Day in Chiba, Part One

This morning, we got up and had breakfast in the home of our Aussie friend John Evans. It was nice to meet his wife Rose and their six kids. What a beautiful family. John shared his vision for Chiba City with us. It's an exciting one - one that resonates with those of us from Karis Church - as their main desire is to build relationships with young people and raise up leaders, particularly young men. MTW team leader Dan Iverson also shared for awhile about the challenges of doing ministry in Japan. This nation is one that prides itself on being perfect. Dan commented that in 26 years, he has never seen a train ticket machine, or vending machine, or anything like it malfunction. This explains why buying Japanese cars is generally a good idea. It explains why Toyota's problems a couple of years ago was so devastating. It also explains the Japanese people's resistance to the gospel. They are proud people who depend upon no one. It also explains the high, high suicide rate. When you do fall short, you're devastated.

We had lunch at a Chinese restaurant on the 23rd story of a Chiba City building. The view was amazing.

We just finished touring the Chiba City Art Museum. We will soon head to the local Shinto shrine. In both places, we'll see icons of a fading religion that has failed to deliver a people from shame when they can't measure up. More later today.