Christian

"Go yt into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Vol. 5k. Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, Summer, 1955 Number 2
Missionaries who attencfed the Seventh All-Japan Convention in Tanabe, "Wa-
kayania Prefecture on March 29-31 and the missionary rally which followed on
April ic:i Noxl Year's aonveation- will be held in Tokyo. _
We believeTEat theTbkyo Bible Seminary
is ill a better condition to train faithful lead
ers than it has ever been. This is true in
spite of the fact that we have fewer students
and teachers than we have had recently.
The resignation of one Japanese teacher, the
departure of Mr. Buttray on furlough and
the departui'e of Mr. Fleenor on furlough in
July accounts for the shortage of teachers.
A large graduating class in April and the
addition of only three new students accounts
for the shortage of students. The students
are manifesting a more earnest desire to
study and know God's Word and to maintain
unity among themselves and the faculty. The
upperclassmen are trying to guide and
strengthen the other students by way of
personal example and exhortation. We believe
that if this spirit continues, the students
will be better trained to carry on a fruitful
ministry than any of the former graduates
oftil!: Scmiiiavy-.
Very encouraging reports have been re
ceived recently from those who graduated
from the Seminary in April. Mr. Hosoi is
working zealously on Okinawa. Already he
is respected and loved by the Bible College
and the chui-ches there. Ho teaches in the
Bible College and every moment he can spare
from that work he spends in evangelistic
meetings in the churches. He has a tremen
dous amount of responsibility for a young
man who has just graduated from a seminary.
He needs your prayers. Mr. Takahashi re
turned to his native place where his friends,
who have desired for a long time that
churches be established in their district, have
waited for him to gradtiate from the Semin
ary. He preaches to several groups of people
who gather in homes in their various com
munities. He expresses in his letters the
great joy which he has in the service of the
Ivord. Missionaries from Osaka who visited us
recently have brought reports of the work
of Mr. Rhinone in Asahi Church. Osaka. That,
church is making much progress unde'" his
leadership. Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura are mak
ing remarkable progress in their efforts to
(rslal)lish npAV churches in Mrs. Nakamura's
home district about 400 miles south of Tokyo.
We are happy that these young people are
so faithful and zealous for the salvation of
the lost and that the Lord is blessing them
so soon with abundant fruits. They need
your prayers.
Evangelism at- Nakano
It has been customary at the Nakano
Church to have a spring and fall evangelistic
meeting each year, but this year as spring
approached there just wasn't much enthus
iasm. Offerings were a little off and attend
ance was down some, so the members were
wondering how much good it would really
do and whether expenses could be met. Fin
ally it was decided to go ahead, but we
would try a new method. Up until this time
the custom has been to have a different
speaker each night of the meeting, because
all of the preachers have busy schedules.
It was decided to ask Mr. Haiiyu, minister
of the Setagaya Church, to come for the full
week. Finally he was able to arrange his
schedule for the week following Pentecost.
Next publicity had to be arriinged. The
police restrictions here in the city have be
come more strict in recent months and we
were refused permission to paste posters on
fences and poles, put up standing signs any
where that might obstruct someone's view,
or use the loud-speaker. A good number of
hand-bills were printed and the members
were exhorted to take them and distribute
them personally to friends. By (he middle of
the week the idea had taken hold and some
more had to be hastily printed.
God answered prayers and work with
His blessings and everyone was surprised and
encouraged at the good results. There was
1 baptism. Attendance every nlghl was higher
than the average Sunday A.M. attendance,
reaching a high of 53, and many new people
from the community came and expressed an
interest.
One or two old members came back. This
is indeed a rare thing in Japan. One night
I was over visiting the preacher while he was
looking through the list of old members. He
asked if I knew some of them. Of course I
did and I suggested that it might be a good
idea to visit these people and urge them
to come back. After he had recovered from
the shock (pastoral visitation is very un
common) he thought it might be possible
but was afraid he wouldn't know what to
say.So that night I went with him to one
of the houses down the street from the
church. We found at home the first girl who
had been baptized here when the church was
started in our house in 1 950. She hadn't been
to church in more than 3 years, after a mis
understanding between some of the folks.
Of course she was surprised and embarrassed
to see us. and said she was a.shamed to come
back; in fact, she had not even walked along
the street in front of the church for months.
We told her she was welcome to use the
street and also to come back to church.
After a couple of weeks we were thankful to
see her there. Now the young preacher here
has the idea and has been doing a good
job of visiting some of the wayward ones
on his own initiative.
Harold Sims
[Continued on 4]
Page 2
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
Published quarterly by the Missionaries of the
Church of Christ Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan,
for the information and inspiration of every Christian
whose heart is open to the coll of Christ, and who is
willing to help in the supreme task of carrying out the
Great Commission of Christ; Matthew 28:19, 20.
Entered as second class matter in the Kimberlin
Heights, Tenn., Postoffice under the act of March 3,
Two-Year Subscription 50 cents
Subscription and "Flaming Torch" ...... ?1.00
MISSION STAFF
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 575 2-Chome, Kam-
iochiai, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. (Now on furlough)
Forwardir>g agent: Mrs. Homer Anderson, R. D, I,
Meadville, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patton, 27 Sakurayama, Na-
kano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding ogent: Mr. or
Mrs. Roy Armstrong, Rt. 3, Box 310, Piqua, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 450 Arai Machi, Nakano-
Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Fordwarding agent: A. E. Sims, 310
Brown Ave., Turtle Creek, Pa.
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY
27 Sakurayama, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
TRUSTEES
Mr. T. O. Hothcock, Chairman, Lawrence Bain, Miss
Eva Green, Orvel C. Crowder, J. E. Lipscombe, Mrs. E. G.
Nabell, Alfred E. Sims.
Packages for Japan should be sent direct by parcel
post to one of the missionaries whose addresses are
shown above. Consult your local postoffice concerning
mailing rules and limitations of size and weight.
If you change your address please notify H. L.
Hamilton, Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, giving both
your old and your new address. If you make an offer
ing of $1.00 or more you are entitled to receive this
paper if you so request. Churches or groups making an
ofrering of $10.00 or more may request a bundle of 10
copies for distribution.
EdBtorial
In the Spring issue of the Tokyo Christian
it was announced that the trustees decided
that the paper be no longer published by
the Mission itself. "So far as the Mission is
concerned these~'missionaries will have the
privilege of continuing to publish the Tokyo
Christian themselves by unanimous agree
ment, assuming all financial responsibility for
its publication."
This is the first issue published under
the above-mentioned plan. Our intention is
not to change the nature of the contents or
the fundamental policy of the paper, but to
continue to inform and encourage those who
are interested in the cause of Christ on this
field.
It so happens that this issue contains
some startling information that may be
thought to be controversial. Controversy is
not our purpose and the things mentioned
here did not originate with us. Futhermore,
the matter's coming to a head at this time
is merely coincidental. But we feel a strong
responsibility to keep our supporters fully
Informed concerning such important issues
as those now before us.
We send you this information with the
humble request that you will pray for us
and for the work here in Tokyo, that all
those who wear Christ's name may be faith
ful to Him and united in Him.
We wish to express our deepest appreciation
to Bro. A. E. Sims who has served long and
well as the editor of this paper. He has done
this service at great sacrifice of time and
energy without any remuneration and, we
are afraid, very little cooperation from the
missionaries. We are sure the readers join
with us in thanking him for the great service
he has done to the work of this Mission.
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
The last issue of the Tokyo Christian
carried a report of the trustees meeting. It
said "many letters from friends, donors, mis
sionaries and from the Japanese concerning
the future of the Cunningham Mission were
read and carefully considered." Among those
there was the following surprising and dis
turbing one. We don't know how many
people received it, but the indication is that
it was widely distributed. The urgent appeal
made to brethren all over America, futher
more, the fact that the mailing list of this
paper is available to various persons, obli
gates us to use this means of providing an
swers to some questions that may be in your
minds after reading it.
CUNNINGHAM MEMORIAL CHURCH
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
CUNNINGHAM MISSION
16 Wakaba-cho Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan
tablis" " - Estalnished 1901
Dear Friend:
May we have your help in a matter of grave
importance?
The Board of Trustees of the Church of Christ
Cunningham Mission is meeting during the North Ameri
can Christian Convention being held in Indianapolis,
from April 27th to May 1st. It will at that time make
disposition of funds now held by them which were
originally raised by my parents for mission work in
Japan.
The Japanese Christians request that these funds
be established as the CUNNINGHAM MEMORIAL FUND
and the interest from it be invested in evangelism
in Japan, following the plan for evangelistic work used
successfully by Mr. W. D. Cuningham. I would like
to suggest that the fund be adminstered by a committee
composed of friends of my parents, with Judge T. O.
Handbook as chairman. Judge Hathcock has for many
years been a loyal friend of my father and mother and
can be fully trusted to carry out their wishes.
By establishing such a fund the original donors
would be assured that their contributions were being
used for their intended purpose and that the work of my
parents would be continued far into the future. This re
quest comes from the members of the following
Churches of Christ in Japan: Cunningham Memorial
Church. Setagaya Church, Nakano Church, Arakawa
Church and Nishi-Ogikubo Church.
Won't you join us in this appeal and telegraph or
write before April 27th if possible to: T. O. Hathcock
c/o Atlanta Christian College Booth, Cadle "Tabernacle,
Indianapolis, Indiana. Please ask others to do the same.
This is an urgent matter vitally affecting the entire
future of the work in Japan. Telegraph or write now
before it is too late
Very Sincerely,
Eloise Cunningham
Executrix of the will of
Mrs. W. D. Cunningham
We concur with the writer that this
is a "matter of grave importance . . . vitally
affecting the entire future of the work in
Japan."
WHO IS ELOISE CUNNINGHAM, the
writer of this urgent plea? She is the oldest
daughter of Mrs. Cunningham, employed as
a civilian in connection with the U. S. Se
curity Forces in Japan. Many years ago she
turned away from the faith of her mother and
father and became an Episcopalian, and since
that time has never to our knowledge at
tended a service of worship in a church of
Christ. Of course she is not a member of
the Cunningham Mission or the Zaidan (cor
poration holding the property in Japan).
WHO ARE THE JAPANESE CHRISTIANS
MAKING THIS REQUEST? The great major
ity of the members of the 5 churches named
know nothing of it. Some of the easily per
suaded Japanese preachers are being used
to sanction something of which they know
only a small part. Others have not yet proved
their loyalty to the principles of New Testa
ment Christianity. This group is principally
interested in the funds.
WHAT IS THE EVANGELISM FOR
WHICH THE FUNDS ARE REQUESTED?
As an example we cite the special evangelistic
services for the month of May, which are
announced in a special printed hand-bill as
celebrating the establishing of the independ
ence of Wakaba-Cho (Cunningham Memorial
Church.) The ladies meeting, one of Mrs.
Cunningham's favorite activities, is being lec^
by the Chief of Women's Work of the United
Church of Japan, and the preaching is being
done by different leaders of the Disciples]
United Church, etc. Is this the "plan for|
evangelistic work used successfully by Mr.
Cunningham?" By contributing to this will
the "Donors be assured that their contri
butions are being used for their intended
purpose?"
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MISS
CUNNINGHAM'S LETTER? The trustees con
trolling the funds in America are being asked
to cut off support of the Zaidan, (which
means the missionaries operating the present
Mission property in Japan), and turn all
funds over to another committee. We note
that the trustees provided that money for
taxes, etc., should continue and did not yield
to pressure such as this letter.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS BE
HIND THIS LETTER? (1) The first impli
cation is that the work of "Cunningham
Memorial Church" is the only true con
tinuance of the Cunningham work. However,
there are 13 churches in the Tokyo area
which were established by the Cunninghams
and those associated with them. We believe
the best memorial for the Cunninghams is
the whole work of these churches. (2) The
second implication is that Eloise Cunningham
is the only responsible person connected with
the Mission. The readers know there are
now 3 families carrying on the work. (3)
The third implication is that the present
missionaries are not carrying out the policies
of evangelism followed by the Cunninghams.
This is not true. Our loyalty is to Christ
and His Word. The Cunninghams stood on
the same ground. Therefore our purposes
are one in Christ. (4) The fourth implication
is that five congregations in Tokyo agree
with Miss Cunningham's proposal. This also
is not true. The preachers^ for personal
reasons, may have committed themselves,
but the people as a whole have not. There
are 8 churches not mentioned.
We have confidence that the Board of
Trustees will be good stewards of the funds
in their care, but this letter presents to yon
brethren at home several matters that call
for earnest prayer. First pray for the Wa-
kaba-Cho Church which is being led astray
into separatism and denominationalism by
a few false teachers. Also pray for the unity
of the Spirit among the Christians and
churches. From several recent developments
we fear that a division among the few small
churches here is very possible. Pray for
the Japanese brethren that their love may
abound more and more in knowledge and
discernment, that they may be strong in
faith. Pray for us that we might be faith
ful and that God might fill us and use us.
May His Word run and be glorified. II Thes
3:1-5.
The Christian Missionary
Fellowship
During the past several months we have
communicated with William Walker, a mis
sionary recruit to Japan, concerning his work
ing with the Wakaba-Cho Church after his
arrival in Japan. He was first contacted by
the trustees of the Church of Christ Cun
ningham Mission with reference to this work.
After investigating the circumstances closely
and thinking about it, he informed the trus
tees that he would be willing to work with
the Wakaba-Cho Church only if the mission
aries on the field, namely, Stanley Buttray,
Harold Sims, and Andrew Patton, were in
agreement with his doing so. A few days
later we received letters from Bro. Walker
asking our opinion on this matter.
We were pleased with this considerate
attitude of Brother Walker, not because we
wished to control him or the Wakaba-Cho
Church, but because he thus showed that he
was interested in maintaining the unity of
the churches in Tokyo. Both he and we felt
that if the peace and harmony of the
churches connected with the Church of Christ
Cunningham Mission were disturbed it would
be tragic and out of harmony with the Chris
tian religion.
There was one condition connected with
Brother Walker's coming to Japan ivhich
forced us to disapprove of his assuming-
leadership of this church. He had frankly
discussed this problem with Harold Sims just
befoie the Sims left for Japan, as well as in
hisletteTs^tb us mentioned above. He had
affiliated himself with an organization known
as the Christian Missionary Fellowship. Since
we were firmly convinced that the tendencies
of this organization were extremely question
able and therefore dangerous, we felt that
approval of Bro. Walker as missionary to
Wakaba-Cho Church would involve the bret
hren at that church and the rest of the
Church of Christ Cunningham Mission in
this danger. Therefore, we told Brother Wal
ker that if he would sever his connection
with the CMF. we would be more than happy
to approve of his leadership of the work at
Wakaba-Cho. He stated in the above-men
tioned letter to me that in his entering the
CMF "there is a calculated risk involved,
but it seems to me that the course Is woi'th
the risk, and that problems, in any course,
must be dealt with as they arise." He further
told me that if we would not agree to his
working with the Wakaba-Cho brethren, he
would close the matter and make other ar
rangements concerning his work in Japan.
Since we have not heard from him since that
time we concluded that he had given up the
whole idea.
Imagine our surprise, then, when we re
ceived information through others a few
weeks ago that Bro. Walker was seriously
considering the acceptance of a call from the
church at Wakaba-Cho to become their mis
sionary. Since none of the members of that
church had met him, this was tantamount
to his acceptance of a call from Miss Eloise
Cunningham, who had met him and had
strongly insisted that he be allowed to work
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
with that church. Miss Cunningham is not a
member of Wakaba-Cho Church or of any
Christ of Christ, is not and has not been a
member of the Church of Christ Cunningham
Mission and Is not a missionary.
The Church at Wakaba-Cho is completely
free to call Bro. Walker. But it seems very
strange to us that he should insist on working
with this church when he knows that his
doing so will divide them from other churches
connected with this mission, simply because
of his affiliations with a questionable agency.
If he will only give up his affiliation with the
CMF, we will be happy to welcome and co
operate with him. Otherwise, we cannot ap
prove of his coming because it would be
equivalent to our approval of the CMF and
to our compromising the work here. If Bro.
Walker will meet us where we can conscient
iously meet him, we shall be enthusiastic
indeed over his coming to Wakaba-Cho.
The matter would be a little less serious
were it not for the fact that Miss Cunningham
is now trying to swing at least four more
churches to her side against us. She has
written letters to brethren in America using
the names of these churches as taking their
stand against us for her cause. If this policy
continues what can avert a rent in the
churches? And mark well, brethren, who
is causing this dissension. Only if Miss Cun
ningham ceases her efforts to divide the
churches and if Bro. Walker withdraws from
the CMF or gives up his idea of working with
the churches connected with the Church of
Christ Cunningham Mission, can there be any
unity among the brethren here.
We shall now state some of the reasons
why we are opposed to the Christian Mission
ary Fellowship with which Bro. Walker is
affiliated.
1. We are opposed to the attitude of
compromise manifested by the leaders of
the CMF. We have no doubt that they be
lieve the basic truths of the gospel. But
brethren, it is traitorous to pledge allegiance
to the Captain of the Christian army and
at the same time stand with sheathed sword
and talk peace at any sacrifice while the
enemy makes an aggressive war against the
Captain of our salvation and the saints of
God. He who is thus guilty negates his own
belief of the basic facts of the gospel. Now
have the leaders of the CMF distinguished
themselves by their defense of the trufh
against the attacks of those who intend to
destroy it? We quote from Missionary Fel-
lowshi'p, monthly publication of the CMF,
November, 1950: "At annual meeting it was
voted that the CMF should apply for affili
ation with the International Convention of
Disciples of Christ. Such application was
made to the international Convention meet
ing in Oklahoma City, October 8-15th. The
CMF application was voted down by the
Committee on Recommendations, and the
Convention Assembly." Since abundant proof
that the Disciples denomination has departed
from the faith of the gospel and has become
an enemy of the truth is within easy reach
of anyone who is willing to investigate, we
shall take it for granted here. It is certainly
significant that the CMF seeks fellowship
Page S
with the International Convention of the
apostate Disciples denomination rather than
repudiating the whole thing and joining
hands with those who stand against modern
ism and for the gospel of Christ.
As further proof of their pelicy of com
promise we quote from the sanae issue of
Missionary Fellowship: "As the CMF pre
pares to establish missions in new fields, we
will be most wise to arrive at a well-thought
policy concerning the territories where other
missionary groups are working. Time, study,
and maturity will be requisite to establish
ing a territorial ethic that will neither com
promise the claims of the Great Commission
nor make us a by-word among other sincere
believers to whom we wish to extend the
positive challange of apostolic Christianity."
The "territorial ethic" which they here advo
cate is comity agreements with those whom
they call "other sincere believers." We must
not encroach on the territory of the Disciples
or of any other sectarian group though we
must "extend the positive challenge of apost
olic Christianity" to them! Instead of this
being a "territorial ethic" it is downright
unethical to thus compromise the gospel of
Christ. Futhermore, how can they harmonize
Bro. Walker's coming to Wakaba-Cho under
their direction and against our advice Avith
their avowed "territorial ethic?"
2. We are opposed to the desire for au
thority which we believe the CMF has.
Though they are not in agreement with the
ultra-modernism of the Disciples denomi
nation, it is evident that they aim at an
authoritative and powerful position compar
able to that of the Disciples. They aspire
to build a "conservative" group whose au
thority shall adhere in the founders and
leaders of the CMF. They assume in their
publications that the major objection which
others have against them is that they are
organized. Though our experience Avith "or
ganized" missionary work has taught us
that it is not practical and expedient, AA'e
have more basic grounds for opposition to
the CMF. We oppose it on the basis of the
authoritative status which it tries to assume
and for which it was founded and exists.
They mistrust the missionaries and tie them
doAvn to the decisions of the CMF: "Mission
stations can be opened or closed only Avith
the approval of both the missionaries of the
field involved and the Board," <Mls.sionai'.v
Fellowship, April, 1951). They have agreed
on the policy that ". . . no missionary may
seek to raise funds for a 'special project' u:i-
less the field conference and the home board
approve the project" (April, 1951. Mission
ary FeUoAvsIiip.) "Those desiring to become
affiliated recruits of the CMF are examinevl
according to carefully set general, spiritual,
physical and educational standards" (May
1951, Missionary Fellowship.) No missionary
organization should delegate such authority
to itself. But Ave are convinced that their
desire for authority is not limited to that
group of missionaries who are directly affili
ated Avith them. Their aspirations Avill not be
fulfilled until their authority and dignity
[Continued on 4]
[The CMF Cantinued from 3|
reaches even greater proportions.
3. We are opposed to the CMF because
its very nature and existence divides the
brethren. Only such individuals whose weak
convictions or lack o information will allow
them to compromise the gospel of Christ
can affiliate themselves with this organi
zation. Those who are set for the defense
of the gospel can have no fellowship with it.
The result is that this organization is a
means of dividing the brethren. The proof
of this proposition is found right here at
Wakaba-Cho Church. The character of the
CMF being what it is, they force the brethren
to take sides for or against it and the result
is that churches are divided over the organi
zation.
Now, just why has the CMF approved
of Bro. Walker's coming to Wakaba-Cho?
Do they believe in honor and justice? Do
they wish to divide the churches in Tokyo
and participate in establishing a seminary in
this city in rivalry with the one which is
established and functioning? Do they lack
initiative in evangelism so they must build
on another man's foundation and resources?
Do they wish to have their missionaries called
by a person who is self constituted in author
ity and not a member of the Church of
Christ? Their answer to these questions will
be found in whether they allow Bro. Walker
to come to Wakaba-Cho while he Is affiliated
with their organization.
Andrew Patten
[SEMINARY Continued from 1]
The present students of the Seminary
have decided to publish a mimeographed
paper in Japanese concerning the work of
the Seminary and her graduates and send it
to the churches, the Seminary's friends and
the graduates. This should help to create in
terest among Japanese Christians in the work
which Tokyo Bible Seminary is doing.
The Seminary students have also decided
to plan and present a literary program once
a month to develop their respective talents
and give them experience in that kind of
work. The audience will consist of teachers
and friends of the Seminary.
In order to help our brethren in Kyushu
to train leaders for their churches the Tokyo
Bible Seminary is offering a correspondence
course and offers their students half as much
credit for the same subject studied in the
classroom. The maximum credit which is al
lowed in these courses is the equivalent of
one year's work In the classroom. We are
hoping that this will help to supply the
deficiency in the number of workers in the
Kyushu district and raise up many leaders
which would not otherwise be enlisted in
any specialized service for Christ.
Each student of the Seminary is required
to present to the faculty before his gradu
ation an essay on some Biblical subject. We
expect to have only one graduate next year
and he has already presented an outline of
his essay to the teachers for their approval.
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
His subject is the conversion of Paul. This
should prove to be interesting as well as
helpful to him and the Seminary.
July ninth will mark the end of this
twelve-week spring and summer school term
and the beginning of the summer vacation.
The students can use this time to do evange
listic work.
Our Lord has greatly blessed and used
Tokyo Bible Seminary until now. We pray
for grace to make us worthy of further bless
ings and service in the future.
Andrew Patton
La 9 * *...
Buttrays left Tokyo International Airport
at 6 P.M. on May 8 for their furlough. There
was a large crowd down to see them off.
During the year while the Buttrays are
away the house where they have been living
will be occupied by the Cloyd Christman
family from Okinaw who have come up to
Tokyo to study the Japanese language for a
year.
Mr. Norman Downs, sending a check from
the Pandora Church for $15.88 writes: "I
am very sorry to report that we have fallen
short of the goal of $20.00. We hope that
we can do better than this next month."
That statement is worthy of some comment.
That is a very small church with a very
small attendance. If all churches gave as
much to missions in proportion to member
ship. as this church at Pandora, the cause
of Missions would really prosper. May God
bless this little church with a conscience on
Missions.
We have received a letter with several
inquiries among which were the following:
"We understand (hat the Cunningham Mis
sion was going to be dissolved as soon as
possible. Is this correct and is it in the
process of being dissolved?" It all depends on
what you think of as "The Cunningham Mis
sion." If you are thinking only of the Cor
poration which was formed in America to
hold the Reserve Funds of the Mission, then
that might be dissolved some time in the
future, after the remaining funds shall be
disposed of. The reserve funds are now only
a fraction of what they were right after the
war. The larger part of these funds were
used to rebuild the Mission Churches and
other buildings that were destroyed during
the war, and also the Tokyo Bible Seminary
building. But the Cunningham Mission was
in existence for more than 35 years before
there wa.s any Corporation, and we expect it
to continue for many years after the Cor
poration is dissolved. To our way of thinking,
the Missionaries constitute the Mission.
A. E. Sims
In Every Way Christ is Proclaimed and
Therein I Rejoice. Phil. 1:18.
Since we returned from our furlough I
have been visiting the Mikawashiraa Church
at least twice a month. We used to live In
that neighborhood and have always had a
great interest in this Christian group of Kor
eans. For the past 2 years the church there
has had uo minister, so I have been preaching
one-half time in Japanese and the elder of
the church has been preaching the rest of
the time. He hesitates to take very agressive
leadership because he feels unqualified, but
it is exceedingly difficult to find a good
Korean preacher here in Japan. Because of
this situation the church has not been mak
ing any advancement and is just barely hold
ing its own.
They have been content with only morn
ing services for a long time, so recently I
told them that I hated to see the church
closed on Sunday evenings and proposed that
services for the Japanese be held Sunday
nights. Formerly we used that system suc
cessfully for about 3 years but because of
various problems the Japanese meeting fin
ally gave up about 2 years ago. One or two
of the members consented and the rest said
nothing, so I found a Seminary student will
ing to try to get the group together again
and we arranged to start services for Japan
ese again on Pentecost Sunday evening.
I was very surprised to be informed on
the previous Sunday that the Koreans had
decided to begin evening services and all
were going to work harder for the church.
Two of the ladies were having a daily early
morning prayer meeting on behalf of the
effort. They had decided thai the above-
mentioned elder would be officially called
the temporary minister and do the preaching.
Also cottage prayer meetings were to be ar
ranged.
Well, I thought, if it takes racial pride
or jealousy to stir them up to more Christian
activity, very good. Last Sunday morning we
had the best attendance at the Korean ser
vices we have had in a long time.
By the way, we began the Japanese ser
vices in a rented hall on a main street in
that section of town. There were 7 present
for the first service.
Harold Sims
MR. AND MRS. HAROLD R. SIMS
Announce
The Birth of a Son
ROBERT JOEL
On June 20, 1955
Christian
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Kimherlin Heights. Tennessee. Fall. 1955
Number 2
Fall term began at Tokyo Bible Seminary
on September (.hirteeuth. Everybody had le-
lurncd to school except two students from
Okinawa who wore delayed one week be
cause of foul weather which made it unsafe
for sailing.
All of our Sejninary personnel enjoyed
a fruitful and happy vacation. John Muto
and Stephen limima, Seminary teachers and
Peter Itagaki, a senior in the Seminary,
spent about one month in Hokkaido. There
they visited with Mr. limima's parents and
conducted various services in homes in the
surrounding district. While there they looked
around for a place for Mr. Itagaki to start
a new church after his graduation next
spring.
Chozo Ishimine and Mr. and Mrs. Namio
Kamada spent the summer in Okinawa. There
they taught in Christian service camp and
witnessed about forty decision.s for Christ.
After camp they spent the remainder of the
Yficalinn in ahm-clioa-on islands.
Mamoru Sailo was welcomed to the Semi
nary as a new student at the beginning of
this term. Ho is of Korean descent and his
relatives, who are farmers in Kyushu, Japan,
are Japanese citizens. He has had almost
two years of training in Seoul. Bible Semi
nary and has already gained some experience
in preaching while in Korea. He speaks
Korean, Japanese and English and we are
now using him as an interpreter in the Semi
nary. He now atiends the only Korean church
which we have established in Tokyo.
We have reported several times on the
condition of Hideo Fukuda, who was taken
ill with tuberculosis while attending the
Seminary almost two years ago. He has now
been allowed lo leave the hospital and has
returned to his home in the country for
further rest. For some time doctors thought
an operation might be necessary before he
could recover. But they finally decidod tliat
would not be noco.^sary. Since the danger
of a recurrance of this di.seaso is still groat,
it will not be possible for him to load a
normally active life for several years. Mr.
Fuknda and we are very grateful to the
church at Erwin. Tetinessee for their help
in nursing him hack to health. His faith
in the Lord is strong and ho look.s forward
to full recovery ami a fruitful life as a mini
ster of the gospel.
Mrs. Namio Kamada of the sophomore
class ha.s not been well recently. Her doctor
Continued on 4
h>i!
'(U'T'A
Harold Sims preaching on a mountain-top about 25 miles from Tokyo at the annual outdoor
worship service of Nakano Church on August 21. 1955.
Report From Buttroys
Arriving in Los Angeles, former Chaplain
Russell Barber of Japan met us and was our
gracious host for the next two days. He
made it possible to visit and speak to the
students at the Pacific Bible Seminary, and
to meet the new president and the faculty.
They have a fine school and are doing a
wonderful work for the Lord.
It was a wonderful feeling and a privilege
to put foot once again on American soil,
which brought again to our minds its history,
how our forefathers bought and fought for
the religious freedom that was so dear to
them, with the result that each one of ns
can read the Word of God freely and worship
Him as we understand His Word. No longer
is it necessary to bow down and worship the
Pope and obey the customs and traditions of
men that have been handed down through
the generations. What, a privilege it is to be
free, in Christ Jesus!!!! This has been tbe
burden of our hearts as we worked in Japan.
To set the Japanese peo))le free from the
Satanic power of their false religions and the
customs and traditions of their forefathers.
God is depending on each of you to help His
missionaries of the Cross in Japan to fight
this great, battle. Every war requires indi
vidual and personal sacrifice to wage a suc
cessful fight. Thus it is with every soldier
of the Cross. He must depend on Jesus
Christ to lead forth the battle, for He is our
Great Comniander-in-Cbief. But, witbout the
cooperation of those on the front line, the
reserves, and those on the home front it
^me impossible~"or our~Lord to wage a
successful battle against the opposing forces
of Satan.
Brethren, we the soldier.s of Jesus Christ
liei'e in the States have access to the greatest
power, greater power than even the dreadful
atom or hydrogen bombs which have the
power to destroy even wliole cities. What is
his power??? The answer is PRAYER!!!
Simple, childlike prayer of faith unlocks the
Power of Almighty God who created heaven
and earth. Lest we forget, remember how
Elijah, prayedGod heard and answered, and
it didn't rain for three years; Gideon prayed
God heard, answered, and the sun stood
still for a whole day; while Peter was in
prison the Christians were praying in the
house of John Mark's motherGod heard,
answered and Peter was mlracously set free;
Paul and Barnabas were singing and praying
in prison. God heard and answered, and the
prison doors were opened and Paul and
Barnabas were free; during the Second World
War on the occasion known as Dunkirk,
thousand of lives were at stake and what
might have been a terrible slaughter turned
out to be a successful evacuation, because
thousands of Christians in Great Britan were
mysteriously led to the churches that fateful
night to prayGod heard, answered and
the usually treacherous waters of the English
Channel besame suddenly calm, permitting
thousands of lives to be saved from certain
death.
Continued on 4
THE TOKYO CHRISTIAN
Published quarterly by the Missionaries of the
Church of Christ Cunningham Mission, Tokyo, Japan,
for the information and inspiration of every Christian
whose heart Is open to the call of Christ, and who is
willing to help in the supreme task of carrying out the
Great Commission of Christ: Matthew 28:19. 20.
Entered as second closs matter in the Kimberlin
Heights, Tenn., Postofflce under the act of March 3,
1879
Two-Year Subscription ; 50 cen^
Subscription and "Flaming Torch" .?1.00
MISSION STAFF
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buttray, 575 2-Chome, Kam-
iochiai, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. (Now on furlough)
Forwarding agent: Mrs. Homer Anderson, R. D. 1,
Meadville, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Patten, 27 Sakurayama, Na-
kano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Forwarding osent; Mr. or
Mrs. Ray Armstrong, Rt. 3, Box 310, Plqua. Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sims, 450 Arai MachI, Nakanp-
Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Fordwarding agent: A. E. Sims, 310
Brown Aye., Turtle Creek, Pa.
TOKYO BIBLE SEMINARY .
27 Sakurayoma, Nakano-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
TRUSTEES
Mr. T. O. Hathcock, Chairman, Lawrence Bain, Miss
Eva Green, Orvel C. Crowder, J. E. LIpscombe, Mrs. E. G.
Nabell, Alfred E. Sims.
Packages for Japan should be sent direct by parcel
post to one of the missionaries whose addresses are
Siown above. Consult your local postofflce concerning
mailing rules and limitations of size and weight.
If you change your address please notify H. L.
Hamilton, Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, giving toth
your old and your new address. If vou make Q" off!"
ina of $1.00 or more you are entitled to receive this
paper If you so request. Churches or groups rnaking an
offering of $10.00 or more may request a bundle of 10
copies for distribution.
The Bounce Back
There have now passed 10 years of con
tinual change in Japan since the end of
the war. One of the strong national char
acter traits of the energetic people on these
overcrowded islands is a natural and neces
sary ability to bounce back. Perhaps the
rice dealer across the street from our house
is a typical illustration. When we moved
here his home was built of salvaged pieces
of burned sheet metal and was hardly wide
enough to lie down in or high enough to
stand in. After much personal sacrifice and
heavy borrowing from all their relatives they
were finally able to build a modest 2 room
house with a sort of front porch for the
store. The night after they moved into the
new place and tore down the old one a fire
in the next door house spread to theirs and
burned it to the ground before they had fin
ished one full night's sleep in the new house.
Of course they had no fire insurance. But
this discouraging loss was borne with stone-
faced Buddhist fatalism, and somehow he
borrowed and built again and now runs a
successful businessa sign of which is the
fact that he recently had a motor attached
to his bicycle.
Ten years ago the city of Tokyo and all
of Japan was in ruins. Even when we arrived
in 1947, many of the main streets were 2
single lanes separated by piles of rubble in
the middle. Fortunately these have all long
since been cleared, for now their full width
is overtaxed with hundreds of clanging
street-cars, roaring buses and rootin-tootin'
taxis (not to mention several million jay
walking pedestrians).
When I first looked at the property where
our Bible Seminary now stands there were
Tokyo Christian
perhaps 5 houses within % mile. Now the
whole district is built up solidly. At one
time the owner of the empty lot next to the
school offered to sell it to us at a reasonable
price. We thought it was too high, but others
soon paid more for it and there are now
about 10 houses and stores crowded into
that lot. Thus the whole city has in this
decade rebuilt and added many fine build
ings. The national budget balances, employ
ment is high, television sets and luxury items
are going like hot-cakes, while this year's
rice crop is expected to be the largest in
history. A Rip Van Winkle would never know
there had been a war.
In terms of things that can be measured
the rebuilding of the Cunningham Mission
work has approximately paralleled that of
the Japanese nation. Eleven church buildings,
four missionary residences and a Bible Semi
nary building have been completed. Most of
the church buildings include parsonage apart
ments. The total area in buildings is more
fhan 5000 feet square of floor space. So we
can say we have bounced back, and thank
God and take courage.
For more than half of this past decade
Japan was occupied by American troops, and
some are still here as security forces. Our
work has been assisted in many ways by
the kindness of various Chaplains and men
of all ranks. This peaceful occupation and
the idealism of the no-army constitution in
Japan was shattered by the outbreak of the
Korean war. Now at the end of these 10
short years we hear the thunder of reviving
nationalism and sense an increasing approval
of the developing Japanese army. There is
still much opposition (very strong among
young Christians) to anything smelling of
militarism, but in large measure we can say
that the once disillusioned national spirit
has returned.
In the spiritual realm also, we are sorry
to say, there has been a return to normal.
Just after the war there was much talk
of the "spiritual vacuum." We are thankful
for the privilege of having been here during
those heart-warming days of evangelist's
paradise when every meeting was well at
tended, and opportunities for opening new
meetings were constantly before us. But
resurgent Buddhism and Shintoism and many
new religions have filled that vacuum until
sometimes it seems there is no more room
for the one meek and lowly in heart. In
late summer and early fall the streets fill
with chanting mobs carrying their god
around for his yearly walk. The people don't
think of the occasion as religious, but as
festive; and rice wine is the essential ele
ment. But the social pressure is so great
that even a great many nominal Christians
compromise with idolatry and participate to
avoid ostracism. Not only this, but many
other temptations in a pagan society have
led many who once professed faith to fall
away. The burden of making a living ab
sorbs the complete thoughts and energies
of many. The materialistic, atheistic ideas
taught in all the universities undermine the
Page 2
faith of numbers. Various discouragements
and problems in the Christian life take a
great toll, especially when the seed has been
sown in ground not sufficiently pldwed up.
We are thankful that we are still free
to preach in Japan, but the low level of
interest in the things of God and the soul
is discouragingly apparent to anyone. We
believe that God's Spirit can bring a real
revival to the small Christian force here
and we ask you to pray to that end.
^Harold Sims.
:o:
Eyongelistic Meeting
At Mikowashima
On the spur of the moment we decided
on July 30 to have a "home-force" meeting
at Mikawashima Church during August. I
was to speak 20 minutes each evening in
Japanese and one of the elders (there is no
"pastor") would preach on the same subject
for 20 minutes in Korean. At the same time 2
of the young people said they would co
operate in a D.V.B.S. So, with some mis
givings among the older folk the 2 meetings
were announced.
We began on August 14 with 14 present,
and this was more than double the regular
Sunday evening attendance. The next A.M.
more than 20 children came and were thrilled
with the materials which had been traced
from used American booksand mimeo
graphed. The children naturally told others
and the week ended very successfully with an
average attendance of 24.
Before each evening service we went out^
into the neighborhood and held street meet
ings for which I played the accordian. It
was eye-opening to me to see the conditions
of poverty a stones throw from the church.
It was encouraging to watch them gather and
listen. The attendance each evening exceeded
our expectations, and we ended with an aver
age of 18 for the whole week. The spirits
of all of us were given a lift, because God
does bless our efforts if we give Him the
opportunity.
* Harold Sims,
:o:
Two new missionary families arrived in
July. They are not affiliated with the Cun
ningham Mission, but we are happy to wel
come them to Tokyo where they will study
the Japanese language for a year or more
before moving elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs.
Claude Likins and family arrived on July 6.
The Lord led them in finding a suitable
residence very soon and within a week Bro.
Likins had enrolled in the summer course
at Language School. The Don Burney family
arrived in Yokohama on July 25. Their ulti
mate destination is the island of Shikolu,
but they will live in Fleenor's house while
they are on furlough and study Japanese.
^age 3
A few weeks ago It occurred to me that
omething about Bro. Sudo, who has charge
)f the dormitory at Tokyo Bible Seminary
ind preaches at one of the small churches,
vould be interesting to readers of the Tokyo
ilhristian. I asked him to prepare a short
listory of his life which I might use as ref-
irence material. When he handed it to me
was surprised to find that it was written
n very good English and that it covered
he subject very thoroughly and interestingly.
5o I immediately decided to give it to you
is he wrote it except for a few minor changes
n spelling and grammar. Here it is:
Harold Sims.
Akiharu Sudo
'ersonal History
By Akiliai'ii Sudo62 Years Old
Pastor of .Soka Church of Christ
When I was eight years old my mother
led. My step-mother was the sister of a
amous Christian, Dr. Kingo Miyabe, and of
curse she was a Christian too. As soon as
he came to our home I was led to go to
unday School. That place was supervised
y Miss Alice Miller, an independent mls-
ionary for the conservative non-instrument
rethren, who appealed to the Cunninghams
0 buy a part of the lot on which she was
onducting a "charity school" in 1902. This
^as the place of which the workers of the
'otsuya Mission a few years later could
ay "The Yotsuya Mission is the nearest
uilding of any kind to the Crown Prince's
alace."
Four years later my step-mother was di-
orced. I don't know the reason. According
> her leaving I gave up attending the Sunday
chool.
When I was 18 years old. after graduation
cm Middle School, one summer-time I went
) the sea-side and spent the whole summer
acationing with the Christian family of
osaburo Takekoshl (later a member of the
rivy council of the royal family) and with
le Christian family of Hantaro Mizuno who
as a professor of the Joji University (Sop-
ia) which is affiliated with Saint Ignatius
hurch. Members of both families treated
Tokyo Christian
me very kindly and persuaded me to be a
Christian. These sweet homes gave me some
unspeakably good feeling while I was in a
dry and motherless family.
After the summer vacation I began to
attend church to be a Christian. That church
was the First Church of Christ of Yotsuya
Mission. On the 4th of February in 1912
when I was 20 years old I was baptized by
William Dayton Cunningham and have con
tinued the Christian life.
In 1915 the Panama California Exposition
was held in San Francisco and San Diego
to commemorate and congratulate the open
ing of the Panama Canal. My uncle kept an
art store in Tokyo and he was appointed the
president of the Japan Exhibit Association
at that fair. He sailed to San Francisco many
times on behalf of the exhibition business.
One day I asked hira to take me with him
to San Francisco. In November, 1914, I sailed
from Yokohama with him on board the
S. S. Tenyo Maru, the biggest boat at that
time in Japan, and hired as a salesman of the
Exposition Association. After the exposition
was over I worked in my uncle's branch
store in San Francisco. Every Sunday I at
tended the Presbyterian church in that city
where Dr. E. A. Sturge, the author of "The
Spirit of Japan" directed. He taught a Bible
Class after the service and I attended his
class every Sunday. He was called "the father
of the Japanese" by the Pacific Coast Japan
ese and he died in 1934 at the age of 79
to the great sorrow of the whole Japanese
people. After his death many books such~as
"A Life of E. A. Sturge" and his sermons
"Arrows from My Quiver" were published
by Japanese in both Japanese and English
languages.
In October, 1921, I came back to Japan
and hired at the Japan Trading Co. as a
clerk of the export department. From Feb.
1922 to July, 1924, I was dispatched to the
branch office in Calcutta and Bombay.
In December, 1924 a conscription came
over me. I was drafted into military service
and stayed 2 years in Hokkaido as an infan
tryman.
After 2 years of military service I came
back to the same company branch office in
Osaka where I became engaged in the dyna
mite business and travelled all over Japan
to such places as hydro-electric dams, rail
way tunnel excavations, coal mines, etc. In
September, 1927 when I was traveling in
Gumma Prefecture I suffered an emergency
rheumatism in my right foot and thigh
which was caused by tonsils and was known
a few months later when the operation was
completed in Keio hospital. I was in the
hospital almost 1 year and nearly 2 years re
cuperating in my home with a nurse.
One Sunday morning in 1930 I attended
the Naka-cho Church walking on a cane.
My right foot had become a little shorter and
I still felt a little pain at my right foot
joint. After that I attended church every
Sunday and Prayer Meeting.
In January, 1932 I was elected a deacon
of the church. At that time there was no
pastor and another deacon and T preached
alternately Sunday mornings and evenings.
Once a month we held Pastor's meetings in
Mr. John Chase's house, who resided at
Nakano where the Tokyo Bible Seminary now
stands. I attended the Pastor's meetings as a
representative of the church, and sometimes
I thought I should rather be a pastor and
offer my whole life entirely to God. But I
could not decide. I hesitated because I was
a rich man like the young man in Matt.
19:22.
In December, 1933 I recommended my
friends Mr. M. Yoneda as the Pastor of the
church and all of the church members agreed
with my recommendation. After I quit as
substitute pastor I remained as a deacon.
During the Pacific War I lost my whole
possessions and my only property (land) was
occupied by many suffering people while I
was evacuated in Sendai in northeast Japan.
One day in 1949, I met Mrs. Cunningham
at the church. She said to me that I should
be a Pastor and get into Tokyo Bible Semi
nary. But I was afraid that now that I was
55 years old I could not study among young
boys. But a few months later I decided and
entered the Tokyo Bible Seminary.
After the completion of 1 year of the
course I began to evangelize at the Soka
Church of Christ which is 17 miles from
Tokyo. We now have 22 Christians and 30
active attendants. The church meets in part
of a sewing school. The only trouble is that
there is no place for baptism.
In autumn of 1930 I was married. We
- hare2 sons^aird" l^datrghtCTTTToW" my two"
sons are working and my daughter is going
to Middle School.
:o:-
The following post-card was received re
cently. It was from a young man who used
to be active in Nakano Church and entered
the Bible Seminary in 1952, only to discover
that he had T.B. He has been in a hospital
near the school since that time and after
removal of a lung and much rest he is now
well enough to return to his home for a year
of rest and recuperation. The card was from
his home in a rural section of southern
Japan.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sims, I left the
hospital on the 5th and came here on the
10th. I thank you for what you had given
me during staying there, especially for that
you had me known Christ. I am afraid I
can't do anything for Christ, but I am in
tending to do my best as a Christian. Here
is no church, and I have not yet found any
Christian here. But I am here. I pray for
you, and pray for me please. Your brother
in Christ. Yasuya Fujiwara.
The Eugene Morse family stopped in
Tokyo for a week on their return trip to
Burma, and they were able to visit all of
the Tokyo missionaries and see some of the
work. We were thankful for the inspirational
messages Eugene brought to the Nakano
Church, the Minister's Meeting, and the Bible
Seminary students and faculty. Morses and
Buttrays left the same day going in opposite
dii-ections. It is a small world.
BUTTRAY - Continued from 1
Friends everj'where, PRAY, pray as never
before to our Father in heaven that He will
lead victoriously His missionaries in Japan to
triumph over the forces of Satan. Beloved!
Fellow-soldiers of the Cross! The Devil is at
this very moment using every method that
is known and unknown to deal a death blow
to the Lord's Church in Tokyo and to the
missionaries. We must rise up in arms NOW
and FIGHT. . . Or wage a losing battle.
Return To The Field
The Lord willing, we are planning to re
turn to Japan in August of 1056. There arc
yet many churches which we should visit and
plan to do so in the remaining months of our
furlough. However, we have a strong desire
to take some more school work in one of our
loyal Bible Colleges. And if we should, time
and the number of churches that could be
visited would be limited. I don't know the
solution just now, but know that God will
guide in all things.
We will need on returning to Japan at
least ?2,500.00. This will take care of the
bare necessities, such as boat or plane fare,
excess baggage and a few items for the home.
Then for one project that I have in mind on
returning to Japan is an offset press to print
various books, such as those written by the
Restoration preachers. Text books and study
books in the Japanese language is a glaring
weakness in our Bible Seminaries. Our stu
dents are definitely handicapped because of
this weakness and we must do something
about it soon. Also thousands of New Testa
ment Tracts should continually come from the
press in order to do effective evangelism.
The amount needed for this project is about.
.?4,000.n0. As the Lord has blessed and pros
pered you, I know that you will want to
have a part in this project in order that
better trained native Japanese will be going
forth from our (The Lord's) Bible Colleges
to fully reap the harvest that God desires.
We sincerely regret that we were unable
to have an article for the last edition of the
Tokyo Cliristian. We were traveling and
teaching in Christian Service Camps and at
the same time were visiting twenfy-ono
churches in a period of one month.
Mabel and I wish to take this opportunity
to express our appreciation to each one of
you that had a part in supporting us while
we were in Japan. May God abundantly re
ward you for your part in preaching the
Gospel in Japan and may He lead you to an
even greater life of service in the vineyard
of our'Lord, which is the whole world.
The Lord was gracious to us in our re
turn to the United States and gave us a safe
journey and a wonderful fellowship with
the missionaries in Hawaii before coming
down in the home-land at the Los Angeles
airport. We were certainly glad that we had
made plans to stop in Honolulu for two days.
Tokyo Christian
for we were exhausted upon our arrival.
This was due partly to the preparation for
returning and also the duties of caring for
David, our little boy, who was only four and
a half months old at the time. We enjoyed
seeing Carl Clark (a classmate) who is
preaching for the Kaimuki Church in Hono
lulu. He took us around the Island and
showed us the missionary work that is being
done and giving us the opportunity to meet
most of the missionaries. We showed slides
to the Kaimuki Church and a number of
the missionaries were invited for the occas
ion. Wo thought that the U. S. custom offi
cials in Hawaii had given us a diffult time,
but I know that it was nothing compared to
the custom inspection required of us at the
Judgment Day.
SEMINARY - Continued from 1
has diagnosed her ailment as appendicitis
and she expects to undergo an operation for
this soon.
Yukiya Mikami who entered the Semi
nary in November, 1954, has been given an
invitation by the Union Theological Seminary
of New York to study there and he will de
part for America next fall. He is a musician
and entered the Seminary for two years oC
Biblical training. He desires to become a song
evangelist.
We praise the good Lord for His mani
fold blessings on Tokyo Bible Seminary. You
have had a part in the realization of these
blessings. Thank you.
Andrew Patton.
Sayona ra (good-bye)
We have said farewell to a true-hearted,
sincere Christian and brother. Airman Fir.st-
Class Bill Claycomb. While he was stationed
in Tokyo he became a close friend of the
missionaries and rendered invaluable assist
ance to the missionary cause.
Bill first put In his appearance in Tokyo
in May, 1954. He had joined the Air Force
"a
r .
Page
in California and was assigned to Head
quarters FEAF in Tokyo. Soon after reach
ing his destination Bill sought out the mis
sionaries for fellowship. We first met him a
one of the prayer meetings which are heli
by the Tokyo missionaries twice a month.
Bill's sincerity in his Christian vocatioi
is mostly due to the good teaching wliicl
he received from Chaplain Hal Martin, win
first turned his heart to the Lord. Whil
Chaplain Martin was stationed In Californi;
part of his efforts were spent in laying th
foundation of a new congregation near hi
base and Bill was one of those who identi
fied themselves with this young growin
church. After arriving in Japan ho continuoi
to be stedfast in his Christian confession.
Bill was introduced to the Wakaba Ch
Church in Tokyo soon after he became ac
quainted with the missionaries here and ha
worshipped and served in that church unti
he returned home. He began attending Bibl
classes taught by Mrs. Buttray on Sunda
mornings and Tuesday and Friday nights am
later began to substitute as teacher whe:
she could not be present. A few months late
Bill accepted responsibility for teaching thes
Bible classes and continued in that capacit;
until recently. That involved much sacrific
for one who had had no such previous ex
perience or responsibility in the church. Mos
of his free time would have to be spent ii
study. But Bill unselfishly devoted hiinsel
to this work because he loved the Lord ani
the members of these classes. His rewari
for this will be meted out by his Lord.
Bill has visions for a more fruitful worl
for God. On October 2 5th his term of enlist
ment with the Air Force will terminate am
he will take leave of Tokyo to be discharged
In January he intends to enter San Jos
Bible College for preparation for the worl
of evangelist. We shall miss Bill here bu
we rejoice that he has dedicated his life ti
tlie preaching of the Word.
-Andrew Patton
Mr. Takeo Yamaguchi. 60 years old, wa
recently baptized in the Nakano Church o
Christ. A former Lt. General in the Japanes
Army, Br. Yamaguchi served in China an^
Southeast Asia before and during the recen
war. Over two years ago because of man
discouragements and problems climaxing i'
the death of his wife he suffered a nervou
breakdown. A doctor advised him to see'
religion, and he decided to try the cliurc
here. From the first he said he received nnici
peace of mind from the worship services
and began to study the Bible. After plenr
of time for tboughf be gave bis life to Chris
a major victory wrought by the powc-r o
the gospel.
Hope Joyce Slm.s began her second yea
of school at the Christian Academy In Japa
on September 12. This school, located i
the quiet farming area on the edge of t.h
city, is operated by evangelical mlssionarie
for their children. Tliere arc about 135 st.i:
dents this year.
, %
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST CUNNINGHAM MISSION
Established 1901
CHRISTMAS I 955
Mrs. W.D. Cunningham with her friends.
TOKYO, JAPAN
Dear Friends;
Two years have passed since the Christmas night
of 1953 when my beloved mother, Mrs. W. D. Cun
ningham, left us for her Heavenly Home. It has
been a time of sorrow and of difficulties but
there have also been many things for which we
are thankful.
You, the loyal friends of my father and mother,
have brought help and encouragement to the
Japanese Christians by continuing to support
the work which my parents
established here 54 years
ago. But the missionaries in
Japan have proved disloyal
to the memory of the foun
ders and to the principles
for which they stood and
are doing all they can to " dissolve the Cunningham Mission."
They have acted contrary to ray mother's wishes as expressed
in her will, have refused to cooperate with the missionary
family who came over to take up her work, and have antago
nized most of the Japanese Churches. Their energy and time
is devoted almost exclusively to the Tokyo Bible Seminary,
although the school has only 12 students. The two Japanese
members of the faculty are admittedly and openly advocating
non-churchism a " faith only" movement which
does not believe in the visible church and
its ordinances.
The influence of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham,
however, is still a living factor, and nine of
the churches here in Japan have joined in
a movement to " restore the Cunningham Mis
sion." With renewed vigor and unity of spirit
the churches conducted joint summer con
ferences in the mountains, held an autumn
convention in Tokyo, and have formed a fel
lowship for mutual help and encouragement in
Christian work. These churches receive no
Cross marking Mrs. Cunningham's
grave in Tokyo and Sara Tokura
who called her "granny."
Cunningham Memorial Church (First Church) at Wakaba
cho. View Park Church of Christ at Los Angeles assists
this church.
Christian Fellowship of Ministers of the nine Churches
of Christ loyal to the Cunningham Mission.
Union meeting held at Setagaya
Church during autumn conveation
of Churches of Christ of Cun
ningham Mission
financial assistance from the mission
aries. While their property is held by
the missionaries there is no other tie
between them.
The churches wish to express their
gratitude for your prompt and enthusi-
^ ' astic support of the appeal to the Board
of Trustees of the Cunningham Mission
to establish a Cunningham Memorial
Fund with the money they hold in trust.
These are the donations you sent my
parents to be used for evangelistic work
in Japan, and there was grave danger that the trustees would dispose of them
at their last annual meeting in a manner that would not have met with the
approval of either the donors or my parents. Fortunately your loyalty to the
Cunningham Mission as well as that of Judge T.O. Hathcock, President of the
Board of Trustees, succeeded in checking this move for the time being. Please
pray that the Cunningham Memorial Fund may yet be established.
The members of the Cunningham Memorial Church of Christ at Wakaba cho
ask me to thank you for your generous response to their appeal for donations
to a special fund in memory of Mrs. Cunningham. You will be glad to know that
friends in the United States and in Japan have contributed a sum of money
sufficient to endow a hospital bed for one year.
You will also rejoice with us that Mr. and Mrs. William Walker and their fine
family of four children have arrived in Japan to take up the work which my
mother left. They came at the invitation of the Cunningham Memorial Church
and the Setagaya Church, and with the recommendation of Judge Hathcock and
Mr. Orvel Crowder. The Walkers are already hard at work studying the language
and teaching Bible classes and have endeared themselves to the Japanese
people with their friendly and cooperative spirit.
It is with deep regret that I must tell you that I have been unsuccessful in
carrying out my mother's wishes with regard to her own home. For more than
50 years the Cunningham home, which is situated next door to First Church at
Wakaba cho, has been used freely in connection with various church activities
and mother instructed me in her will to see that whoever came to carry on
her work be allowed to occupy it. I made a special trip to Atlanta Georgia to
present her wishes to the trustees at their annual meeting. As a result, the
trustees paid Mr. Sims a sum of money to improve his home with the under-
Standing that mother's wishes be
carried out. A few months later,
however, the missionaries surrepti
tiously took over her home and rent
ed it to outsiders, and in spite of
repeated pleas by the Japanese
Christians, they refuse to release it.
Consequently, the Walker family is
living in the small Japanese parson
age which lacks adequate heating fa
cilities and are sleeping on the
floor because there is no room for
furniture. While accepting these con
ditions uncomplaingly. they are not
good for the children, and furthermore, the house is needed by the church for
the Japanese pastor.
As the executrix of my mother's will I was left with
heavy responsibilities which I have been doing my best to
fulfill although I have held a full time position with the
U.S. Government, and devote much time to volunteer work
for Japanese young people. Judge Hathcock gave me the
authorization " to accept any money sent direct to Mrs.
Cunningham or to you for the work, to which she was
giving her all up to the time she was called home, and to
notify any donors that such funds will be used to pay her
helpers in the work and any continuance and enlargement
of said work." With the donations I received, salaries of
church workers and scholarships for students preparing
for the ministry have been paid. Also funds have been
turned over to the churches for their use in carrying out
special evangelistic meetings, a joint summer conference
camp, and other special evangelistic projects. I have taken no remuneration of
any kind for the work I have done in connection with the mission during the
past two years. A statement of all
funds received is being mailed to the
donors.
Tommy Hama, scholarship student
supported by Mrs. and Mrs. Roy
Hobbsjn Mrs. Cunningham's garden.
A temporary finance committee com
posed of Japanese and Americans has
been set up to handle all financial
matters. Funds which my mother left
me in trust for the work are bieng
turned over to this committee to be
Mrs.Chlyeko Matsumura and members of Junior Bible Class at
Wakaba oho visit hospital. Bethany Class of Indianola Church
of Christ at Columbus supports Mrs. Matsumura.
Youngest members of summer camp conducted
by churches at Karuizawa in the mountains.
r
m
Junior Church choir at Wakaba cho singing around
piano in Mrs. Cunningham's living room.
Very sincerely.
administered by them. Mrs. E.A.
Thomas is serving as forwarding
secretary and from now on all
donations intended for the work
of the loyal churches should be
sent through her. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas are members of View
Park Church of Christ, Los An
geles. They spent a year in Ja
pan on business and became good
friends of my mother, assisting
her greatly with the work.
Please make checks payable to
Mrs. E.A. Thomas and mail them
to her at 4667 W.62 Place, Los
Angeles 43, California.
My own work is with " Music For Youth," a movement which I founded in -1939.
As President of the organization I am extremely busy and I have resigned
from my position with the U.S. Army Intelligence Service to devote one year
of volunteer work to the Association. Since I no longer have Army Post Office
privileges I can be reached only at my Japanese address which requires inter
national postal rates. Your many fine letters have cheered and encouraged me
and I wish to thank you for the trust-y-ou have plac-ed in- me while- I have
tried to carry out the wishes of my parents. Please pray with the Japanese
Churches that the Cunniningham Mission be restored.
With best wishes for a happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.
Eloise Cunningham
Executrix of the Will of
Mrs. Emily Boyd Cunningham
77 Kogai cho, Azabu
Minato-ku, Tokyo. Japan
P.S. Please help us by sharing this letter with
friends interested in Christian work in Japan.
Mrs. Cunningham's "family" in Japan - Mrs. Tokura, Eloise
Cunningham. Standing. Peter Tokura and his wife Grace