October 31st, Reformation Day

October 31, 1517, is the best-known date in Protestant history-- the day Martin Luther nailed his convictions to the Wittenburg door. But an incident that happened sixteen years before helps us understand Luther's boldness. Rodrigo Borgia was named a cardinal in 1456, and "no sooner had he donned his red hat than he removed it, together with the rest of his raiment, for a marathon romp with a succession of women whose identity is unknown to us and may well have been unknown to him." His immorality only increased when in 1492, he became Pope Alexander VI.

On October 30, 1501, Pope Alexander presided over the infamous Ballet of the Chestnuts. Guests approaching the papal palace saw living statutes of naked, gilded young people in erotic poses. Inside, after the dishes were cleared from the banquet hall, the city's most beautiful prostitutes danced with the guests, shedding their clothes a bit at a time. Eventually the pope and his sons became judges of a contest in which guests stripped and performed with one another. Alexander awarded prizes to the men.

The corruption of the papacy continued under Alexander's successor, Julius II, and when Luther visited Rome in 1510, he was shocked to find the papal court served by "twelve naked girls." Down to his old age Luther remembered seeing and hearing of sexual abominations taking place in the name of Christ by those who were thought to be spiritual leaders. He later wrote, "I would not have missed seeing Rome for a hundred thousand florins. If I did I should ever had been uneasy lest I might have done injustice to the pope."

It was the demoralized nature of the papacy as much as its doctrinal failure that convinced Luther to risk prosecution and excommunication with fortitude. Holy living--personal purity--Luther knew, is married to pure doctrine, and the union is inseparable...for "the just shall live by faith."

"You are God's people, so don't let it be said that any of you are immoral or indecent or greedy. Don't use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are. Being greedy, indecent, or immoral is just another way of worshiping idols." Ephesians 5:3-5

(Taken from On This Day In Christian History by Robert J. Morgan)

News from the Newsomes (team leaders in Nagoya, Japan)

A Church Planting Journey in Japan: For me to live is Christ, to die is gain: "Michiyo Sakai is a precious sister in Christ. We've been friends a long time. We've seen her come to Christ, raised our children together,..."

Japan - How to #11 - Don't do this!!!

Japan - How To #6 - Bathroom

Japan - How To #5 - Electric Toilets!

Economy woes drive up Japan suicides - 28 Apr 09

Looking into Japan's High Suicide Rate

Suicides in Japan rise with crisis

Global Economic Crisis: Suicides Rise in Japan

First Stanley Mission's Conference

We had the privilege of speaking to two Sunday School classes at First Presbyterian Church of Stanley this morning and being a part of their mission's conference over the past few days. It's always a huge blessing to have the opportunity to share about what God has called us to be a part of in Japan. Triston shared with an adult class and I shared with a preschool class. Kristi and Kenzie helped me with a puppet show and Kristi played her guitar! What a blessing that we can work together as a family! We didn't get a picture of the puppet show though:-( Maybe next time!

I want a Christian funeral as well

"A Christian woman who attended the Nisshin church plant in Nagoya, Japan recently passed away. She was the only Christian in her family of devout Buddhists. In fact, there were two Buddhist priests in her family who attended her funeral. She was given a Christian funeral where her life in Christ and her new life with Christ were celebrated. After the funeral was over, the Buddhist priests came up to the pastor and were amazed that even in death there was great joy. They were so amazed that one said that when he died he wanted a Christian funeral as well. While they did not come to faith that day, the Buddhist priests recognized that even in death, there is life, hope, and joy found in Christ. This is the message we bring to the Japanese who are largely unreached by the gospel and base their hope and joy in material possessions and success."

I recently read this story, but it happened a couple of years ago. I have also heard that many Japanese are choosing "Christian" weddings as well, even though they are not Christians. Pray that the seeds planted at these funerals and weddings will take root.

Please Pray!

We have entered into a very busy time and would really appreciate your prayers! Over the next few weeks we will be involved with three mission's conferences, our community group picnic, a home meeting and MTW's Global Mission's Conference in Chattanooga.

Please pray for our family, our marriage and that we will keep our focus on Jesus. Please pray that we will be faithful to share what God has called us to share and that we will trust Him to bring the financial partners we need to be able to answer His call to the people of Japan.

Japan is a very expensive place to live and minister, but God is not limited by finances. If it is His will for us to go to Japan, then He will provide! Please pray that we will trust His timing and that we won't become discouraged because things aren't moving along as quickly as we would like them to.

Thank you so much for faithfully praying for our family!