Overseas Missionary Fellowship
2531 Karuizawa
Nagano Ken, Japan
September 22, 1953
Dear Friends,
A new address and this time a new country! The past month has seen us transplanted from our native land to this mountain top resort in Japan. We do want to give God the glory and to tell you a little of His leading in the last few weeks.
August the 17th brought us final word from the China Inland Mission confirming our sailing dates as the 24th from Seattle. The next few hours were even more rushed than the past three weeks had been and with the help of friends we were able to leave Dawson Creek the morning of the 18th. The previous weekend had been spend in Peace River and we had already bid goodbye to loved ones there. As we saw familiar countryside fade into the distance we thanked God for once more leading us forward to service in a needy land.
Our one day in Vancouver found us fully occupied attending to business at the Consulate, seeing immigration and custom’s officials and checking our immunization documents. The Lord’s timing was again very evident and we were able to leave the next morning for Seattle. Here, again friends came to our rescue in the form of Oliver and Mollie Olson of The Evangelical Alliance Mission. With their knowledge of Seattle and the use of their car we were able to complete all necessary business.
The afternoon of August 24th found us aboard the Hikawa Maru with the Seattle harbour gradually fading from view. Our boat was the first Japanese passenger ship to sail since the war. We had a cabin to ourselves and ate American food served in the Japanese dining room. The majority of passengers were Japanese but there were also a number Fulbright Students (exchange University students and professors). The North Pacific was somewhat rough and all but one day cloudy so Louise spent a good deal of time in the cabin. Philip enjoyed everyone and everything, especially the walks on deck in his stroller.
Early on September 7th we sailed into Yokohama harbour. Checking our baggage at Customs presented a little difficulty and in a few hours we were able to go on to Tokyo and begin our four hour train ride up the mountains to Karuizawa.
We have settled into our new home here at Karuizawa and have had a week’s study in the language. We understand a little of the task that lies before us and at times it seems quite frightening. Will you stand behind us in prayer that God will work for us and in us for His glory here in Japan?
This brings greeting from us to each one of you. We are not unmindful of the times of fellowship and the good visits with many friends and loved ones during our almost two years at home. We have many happy memories of times spent at conferences, summer camps and other Christian activities. Our prayer is that our contacts may have been for good and that your prayers and interests will follow us in this new field.
Sincerely yours,
Lea & Louise Little
2531 Karuizawa
Nagano Ken, Japan
September 22, 1953
Dear Friends,
A new address and this time a new country! The past month has seen us transplanted from our native land to this mountain top resort in Japan. We do want to give God the glory and to tell you a little of His leading in the last few weeks.
August the 17th brought us final word from the China Inland Mission confirming our sailing dates as the 24th from Seattle. The next few hours were even more rushed than the past three weeks had been and with the help of friends we were able to leave Dawson Creek the morning of the 18th. The previous weekend had been spend in Peace River and we had already bid goodbye to loved ones there. As we saw familiar countryside fade into the distance we thanked God for once more leading us forward to service in a needy land.
Our one day in Vancouver found us fully occupied attending to business at the Consulate, seeing immigration and custom’s officials and checking our immunization documents. The Lord’s timing was again very evident and we were able to leave the next morning for Seattle. Here, again friends came to our rescue in the form of Oliver and Mollie Olson of The Evangelical Alliance Mission. With their knowledge of Seattle and the use of their car we were able to complete all necessary business.
The afternoon of August 24th found us aboard the Hikawa Maru with the Seattle harbour gradually fading from view. Our boat was the first Japanese passenger ship to sail since the war. We had a cabin to ourselves and ate American food served in the Japanese dining room. The majority of passengers were Japanese but there were also a number Fulbright Students (exchange University students and professors). The North Pacific was somewhat rough and all but one day cloudy so Louise spent a good deal of time in the cabin. Philip enjoyed everyone and everything, especially the walks on deck in his stroller.
Early on September 7th we sailed into Yokohama harbour. Checking our baggage at Customs presented a little difficulty and in a few hours we were able to go on to Tokyo and begin our four hour train ride up the mountains to Karuizawa.
We have settled into our new home here at Karuizawa and have had a week’s study in the language. We understand a little of the task that lies before us and at times it seems quite frightening. Will you stand behind us in prayer that God will work for us and in us for His glory here in Japan?
This brings greeting from us to each one of you. We are not unmindful of the times of fellowship and the good visits with many friends and loved ones during our almost two years at home. We have many happy memories of times spent at conferences, summer camps and other Christian activities. Our prayer is that our contacts may have been for good and that your prayers and interests will follow us in this new field.
Sincerely yours,
Lea & Louise Little