation. Then I catch a little shuteye in the Sparks’ house before driving to Villa Verde to pack the car full of little souls to take them to Bay View tonight for the VBS kids to sing and quote Bible verses at church.

Tuesday 26 July: I start knocking on doors a few days each week, going from door to door to give a Harvest tract and invite people to come to church.

Wednesday 27 July: Vo, Vu and Viet (the 3 older Tung boys) ride with me to Harvest for 7 PM church service. Pastor Wring and family have just returned from the States, so I meet them.

Thursday 28 July: At church visitation tonight, I pair up with sailor Jim, U.S. Navy, and we 2 get acquainted.

Saturday 30 July: Daily, I drive to Villa Verde. Today Mr. and Mrs. Tung go to a wedding. I am left with their boys. Lynn and her friend Chau (Vietnamese girl about 9) come to the Tungs’ apt. I ask Lynn to go get her Bible Story Book. I read Bible stories to those children and Chau prays and asks Jesus to save her. “Shall reap in joy!”

On this side of the world (Asia and the Pacific Ocean) I go by the name “Sam”. The children on Guam call me “Uncle Sam”.

Sunday 31 July: Lynn, Chau and Sandy ride to church with me. Sandy’s family has moved out of Villa Verde to Barrigada Heights. “I want to sing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ to Daddy,” Sandy says when we get to her house after church. So we all sing to her parents. I head on to Villa Verde with Lynn and Chau.

“Uncle Sam, I want some of those papers to give to people.”

“Me too,” Chau pipes up after Lynn. It is Joy Unspeakable And Full Of Glory to give tracts to these 2 new little Christians because they desire to sow Gospel seed also. Use them, Lord!

I have informed family and friends in the States of my address on Guam and of the Sparks’ phone number. After I get home from church tonight, Sachiko calls from Mississippi. “Glen helped me buy a house near him in Dallas. In 2 weeks or so, we 3 will be moving there.” I sense this move is the Lord’s Will. Glen is most desirous to take Sachiko and her children under his wing.

July 1977 ends. Thank Thee, Precious Lord Jesus, for greater Heavenly Joy than I have ever known before!

Tuesday 2 August 1977: When I go to Villa Verde, no one is at home at the Tungs or at Lynn’s apt. I find Lynn and Chau at Chau’s apt. (Latchkey kids). We play a while. Sing, “Jesus Loves Me”, one asks me. After singing, they repeatedly follow me in short prayers. One says to me; “I want to pray again. It feels so good.” Thank Thee, Lord, for doing these 2 little souls so much good!

We 3 go outside onto the apartment grounds (where there are a couple of tables, chairs, swing, slide and such), and they want to continue singing “Jesus Loves Me”. So we do, and several people around us hear it. It’s like Heaven! My childhood was much hard adult farm labor and miserable poverty during which my fine Christian Dad never once called on me to sing a Christian song for him. (Parents, are you listening??) Now, God is giving me a “later in the day” fun childhood in this Tropical Paradise. Thank Thee, Lord, for doing my little soul so much good!

I make more than 1 trip to Faith Bookstore, taking some of these kids each time and buying New Testaments and Bible storybooks for each. On Sunday 7 August, 7 little souls pack my car full as it chugs to and from church.

Tuesday 9 August: I visit the Kenney family often. (Mrs. Kenney is the Japanese lady working in the consulate.) “Come preach in Japanese to the Palau church group who has a service in Japanese each Tuesday night,” Mrs. Kenney invites me. So tonight, I drive to their small church where we sing hymns in Japanese and I preach. These Palau Island folks were forced to learn Japanese when their island was “occupied” during the war. Now, they have this weekly night service in Japanese for Mrs. Kenney and other Japanese Christians (and me) to teach and preach in Japanese. I am most blessed.

Saturday 13 August: I join Harvest men at church for workday and help Air Force Captain Travis (electrical engineer) replace electrical wiring and such. This drab concrete block building was built to house a printing shop. Harvest church was started only about 3 years ago, renting this place soon after. Soon they will purchase it, remodel it several times before tearing it down to build a fancy building years later. This brown concrete and block building isn’t fancy at all. But I see Spiritual Fire burning hottest now, and sadly watch it steadily cool over the decades as this church becomes “great”.

Pastor Wring’s family and I are invited to a church family’s house for a blessed suppertime tonight.

Tonight, Mrs. Tung and her 4 sons plan to fly to California. Mr. Tung plans to go days later when he gets all loose ends tied up here. Their youngest boy is only about 4 years old, so he has little to do with me. I thank God for the much time He has given me teaching the other 3 boys of Him.

So, after I stuff my freeloader belly full of Baptist grub tonight, I later drive to the airport were many Vietnamese have come to see Mrs. Tung and boys off. When I arrive, the 3 older sons gravitate to me like I’m a magnet. “Uncle Sam, let’s pray together!” I gladly comply with Vu’s plea and I pray aloud. These boys have had somewhat of a stable life on Guam after the trauma of fleeing their war torn native land as refugees just over 2 years ago. Now they are being uprooted again to go live in a new foreign place. They are plenty apprehensive. I’m so blessed that they gravitate to me because I’ve done more than anyone else to impart eternal stability to their souls. Christian friend, what are you doing daily to impart eternal stability to the multitude of perishing souls around you??

The Tungs are “flying standby” (cheapest rate). But the plane is full. No empty seats. False alarm. All of us return to our houses before 2 AM Sunday to catch a few Z’s.

Sunday the 14th: After spending all day Sunday in church and in a different church member’s home for lunch and knocking on doors in the Name of Christ, I again drive to the airport at midnight for the same “gathering of eagles” as 24 hours ago. Bingo! The 5 Tungs get seats and fly away to California. Mrs. Tung is most emotional, weeping much as she bids Farewell to each of us (especially emotional with her Vietnamese lady friends). Her sons have forlorn faces. I encourage them in the Lord. You please do the same to the souls around you. 

Monday the 15th: I am burning the midnight oil most every night (and the tropical heat drains one’s vigor). So I am most blessed to have early weekday mornings free to catch up on needed rest. Thus, the knocking on my door before 8 AM awakens me. I hurriedly dress to find Mr. Tung at the door. He feels awful lonely with all his family gone. Tho he has many Vietnamese friends around him, to whom does he gravitate? ‘Come on in.’ He brought pictures that he shows while he talks over 2 hours and then leaves. I drive to Villa Verde in the afternoon to visit with Lynn and Chau briefly. The Tung boys have vanished. Michelle’s family is right now moving out of here into Navy housing. Feels lonely. Pilgrims and strangers on earth! Tonight, I go to Harvest to join the men in Work Night.

Tuesday 16 August: Lynn willing goes “door knocking” with me. She holds the tracts and offers one after I talk to people at their doors. Thursday, when I take her door knocking in an old housing area, she pitches a small fit to go knock on nice doors, as we have done thus far. High class, this 6-year-old Christian lady.

After I left Guam last September the 2nd, Ricky and Nu soon bought a new house in the lovely new housing development in Yigo, Perez Acres, and moved there from Villa Verde (about 2 miles away). I have visited his house many times this trip, one main reason being that Lynn likes to go to that fancy housing area. So I take her to Uncle Ricky’s to play and to knock on fancy doors. “House sit for us while we go to the States,” Ricky now asks of me.

“And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 19:29) Christian friend, we see some fellow Christians refuse Christ’s Calling for their lives because there are things they do not want to give up. Rest assured, that makes them big losers while on this earth and for all eternity. Don’t you dare be one of them. Don’t cheat your own self!

Talking this over with Ricky, we arrange for Vietnamese friends to keep an eye on their house for the next few days till the Sparks return. Then I will be free to come live in Ricky’s house.

“Busy missionary boy!”

‘NO, blessed missionary boy! Most blessed!’

Wednesday 17 August: At midnight, I again go to the airport to bid Farewell to Ricky, Nu and infant Diane.       

Friday 19 August: I search for Michelle’s house in Navy Housing at Navy Comm Station, where Bob was stationed when I first met his family at Bay View. I find Michelle’s house and invite her to ride to church with me. Her mother invites me in at 5 PM and talks non-stop till 10:30. ‘I must go,’ I announce when she pauses for breath. Michelle has been bored to death the whole time. Both of them follow me outside. Michelle shuts the door behind her, accidentally locking them out of their house with no key. Navy hubby is working the mid shift till 11 PM. “He will be home in an hour with the key.” They have no way to call him, and he goes to the bar after work. I stay to guard over these 2 ladies in their carport, till Hubby returns at 2 AM to find Michelle asleep in their car and wife and I waiting in the carport for him. He flies into a rage at wife for getting locked out of the house. I drive to the Sparks’ house to bed down at 3 AM, after another day in Paradise. Sure hope no one comes knocking before 8 AM.

Sat 20 August: I arrive Harvest at 11 AM for men’s workday and help them paint till 9 PM, eating supper with some of them.

Sun 21 August: Several children ride to church with me. “Let’s go to that other church. It’s nicer.” Just about each time I bring Lynn to drab brown Harvest church; she hounds me to take her to more attractive Bay View Church on the cliff line overlooking the ocean. Today, she is cantankerous and when I take her home after church, she proclaims to me that she will not go to that church (Harvest) again. How blessed I am to have won such a high-class little soul to the Lord.

Monday 22 August: I go door knocking at sleazy apartments near Hotel Row. Driving away from the area, I come upon an accident site. A pedestrian Japanese lady tourist had been struck by a car and was killed.

Wednesday 24 August: Mr. Tung shows up unannounced after I finish watering Mrs. Sparks’ many flowers to tell me he is leaving tonight. We all knew that he would be leaving “any time” as soon as he ties up all loose ends. He is plenty apprehensive and desirous to talk to me. So I talk with him and assure him that I will come to the airport tonight. After church at Harvest, I go to the airport just before midnight and find Mr. Tung amongst many Vietnamese friends. Now, he is more apprehensive about starting a new life for his family in California. He separates from many other friends and comes to sit on the bench with me.

“What can you give me from the Bible at this time?”

I silently ask the Lord what to give him. ‘You know of King Solomon and his wisdom?’ Mr. Tung nods. ‘Listen to his words of wisdom.’ I quote from memory: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Mr. Tung took that in well. We talk more and I stay till he boards the plane and flies out of my life. I have not seen any of his family since (to date, October 2016). Lord, I want to see them all in Heaven. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tung are highly educated and highly capable and thus did much for all the Vietnamese on Guam (mainly for the many refugees who fled in 1975). His family was an anchor to them. All of us who knew the Tungs on Guam now greatly miss them.

Most of the “capable” Vietnamese filter on to the States from Guam, as the Tungs and Captain Anh’s family have done. Time and again we friends come to the airport to see them off, likely to never again see them on earth. “I don’t like this place. It’s nothing but sad occasions and sad memories,” Lynn’s Vietnamese mom sadly remarks to me at the airport, one of the many times we gather there for such an occasion.

Thursday 25 August: As previously arranged, I walk over a mile to a Vietnamese house and pick up Ricky’s car and the keys to it and to his house. I drive his car back to the Sparks’ house.

Public schools start back today, after summer vacation. For days, Lynn has been excitedly talking to me about starting first grade. Today is her 1st day of school. I drive to Ville Verde soon after Lynn returns home on the school bus. She was thrilled with school, tells me much about it and shows me the picture she drew in school. The picture is of drab Harvest church with 1 church bus. Sweet Jesus, thank You for doing this little girl’s soul ever so much good!

  Lynn rides with me out to Ricky’s nice empty house and I check on it for the 1st time. I talk with Lynn in the living room and pray with her.

In increments, the Sparks slide their return time by more than a week, leaving me hanging almost daily, knowing they could arrive any day. It has been a joy to water her many flowers outside, cut the grass and look after the 1 chicken and 1 dog. (I think the chicken had showed up in their yard as a “stray” and the boys wanted to keep it.)

Monday 5 September 1977: I drive to the airport after 1 AM. The Sparks family of 5 finally returns this morn. I accompany them home, help them carry their much luggage and boxes into the house, and then drive Ricky’s car to his house arriving about 5 AM to begin house sitting in this nice new house.

I have been sleep deprived for days, in the tropical heat. I am worn out and most sleepy. Now, I no longer have a dog and chicken to feed or grass to cut. I lie down on Ricky and Nu’s large comfortable bed with no set time for arising. I am surprised that I sleep quite soundly most of the next 12 hours (plus) when the doorbell rings at 5:45 PM. It is Ricky’s Japanese neighbor, Miss Misako. She brought me warm curry rice ready to eat. I thank her, eat it, go to bed for the night and awaken the following morning feeling much better after 28 hours of recuperation.

After Marie and Vicky’s family moved out of Villa Verde, I visit them at their new location and get them to ride the bus to Harvest.

Tuesday 6 September: I visit them today and as I play with them in their yard, several neighborhood kids join us. I talk of Jesus and soon ask who wants to ask Christ to become their Saviour. Five souls say they do, and I lead them in prayer.

Saturday 10 September: Pastor Wring invites me to go on a missionary trip with him and church member Joe, and buys my plane ticket. Bless him, Lord. Lynn’s mom agrees to check on Ricky’s house while I’m gone. Today, we 3 men fly to Ponape Island. Our plane first lands on Truk Island. We deplane, hoping Missionary Gary will be at the airport because we are coming thru. Pastor Wring has several pounds of ground beef on ice for Gary’s family. Gary doesn’t show. We see the Continental Hotel bus driver (with the bus) to take arriving guests to the hotel.

“Can you get this meat to Gary M.?” Pastor asks driver.

“Sure,” the native driver eagerly replied. Did I detect his mouth watering as he received that meat? (Gary never saw the meat, never even smelled it.)

We 3 travelers get back on the plane to fly on to Ponape. Missionary Randall and others are waiting for us. Girls put leis of honeysuckle smelling fresh tropical flowers around our necks. The airport terminal is a simple thatched roof building, tropical atmosphere. We fellowship with Brother Randall’s family and Brother Futrell’s family, sleeping at Brother Randall’s house.

Sunday 11 September: Brother Futrell and wife come for me. I ride with them to the boat docks where we get into a boat with a local Christian. We motorboat along the coast about 3 miles and enter a narrow creek and slowly motor up the creek with trees and vines hanging overhead. We dock and get out and walk on a narrow mud trail uphill thru jungle growth to Lukop Church, a tin roof on posts (poles), and no walls. A small thatched roof on poles nearby is the Sunday School room (dirt floors under each roofs). No roads here for land vehicles.

“The native pastor and wife cannot speak English. But they are fluent in Japanese from war days. Lay some Japanese on them,” Missionary Futrell had told me. 

I watch the church members arriving on trails on foot, most men carrying a machete, swinging it at the growth encroaching the sides of the narrow trail as they walk. Brother Futrell points out pastor and wife to me. I greet them in Japanese. They are shocked and speechless a few seconds before they open up and bombard me speaking in Japanese. “We always wish to talk freely with missionaries who are kind enough to come to our isolated church on this isolated island, but we can’t, not knowing English. It’s wonderful, being able to converse with you!” Thus, we happily converse.

I am the guest preacher, preaching in English. A local Christian interprets into their language. As I preach, I gaze on the flea-bit skuzzy hound dog that flops down on the dirt floor right in front of the pulpit. He appears to be the most faithful church member. And like a good faithful Baptist, he sleeps thru most of my sermon. After the church service, they spread lunch. All men eat first and then women and children. I travel back to Brother Randall’s house in the same fashion as I went to church and sit outside with children, eating sugar cane, bananas and tropical fruits, as a native boy picks a small guitar. I am most blessed to be in Tropical Island Paradise.

 Tonight, I attend Calvary Baptist Church in town, packed quite full with over 100 souls for us 3 guests from afar. I give my testimony. Brother Wring, Joe and I sing a special song as a trio. None of us 3 have a “singing voice”. The polite, brown native Islanders portray a kind face to our off-key singing. But the cultured American lady schoolteacher present can’t help but crack up with laughter as we sing (and I can’t blame her). Brother Wing preaches the sermon here tonight. 

Monday 12 September: We go boat fishing on the ocean. The shallow tropical ocean floor is lovely as we slowly motor out in 2 boats. The local Christian in my boat points out a large stingray, resting immobile on the ocean floor. He prods the stingray’s back with his oar to make it gracefully scoot away. I am fascinated to see a stingray for the first time, but not fascinated at all by the stinging sunburn I get sitting on the ocean a few hours. We catch plenty of fish for a big supper tonight with several locals

Tuesday 13 September: Church people boat us 3 around to some popular sites, ancient rock walls built by hand and such. Then we boat up the small stream and walk to Lukop Church (as I did Sunday) for a service tonight. We arrive well before dark. They give us supper. No electricity here. No motor vehicles. In the quiet jungle night air, the local pastor, wife, and I sing “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” in Japanese. Pastor and wife each have a Japanese hymnbook. I strain my eyes in the lamplight as I look on with the pastor. The dusty (or muddy) flea-bit cur dog is faithfully at his spot, lying in the dirt in front of the pulpit.

Brother Wring sings a solo. When he, Joe and I sang the trio special on Sunday night, we 3 sang from our hearts, off-key, to the best of our abilities (for the Glory of God). Brother Wring sings off-key best, which is a non-factor to these uneducated jungle natives. But we are unaware of how highly cultured their faithful cur dog is, likely evolved (or devolved) from a cultured European singer. As Brother Wring sets in singing to us human souls and surrounding jungle creatures, it awakens the sleeping dog who elects to walk outside and howl throughout Brother Wring’s singing, and then it returns to sleep in his faithful spot as Brother Wring preaches by lamplight.

Afterward everyone walks over to the nearby Rest House, the 3rd of the 3 simple “roofs on poles” that make up Lukop jungle church. No one walks thru the night jungle. Thus, the Rest House exists. It has a raised ply board floor, but no walls, no chairs, no furniture. Their poverty prevents furniture, and it would be stolen from this isolated location. The women and children gravitate to one area to talk together as mothers nurse infants. Sitting apart from the women and children on that ply board, the local men pick our brains. Brother Wring, Joe and I strive to highly encourage them in the Lord. Satanic power is so strong on these primitive islands.

 With passing time, we evolve from sitting upright on the floor, to propping on one elbow, to lying down while talking, and finally to drifting off to sleep by midnight, except for babies that take turns serenading us all night crying. Before I turn in at midnight, I make my one necessary business trip a short ways into the jungle. We have no “padding” between our bodies and the wood floor. That discomfort, plus crying babies, plus the parrot in the can squawking, makes for little sleep. (I think they captured the parrot as they walked to church last evening. Likely they hope to sell it.)

Wednesday 14 September: At the break of dawn, all the locals arise to walk home as we bid them Farewell and we walk down the trail to the boat and ride the boat back to “civilization” on this island. We fellowship with the Randall and Futrell families (and local Christians) till time to go to the airport. Several of them come “see us off”.

We fly back the way we came, landing at Truk Island. There, Missionary Ron is waiting for us with Missionary Gary’s worn out jeep. We 3 put our bags into the Continental Hotel bus, crowd into the jeep with Ronnie to bounce slowly along the pothole, gully washed jungle road to these 2 missionary families’ houses in the jungle. Such travel ages jeeps prematurely.

On Ponape, the Randall and Futrell families live in town, such as it is. I am thrilled to see these 2 simple missionary houses in the jungle, with no electricity. Soon it is time for Gary’s 4:30 PM Bible Study under the small thatched roof in his yard. We sit on coconut tree logs for benches as Gary teaches the few natives in their language. None of them speak English. When Gary finishes teaching, we then fellowship.

 I know that likely some of these Trukese can speak Japanese. So I ask Gary if any can. “Ask them yourself in Japanese.”

I do so. One man answers me in Japanese. “Sukoshi” (a little). So he and I talk “sukoshi” in Japanese.

Soon, we 3 travelers crowd into the jeep with both Gary and Ron to bounce to the Continental Hotel. Brother Wring and Joe treat us other 3 men to a delicious hotel supper, after which we 5 fellowship in our hotel room till 10 PM, when Gary and Ron go home.

Thursday 15 September: Soon after we 3 travelers have a nice hotel breakfast, Ron comes for us in the jeep.

“Don’t spend big money for the hotel room. Stay with us,” Gary had urged us yesterday.

“We’ve already got reservations for tonight. We’ll stay with you tomorrow night,” Brother Wring replied.

So now, we bring our luggage with us to Gary’s house, leave it, and change chauffeurs for Gary to give us 3 visitors a guided tour of the most interesting places on this Tropical Paradise. As we travel, I’m constantly jarred with the bouncing on these rough trails, the jeep’s suspension long ago shot. Its exhaust system is rusted out, resulting in me breathing carbon monoxide equal to (or stronger than) the dose of gas administered in state prison gas chambers. The clean jungle air dilutes the poison enough to save my life.

Returning to Gary’s jungle house, I lie down under the thatched roof to recover by sleeping a while. Then I have much fun playing outside with Gary’s son and 2 daughters. Standing nearby observing us kids frolic as he talks with Brother Wring and Joe, Gary calls out to me. “How about staying here to be a playmate for my children?” Those 3 kids have almost no playmates here in the middle of the jungle. Tho I can’t stay, these 3 greatly enjoy my wholehearted efforts to have fun with them, and we correspond for months after I soon return to Japan.

Tonight we 3 travelers lodge in Gary’s house, all souls deep into intense fellowship, the 2 adult missionary couples here being plenty starved for Christian fellowship with Americans.

Friday morning 16 September: “Take the key to the henhouse and go see if there are any eggs.” I burst out laughing this morning when Gary says that to his son, resulting in Gary addressing me. “We have to keep the henhouse locked or else they would steal the eggs and the chickens.”

‘I know it is of a truth, but I feel like I’m in the Snuffy Smith cartoon!’

During our brief visit here, Gary relates to us some of the tragic sinfulness of life on these primitive islands. “The Trukese have no word in their language for ‘to own’ or ‘ownership’. ‘I’m using this’ is what they say. They will steal anything they can. If and when they are confronted with their thievery, that’s their reply.” (I’m convinced the bus driver’s family all enjoyed using the good beef that Pastor Wring handed over to him for him to give to Gary.)

 “Also, there’s no word in their language for ‘virgin’ because no such person exists among them. Men and boys go after any girl around them they can get their hands on. Incest is rampant.”

I saw that tragic evidence among Gary’s church folks, several cross-eyed people. Here and on Ponape, children out in public are often unclothed. “Some of our church men have only 1 shirt and 1 pair of trousers. Some women have only one dress. (Poverty) They go unclothed at home to keep from wearing out their 1 and only outfit, and put it on when they go out in public.”

Two years or so from now, Bob Jones III comes to Guam to visit Harvest. Harvest’s new pastor (not Brother Wring), brings Mr. Jones on a tour of these churches on Truk and Ponape. “Seeing the conditions those natives live in would break anyone’s heart!” After returning to Guam, Bob Jones III emotionally proclaimed that. I am most blessed that I got to visit the local church people here on Ponape and Truk. And yes, seeing how they live certainly broke my heart.

We 3 travelers are to depart Truk today (16 Sept). Gary’s 3 children play with me every minute they can and are most sad when they bid Farewell to their new playmate. I’m plenty sad also. I don’t expect to see them again, this side of Heaven. We 3 travelers crowd into that death-dealing jeep with Gary and Ron, for our ride to the airport. As our plane is on its takeout roll, I gaze out my window to see Gary and Ron in that jeep not far from the side of the runway, waving Bye to us. I certainly won’t miss that miserable jeep, but I’ll miss all the precious souls it took me to visit on Truk.

Arriving Guam, Brother Wring’s family is at the airport to meet him and they give me a ride to Ricky’s house. I walk to a nearby neighbor to get house and car keys, open up and take a good shower. I drive to the Sparks’ house to see if I have any mail from the U.S. or Japan. We talk till 10:30. I drive back to Ricky’s luxurious house and bed down in luxury, like being on a different planet from the life I saw on Ponape and Truk islands.

Sunday 18 September: Four souls ride to Harvest with me for church this morning. After church, I take 2 of them home and then go on to Villa Verde where Lynn’s parents and Chau’s parents give me permission to keep these two girls longer. They are dear to my heart and I missed them while I was away. The feeling was plenty mutual.

I take them out to lunch. Then we drop by another Vietnamese family’s house and soon drive on to Gibsons where I buy ice cream for us three. We stroll around Gibsons (mall) area and just finish off our ice creams when we come upon a shopping cart across our path. ‘Get in.’ Both girls climb in and I push them around, “hot rodding” it to the sound of their loud laughter.

Soon it’s time to take them home. We 3 fall somewhat silent as I drive out Marine Drive, with the lovely ocean in view on our left down past Hotel Row. “We have so much fun when we’re together,” Chau remarks as I drive along Marine Drive. Lynn voices her agreement.

I decide to test them on Spiritual Reality. ‘Why do you think that is?’

Chau is ready with the answer. “It’s because we have Jesus.”

‘It certainly is.’

Reader friend, do you have Jesus? If not, all your vain fun is soon to end forever.

At church tonight Pastor Wring, Joe and I report on our trip.

A full week of activity follows, and on Sunday the 25th, I speak at Harvest’s 6:30 PM short service (before the longer 7 PM service). After I speak, Pastor Wring asks the church if they want to start supporting me. “Yes!” is the group reply. Thank Thee, Lord Jesus.

Monday 26 September: I drive to Pastor Wring’s house (as planned) and he tapes 1 interview with me and 2 short sermons of mine (3 separate recordings) to play on 3 of his daily times on the radio. I run many errands today. When midnight arrives, I’m still tying up loose ends.

Tuesday 27 September: After sleeping 40 minutes, I shower to wake up, and about 2:45 AM as I approach the airport in Ricky’s car, I see their plane on final approach. We 4 stuff ourselves (and their much luggage into Ricky’s small car) and he drives us home. As he and Nu get busy unloading and such, I go upstairs to Ricky’s study, lie down on the carpeted floor and sleep till about 10 AM.

We eat a late steak lunch at Ricky’s house before his family of 3 takes me to the airport where Lynn and mom and several friends await me. Pastor Wring’s family and several other Harvest souls come. Precious sweetheart Lynn is so sad. Each Farewell to each dear friend is highly emotional. I fly to Tokyo, ride the trains to Brother Fred’s house, talk a while with him and family, and bed down feeling empty hearted.

Wednesday 28 September: I run many errands in Tokyo to again spend this night with the Herseys.

Thursday 29 September 1977: I travel on to Karuizawa to return to my house from unbelievable missionary adventures as He leadeth me. It’s raining when I arrive. This time, I pay for a taxi to my house instead of walking in the rain with no umbrella.

Precious Lord Jesus, upon being discharged from military active duty, for the first time in my life I was fully free to follow Thee whithersoever Thou doest lead me. This year has been the richest time in my life thus far; going to the many places Thou didst lead me, and endeavoring to exalt Thee in each place. Thank Thee, My Sweet Lord.

 

 

On to Chapter 34

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