Far West in the Far East

Fukuoka, in Kyushu, the major island of western Japan, is home to the Shaos, colleagues of ours supported by Chinese Alliance churches in Canada to reach out to the 40,000 Chinese living in their city of 1.5 million.

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The Shaos met us at the airport, and we went for Chinese food that evening. Later we met with the translator and reviewed the message. I've spoken through a translator at Chinese churches in Canada many times, but it's been translation from English to Chinese. This time I spoke in Japanese.

The Shaos found a condominium with two adjacent rooms that made one large room for meetings, and even the sounds of a Sunday service do not disturb the neighbours.

We had a chance to meet the members of the congregation after the service, as we enjoyed lunch together. Chinese food? No, roast beef and pizza, among other things, although the roast beef was flavoured with a particular Chinese herb that made it unique. It was very good.

One member of the congregation owns a popular Chinese restaurant in town, and we went to visit him at his work.

While downtown, we strolled through Fukuoka's version of Central Park. The Shaos told us that it is a replica of a park in China.

Wouldn't you know it! The least dignified picture of us and the Shaos is the best quality. Oh well...

It was good to see the impact the Shaos are having in the Chinese population of this city. We only wish they lived closer to us.

Before and After

You can see the process involved in enjoying the s'mores after our Canadian style burgers, hot dogs and salads BBQ. First the cooking,

...and then the eating. Another satisfied customer! Not counting the Loves and Woons, there were 58 adults and many children, totalling over 100 in attendance.

It's a great chance to meet the husbands of the women involved in various programs, and we hope to follow up with some who are interested in further contact.

So far, one of the women who attended expressed interest in studying the Bible. We also made and improved connections with numerous people, so that makes it worthwhile. Several people wrote or stopped to talk to us afterward to say how much they enjoyed the event.

We can always count on a date in November to be perfect weather for barbecuing. Next year the Loves will be on home assignment, so the barbecue will be more of a challenge for us. Perhaps we should ask for a short term team to come over and grill for us. Have spatula, will travel...