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.