The Marathon has Begun!!
February 2, 2009
The Rainers have been in Shizuoka City for a month now. They have started the marathon of learning the Japanese language and though at times they feel like they’re already in a sprint, it is providing an opportunity for them to learn to rely totally on the grace of God.In this very early stage while language is so limited, the Rainers are walking among businesses, homes, and all over Shizuoka City, trying to meet as many people as they can and be a reflection of the love of Christ. Please pray that as they walk in their city and attempt to practice the language that the Japanese people would open up to them and that their attempts to connect in small ways would be the start of relationships that can develop as they learn the language in these coming months and years.
The Rainers also have a nine-month old son who can draw a lot of attention to the family and open up doors that otherwise would not be there. Pray that as the Japanese are drawn to speak to the Rainers because of their son, that very soon they would be drawn to the Son of God in the Rainers and that the Rainers would continue to progress in the language and adjust to the culture so that they can clearly share the hope of Christ in the heart language of the people.
By David Rainer
Comments
4 Responses to “The Marathon has Begun!!”
After having the same situation I can understand the difficulty with the language progression; it does take some time. We Americans want things done so quickly, it seems. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and the opportunities to share are endless. Be reminded that the Japanese KNOW that their language is difficult and are IMPRESSED that you are learning the language. It is far easier to say, “Amari nihongo o wakarimasen; dakara, mainichi nihongo o benkyoshimasu.” Translated, “I don’t understand all Japanese [right now], therefore, I am studying Japanese everyday!” Any insight I can help with please let me know as I was a Missionary to Japan in 1988-1991 and keenly understand the difficulties you have but also the awesome opportunities you will experience at God’s provision because of this. I oftentimes wish that I was still in Japan!
Wow, I’ve been following the Rainers’ blog for a while now. That’s some pretty awesome, inspirational stuff you have on there.
Just as a side note, I wanted to tell you about a website/blog that has been of incredible help in studying Japanese. http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com. It sounds lame and I don’t want to sound like a solicitor, but, trust me, the guy knows what he’s talking about. You guys might really be able to put his ideas to use for the Lord.
I don’t know how much you’re into studying the language, but if you’re really serious and you ever want to start learning Kanji, check out “Remembering the Kanji” by James Heisig
. I’ve been using it and am somewhere around 1500 kanji right now. If you do decide to use it, use it in conjunction with kanji.koohii.com, which is a community effort that uses the book.
Anyways, I’ve rambled on for enough now. But, I just wanted to make you aware of some of this stuff in case you might want to use it for the Lord. I’ll be praying for you guys! What you do is awesome! God Bless!!!
god bless you and your family rainers, i pray god will walk that city with you and give you many sheep to bring to their shepherd. i also pray he will open your minds to the new language and your hearts to the people of japan. bettie in arkansas
Thanks to all of you are are praying.