This one speaks for itself!! (that means we couldn't think of a title.)

        Wow!  Things have been somewhat intense over the past several days.  The busyness began upon our arrival.  We met Debbie May at the Airport in Narita and boarded the trains.  We had to jump from train to train in order to get to the TEAM center in Mitaka.  We came through Shinjuku - the busiest station in the world!  Shinjuku station has over 3.5 million people passing through every day, and we had to go through after a 13-hour flight, during rush hour with four pieces of luggage - plus my guitar and two carry-ons.  It was quite an experience.  Needless to say; Julie & I slept like logs that night!  Things continue to be busy as we learn our jobs and get settled in our new home for the next 3 months.  Sorry we haven't written in a while. :)

       The Japanese people are very polite and will go out of their way to help you find where to go, or what to get - IF it's needed.  Generally, however, we have found that the Japanese people don't offer their assistance unless asked.  Typically, the Japanese people don't even like to make eye contact.  Frankly, being somewhat tall, I (Gordon) expected to get some strange looks, but Julie & I noticed that the Japanese people keep very much to themselves.  By and large, I am relatively taller, however; I don't tower over people as much as I thought I would.  John Junker says that this is a result of the diet in Japan slowly becoming more "westernized."  John Junker is one of the missionary guests here.  He was born and raised in Japan by his missionary parents.  We've learned a lot in our dialogue with him.  John told us that people here literally have no idea who or what they are worshipping... nature?  buddha?  They are utterly lost in the dark, and VERY secretive.  (what a terrible combination)  They don't share problems or open up with other people at all.  John Junker is the pastor of a Japanese church that his parents planted, and he says that even if a fellow Japanese believer has a problem, he/she will stop coming to church altogether to avoid dealing with it.  Things are even worse for unbelievers...  Rape victims don't report a crime because it is too shameful for them.  This introverted attitude has seeped into the government.  Government officials will run away from their problems by lying about a sickness, and claiming to be in a hospital for months.  (I know this is long, but stick with it!)  John Junker says that he'll tell people about Jesus Christ, and they'll say all the right things just to make him happy.  The Japanese will tell you everything you want to hear so that they'll never have to feel the humiliation of letting someone down.  This selfish & withdrawn attitude is the reason that Japan has over 600 suicides every WEEK!  Since we've been here (4 days), the trains have had to be stopped because of a person throwing themselves in front of a train to take their own life.  Missionaries tell us that this happens at least once a week at the train stations.  I know what you're thinking... "IT'S HOPELESS!"  It was so despairing for us to hear all of this at once, and our hearts are absolutely broken for these people.  It isn't any wonder that this is the largest unreached people group on the planet.  Despite their seemingly irreversible state, and our consistent uncertainty... NOTHING is impossible with God! (Luke 1:37)  That is the scripture the Lord has encouraged us with.  He continues to give us resilience & ambition.

      There will be more news to come as we really hunker down in our jobs & learn more about this fascinating culture.  Here is how you can pray for us:  1) We are meeting a lot of people that we'll be serving with - pray that we'll have patience & love in every aspect of our service with them, as our sin nature wants to bubble up sometimes.  2) Pray for our health - hay fever is a lot worse here, and it's starting to affect our allergies.  3) We'll be serving in the local church & dealing with unbelievers in the Mitaka community - although we don't know a lot of the language - pray that we'll be a bright light!  4) Be passionate in your prayer for the people of this country - their spiritual need has become even more apparent to us.  We love you all and hope all is well!

In His Strong Hand,

Gordon & Julie

P.S. Hope you enjoy the pics below - that's our neighborhood.  There'll be lots more!