Grace Brethren International missions August 2008
JAPAN COMMUNIQUE
THEDebbie O’Dell - Evangelism, Discipleship, & Leadership Training
Cecil &
Ray Sidney along with his choir “Firm-Sound” hosted 15 Japanese choir member’s
This is some- from the “Hallelujah Gospel Family” choir in Japan at the world famous Anaheim, CA
thing you have “House of Blues” in Downtown Disney. The choir was in Long Beach on a ten day
to see! tour and hosted by our Long Beach Japanese Returnee Ministry.
Hundreds of
Japanese are
being introduced
to Jesus through
“Black Gospel”
music!
Since “Sister
Act 2” hit
Japan in the Our Long Beach, CA Japanese Returnee Ministry is blessed to have Ray Sidney,
90’s Black International Christian Gospel singer and recording Artist, as the director of our
Gospel has been Japanese “Cornerstone Gospel” Choir. The choir attracts a number of Japanese
sweeping Japan from all over the Long Beach area. Most of the choir members are not yet
believers and are hearing the Gospel for the first time.
like wild fire.
Japanese Evangelism & Black Gospel Music - hundreds are joining gospel choirs
Check out the Hallelujah Gospel Family web site: http://hgfjapan.com/
Who would have ever guessed In the 70’s & 80’s Missionaries in Japan who we
it? Black Gospel music, one of Conversational English classes partner with, have developed a
American culture’s foundational and schools with native English unique ministry through Gospel
forms of spiritual music has teachers became a big business. music. There is now a network of
become a very effective tool for Thousands of Japanese flocked over 30 Gospel choirs with more
sharing the gospel with to these classes to learn than 500 Japanese members.
Japanese. conversational English. Many These choirs teach the art and
It has been several years now missionaries started classes as a culture of Black Gospel but also
since the movie “Sister Act 2” hit tool to help the Japanese with introduce Japanese to Jesus
Japan but the songs and the their English and to share the Christ.
music sparked an interest in the gospel. Thousands of Ranging in ages from 18 to
hearts of the Japanese that is testimonies heard today share 60 years old, 80 percent of the
growing like a wide fire. Songs how Japanese first heard and members are not yet believers in
like “Oh Happy Day”, “Jesus is understood the Gospel in an Jesus. In many cases they are
Mine” and many others are being English conversation class. In hearing the gospel for the first
song by hundreds of Japanese many of the same ways, Black time and many are believing in
who have joined Gospel Choirs Gospel music is providing new the Lord Jesus Christ.
throughout Japan. doors for evangelism in Japan.
By Cecil O’Dell
Meet Maiyumi the song “Oh Happy Day”, I wanted to sing through each situation.
with the same kind of joy. That’s when I first During our Long Beach Gospel Tour we
Maiyumi’s Story joined a Gospel choir. stayed with host families. I have experienced
It wasn’t long after sing Gospel music that a lot of love from my host mother and father,
“Last Christmas I was baptized. I first I learned that Jesus died for me and forgave Wes & Sandy Tyvog, and I believe the source
heard about Jesus when I started singing all my sin. That was when I discovered what of their love is God.
Gospel music. Before trusting in Jesus as I was missing, it was Jesus’ Love and for-
the only true God and Savior, I believed in giveness.
many gods. It is very common in Japan for Once I understood my need for Jesus’
Japanese people to believe in many gods. love and forgiveness I placed my trust and
I was one of those people, but I always felt faith in Jesus believing that He is the one
“I now believe in
like there was something lacking in my life. and only true God who can save us. God’s love so
Even though I had a good family life and Even though I trusted Jesus as my savior much that I want
many friends I still felt like something was there are still many trials and difficulties I to ask all the peo-
missing in my heart and was easily irritated face in my life but the difference is, God is ple in the world
all the time. now with me to help me through the difficult way they don’t
When I saw the movie “Sister Act 2” I times. believe in Jesus.”
heard about the Gospel for the first time and It is amazing that in each difficult situa-
was amazed how joyfully they were singing. tion, some how, help comes to me and my Mayumi on the left
After I learned the meaning of the words in needs are met and I sense God’s love
The Japan Communique - Cecil & Debbie O’Dell http://web.mac.com/cecilodell
CECIL & DEBBIE O’DELL THE JAPAN COMMUNIQUE
SUPPORT UPDATE We Need Your Help!!!
as of Aug. 08 Paul often expressed his deep appreciation and
28% under thankfulness for the gifts and support that came from the
supported churches and believers so he could take the gospel to
those who had not yet heard that Jesus died so they
could live.
We too deeply appreciate and thank God for those
who partner with us. It is through God’s people that
God’s work is accomplished. Whether it be prayer,
Please giving, or going it is always through His people that He
Become a builds His Church world wide.
$10, $20,
There is just no other way to say it! WE NEED THE
$30, $50, HELP OF GOD’S PEOPLE!
$100 a month
As you can see, we too, as so many are, still are
“JAPANESE lagging behind in our monthly and annual support that
RETURNEE provides funds for us to continue our work with the
MINISTRY ” Japanese Returnees.
Pledge These days, Partnership Giving happens in may ways.
Partner The primary way is through regular gift giving which helps
GBIM know that we have a committed support team that
Financial desires to see our ministry continue.
Support
It is amazing how one time gifts can help make a big
difference in keeping us from going into the red.
For more details on Thank you for caring for the lost and partnering in
joining our support team God’s work of building His Church in Japan.
visit our web site at:
http://web.mac.com/cecilodell
All gifts and checks should be sent and made out to:
GRACE BRETHREN INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
P.O. BOX 80065, City of Industry, CA 91716-8065
(Memo Line should read: O’Dell Support) tax receipts will be sent to you from GBIM