In Community:
May 2016 Newsletter
Being a Good Neighbor & the Difficult Balance
By Pastor Craig
Many of you may have noticed the appearance of a gate at the entrance to our parking lot. I have overheard a few comments and questions and wanted to take this opportunity to clarify a few things so we all understand what has led up to this change. The following are some of the questions that I’ve heard and will try to answer.
Why do we need a gate? For several years now our parking lot has been the scene of middle-of-the-night illegal activity. We have been approached by the Seattle Neighborhood Association as well as the Seattle Police Department about trying to do something to stem this activity. We attempted to address this by chaining off the section of the parking lot not visible from the street and installing security cameras but the problem has persisted. In addition, unauthorized and occasionally even stolen vehicles have been left in our lot occupying precious space on Sundays requiring the people who need to park close to church to search for space out on the street.
Our lot has been used by relatives and residents of the apartment across the street for pickups and drop-offs. Doesn’t denying them access make us a bad neighbor? The gate is left open during regular church business hours and neighbors are welcome to use the lot for short-term parking during that time. Emergency use is also possible if people first make arrangements with the church office. The reality is that doing nothing about the parking lot was causing us to be a bad neighbor to those who live in close proximity to the church. We purposefully chose a design that appears open and offers easy sightlines through the property as opposed to the chain-link rolling gates that other facilities in the neighborhood are using in an attempt to avoid the “fortress” appearance.
Why do we have a short gate arm and center post and chain instead of just one long arm? This is due to the weight of the arm – the longer it is the heavier it becomes and the mechanism used to raise and lower the arm cannot handle an arm long enough to cover the entire entrance. Therefore, we had to go with the current 12-foot arm which is used throughout the week and a manually removable post which is taken out on Sundays and for other large church gatherings.
Why is the keypad on the north side of the driveway forcing us to enter what is typically the outbound lane? This was done so that it is possible to enter the access code from inside the car when entering the parking lot. I know it’s a little awkward but hopefully this doesn’t affect too many people during the week. The staff tries to be the first to arrive and the last to leave.
One more request I have is that if for some reason, you need to leave your vehicle in the lot some evening or late Sunday afternoon, could you please let someone in the office know? We can provide you with the code so that you can exit and close the gate behind you again. Thank you for your understanding and feel free to contact me with any additional questions.
Staying Sharp (Men’s Breakfast)
By Yon Pier
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverb 27:17).
What a profound statement and certainly the feeling you get attending the FBC men’s monthly fellowship!
I started going to the breakfast last year, midway through a very insightful series called “Authentic Manhood”, the series talked about what it meant to be a man, more importantly, a true man of GOD; what a tremendously awesome experience, not just the study itself, but the interactive spirit portrayed between all the guys involved, it allowed for real deep and personal dialogue with one another, sentiment felt also by a couple of guest that were invited at that time and continue to come to this day!
Upon completion of that series, I remember asking Kenji about the possibilities for the group to meet on a more frequent basis, instead of every other month, It was truly that motivating!
Prayer answered! Since the beginning of the year we have been meeting the third Saturday of every month.
The group is currently plugged into a series called CORE, which has inspired some very dynamic question-and-answer sessions. Not only has the ministry’s subject content continued to be strong and uplifting, but attendance has grown as well.
Personally, I’ve seen the huge blessings and impact the ministry has offered, not only for myself, but specifically for my neighbor who has had the opportunity to attend the last three meetings, he often comments how the fellowship has given him a new zeal for the LORD he hasn’t experienced in some time.
It’s been pleasant to see how the ministry has grown and continues to gather steam. Because the experience has been so positive, my goal is to continue bringing more men into the fold who would benefit greatly and see firsthand how GOD works when a dedicated group of men come together to seek HIS will for their lives!
Do I think it’s time well spent? Absolutely!
So get out of your comfort zone, come receive the awesome privilege, sense of excitement and encouragement we’ve been blessed to have during this time of fellowship!
College-Led Worship Service
By Lisa Tsuji
It was an immense blessing for the college/young career group to serve the Lord in leading the congregation in worship. From the first time they led (four years ago) to now, we marvel at how God has been so good and faithful to this group. While there were many challenges this year trying to coordinate over 30 participants despite having the majority of students busy or out of town during dead week, finals week, spring break and an Inter Varsity Spring Conference, the Lord showed Himself faithful and blessed the practice and rehearsal times.
It was also an awesome example of the body of Christ. There were so many different roles and ways to serve. Some were out in front and visible, while some were serving behind the scenes like with sound, video, Power Point, name tags and prayer. Some stretched themselves to do things outside their comfort zone but all for the purpose of leading the worship of our great God. Even others outside the college group chipped in and helped in big ways like making an abundance of food for the rehearsals and breakfast the morning of the service, giving rides (a record 11 cars helped that morning!), and covering us in prayer. We are so thankful and blessed for all those who took part or even just came out for support.
God’s plan come together. Sunday morning came, and there was a buzz in the air as we anxiously awaited the service. We did one last walk through in our Sunday School class and then spent time in reflection reminding ourselves that it was not a performance and it was not about us; it was about God. We then spent time in prayer, dedicating the service to God and His glory.
There were greeters, there was welcoming by Ryan Tsuji, a video announcement, and then we were blessed to hear the testimonies of sophomore Anna Keziah Pidong and senior Alyssa Chin and their experiences of trusting God during some difficult times in their lives. In between, our own college praise team led the congregation in a meaningful time of worship in song. The sign dance to “I Lift My Hands” was definitely a highlight as we witnessed the beauty of worship with your whole body. The theme of the service was Waiting 101: Learning to Trust in God’s Perfect Plan. John Tsuji went through the course syllabus and then talked about the personal experience he is going through in learning to wait and trust in God’s timing and plan while looking for a job. We were challenged to put those things into practice while praising the Lord for his goodness and faithfulness each day. The worship ended with a time of reflection and response to the song “Voice of Truth” and a closing song of praise “Everlasting God.”
Once the service ended, the college group all gathered together near the stage, huddled up with our arms around one another, and prayed and gave thanks to God for all the many blessings He had provided us. We feel truly thankful to have been a part of something so special. All glory to God!
“Shinobukai”
By Lois Swanson
Memorial Service for Howard Inouye at Japan King’s Garden Tsukubu
God called Mr. & Mrs. Rokuro Mitani to Seattle in 1974 to learn the nursing home ministry at CRISTA (formerly King’s Garden), they attended FBC while studying at CRISTA and shared their vision with our church, and in 1981 the first Japan King’s Garden was established in Tsukuba city. There are now over 76 Japan King’s Garden facilities, and over 160 people have come to Seattle with the study tours started by Howard Inouye. More than 100 of those who have come to Seattle came to the memorial service held by Japan King’s Garden at the chapel of their first nursing home to honor Howard.
Japan King’s Garden not only hosted the memorial service for our beloved Howard Inouye, but also invited Betty to come and hosted their son Steve and his family in a hotel nearby so they could attend as well. Even Steve’s wife Miku’s parents came from the northern island of Hokkaido to attend the service. Fred and Jane Tanaka, CEF missionaries supported by FBC also attended. JKG also sent Craig and I over asking Craig to speak in Japanese at the memorial service as well as at the church service the following day that Betty, Steve and their family also attended. Craig spoke about Howard’s fervent love for God and his heart to serve others. Steve Inouye shared the video shown at Howard’s memorial service here in Seattle. Mr. and Mrs. Mitani, who started the first Japan King’s Garden nursing home, now live in the newly built assisted living facility there and Rokuro Mitani shared at the service about the huge impact Howard had on all of those who have visited Seattle and FBC. Mr. Kojima (Mihoko Cheung’s father), who retired as the director of Japan King’s Garden in Kawagoe also shared about Howard’s love and humor. There was special music by one of the staff, Mr. Onjoji played his classical guitar during the greeting time, and Mrs. Utsunomiya, the Ibaragi Prefecture Director of JKG had ordered pastries and sandwiches from a local bakery that the JKG staff enjoy. The staff walked around serving tea, coffee and specialty breads as people from many different facilities shared fond memories of their times in Seattle, and about times shared with Howard. The memorial service lasted a total of three hours. God was glorified and there was much joy over shared memories with Howard.
Japanese Ladies Easter Afternoon Tea
By Mai Roman
On March 21, 2016, Faith Bible Church’s Japanese Ministry sponsored their annual Ladies Easter Afternoon Tea Ceremony. Originally, this event was to give mothers with children, an opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules, and enjoy delicious desserts with tea. Volunteers transformed the fellowship hall into a classic tearoom by decorations and using the exquisite tea sets brought by Ms. Yumi Griffin.
For this event, the guest speaker was Reverend Motoo Iwai from Kiyose Evangelical Free Church in Japan. Even though we had many guests who were not traditional churchgoers, Reverend Motoo was able to bless them with his godly insights in how Christianity has historically influenced Japanese culture. With a sense of humor, Reverend Motoo was able to highlight the intricate influences of Christianity in Japan’s daily living. For example, traditional Japanese Buddhists believe in reincarnation. Through the influences of Christianity, Buddhism now incorporates the concept of heaven and hell.
Japanese historical figures such as Hanako Muraoka (the first translator of “Anne of Green Gables” into Japanese); Kanbe Kuroda, who worked for Hideyoshi Toyotomi; and Yae Niijima, were all Christians and able to accomplish their goals in life through their intimate faith in Jesus Christ. Reverend Motoo believes that during the Edo Period, the Japanese government intentionally restricted the growth of Christianity because it was contrary to the concept of denying the deity of the Shogun.
After Reverend Motoo’s presentation, we were able to enjoy the delicious and beautiful desserts by Taeko Fujii’s “GUGU Fine Dessert”. The Ladies Easter Afternoon Tea provides a wonderful opportunity for fellowship amongst Christians and guests.
Through the interaction of a mini game called “Tako Shokai” (which means introducing others), we were able to have meaningful conversations and get to know each other.
The Ladies’ Easter Afternoon Tea Ceremony provides an opportunity to introduce Christianity to guests. This event could not happen without the dedication and commitment of volunteers in the kitchen, child-care, and the countless hours of planning. On behalf of the Japanese Ladies Ministry, a heartfelt gratitude to all who volunteered to make this opportunity of fellowship for both Christian mothers to strengthen their relationship in Christ and for guests to know about Jesus!
On Mission in Brazil
By Naomi
At the beginning of 2016 I hopped on a plane to live in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for most of January (5th – 31st). And all of you at Faith Bible Church prayed for me! I am sure many of you wondered what exactly that was all about, so I am excited to report back.
Iris Global School: A missions training school to prepare believers for ministry both in the third world context as well as at home. I was with 65 students, 39 of them from Brazil and the rest coming from around the world (England, Zimbabwe, Angola, Denmark, Australia, Colombia, Poland, USA). In the morning we had 3-4 hours of worship through music, a message, and prayer and then did it all again in the evening. It is truly good to spend extended time with the Lord. I felt JOY! The rest of the time was spent in our small groups helping to run the camp (early morning prayer, kitchen duty, cleaning public spaces/bathrooms, drinking water jug filling, laundry by hand), language learning, and sharing. We ate simple and filling meals of mostly rice and beans, with a meat and vegetable. We all felt the strong presence of God and it was so wonderful! One of the core values for Iris Global is that we must be connected to God in order to do ministry, intimacy with God is everything.
Personal Breakthrough: The first day, the speaker addressed fear and I felt like the message was directly for me! Fast forward to day four. After watching a documentary that showed a missionary’s willingness to go anywhere and to the hardest places, we were asked the question if we were willing to go anywhere God asked us to. I was thinking it over in prayer and then I saw the eyes of Jesus, filled with so much love asking me … and it became so easy to simply say “Yes”. I had held back for so long, wondering if I could really say yes to all the unknown questions. YES. A wholehearted yes to follow my Lord anywhere. My spirit was flooded with so much peace.
Outreach: We did three outreach times. One to an area that is used as an illegal dumping ground for hospital waste. One to the red light district in Rio. And one in the largest slum area in Latin America. In the red light district, we partnered with a house of prayer located one street over from the main night activity in Rio. We sent three teams out from 10 pm – 12 midnight while the rest of us interceded in prayer. During this time, Marina (a girl from our school), felt like God wanted her to still pursue conversation with a girl named Jessica they met. As they talked more Jessica revealed that it was her first time doing this kind of work and that she hadn’t had the courage yet to get into a car. Marina told Jessica she didn’t have to do this work and spoke about the Father’s love and heart for her. Jessica then responded by saying that she did not want to do this work after all. Marina left believing that Jessica never got in a car that night. I am humbled, in awe of, and grateful of how God intervenes to restore worth and dignity. This encounter was outside of what I thought was possible!
I have lots of other stories and am happy to share them in person! The adventure continues here in Seattle as I allow God to interrupt my plans and stop for the person in front of me and just love.
Bill’s Book Blurbs
By Bill Hamasaki
Answering Jihad, by Nabeel Qureshi
Ever since 9/11, subsequent terrorist attacks, and the rise of ISIS, questions about jihad, Islamic terrorism, and the religion of Islam have arisen in the media as well as in the Christian world. The mass shootings in San Bernardino, the attacks in Paris and most recently in Brussels has many wondering how to relate to our Muslim friends and neighbors. Is what the media or even some Christian leaders saying about Islam and Islamic terrorism really true or just based on preconceived notions?
In this just released book, the author (wrote the bestselling and highly regarded “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”) provides a concise but valuable guide to the many questions people have about Islam and Islamic terrorism. Raised a devout Muslim, he became a Christian after dialoguing with a Christian friend and looking more deeply into Islamic teaching and history as well as the Christian faith. He is currently a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.
Some of the questions addressed in this book:
*What is Islam?
*Is Islam “a Religion of Peace”?
*What is Jihad?
*What is Sharia?
*What is Radical Islam?
*Who Are Al-Qaida, ISIS, and Boko Haram?
*Who Are the True Muslims-Violent or Peaceful Muslims?
*Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?
*How Does Jihad Compare with the Crusades?
*What is the Caliphate?
The author’s love and concern for those in Islam is very evident in his writing. He writes to provide factual and pertinent information that the media and others often misunderstand. Subtitled, “A Better Way Forward,” he writes, “My suggestion is that we engage Muslims proactively with love and friendship while simultaneously acknowledging the truth about Islam. This is not the final step in answering jihad but it is the correct first step, and it offers a better way forward.”
