But seek ye first the Kingdom of God,
And His righteousness; and all these things
Will be added unto you. Matt. 6:33
OVERSEAS MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP
20 Kita Nukazuka, Hachinohe Shi, Aomori Ken, Japan
June 28, 1960
Dear Friends,
We have been reminded recently of Psalm 93 “...the floods have lifted up....” First of all there has been the tidal wave following the Chilean earthquake. Our city was hit quite hard a good deal of damage being caused to boats, harbour installations and homes in the beach areas. Our house is on high ground so we were untouched and most of the Christians were not affected.
There was little loss of life because of an effective warning system but much hardshipo has been suffered by those who lost their homes or their boats. The approach of a tidal wave is deceptive since it does not always come in one large wave. At first it appears to be ordinary waves coming in but suddenly one realized that they are getting higher and higher. When sea walls and wharfs are covered and it continues to rise it becomes a terrifying sight and the fear of imminent disaster is inescapable.
Then there has been the ‘tidal wave’ of political unrest and confusion that has swept the country recently. At first we were slow to believe that it could reach dangerous proportions in democratic Japan but mob violence within and without parliament and general confusing of the real issues by the masses, the educated and the Chrstians have at times taken on the appearance of an approaching disaaster. Few newspapers or individuals have sounded a clear warning against the danger of losing our basic democratic freedoms which we now enjoy in Japan. New elections will no doubt be held soon. Pray much for a stable government and continued freedom to preach the gospel.
Our little church though largely untouched by the storms of sea and politics has not escaped the enemy who has sought to come in like a flood. Mr. Ito (radio engineer) has declared his intention to cease following the Lord. Mr. Matsura (chicken farmer) says he is too busy and has asked us to discontinue the monthly meeting in his home. Miss Fukuda and Mr. Moriyama (H. S. students) who recently professed to believe no longer come to meetings. Mr. Enomoto (fisherman, T. B.) though improving physically in hospital has spiritual problems. Sickness and the moving away of three of our believers has depleted our ranks. Pray much for Miss Iwafuji (farmer’s daughter) whose faith is strong but whose body is growing weaker. Her parents oppose her entering hospital to receive treatment for spinal T. B.
We are conscious of “the floods” but are also assured that “....ABOVE the voices of many waters...the Lord on high is MIGHTY.” vs.4. With the coming of John and Judy Chisholm to work with us we have been able to increase our evangelistic efforts. We are well received in homes as we visit widely and on the streets we are given a friendly hearing as we preach. We have contact with the English Teachers Assoc. in the city with about sixty members. Pray for fruit from this opening. We plan Evangelistic Tent Campaigns from Sept. 20th. Pray for the preparation of hearts for this effort.
We hope to move into our new house next week. Please note change of address on this letter. Our children are well and we look forward to school holidays beginning July 14th. Dale has a tonsilectomy on the 15th.
Continue to pray with us for a “stemming of the floods.”
Sincerely,
Lea and Louise Little