i5"

mimj mmnm mmi]

Hirara City, Miyako Island, Ryukyu Islands

"The night is far spent, the day is

FINANCIAL SECRETARY;
MRS. WARHAM COX
VOLUME T1

. SEND THEM THE LIGHT NOW!

DONALD & FAY RICKERSON

WAMt MBIiB 48$^^

Mc SUMMER, 1963 ^

GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

80^5 FREMONT AVE., NORTH

PUBLICATIONS MAILED BY:

1709 W. 71ST ST., LOS ANGELES 47, CAL.

Ry

SEATTLE 3, WASHINGTON
NUMBER 2

MRS. MICHIKO SHIMAJIRI

SOME CHANGES
ARE MADE
You may have noticed that some changes have been made in the heading on this issue of the Mi yako Christian Mission. Some of ycu already know some of the reasons for some of the changes, but we want to take this oppor tunity to explain them in a little
more detail.

KANIMEGA SHIMOSATO (LEPER)

With this issue of the paper we, Claire and Donna Boulton, are no longer listed as missionaries of the Miyako Christian Mission. The
reason is that in the future we

will be operating under the name "Boulton Mission to the Ryukyus."

There are several reasons for

these changes.
One reason is that we will be I was born on Irabu Island on

Oct. 31, 1898. Until a few years ago I did not know that I was a sinful woman. When the Miyako Christian Missionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Rickerson, and their evange list, Mr. Ishlmine began coming to our small Island to preach the 6 years of school Steve thru Gospel late in 1957, I attended every service at the club house. grade 1, 2 and 5, Kathy thru Through the Word of God I learn grades 1 and 4, and Patty thru grade 1. During the last year we ed that I was a sinful woman and

living not in Miyako but in Okin awa, and it would look a bit strange for Miyako Christian Mis sion missionaries to be living 180 miles away from Miyako. During our first term we spent three years in Miyako and during that time taught our children thru a total of

I was born Feb. 17, 1902 in Hir ara City and entered this Leper Colony on March 16, 1931. For many many years I was a seeker. I saw many many people immers ed into Christ, and I felt very
envious of them. I wanted to ac

cept Jesus Christ and become a Christian too, but I could not make my decision to do so. My reason
was that I am uneducated so can

not read the Bible, also I am very quick tempered by nature so it is hard for me to keep gentle, and I was afraid I could

not keep God's commandments,

even if I became a Christian. But I wanted my sins washed away. found the task of teaching three many Christian friends taught me children to be very difficult, and Therefore I accepted .Jesus Christ now that Janice is ready for the and said, "It does not matter as my saviour. My married daugh whether you are educated or not, ter, Eiko also accepted Christ at first grade we know that trying the thing that matters is the con to teach four children at home the same time. I pray that God dition of lyour heart." Then I will bless me and my family, and would be that much more difficult. came to the great decision to be

all

brothers

and

sisters

in

the

Add to this the fact

that Steve

Lord.

and he would give a talk on faith. Later we learned that he had been living with another woman on

years, and Kathy in three, and dream, and such a great joy to Note: Her husband sometimes the educational problem becomes me. I cannot offer prayer in the attended our meetings, especially complicated as well as difficult. meetings, but I could be born if there was a social gathering, The most workable solution to the anew as a child of God. On Sept.
problem seems to be for us to live on Okinawa where the children can attend the Christian School

will be ready for high school in two come

Christian.

It

is

like

3, 1961 I was immersed into Christ in the East China Sea. I am still a babe in Christ, but the older

Miyako Island for two years. This and later the military high school. Christians make up for my short is a common thing among .Japan Besides the children's education age with their generous hearts ese bu.sinoss men. Mrs. Shlmajiri another reason for moving to and refined faith and they in
was left broken-hearted.
Continued on page 4 struct me more and more.

KEICHYO YAMAH&RA HAS LEPROSY AND T.B. BUT ALSO HAS JOY IN CHRIST

and greatly enjoyed the fellow ship with the many Christians and which J had never dreamed of with Pastor Shimozawa. I especial having. Really human life is sar ly liked the Sunday afternoon meetings when Mr. and Mrs. Ilickcasm. When the Dr. told me that erson of the Miyako Christian Mis I was a leper I felt as if I was sion came out to conduct a special condemned to death. The desire service for us each week. With that I had for over sixty years was destroyed instantly, and I all this preaching I came to un of why felt as if I had been flung down derstand the meaning

about making money, I was al ready suffering from leprosy,

into an

abyss. I thought that I

Jesus Christ came into this world and suffered on the cross and died for our sins. I was weak in faith

would rather die tlian to go to a

Leper colony, but I could not die,

and so I entered this Leper colony and lived every day in tears. The devil never stopped his work on me and I was told that I also
have T.B. No one knows how

and a sinful man, but I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Sav
iour. I was immersed into Him in the China Sea and God added

shocked I

was except one who

has suffered the same. Here I was suffering with two diseases

that the people of this world are very much afraid of. I wondered
if there was anything that was

Praise the Lord's holy name from the bottom of my heart! When I was asked by Mrs. Rickerson to write my testimony I said
I would. Then I was at a loss to

able to save me from my great

trials. I prayed and prayed with

out knowing to whom I was pray ing. As it is said, a drowning man will grasp at a straw, I tried to

know what to write, for it is im-- rely upon everything I heard of possible for me to write all I that was called a religion. Neith would like to because of my sup er the teachings of Buddha nor erficial learning. I was about to Confucius made my soul satis give up, then I thought it over fied. Every night I wept with sor and decided that I accepted Jesus row upon my bed, thinking that Christ as my Saviour and Lord, I would die without ever getting so I should testify of the blessing away from my trials. of salvation willingly, therefore One day my roommate in the I take courage and write. hospital said to me, "No use of I was born in Sarahama, Irabu, of the Miyako Islands in the Ryukyus on Dec. 1, 1897. I was a heal thy person from my childhood days, my body was strong enough to serve in the Japanese army

me to His family as his son. This was on Aug. 27, 1961 and on that day my sorrow turned to joy and my grief turned to praise. I am keeping a peaceful and happy daily life now under His guidance and protection. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Having thus been saved when I was full of sin and being caused to live in limitless joy and hope 1 am now praying for those who without knowing Christ, are living in this world's sin, walking
the road of destruction without God and in much sorrow. You men and women who are

once. Since I was so strong and healthy, I thought that I could make much money which would make me very happy. As I look back upon my life now I think of myself that I was the same
as the fool Jesus told about in

away from Christ and have be come slaves of evil repent of your sin as soon as possible. Believe in Christ and obey Him and be saved from your sin and destruc you sorrowing all the time as you tion and get eternal life as a son are now, come and go to the of God, as I have and am living church meeting with me. I am in joy, thanks and hope. I give sure your trouble will be solved by Jesus Christ. There is no one thanks to God for His blessings, and I am thankful to..Mr. and but Christ can save soul and give Mrs. Rickerson, Mr. Ishimine and life, and joy and hope. If you Pastor Shimozawa, and to all our

the rich man's parable. I wanted

nothing but to gain much money by any means. I worked very hard day and night and became a slave to money and to material things.
But I never became a rich man

nor a happy man. The happiness that I sought was getting farther

don't believe me, try once. Be sure the way of salvation will be opened to you." Then he kept en couraging me, by saying "Let's golet's go to church together. So finally I said, "I will go with you, and I shuffled my feet that made little progress as I went on my way to the church. There were about fifty people in the chui'ch that day and I was very happy because they accepted me will ingly and kindly. One loaned me a song book and another loaned

church

brothers

and

sisters

for

their many kindnesses to me. I have two grown children who live on Irabu Island, and two grandchildren.
Atheism can benefit no class of

away from me the more I drove me a Bible. That night I came myself and I suffered from many back to my bed thanking and troubles and poverty for over 60 praising God, for it was worth
years.

much

to

me

that

attended

While I was still thinking just church. 1 continued to go regularly

people; neither the unfortunate, whom it bereaves of hope, nor the prosperous, whose joys it renders insipid, nor the soldier, of whom it makes a coward, nor the wom an whose beauty and sensibility it mars, nor the mother, who has a son to lose, nor the rulers of men, who have no surer pledge of the fidelity of their subjects than re ligion. Chateaubriand

JOY COMES TO AN

preaching. After I attended a few

times I came to understand what

KAMADO NAKANDAKARI (LEPER)

IGNORANT - DESPISED - my friend had told me. I learned that Jesus Christ was nailed on FRIENDLESS LEPER
the cross and died for our sins

but was resurrected in three days. And that He is the only Son of the

true God, and if we believe in

Him, accept Him as our Saviour, and obey His commands, we can
be saved. At that time when I

listened to the message, I awaken ed. I came to understand myself that I had been very worldly and very foolish in that I tried to do everything by my own power. 1 followed the Bible study and while I was opening the pages, one page by one page, I met this Scripture:
"You did not choose me but I

chose you." John 15:16. Yes, God loved and chose me though I am Praise the name of our Holy ignorant and sinful. He is my only Saviour whom I have long Father, God who is in heaven. been seeking for, I will believe The Saviour Jesus Christ saved in Him. Thinking this I repented me from many sins. I was born Eikichi Tatetsu of my sins to Godsins of relying on Irabu Island on Oct. 5, 1903. As I pray, "Glory be to God, upon ancestor tablets and follow I entered this Leper colony on ing the words of fortune tellers. April 17, 1959. I am a stupid wo the Father who is the affection ate.", I will state my joy in sal Believing now in Jesus Christ I man but God added such a worth vation in the name of Jesus Christ accepted Him as my true Saviour less woman to His family because and got into God's salvation. Now He is a God of love, so every our Saviour. day I am thanking Him. Before Before I was six years of age I am having happy daily life. I suffered from leprosy so I could I thank God for the Missionaries, I knew God I was a weak wo never go to school and therefore Mr. and Mrs. Rickerson and their man who always suffered from I had no friends. I always stayed evangelist Mr. Ishimine for com trouble and sorrow, but since I became a Christian I have many at home and did nothing but eat ing to Nanseien and leading me Christian friends in the Church and sleep like an animal so I did into Christ. And for all the broth of Christ here at Nanseien. Now not even know myself for what I ers and sisters in Christ here who I am enjoying life and every day taught and encouraged me in Bible was living. As I was brought up in praising the Saviour's name with such miserable circumstances I study. As I am still a new born great joy in my heart. I believe was filled wi tha desire for gain baby please encourage and lead God that He blesses all who will to eat so I was enslaved by just me as ever from now on, too. (Note: He had been at the Leper come to Him for He is a God of worldly desire, thinking that if I was- just rich "with money there colony for 23 years l)efore he love. I will walk by faith, accept ing His teachings and receive would be nothing that I could not found Christ. Romance can even do. But was I happy? NOon the come to a Leper Colony and there eternal life. contrary I fell into the depths of he found a leper woman and mar trouble physically and spiritually. ried her and a child was born to Thinking, what shall I do to get them by Casearean operation. CORRECTIONS: peace in my heart? I prayed to an acestral tablet and worshipped idols. The fortune teller taught me that 1 could have salvation by doing that, but I could not do good and I just went into a condition of hopele.ssness and ruin. One day a friend told me that Jesus Christ was the true God and that no one can save the people of the world but Jesus Christ. But I could not believe en

They are both terribly crippled by

the disease. Since I had also ex

thus became friends. Pray with us that she will also accept Christ.
Mrs. D.N.R.)

In the Financial Report of Vol. 10, Number 3, Sept. '62, the South perienced this operation I had a side Church of Christ of Anacortes, point of contact with the new Wash., was credited for having mother. I took her a layette and given $118.02. Their gift was $15.52
and the 10th & M Church of Christ

and Loyal Workers, of Anacortes, Wash., gave $102.70. In Vol. 11, When the baby was 18 months Number 1 of the Spring, 1963 Miyold they had a relative take it
to another Island. ako Christian Mission Finance Re

port, the total receipts are cor rect, but the name of Church of tirely what he said, but dubious Be not a terror unto me: Thou Christ, Elmira, Ore., giving $180 ly. After a time I was led to are my hope in the day of evil was accidentally omitted. Apolo church and I listened to the Jeremiah 17:17 gies to these two churches.

SOME CHANGES ARE MADE

Continued from page 1

Okinawa is that

it will make

it

TSURU SUNAKAWA WORSHIPPED FALSE GODS

much more practical to begin a new type of work for which we

have

dreamed

and planned for

several years. As mentioned above we will be operating under the

name "Boulton Mission to the

Ryukyus"not just to Okinawa or Miyako, but to the Ryukusall of

the Ryukyu Islands, including Okin awa and Miyako. Okinawa, being the center of government, com
merce, transi)ortation and educa

tion, is a far more logical place to base such an operation than Is Miyako.
We want to emphasize that this is in no way a "break-up" of the

Miyako Christian Mission, bur is born on Irabu island, on June 1, rather an expansion of the sphere of work. We will still be working 1901. I only attended school sLx in co-operation with the Miyako years, My husband was once Vice work from time to time in sum Mayor of our village. He does field
mer camps, evangelistic efforts, work, we have one son, who teach and in other ways as we are need es music in the Jr. Hi. School. I ed. These co-operative activities help to take care of the grand will be reported in this paper. Our children. I first heard about Jesus
separate activities and our finan

Mra. Hide Ikemura . . . I

was

1 was born in Hirara City, on Miyako Island on March 29, 1906.

I married an Irabu Island man

Ctu'ist in my Primary School days,

cial reports will be carried in an but I did not understand the mean other publication, which you can ing until the Rickersons came idols. When Mr. and Mrs. Rickerreceive free of charge by sending from Miyako Island and brought son began coming to Irabu Island Evangelist Ishimine to preach for with their evangelist, Mr. Ishi 3'our name and address to the ad dress shown at the end of this us every Monday night. I attended mine to preach about Jesus Christ, article. (Personal friends, rela faithfully and when the voice of I altendedi-.the niee't'irigs from the tives, supporting churches and Gcd spoke to my heart I accept very first. I learned that all my those who have signed our mail ed Jesus Christ as my Saviour worship had been to idol gods ing list during our furlough are and was immersed into Him on and that there was a One true automatically on the mailing list the 30th of Nov., 1959. My husband God in Heaven. I came to under

and have lived there since, and we have a son and a daughter. I had worshipped gods for many years, not knowing that they were

he smoked and drank very heavi Christ is our only Saviour. Then Money intended for the Rickerly. I kept praying for him and I repented and accepted Jesus as son's work in Miyako should still a year later he also became a my Saviour and was among the
be sent to Mrs. Cox at the address

now.)

knew much about the Bible but

stand

and

to believe

that

Jesus

-in the heading of this paper. Mon

ey intended for the Boulton's work

should be sent to the address shown below. (Checks should be made

Christian, and for some time the church met in oiir homenow it meets in a larger home. My fa vorite hymn is, "What a Friend

first to be immersed into Christ

payable to "Boulton Mission.")

Boulton Mission c/o Northwest Christian Church

we have in Jesus" and I sing it

every morning and night. John is my favorite Gospel because it tells
of the love of God.

on Sept. "22, 1958. Now"! am Christian, added to the body of Christ. Having been rescued by Jesus Christ, my prayer is that

I will live a faithful daily life,

and help others to find this same joy in Christ.

1306 No.

Stanley
CLAIRE BOULTON.

Decatur, 111.

3'?nrjnrQTr3Tnnnr2nnrTrTTTr5TroTr!rjnrTTroTnnnnnnnnrs~ir5Tnnr?ric
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

"I do not ask to see the way my feet will have to tread;
But only that my soul may feed upon that living bread.
'Tis better far that I should walk by faith close to His side

8015 Fremont Ave., No. Seattle 3, Washington

WON-PRORT ORGANIZATION

The Lord's Reapers 516 N. Hall

J^pliri) Missouri
^0 0 0 0 0 0 P 0 Q 0 0 Q.Q Q0 Q.O_0_0_P_Q_0.0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_Q_0_0_0 0 0 0 P Q^

I may not know the way I go, but Oh, I know my Guide"
E. S. Hall

fl ^
Mrs. Warham Cox

n I YAK0 CHRISTIAN MISSION

Cor r
Publications mailed by: Greenwood Christian Church

Donald & Fay Rickerson Financial Secretary:

Fremont Ave., Worth

1709 W. 71st St, Los Angeles 47, Calif,

Link-Let t

Jon?-

Seattle 3, Washington

Dear Fellou-Uiborers:

^^'Jme j1963^

TEACHING MISSIONS IN DAILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS has given us a real thrill this month. Our first school was in the Ravenna Christian Church in Seattle. We began by

taking care of seven small children while the parents went out on Sunday afternoon to
distribute 1,500 flyers announcing the school. During the school, Mr. Ridkerson

taught the Junior age greyp and Mrs, Rickerson presented the missionary lesson to the entire school each day, VJe also supplied the pulpit for three Sundays of this month,

bringing missionary messages at this new church.

to help^thera because this church was started by the Greenwood church, which is one of
our strong supporting churches. Also because we have had the pleasure of working with

It has been a delightful experience

Mr, and Mrs, Lester Van Dyke who are recruits for the missionary field.
OUR SECOtJD DAILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL was at McKinley Park in Tacoma, Washington,

which is Mrs, Rickerson's living-link church.

issue of JUNE 11, 1953,

In fact it was just TEN YEARS AGO this

very month that we read the following interesting news in the "McKinley Christian"
"We have taken on the first LIVING-LINK MISSIONARY in the history

of McKinley Park Christian Chiurch.

These words, living-link, may be new to some so

we will explain it. It means that we are sending forth an ambassador of Christ to preach the Gospel for us. We have taken the responsibility of preaching the Gospel to the people on the Island of Miyako. Our living-link is Fay Rickerson. All should

know Fay and Don, because of their being our Missionary speakers and Don preached re cently in the Pastor^s absence. Our Missionary Secretary, Ruby Fulton will be giving
us more information about ouur missionary and the land to which they are going, until

we will know and love them as one of our own family. The greatest support that we^ can give is our daily prayers for the Mission field, I would like to give my testi mony in behalf of our missionaries. I have known Don and Fay for sometime, and know that they are not only true to the letter of the Word but the Spirit of the Word also# I know of no couple better prepared to go to preach the Gospel to the Island of Miyako_. than Don and Fay. I count this one of the thrills of my life helping to send them
out,"PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW"~Don Leavitt."

It was a delightful experience for us to teach in the D,V,B.S, at McKinley Park dur ing our first furlough and also during our second. Brother and Sister Dunbar are wonderful folk to work with, and the teachers and children were all so interested in
missions,

many memories, for we served this pastorate for five years during oi^ earfyministry. This was the largest school of the three, and was their first experience in having a

OUR THIRD D.V.B,S. was in the Lincoln Park Christian Church, and this brought back

Mr. Rickerson taught them to sing in Japanese and Mrs. Rickerson brought flannelgraph missionary stories of Miyako each day, and showed displays from the field. At the closing program on Friday night for the parents and friends, Mr, Rickerson sang "What
a Friend We Have in Jesus" in Japanese and Mrs. Rickerson told one of the famous
sum of $132,83.

returned missionary as speal-ver.

The children were enthusiastic in their response as

Japanese stories t-)hich the children so enjoyed each day. The missionary offering which was taken for the Miyako Mission work far exceeded their goal and came to the
Other speaking engagements for the month were at West Seattle Christian, Lake City

Christian in Tacoma and Moiintlake Terrace in Seattle,

THE._BOULTOW_ FAMILY have been in California attending the Convention at Long Beach^

and speaking in churches there, as well as on the way down and^ on^Tie te^urnTirip, They will be leaving Seattle on July 30 or 31 by Freighter, bound for Okinawa,

Good reports keep coming to us from Miyako concerning the progress of the work there There have been many conversions, and new classes opened up. We greatly appreciate the work of our daughter and son-in-law. Marguerite and Mel Huckins during our ^.bsr.nce
We have decided, because of the urgency of our work, to take only a TEW MOi^JTH HTRLOUGH and return to Miyako on Friday, July 19 via Northwest Airlines, Flight jf-- 1, 3p.m
This will enable us to work in the camps.

missions, where we could not personnally attend,

It has been impossible for us to acdept all the invitations that have come to us to teach in D.V.B.S., but we have supplied materials for six churches to use in teaching
Donald and Fay Rickerson

I YAK0 OH R
Donald and Fay Rickerson
Financial Secretary: Mrs, Warham Cox

g.IAII

MISSION

0cf5'63

rv7ABK. BIBLE jopUn, Mo OZ.ajw^

PulDlioations mailed iyt Greenwood Christian Church

30^5 premont Ave., No Seattle, Washington 98103

1709 W, 71st St., Los Angeles 47, Cal^. # jl 88,89 rh qo Link-Letters

Dear Fellow-La''.->orers j

^ggg

thS time was spLt in U.S. on

This month completes ten years of missiona^ servioe. 0^ ^^^/'tpeSirrn^w in for

consecration and saorxfice.

S ofd Troatir^lward teoause of your devotion,

AMISSIOMARY'S "ffliU YOU__

l?ithout your gifts we could not go, to seek the lost today.
ood hless our friends who pray for us that we may be topt wells Without your prayers our strength would fail to men the message
God blessour friends who love us too, who give us tender carej

God bless our friends for helping us to

Without your home we could not preach from town to village square.
God bless our friends for fellowship around the blessed

Without your faith we would not reach the ones who've never heard.

Sth^r^oriin^:Xrtriorm.--Mthor unknown
.hose - Have ^ifen let^ rw::d::r1f ttyTre t^liw the things you would like to hear. Then oomes a

Eeoeiviil this-we feel encouraged to keep writing these letters.

Terrace, Wn. Then our ten month furlou^ completed, we Pake

The first to Sundays in July,

" ! ^"''our'ww!^^^
p ^

assured of

Airport to bid us God-speed, and this meant a great deal to us.

grand-children and we had awo^erful

Fish, who was a missionary on

welcoming us at the Airport on 0^--vlsit'with'c^S ,^S9ther. Ws^had amce^

"

ed us here on myako and we have had m^y

afternoon service and brought messages.
pipayer for his salvation#
WOULD YOU?

SirSeen of the leaders came in

g ^re presented us in
j

^ 4.-h4no. mother man. who has

six of our lepers who are in the hospital, Eiey are been reduced to skin and bones and has very fe^ days left to

Had heard them weep with one to care, V/ould you go BACK

If you had been to heathen lands where weary f To plead, yet no one understands, would you go BACK? If you had seen the women bear their heavy loads

ou

If you had seen the glorious night, when Were broueht back from darkness into light. Would you go Bac .

When shall despair be turned to song. We're going BACK! .Tould You

yS stln^SLr^it, aweary throng, they've

W, r.loio. 0..t .l

">* !
Your Miyako lUissionaries

cSrfS! ClsSS
Donald and Fay Rickerson

Nexb letter will tell of our camp which will begin the last of

^9Cie'63

w i m mmm] iimmi]
Hirara City, Miyako Island, Ryukyu Islands

"The night is far spent, the day is .*^1 . SEND THEM THE LIGHT NOW! DONALD & FAY RICKERSON LIBHAKY" PUBLICATIONS MAILED BY:
FINANCIAL SECRETARY:

MRS. WARHAM COX

OZARK ftTRTJ! OOT.T.ROfi

1709 W. 71st ST., LOS ANGELES, CALIF., 90047

FALL, 1963

JOpmi, HCk.

GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98103

8015 FREMONT AVE., NORTH

CHRISTIAN YOUTH CAMP

samatsu School which

his daily dozen and breakfast was

served. This consisted of rice and

soup. Classes were held from 9 Why the crowd? What is all the to 12, then lunch of rice and vege was successfuUy conducted again excitement about? tables was served. Following was this summer. We rented the Hirest period and recreation. At 4:30
included

IRABU ISLAND EVANGELISM

cook house and facilities, and this evening meal of rice and soup provided dormitories as well as was served, and the evening serv class rooms. The program was enice began at 8:20. A fine gospel tii'ely planned by the nationals, message was presented following and they mimeographed copies of the song service and then the clos the program as well as song book ing camp fire session was held. lets. Different Christians gave testimon Teachers were our two evange ies at this time. P-rior to this every lists, Ml". Taira and Mr. Ishimine. night Mr. Rickerson showed a Mr. Nashiro came from Okinawa Bible filmstrip. (Nakajin) as an exchange teach One feature of recreation looked er. We do this each year, and Mr. forward to each year is the water Ishimine had already taught for melon contest. Half a, dozen mel Mr. Huckins' camp there. Mr. ons are place in the open field. Rickerson, who also was taxi d.rivYouth are blind-folded and take er, grocery truck driver, and turns in trying to strike the melon many unclassified titles. He was with a baseball bat. When all kept busy a week before camp and all during camp making many melons have been broken there is a feast. trips each day for food, and sup The climax of camp was on plies. Each of the seventy-five campers and their luggage had to the closing day when 27 youth ac be taken to and from camp. Mrs. cepted Christ as their Saviour and Rickerson provided refreshments after the campfire that night we for all the campers each evening. took them by microbus to the East This meant hundreds of cookies, China Sea, and by the light of a cinnamon rolls, etc. But as one half moon held the baptismal sei*vmother said: "The young folk re member this from year to year and
anticipate it very much."

another class was conducted. The

Look closely in the backgi-ound and you wiil see Mr. and Mrs. Rickerson. Whenever we go to this Island we are followed by a large
crowd of curious folk who have

never seen

any

other American

The

Hotel

where

we

sometimes

At six a.m. the rising bell rang and by seven everyone was ready for the day, having already taken

stay, sitting and sleeping on

the floor.

Many

people

have

accepted

Christ and here we present five

of them and their testimonies:

m
t Pf
A Christian should be a striking
likeness of Jesus Christ. You have

A WEAK ONE BECOMES A STRONG ONE

I was born on Irabu Island on

read lives of Christ, beautifully written; but the best life of Christ is His living biography, written
out in the words and action of

Nov. 5, 1906. I only got to go to school for six years. My husband is living and well and works in the field every day. We had five children. I was a very weak wo
man befoi'e I became a Christian,
Continued on page 2

His people.

Charles Spurgeon

IRABU ISLAND EVANGELISM

Continued from page 1

but now I am very strong because I accepted Jesus Christ as my

Saviour. I first learned about

chi-istianity when the Miyako Chris tian Missionaries and evangelist

away my sins

and I

was born

anew and became a Christian. No

one could live a happy life if the

Living God who saves us was not the true and only God. I like to look up and pray to Him from

Mrs. Yoshi Fukushima

prayer. I heard aSx)ut the Miyako Christian Mission coming to Ira

i
Mrs. Yoneko Sakugawa
Ishimine came to our Island to want to be a faithful chinstian al

my heart day and night. I hope to have a peaceful life not only for myself but for my grandchil dren. I look forward to every Monday night when the Miyako
Christian Missionaries and

bu to preach the Gospel. I be

gan attending these meetings as much as I could, but with two

small children could not attend regularly. But even while I was their at home I studied the Bible and

evangelists bring the Gospel mes

sage to us on our small Island. I

made up my mind to become a

Christian. I was immersed into

know they become very tired, but Christ on Dec. 5, 1960, and now

I 'pray that they will always come. I enjoy the Christian life every I am sometimes lonely as my hus day. (She has since moved to band died when he was 42 years Okinawa.)
My two daughters live in Japan and one grown son ON THE STRAIGHT ill. My happy date of be a child of God was Sep AND NARROW ROAD I was born on Irabu Island on 22, 1958. Nov. 10, 1931. When I married we moved away and I had two chil
dren. Then we moved back to

of age. Osaka, preach the Gospel at the club is now house. 1 was immersed into Christ coming on Oct. 22, 1958 and seven months tember later my married daughter, Kameko, also became a Christian. I

A SUNDAY SCHOOL GIRL FORGOT

ways, looking to the Saviour who Irabu and I had much trouble and GOD, BUT LATER RETURNED is in Heaven. I pray that all my lived in darkness and heart sick I was born in Nakachi village on family will become believers and ness. I found that while I had have this happy life. I want to Irabu Island of the Miyako gi'oup been away my mother had be have a strong faith and enjoy of Islands on Dec. 18, 1925. I moved come a Christian and was living eternal life. My favorite scripture to Yokohama, Japan, with my par a happy life. I too had heard about is 2 Cor. 1:3,4. My youngest daugh ents. For three years there I at Jesus Christ when I was living tended Bible School, and for many ter, Hiroko also became a Chris on Okinawa for a kind lady who years I never forgot to pray to tian while in Junior High School. had become a Christian told me God each day. During that lime the story of Christ. Then my moth 1 did not have any troubles and MRS. MATSU SHIMAJIRI my heart was light. Then for er began to teach me also. When I heard that missionaries came some years I forgot God and TESTIFIES from Miyako every Monday to I was born on Irabu Island on troubles came. I moved back to preach the Word of God, I be Dec. 1, 1902. A.s the Lord is my Irabu Island, and my heart was gan to attend the services and to Saviour I Ijelieve in Him. He took getting dark since I neglected Continued on poge 3

IRABU ISLAND EVANGELISM

Continued from Page 2

I was born in Nagahama Vil

moment he steps out of his house,

lage on small Irabu Island. I an old saying went. In those days married and had a little girl, but of constant battles and rivalry my husband was a very heavy among clan lords and individuals, drinker, and my mother finally there was no knowing what ene took me away from him. He went mies one might have. Many a man to Okinawa and married another left the house happy and content woman. I was a sinful one, and ed in the morning, but never re I did not nave peace. My mother turned. All the people and par was among the first ones to be ticularly samurai and their fam come a Ciiristian on our Island. ilies were, therefore warned of Every Monday night she went to dangers that might befall anyone the club house to hear the Gospel out of the house. preached when the missionaries These conditions developed the came from Miyako Island and habit of mailing solemn greetings brought evangelist Ishimine to when one was leaving his house. preach here. I also began to at It might be the last time when tend with her. Nine months later he would see family while alive.
I decided that I needed Jesus

So whenever one was going out,

tian. Nine months later a younger sister did also. Now I have peace.

Mrs.

Kiku

Nikadori

learn more. Finally and I accepted the Christ as my Saviour mersed into Him on
ON THE

I understood Lord Jesus and was im July 6, 1959.

NAR

INTERESTING JAPANESE CUSTOMS

Thanks to God I am now GOING

STRAIGHT AND

ROW ROAD, in my daily life and I just depend upon God to help me that I will not be tempted to evil again. I only got to go to school nine years. I work hard in
the field and sometimes also do

sewing to help make the living.

KAME SAKUGAWA FOUND PEACE IN CHRIST

he first went to his parents and bowing, said, Ittemairimasu. Then his wife, children and servants would gather at the entrance of the house, and say, Itteirasshai or "be on your way," which greet ing was also a prayer that he would have kami's or god's pro GIRLS' NAMES: Japanese girls tection. When he returned safely are commonly named after flow home, he would say Tadaima or ers, plants and natural objects. "I have just returned," while the Hana (flower), Matsu (pine), Take whole family would welcome him (bamboo), Ume (Japanese apri at the entrance with Okaerinasai cot), Kiku (chrysanthemum), Yu- or "you have returned," imply ki (snow), Midori (green), Haru ing joy and thanks for his safe (spring), Natsu (summer), Aki return!. These expressions were (autumn), Fuyu (winter), and the prayers of the people for the others are representative girls' safety of their dear ones, which names. Then there are names they believed would protect them symbolizing womanly virtues, while they were out of their like Kiyo or Sei (purity), Yoshi homes. Such original meanings (good) ' and (comfort). Many are, of course, almost entirely lost girls' names end in "ko" (child). now, but the custom of making Often parents who hoped to have these remarks on one's departure a boy and were disappointed in or return is still kept by the peo having a girl, have consoled them ple. The custom has so long been selves by giving her a boyish in practice that many wives still name. The most common girl's feel unhappy the whole day, if they failed to say Itteirasshai to name is Kazuko. their husbands in the morning.
Christ and I also became a Chris

SEVEN FOES. Japanese boys and girls leave their homes for school in the morning, loudly Lord Jesus, make Thyself to me A living, bright reality! shouting Ittemairimasu or "I am More present to Faith's vision keen going"; and return home in the Than any outward object seen afternoon with a cheery Tadaima or "I have just come back." These More dear, more intimately nigh, Than e'en the sweetest earthly peculiar greetings are also made tie. by all the members of the family Author Unknown whenever they go out or return home. These expressions are the
remnants of an old custom of feud

al days, but they no longer have the solemn significance they or the vast desires of the soul; He is iginally had. the very Sabbath of the soul."
A man has seven enemies the
John Flaval

"Christ

bounds

and

terminates

My Tiny Daily Prayer

on business. When he saw my my husband was cured in three face he felt sorry for me and years. After he left the hospital took me to a Dr. at his own ex we got one boy and two more pense. In three months my face girls so now we have four chil was cured. It is beyond to ex dren. plain how glad I was, and I thank I came to know how God work ed my Uncle, clinging to him with ed for us tlirough all things that joy. My Uncle said, "We owe the happened to us. Thanks to God blassing to God that you were he cured my face, my husband's

,
j

cured." When I heard the word, terrible disease and blessed our "GodGod's blessing" always home with four children. I believe kept that in my mind. I decided that no one could save us from to go to my Uncle's home and these troubles but the one true help him with the work to repay God. While I was thinking that
his kindness. While I was work

we should have just one religion

Taira from Uruka visited me and

ing for him, Mr. Taira (now my and believe in the one God Mr.

husband) made a proposal of mar

son and to Mr. Ishimine they came to my village to preach the Gospel one night of every week. After I had studied and understood I ac Tomika Taira my mother-in-law). cepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I was born in Nishnaka Village, Then misfortune visited us, when I was baptized and born anew which is located far away from our daughter was three years old. as' a child of God on Oct. 18, 1960. this Karikari village where I now My husband suffered from a ter Thanks to God when I look back be driven to despair. He cursed me and protected me even while 1923. I have one brother and three God and his parents because of it. I did not know Him. I am very
Once he told me to divorce him

January when I was 26 years old. In December of the same year we had our first daughter and lived very happilywe four (including

riage to me and my mother per told me the story of Jesus Christ, mitted me to marry him. We held then I decided to study Christian a simple wedding ceremony in ity. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Ricker-

live, on the 20th of December in

rible disease which caused him to

upon me I notice that God knew

sisters and I was the eldest. I was

and said: "Seek after your own happiness because it is impossible for me to make you happy." fered from stomach cancer and When he said this I was only died four years later, when an filled with grief. I did not show air-raid was at its height. Our him my true mind but encouraged
the death. It was a hard time

a naughty girl. I enjoyed going to Primary School but when I was in the fourth grade my father suf

happy now because I know the

true God who saved aj^ blessed

me. I believe that no one can meet this joy but one who is saved.

Those maiiy people who do not know true God yet, please come to Jesus Christ as soon as possible family was ovei'whelmed with him not to despair. I knew that so that you can have peaceful, grief and cursed God because of there was no one who will en hopeful and thankful life. God,
for my mother to raise four chil
dren alone. I had to leave school

courage a husband but only his

wife. So he took courage and de

cided to have medical treatment

please let them come to Jesus Christ IS MY TINY DAILY

PRAYER.

before

had

even

finished

the

sixth grade and I worked for an other family as a maid. I was concerned about my brother and sisters whether we could keep them in school. Because I did not get to
finish school I was determined to

and entered a hospital. It is be

yond description how I suffered

from trouble with my child during

his absence. But while I was in this trouble it came to me that I

"Moreover, brethren, I would not

that ye should be ignorant, how

that all our fathers were under

should rely upon God. I began to the cloud, and all passed through
pray every night. Thanks to God, the sea."I Cor. 10:1

have them finish, at least Jr. High. So I worked as a maid until they had finished, then I came home and worked for the Japanese army
with another sister and we made

GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN

CHURCH

good living.

8015 Fremont Ave., No. Seattle, Washington, 98103

Very sad to say when I was 23 years of age I suffered from a skin disease on my face, and it spread all over, making me an ugly face.
I did not consult a Dr. for we could not afford it. I was driven

Ih Lord's Reapers
516 No. Wail

to despair, and every day cursed Joplin, Mo, God. One day my Uncle who lived in Hirara City came to my home ^aOOQPQaflattflOflOQQOQOQOOOQQQQOOOOOOQOOOOOOOQOOQOQtP

5'
MIYAKO CHRISTIAN MISSION

Oci29 "63

Hirara City, Lliyako Island, Ryukyus

Donald and Fay Rickerson Financial Secretarys
Mrs. Warham Co:i

Publications mailed byj

GreenvTood Christian Church 8015 Fremont Ave., No.

1709 Wo 71st St., Los Angeles 47, Calif.

Seattle, Washington

98103

Link-Letter #
Desir Fellow-Laborers s

OZAKK BIBLE COLLKOt

Joplin, Mo

"...there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
the little chapel, across the compound,

Luke 15:10

Our hearts rejoiced too, when at the close of a recent service at the Leper colony, a dear sister inade the good confession. All the Christians walked down the hill from
down onto the beach of the East China Sea,

plowing thru the deep sand until we came to a suitable place for the baptism. Even Tri.th our good feet the walking was tiring and difficult much more so for those who had toes missing. I thought of the phrase of a song, "all other ground is sinking sand/' and I was so grateful to God that He had saved a soul from that worse fete.

The fingers on both her hands were wasted to mere stubs, but on her face was a bright new look of joy expressing the change that had been wrought in her leprous-heart. The
trip to the Colony, the long sei'vice folloived by the baptismal service and the return trip to Hirara took the entire afternoon and we came home weary in body,but rejoicing
Station. Also Bible School for children is conducted in Argusuku and Miyaguni villages as v/ell as in Hirara City by six of our national Christians.
CLAIRE AND DONNA BOULTOM and their five children arrived on Okinawa Sept.5th, after

in spirit. Each Sunday we hold services here,as well as in Kirara City and at the Air

a fifteen month furlough and a months, travel on a freighter, to begin their second term of missionary service. Their address is: Morgan Manor 21 Aza Furugen Yomitan Son, Okinawa. They are sponsored by Northwest Christian Church, 1306 No. Stanley St., Decator, Illinois. Funds for their v;-ork should be sent to this address, also requeets to be placed on their mailing list for their publications.
MEL AND fJARGUERITE HTJCKINS with their six children left the follov/ing day for U.S. Okinawa will never be the seme to us without them there, but we know that it was im

perative for them to leave, due to Mel's need for Stateside medical attention.
address is; 13039 - 21st Ave. So., Seattle 68, Wash. During our ten month

Their

furlough,

they supervised our work on lliyako in a very fine way,as well as talcing care of their oivn work on Okinawa# (Donna and Marguerite are our daughters). I'/e were on Okinawa to greet Boultons and to say fare-.vell to Euckins and then returned to Miyako the next day
in order to be back for Sunday services.

NISHIBS VILLAGE is reopened to the Gospel. Early in our missionary work, we held two services weekly here, and had a fine prospective class of young v/omen, when the idolworshipping mothers forbade them to attend longer. There had been only one conversion, and our evangelist advised us to go on to other villages v/hose folk had never oice heard the Gospel. Shortly before vie left on furlough, requests were coming in for our
return there and several meetings were held. During our absence, regular services on

each Tuesday night were established, and one woman and n5.ne young people accepted Christo Sunday nights and sometimes on "'i^ednesday nights these children walk the 2-f
miles into the Hirara City church to attend services* We take them home in the microbus and from the time they get in until they reach their villagethey sing English choruses.
lElABU ISLAND continues to be a stronghold for Christ. Eighteen baptisms during our absence^ Recently at a meeting there, Mr. Rickerson wondered how many of the thirteen original charter members were present, and was pleased to find only one absent. Our Evangelist, Ishimine, preaches here every Monday night, leaving Hirara early in the

afternoon and returning the folloiTing day. Mr.Rickerson slept on the hard floor (only
a quiit under him)staying avith one of our Christian families there and enjoying a fine
time of Christian fellowship.
TYPHOON GLORIA shut us in for two days, and kept us busy for a full Tveek. Our roof leaks and three rooms were flooded and we kept moving furniture and moping up water. Three banana trees were bloivn over and since they were not bearing well, we took them out by the roots. A typhoon alv/ays bring a lot of ants into the house andwe are still fighting them. TTe try to keep all food in tight containers but these ants are so tiny that they are able to get into anything we have. The weather ranains very hot and hu mid, and is very hard on the flesh. Very fe\7 nights have we been able to stand even a sheet over us and we are uncomfortably damp all the time. It is not only extremely un comfortable,but saps the vitality, so vre will be glad to seelhis month over, and hope

for cooler weather in October. The Lord is giving us strength and grace for each day, and we thank you for your pi-ayers cn our behalf as together we work to spread the Gos
pel on. this ^all isolated Island.

Your Miyako Missionaries . . . Donald and Fay Riokerson

MIYAKO

CHRISTIAN

S S I

0 N

Oqc lO'Oi

'Hirara City, Miyako Island, Ryukyus

Donald and Fay Piokerson Financial Secretarys
Mrs. Warhan Cox

Publications mailed "by: Greenwood Christian Church

8015 Fremont Ave, No#

1709 W. 71st St., Los Angeles 47, Calif#

Seattle, Washington

98103

Link-Letter # 91
Dear Follow-Tiaborerss

October, 1963

v/e v/ere on fiirlough) and our evangelist

YONJijjTPII, an island forty miles from Formosa, has been visited for a second time# The first trip was made by Mel Huckins (our son-in-law, who took our place here while
Ishimine# This time Eto*# Ishimine was ac

companied by Mr Nashiro (who is Mro Huckin's evangelist^ and Mr. Morikawa (pastor from Nagoya, Japan, who came to work with us for a month)# Proji Riiyako to Yaeyama
Island they went by plane and the same day by boat on to Yonaguni. This Island is the
& Mrs. Aamkura (lepers at Nanseien.) They have had their leprosy ar home of our

rested and have been granted the privilege of leaving the colony but have not yet moved back to Yonaguni because of financid. difficulties. The next morning the evan

gelists called at the home of Mrs. A-fakura's brother in Kubura village#

called on the only national minister on the Island. He has been there for ten years and at first had some success,but now has no followers. Ameeting was held that night in the Awalcura home with seven vromen and one man present. Unfortunately this was Obon Festival time, and this Island is a stronghold of the Buddhist religion. As a result

Next they

Priestess, was a strong believer in Buddhism, but expressed her desire to become a Christian, and took all of her pagan worship articles., including the god-shelf for ancestor v/orship, dovm, and gave thfem to Mr. Ishimine. She declared that henceforth she would worship the One True Go(3L only. After much further teaching, these two women
will become Christians.

of the message, sme women v/ere greatly under conviction. One is an alcoholic who asked for prayer that she might overcome this habit Another "woman^ though not a

SUPERSTITIONS AND FALSE RELIGIONS abound on this Island. A man who is a leader on this Island told about one of their oldest customs. This is a Festival held each Oc

tober and lasting for twenty-five days and is Island wide.

It is somewhat religious

in nature as robed Priestesses participate and there is singing, praying and dancing. He said that the Festival v/as too strongly ingrained ever to be discarded for tha Christian faith. Many people come from other Islands also to participate in the fes tival# Additional meetings were hold in the home of the two women mentioned. Also in Shigawa, the second largest village where Awakura's brother livesa meeting was conducted and the evangelists stayed in his home. He said too that it would be dan gerous to give up their Festival and accept Christianity. But we are sure that things will be different when the Ar/akuras go back to Yonaguni to live and work among their own people# It will take a great deal of teaching but a start has been made. A ques tion and answer period was held after this service and tracks were distributed. One

was, "Guide to Christianity" and another wa5 "Ancestor Worship and Christianity".

After vieaving the situation from every standpoint, our Evangelist made this observa tion* i\n evangelist v/ho loves the Island and its people must live there and worka-

mong them if Christianity is ever to get a foothold in this pagan environment. We had
hoped that our evangelists would stay there longer,but they feared a storm coming up,
so returned home in three days.

MR. MORIKAifVA worked with us for a full month here# When Mr. Ishimine was in Osaka

Bible College for one tern, he became acquainted with this young man, and ever since then they have both requested this visit. We felt that an outside speaker would bring some encouragement to our Christians here on this isolated Island. Morikawa spoke every week night v/ith the exception of Saturday nights. He has a very pleasant per sonality and good delivery and enjoyed his visit here very much. We had requested
that h0_teaoh at our summer camp and were disappointed that he did not arrive in time to do so* We hope in the future to have other workers from Japan come to Ijrin^ special messages from time to time.

Leper Colony in the afternoon and in Hirara City on Sunday evenings. Monday night he preaches at Irabu Island; Tuesday at Nishibe Village; Wednesday conducts Bible Study and Prayer Meeting in Hirara; Thursday night at Uruka; and, Friday at Aragusiaku. EVjWELIST TAIRA preaches at Sugama on Monday, Miyaguni on Tuesday, and on Wednesday
night attends the Hirara City Meeting# pyeaohes at Karikari on Thursday night and Nakayama on Friday. MISS YOSHIKO TAIRA conducts Bible School in Myaguni village on

EVANGELIST ISHIMINE

conducts

Bible

School in Aragusuku Village,

preaches at the

Sundggr mornings nwd in the afternoon at Uruka. We just began at Uruka last Sunday.
YOIE MISSIONARIES attend services every night in the week except Saturday. It re

quires fr<an three to three and one-half hours to make the trip to a village over the rough roads, picking up passengers along the way# Sitting aithe hard floor through the long services is hard, but we thank God for the strengiih to do it, and for the privilege of ^reading the Gospel in this far away Isle of the Sea.
Yours in His Name and joyful service,
Donald and Fay Rickerson

^
1'

MIYAKOCHR IS T I A M

MISSION

. D0CJ8'63

Hirara City, Miyako~Island, Ryjkyas

nonald &Fay Rickerson Finar.cial Secrctaiy:

1709 Wo 71st St., Los Angeles, California

Link-Leter

Karham Cox

X X
1.IBBAB

Publications mailed by: Greenwood Christian Church

Seattle, Washington 98103

^ 8015 Fremont Ave. North

November, 1963
Mo
two adults

Dear Fellcw-Labcrers:

OZARK

and five Junior-High students^ Also for classes being held in two villages where a
number of folk are desirous of studying to become Christians

REJOICE WITH US in the conversion of seven more people on Irabu Island:

PRAY WITH US for our Christian worker, Miss Yoshiko Taira who has been ill for over a month now We have made five trips to her village to bring her into Hirara City to

the Doctor(each trip required about half a days time) She has changed doctors three times and still is not getting well Pray also for the healing of two of our Leper
Christians whom we visited in the Hospital at Nanseien#
PRAISE HIM WITH US for the Faithful Ones.

They have both had strokes..

For instance, like Mr, Keiwa Sawada, a

man sixty years of age^who goes to the teaching meetings with us sometimes five nights a week. He has a large family, only two others having accepted Christ We trust that
a married son will soon begin attending services. His father persuaded him to have
five of us come to his home and hold a special service of praise and prayer when he acquired a new home In the majority of heathen homes this occasion would call for a

sake(rice whiskey) drinking party or calling in a fortune teller or a Buddhist priest to conduct a service^ During our furlough time, Mr, Huckins was invited there for the very important celebration of the naming of the third child, and she was given the
Christian name of Naomi Our willingness to take time for these occasions, our friend ly contact with the family, the reading of His Word, singing of hymns and circle of prayer will, we hope, eventually bear fruit. All such celebrations call for refresh ments, however hardly the same type as served in America. Seated on the floor areund the small foot high table, we were served t ea and chunks of brown sugar as soon as we arrived. Then after the service, the main dish consisted of bean sprouts and diced

dicons (a vegetable similar

to a white

radish)

cooked in pork fat.

They areshort

on their cooking time, but long on their amount of fat and this dish was very unpalatable to uSo With it we were served a bottle of genki which word means"health," We could not get an explanation of just how it was made. Prior to this time the young couple had just rented a room, now to buy a $4000 place of their own, with rooms to rent out made them feel very prosperous. Of course, in America, such a hone would be considered only large enough for one family and of the poorest type The owner works in one of the sugar mills here so has more income than the average man.

BY REQUEST OF TI-IE LEPERS, seven of the leaders were taken on a six hour tour of the Islandc At our suggestions, we took them first of all to locate the home of Mrs.Onga

who has just recently been released from the colony. We wanted to give her a special
invitation to attend our ehurcii services in Hirara City where she now lives. She was

so pleased that we stopped and assured us that she would attend next Sunday. Then the lepers wanted to go to each of the Villages where we hold services and see the homes where the meetings are heldo They did not go inside the homes but just looked around the propertyo At noon we stopped at a pretty place and each ate the lunch they had brotjghto We are often criticized for taking the lepers in the Micro-bus for such an occasion, for all people feor contracting the dread disease But if we say no to the Lepers then they are hurt. We dissenfect the bus after the trip and trust
God to care for all of uSo Off hand, we think of thirteen of our leper Christians who

have hao. irorosy-yrfcesf-sd and left tPie, permitting them to return to live in their own homeso Recently we see some had had successful operations performed on their ha^ids making it possible for them to straighten out their b^nt fingers.
Great, strid'ss have been made for the relief of lepers.

PRAYER FOR HIS GUIDANCE

are requested for Mr. & Mrs. Awakura,

Their leprosy

has

they feel that they cannot earn a living there. Wow they are seeking a loan with which to buy property in Hirara and begin a small chicken business to earn their liv ing, as they are not able to do hard work. We pray for their guidance in every de
tail of their new life, and for their future witness for Christ,

bBca rirrested and they can again move out into the world. We had thought they would return to their former home on Yonaguni Island where we hoped to establish a work,but

the Air Station here, where we hold services each Lord's Day, and with it an invita was drowned while swimming at Colonel Beach#
appreciative letter in retiirn,

A SPECIAL INVITATION was extended to us to conduct services on Thanksgiving Day at

tion to have dinner with the men. One airman is missing from our services therc

We wrote his

parents and received an

Ke

THANK YOU for your earnest prayers and faithful support of your missionaries,
Donald and Fay Rickerson

MIYAKO

CHRISTIAN

MliSSIOHf

Eirara City, MiyaJco Island, Ryukyus

Donald and Fay Rickerson Financial Secretary?

Mrs ITarham Cox

Publications mailed "bys Greenwood Christian Churoh

8015 Fremont Ave. Horth

Woodbum, Oregon

Link-Let^r^^^jgjjB COLLBGB
' I j AkT^ffv

iooaTiuj

Washington

98103

Dear Fellow-Laborersj

joplin. Mo

December 27, 1963

HONORING CHRIST ON HIS BIRTHDAY, A FOT]R HOUR WORSHIP SERVICE was held here in oui* Hirara City Churcha Over 200 Christians from the -tillage churches of Aragusuku, Uruka, Miyaguni, Karikari, Sugama, Malcayama, and Irabu Island were able to attend The pro gram consisted of eight messages, and musical numbers from each church At the close,

each one was given a bamboo box of assorted cakes Since there is only one boat a day to Irabuj, folk from there stayed all night, sleeping on a thin straw mat on the tile
floor of the room v/e lived in for a year at the church

BIBLE SCHOOL

CHILDREN were not invited as the building

could hold no more,

but

earlier in the day 200 children vrere presented with sa,cks of candy, and a small gift for those with perfect attendance records I!;5:s Rickerson decorated the sacks with pictures (out from your used Christinas cards ) and also gave each one a beautiful
Christmas picture which she had mounted on cardboard#.

Nj^SBIBN CHURCH (lepers) not being permitted to attend of course, conducted their own services, and on Christinas eve^ Mrs Rickerson took out fifty sacks of treat for them To the Ladies Council of Canby, Oregon, we are grateful for the Kleenex which they sent last summer, and 7/e slipped a purs"e size packet in each sack Also we are

grateful to Mrs lilackri11 of Sumner, Washington, who sent Christmas pictures mounted

on tin lids, with a hanger attached, which was also given to each leper (an idea for
you who have asked for suggestions we could use please)* 2000 for our DVBS Nativity scenes^

A SPECIAL INVITATION FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER came from the Commander of the Air Base, where we have conducted services each Lord's Day for over ten years now, due to the

fact that a Chaplain rarely comes to this remote Islandc One evening of last week, we served a pre-Christmas dinner to six of the men, and never have we been so gracious

ly thanked for a meal One man said: *^You will never know how much this meant to me"
FIVE GRiyNDKIDS, and of course their parents. Donna and Claire Boulton, made a MERRY

CHRISTMAS for us when they cam for a weeks visit# An air-mail package contai^ng four
beautiful coloured wedding pictures came from Janet and iTayne, and an airmail letter on Christmas day, v/hich helped us to swallow the lump in our throats when we thought
of the wonderful time vre had together last Christmas A Christmas letter from Mar
Certain

guerite and Mel, as well as a lovely giftj, helped us to feel their nearness too
WHOEVER GETS TOO OLD TO BE THRILLED WITH THE DELIVERY OF A CHRISTMAS BOX?

ly not missionaries Thanks to the Wapato, Tfashington, Church, a box of food came early enough for us to have it for our company meals The annual Christmas box from

our Greenwood Church, we opened Christmas morning and it "was a thrill as usual (as
I didn't get some socks darned and here were five new pairl)

well as a life-saver for me, for Mr Missionary was getting ready to DO something if
A SPECIAL MENS MEETING WAS HELD RECENTLY AND PROVED A HIXJE SUCCESS. Thirteen men,

followed, and ways to fijirther the cause of Christ on Miyako were considered The men
voted to have similar felloT/ship meetings every other month*

only cool in December and January)

representing the churches, were our guests at a dinner at the Cool Restaurant (it is

Claire Boulton led the discussion hour which

MORE THAN FIFTY PESDPli) HAVE AcSPTED CHRIST RECENTLY On one~extiwely cold day, we
went to the China Sea at six in the evening to baptize seven Junior High school youth

from Nishibe village

the coldg

A very cold v/ind was bloiring and I was really suffering from
Another baptismal service on a

Sunday afternoon at Miyaguni Beach took three hours time, as we had to make two trips to get the folk to and from the Sea This was in addition to six hours spent in other

I wondered how they stood the cold wateri

this compare with the hours you spend on Sunday in the Lord's service, I wonder It
isn't easy on the Mssion field but it is rewarding!

church services that day (including going and coming)* In Toychara we have twelve new Christians, but no meeting place so we take them to another village church How does

keep up with nightly evangelism Hov/ever, Mr Rickerson does need your prayers right
now as he met v/ith an accident while
iii this humid climate

God has been blessing us vn.th good health ever since our return, or we could not
riding v/ith Claire on his motor-bike* He- re

ceived a deep cut on his heel, requiring twenty stitches to close it* He has been on cri-itches, ordered to keep quiet and have it dressed daily for ten days Wounds heal
God bless you all who have a vital part in our work here
Donald and Fay Rickerson