Tokyo, Japan

Share Forward Pin Tweet   Moving forward   Of the thousands in Tokyo, I chose the American themed coffee shop to sit down and write this. I was greeted by the voice of Reba McIntire singing overhead when I stepped through the door. Another Okie girl like myself. They really do a decent job of their decor here though some of it I question. Like the U.S. postal tubs sitting near me. Is that even legal? It gives an odd sense of comfort. First Reba, then a reminder of my post office days and finally they bring my ice coffee in a mason jar. I think I just made best friends with this place. It seems God knows where to direct me right when I need it. Though I'm sitting in the largest urban city in the world and those around me have no clue of the glee within me at this moment those basic temporary happiness ticks of mine have found their way straight to me. When I'm asked where I'm from in America and I respond "Oklahoma" I usually get blank stares. Upon this reaction I then ask if they know where Texas is? Of course! Well, it's right above it. Then they know. Sometimes they inquire of what Oklahoma consists of so I get to explain. Then they know more about Oklahoma. A piece of geographical information they did not know a moment before, they do now.  They may remember from now on where Oklahoma is. That they met a lady from there. The same can be said for the next question, "Why are you in Japan?" The river of conversation flows differently based upon the intrigue of each questioner. However, they now know more about Christianity. A door of opportunity opened. Sometimes it gets shut other times the exchange of questions and answers continues for some time. Many times, the questioner goes away with a new knowledge of who God is. A piece of important life changing information they did not know a moment before, they do now. Recently, our hearts have been burdened with a truth that has stared us right in the face. We knew it coming here, but living it is a whole new story. There aren't enough missionaries here in Japan or any other unreached people group in the world. Yes, Japan though it is a very first world country it is the second largest unreached people group. Statistically, only 3% of missionaries go to unreached people groups and only 0.01% of mission giving goes to evangelizing unreached people groups. Why is it that Japan has so few missionaries? According to the Joshua Project (<---- click to find out more), in the 10/40 window group 60% of unreached people groups live in countries closed to North American missionaries.While the Japanese are skeptical of religion, they are far from hostile. You're allowed to be here on a religious visa. Why are they skeptical? For the exact same reason that Americans have become skeptical. They have been hurt by it, lied to by false teachers, etc. A painful memory comes from the 1995 Tokyo Sarin Gas Attack. This was carried out by a doomsday cult whose leader declared himself to be "Christ." We have seen the same similar thing happen many times in America. The difference here is that Japanese culture does not have a Christian basis. When speaking of God, you need to define who God is. As the creator God. This is due to the presence of Shintoism and it's belief of many gods. As well as the concept of sin. It's not here. When they haven't heard of the creation, then the fall of man, why would they understand? This is important to grasp. You can't just start pointing out sin and say "Repent." Teach that God is the creator,  about the fall of man, then the need for Jesus. What attracts Japanese to the gospel? Well that depends on where you are and who you talk to. It's commonly thought by the younger Japanese generation that church here in Japan is small, rigid and full of the oldest generations. They think there isn't anything for them. One key advantage we have here is being different. We are internationalized and those internationalized Japanese are attracted towards us and wonder why we are here. This is one of the groups we have realized we are able to reach during this season of our ministry in Japan. This can always shift later with the continuing improvement of the language skill and other doors the Lord opens. Ultimately, Christ is the main feature but first to find common ground is the beginning. "....To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.." 1 Cor. 9:22-23 We are already very excited about coming back to Japan after our furlough! We just finished our new membership class at the Tokyo Baptist Church in Shibuya, Japan and hoping to finish another class before we leave to put us one step closer to being able to help the church out with full-time mission work when we get back! TBC has been a breath of fresh air for us. I've already joined a "Mom's in Prayer" weekly group. It was powerful to be able to pray with other moms literally from all over the world. We were a group of women from Japan, Singapore, Jamaica, England, Madagascar, America and the Philippines. (I could listen to the mother from England read scripture all day. It was so beautifully read.) If you would like to begin supporting us we are so excited to have you partner with us. If you are currently supporting us we thank you once again! Donations, regardless of the size always make a difference and are appreciated. How can you donate? Online: Click here and then click the Donate button! You have the option to give one time or have monthly recurring donations or By Mail: Please make your checks payable to "Will & Nicole Olson (missions in Japan) to Fairview Baptist Church 1230 N. Sooner Rd. Edmond, Oklahoma 73034                                     We hope by now you've seen the value of the Gospel being verbally communicated in Japan. We are looking forward to our time in America and telling you more about the need for the gospel for Japan as well as catching up on life. God bless you all and we will see you in October! ~Will, Nicole, Emmaly, Billy & Maddie Olson

Interested in furthering the Gospel in Japan? Some are called to go, others to send! If you'd like to support us or donate please follow the link.                                     Click Here to Donate どうもありがとうございました (Thank you very much!)

Out of the Desert into the Garden For months I looked out from our room on the 3rd story of the Church at the garden across the street. In a world of concrete it sat there, brown dirt and green plants. A little shanty, worn with age stood in the front for passerbyers to purchase the vegetable in season. The gardener, who I barely saw, planted, but like clockwork moved those growing plants around. I was memerized by how the plants could be dug up in the midst of growing and be replanted only to be able to flourish more. The most impressive move were the eggplant vines. Later, Emmaly came home from school and said that her friends and her have stopped to talk to the gardener for quite sometime and every so often he has free transplants available. So apparently, what he is able to replant he gives out the excess. It's feels like it's been forever since we lived in the Church but living near this garden, I still see it and finally met the gardener. Usually he's coming or going on his bike to another garden he has nearby but he's very friendly. It dawned on me while walking past the garden the other day that God was showing me a metaphor for the situation we are finally seeing the other side of. For months since returning we were trying to focus on what direction God wanted to take our ministry. There was no clear answer. It was frustrating. We knew we couldn't rush God's plans but just wait it out. There were times it was obvious what we weren't supposed to be doing but because Japan is sparse in Churches again we wait. We were never without a church, just not quite finding the "one." In my grandma's living room hangs a large tapestry with the poem "Footprints." I remember reading this many times as a child and I'm reminded of it's significance to help us picture that during those hardest times Jesus is carrying us. I'll post it below for those who haven't read it. Not having roots so quickly made me feel spiritually dry. We know of these desert times, God said they'll come. We felt plucked up, out and wilted for a spell. But, just as they'll come, God is the gardener here.  During those dry times it's important to get the best spiritual nourishment. It means admitting that I'm needing prayer to a friend, encouragement when I can't see a way, being vigilant and fighting your way back up to the sunshine. Watered in here are are the roots; raw, unrehearsed prayers, quiet meditation on God's word and releasing control into the soil. Last but not least being given a rain shower of good and honest preaching. Recently, our church did a Bible series over Ecclesiates. It was a great reminder that there is a time for everything. All is vanity and our relationship with Christ will be the only thing that matters. Finally the other side. We are coming up to our 3rd year anniversary of being in Japan. This was the year it would be decided if we continue on. So recently, after mentoring and prayer we feel that there are new possibilities to keep going. We have recently found a new church home in Shibuya with many ministry opportunities. Before we jump into that we are going to come home for a furlough. To rest and recharge ourselves for the next venture into Japan however long that may be.  We will be arriving in the U.S. October 11th and returning to Japan on February 23rd.  It's important to continue trying to raise our support to accommodate our growing family and future ministries. If you are interested in partnering with us please click the link up top or below.  Click Here to Donate We will be scheduling dates to speak at our supporting churches and let you know closer to time. If you know of a church that would love to hear about missions in Japan please let us know because we love to share. Can't wait to see you all!        Photo taken in Yoyogi Koen (Yoyogi Park.) On Sunday afternoons it's filled with people from all over the world due to the popularity of the area (Harajuku, Shibuya and the Meiji Shrine.) What you obviously can't hear are the bongo drums that were being played beside us.



New addition!

We want to officially introduce our newest addition!   Madelyn Miya Olson was born on January 30th at 11:35pm. Within minutes of sending Will off to work I felt my first contraction. However, I had to push it past me and deal with other pressing matters which was my son. He awoke with a fever and wanted me to cuddle him and that's exactly what we did until Will came home from work later that afternoon. Surprisingly, my contractions were manageable during this whole time. It wasn't until Will arrived that I made the call to go to the hospital. The contractions were 10 minutes apart which is when my doctor wanted me to go in. So we gathered up my hospital bags and walked there. Not wanting to draw attention to myself if I began having a contraction while walking, I would just stop and stand still. Will and Emmaly knew, I knew, but no one else did. My facial expressions remained normal. It was only a ten minute walk. One done in defiance despite the urging of the nurse on call. I didn't want to pay for a taxi, plus the walking helps! Upon arriving it seemed I was going to re-live some of the irritants that I experienced for Billy's birth. My contractions slowed down. While monitoring me the nurses only witnessed two contractions in one hour. They were contemplating sending me home. Will had left and was on his way with Billy to the hospital due to his fever spiking higher. But the hospital couldn't see Billy. I still don't understand hospitals here. Our friends took Billy and Emmaly back home until Will could take Billy to a clinic that would be opening the following hour. Once Will was back with me the nurses decided to keep me. I broke down a little because I wanted to be with Billy and get him better first. However, my contractions picked right up and they took me to the waiting labor room. I began praying hard. Not only for myself but Billy and the Japanese mama in the bed next to me. Second act of defiance occurs. Once the nurses helped me change I refused to lay down. I wasn't going through that shenanigan again. So I walked up and down the hallway as well as the room and only laid down when I truly wanted to. Poor Will was hungry so he went next door to the conbini, came back, ate and then tried to take a nap. Around 9:30pm the contractions picked up in intensity and it became harder to talk. I kept walking until before 11pm. I couldn't get out of the bed. The nurse told me it was time to go to the labor room but I was useless and couldn't move so two nurses carried me down the hall. I couldn't get on the labor bed despite their urging because the contractions were paralyzingly so close together. So they helped me once again. About 20 minutes later Maddie was born. She was my quickest, and most productive labor. Thanks to many prayers and encouragement. I was shaking so much, I went from being hot to cold so quickly. I couldn't warm up. Will had to hold Maddie soon after they gave her to me because I was extremely tired and could hardly open my eyes. A couple hours later the nurses told Will he could go home, Maddie went to the nursery and they noticed my blood pressure was low. They also noticed a large pool of blood on the floor unbeknowest to Will or I. I believe that explains the chills, fatigue and low blood pressure. I had to lay on the uncomfortable table for 2 more hours while they monitored me and pumped me with medicine. I did get to hear the birth of another little girl and watch the nurses clean her up. So that was a blessing! It only gets more interesting from here. Because my labor picked up, Will wasn't able to take Billy to the doctor but his fever did go down that night. Praise God! A few days later, while many of us moms were waiting downstairs by the nursery one of my roommates and I began talking. She asked me about my son. At first I was a little confused. She knew when he was born. I figured out she was telling me that we were here together last time. She had a daughter the day before I had Billy. I think we were roommates before too. This time our babies share a birthday. Her son was born about 12 hours before Maddie. How crazy, how amazing right? We got to visit again at the 1 month check up and are making plans to get together again.                            During the last six months God has been molding us, preparing us for those he is about to set in our path. Upon leaving the Noborito church I've had time to reflect on how God wants me to particular to share the gospel. I've discussed with Will before how I feel fortunate that I was saved when I was 20 and not as a child. I see things differently. Before that I'd been backed into uncomfortable corners by Christians. Pressured, falsely led, made to feel belittled and just plain wrong. I've learned from my own experiences on how not to share the gospel. This doesn't mean in my walk with Christ that I haven't made "gospel-sharing" mistakes. We are walking away from a numbers based system and while numbers are important, 1 led to Christ based upon "Truth" is a reason to celebrate years of ministry in Japan. As we meet with non-Christians it's not about being right. It never has been. It's about Jesus saving lives. Thinking eternally which isn't always easy. Being available as a means for Christ to reach someone even if we don't feel confident. We listen, ask questions, and let them ask us anything freely. So with the story I'm about to share with you please open your mind in understanding that it's important we don't mentally belittle the woman mentioned because she needs your prayers. Her life needs saved. As a family we love to go on walks. In late October we were out venturing enjoying the last of the beautiful weather before cold sets in. We came to Motomachi (my first workplace in Japan.) It's an endearing little stoned lined street with relaxed music playing. It's in an expat rich area and serves as a higher end shopping venue for Japanese and tourists. Next door is Chinatown. While Will and Billy stopped to get a bite to eat, Emmaly and I kept walking. A family approached Will eager to snap a picture and practice their English skills. By the time we met back up they had departed but I later received a message from the wife. I first met this family at our Thanksgiving dinner. After we'd eaten and were visiting she came to sit beside me and inquired about how I was feeling during this pregnancy. My only complaint was my back pain and almost instantly she pulled out what I thought was a train pass card holder. When she opened it it contained two pieces of paper behind the plastic protector. Each had a kanji symbol on it. I think they may have been the same. The attention was pointed out only to the one on the left. She explained that she would meditate on it when she was pregnant and receive power from it.  It took a lot to keep my eyebrows from rising. I kept listening. She asked me to take a moment to meditate on it, she would as well. To be polite I let her continue and just sat there nicely. Once she finished she asked if I felt what she felt and if my back pain was gone. I answered honestly, no. Her demeanor seemed drastically enthusiatic afterwards and she mentioned being much warmer. That was that. Later, I told Will about it and that God was telling me over and over again this was wrong. Which is obvious to a Christian, others not so much. After I gave birth to Maddie, she came over for a visit while I was home alone. We talked and enjoyed our conversation for quite sometime. She later said she was going to call a friend so we could Facetime. Her reasoning was due to her lack of English and my lack of Japanese. Ironically, we had been holding a decent conversation in both languages. I was somewhat baffled but she called anyway. After meeting her Japanese friend via Facetime, she began talking in Japanese so her friend could translate. I was surprised when she brought up the incident from Thanksgiving. Apparently my no wasn't clear enough. She was asking if I felt different after that and if it carried through until now. So I shared with her friend that it didn't have an effect on me but before I could finish she pulled the little booklet back out.  This time she really emphasized it's power and how it could bring me peace. (I didn't think I was peace-less.) Now I had two of them pushing me. I was praying quickly, "Lord, give me words to help them understand I won't do this." I was explaining to her that my back pain was just a symptom of being pregnant and it was gone after giving birth. This didn't seem to appease her. Then bam! Her friend said something that kicked me into a higher gear. She said "She knows you are a Christian but it's ok to ask for power from the symbol. Anyone can do this." You know that feeling as if you are a lion and you are waiting to pounce, well that was me, but in reality you can't just pounce. The words began rolling off my tongue about how this would be considered an idol and as a Christian we are to not worship them. I shared with her how we meditate on the word of God and receive peace in this. Not to make this long and drawn out. I was still worried I might have offended her (I could care less if I offended the devil and the symbol) but she wants to continue to meet and was interested in our weekly Bible study. Her friend will return from Australia in the summertime and would like to meet us in person as well.  After talking awhile longer she brought up that she attended a Catholic elementary and Protestant high school, however had no true knowledge of the difference. She barely knew of Jesus Christ. I know God placed this akward situation in my life for a reason and I believe because I was trusting God's guidance I handled it well. My eyes were opened to how the devil can be sneaky in unexpected ways and have a strong hold on people. Despite her claims of receiving peace from the symbol I wasn't buying it based on her countenace. There's a heaviness around her. I feel drawn to fight for her. Please keep her in your prayers, as well as the endurance it will take to reach her.  Changes.... We've moved. We were pretty much forced to. Noborito is changing almost daily. The old is coming down and new being rebuild in rapid speed. For two reasons, earthquakes updates and plans to renovate the area surrounding the train station such as a mall being built eventually. We love our new apartment. It's slightly larger and newer (1990.) We're in Shukugawara now though Noborito is a stone's throw away. I think we only moved a quarter-half mile. With moving came a higher rent. Anything cheaper was smaller and older. With age it has extreme potential to be torn down. Besides, our growing family wouldn't accommodate them. Heck, by American standards we are still sardines in a can here. With higher rent and a larger family comes expanding costs. For example, baby necessities, doctor bills, train costs to church and health insurance. While our original support did double after we arrived the percentage has changed due to two little family members joining us. So our support is still significantly low. We count any donation big and small a huge relief. Will's job adds more cushion but still isn't enough. This new year is opening up opportunities to continue reaching the lost in Japan and we are eager to finish the work he sent us here for. Please pray and consider supporting us. I can't stress enough that it's extremely important to let us know if you are supporting us due to the system in which donations funnel through. Please send donations to http://fairviewbaptistedmond.org/?page_id=1171 Click on the Missions tab Prayer Requests and Praise: 1) Reaching the Japanese. Specifically for those we are currently sharing with. 2) Consideration for partnering financially with us. 3) The upcoming 5th year anniversary (3/11) of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. 4) Our Bible study that we are holding weekly in our home. 5) One of our Bible study members is seeing God work in her family. Her husband and daughter are now attending church! 6) We had a great turnout for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Sakura blossoms will be here soon and we will be spending more time outside enjoying creation. Until next time, God Bless you all! The Olsons                                                      One last thing. I thought some might be interested in our day to day life here in Japan. So I'll share my recent trip to the store. Japanese grocery stores are small, do not carry very many international products and can become congested in the early morning and late evening.                This is my fancy transportation. However, 95% of the time I walk to the store.                This is the entrance. Japanese produce is very and I stress very seasonal. It's not afforable if it is there and it's out of season.  Japanese grapes are some of the most amazing grapes I've ever eaten. They are bursting with flavor. It's like drinking grape juice. Sadly, you won't find American sweet potatoes with their familiar orange insides but there are Japanese sweet potatoes.                Go ahead, make some faces but just so you know, squid isn't that bad when not in this form. I'm used to sights like these and no I've never purchased it.                Everything is always fresh. The seafood section also carries normal fish, tuna, salmon, mackeral, etc. There is also a sushi and sashimi section.               So what did I buy? Fresh spinach, eggs, cheese, and mushrooms (not pictured.) Our carts are small. It's part of the reason we run to the store every other day. Those cartons there are Billy's milk addiction.