Tim is the son of Betty Turner. He grew up in Japan, and he and his wife, Lisa, have been missionaries in Japan since 1989. Tim is the Senior Field Director of CJCM. He is the minister at Machida Church in Tokyo, has a campus ministry at Obirin College and teaches English Bible classes in the junior college. He is also involved with Faith Land Bible Camp for young people. Lisa also teaches English and Bible to kindergarten classes.
Contact the Turner family at: tlturner@hotmail.com
January 10, 2012
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! We hope that you have had a wonderful start to the New Year. We are doing fine and looking forward to what God will bring this year.
As we look back upon 2011, we know that it has been a rough year for Japan. The triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, radiation leak) on March 11 brought confusion and heartache to the Japanese people. It has been a difficult 9 months, but the Japanese are getting back on their feet and rebuilding and moving forward. Of course there are still many in temporary housing and in need of things, but life is slowly getting back to “normal.”
At the end of the year, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation accepts nominations from the public to decide “This Year’s Kanji.” Before looking at the results, I thought that it would be “shake,” or “catastrophe,” or something like that. But surprisingly, the kanji of the year was “kizuna” which means “bonding.” Through the disasters, many realized the importance of and necessity of family, friends, and relationships and how these bonds can help us to overcome troubles and problems. Please pray with us that the Japanese will also realize the importance and necessity of the relationship with God their Father and Jesus their Savior. Churches are still involved in giving and helping in the earthquake area and we ask that you continue to pray for Japan.
December is always busy at any church, but we pray that the message of Christmas was heard by many people. We hope that this newsletter will be a blessing and encouragement to you. Thanks for your encouragement to us.
Machida Church Activities
On Saturday, December 10th, a group from the church went on a hiking excursion about 30 minutes south of Machida City. Sixteen of us gathered at the Machida train station at 9 in the morning and rode the train to the location. It was not a difficult hike as children were there too. We hiked for about 6 hours stopping for lunch in between. It was a fun day and ended with a soak in a nearby hot springs. A lady in the church organized it and we hope to do more outings in the near future.
Christmas Services
The Machida Church had two Christmas services this year. On Christmas Eve, we gathered together for a quiet candle light service. Around 30 people attended for a time of singing, Bible reading, and a short message. Our co-workers, the Kornegays, also came and Phil and his son Seth played the prelude with their trumpet and saxophone.
On Christmas Day we gathered together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Sixty people including many children were in attendance and it was a wonderful day. Tim spoke on the announcement of the angels to the Shepherds. They said, “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you.” The message of Christmas is still relevant to us today and we can rejoice in the fact that Jesus came to earth. After the service, most people stayed for a potluck meal. The Church provided a turkey and a large ham with Lisa baking them deliciously. When everyone was finished, the children presented a few songs and even a couple of hand bell numbers. Also one small group performed a Christmas song. Everyone stayed till after three and it was a fun time of celebration.
Preschool Christmas
Tim still teaches English at a nearby preschool and so was invited to attend their Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 17th. Tim was asked to give a short Christmas message to the mostly non-Christian children and their families. A few weeks before the program, the principal asked Tim if he knew someone who was willing to play the part of Santa and bring in the bag of toys. Tim asked Joshua and Joshua willingly said that he would. As no one knew him, he was able to play the part and did a wonderful job. The preschool has already asked him if he would do it again next year.
The Turner Family
The Turner family is doing well and staying healthy. Katie was able to come home for the holidays and arrived December 17th for a three-week visit. She finished off her 1st semester of her sophomore year before she arrived. Sarah is enjoying her 5th year Masters program. Because of having to take a winter class during the break, she could not come to Japan. But she made a trip to Florida to see both grandmothers and family.
Spencer and Joshua are enjoying basketball season. They only had a few games in December but are doing very well. They are both getting lots of playing time. On December 15th, they had two games against the alumni of the Christian Academy in Japan. Since Tim is an alumnus, he was able to play against his sons. The alumni team beat Joshua and the JV, but lost against Spencer and the varsity team. Tim still has a little bit of basketball drive as he scored 10 points against the JV team.
As Christmas Day was on Sunday, we had a Christmas dinner with family on Monday, the 26th. We invited neighbor friends to join us and had a nice time eating ham and turkey with all the furnishings. It was the first time for our friends, the Nagatoros, to eat turkey.
Thanks
As we begin the New Year, we look back with thanks for each of you who partnered with us in 2011 through prayer, encouragement, and support. Please know that we could not be here if it were not for you who care for us. We look forward to what 2012 will bring and hope that we can continue to encourage and help each other. We cherish your prayers for us as we serve here in Japan. May God bless each of you richly!
Partners in Ministry,
Tim and Lisa Turner
November has been a relatively quiet month for the church but we have been keeping on with regular activities.
The Ladies Tea met on November 12th and 30th for a time of study, crafts, and fellowship. On the 30th a Christian lady who lives near by came and taught how to make a Christmas candle. Twelve ladies attended with one church member bringing 4 friends from her neighborhood.
The Men’s Supper met once in November for supper, study, and fellowship. This month only 4 men were able to come but it was a pleasant time with a devotion on giving thanks. Please pray for the men and women of the church.
The Church is looking towards Christmas and sharing the Good News of the coming of Jesus with the local community. Please pray for the church as it prepares for Christmas Sunday, the 19th, and a Christmas Eve service on the 24th. We look forward to reporting next month of all that has been going on in December.
Thanksgiving Celebration
Although Thanksgiving is not celebrated here like it is in America, we were able to meet together with the Kornegays and Shields for a Thanksgiving meal on Friday evening, the 26th. The Kornegays and Shields invited some of their church and neighbor friends and it was a nice time of eating and visiting. Lisa baked one of the turkeys (which we can get at Costco now) and everyone joined in bringing side dishes for a wonderful meal. After the meal we played a few games and enjoyed the time together.
The Turner Family
The Turner family is doing well. School and church activities keep us busy but we are some how keeping abreast of everything.
We attended Spencer and Joshua’s Parent/Teacher Conferences in November and glad to hear that they are both doing well in school. They are both a little on the shy side and the teachers encouraged them to speak up in class and ask questions. Basketball, which is their favorite sport, has started up for both of them this month and they are excited about that.
Sarah and Katie are doing well but looking forward to the Christmas/New Year break. They both attended the National Missionary Convention in Lexington, KY and really enjoyed it. Katie will be returning to Japan for the holidays and will leave in a few days after her exams. Sarah will visit several friends and then make her way down to Florida for Christmas.
Tim and Lisa are both doing well. Lisa continues to enjoy teaching kindergarten and Tim enjoys serving at the church. God is blessing our lives and we hope that we are a blessing to others.
Volunteers Wanted
Next year we are hoping to put together a couple of short-term missions trip to do some work in Japan. We are looking for a crew to help paint the Machida Church building and 2 crews to work at Shinshu Bible Camp – one to do maintenance and one to help in the Elementary Camp in August. We will try to give more details in the next newsletter. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Thanks
We are again thankful and blessed for each of you who faithfully and generously give to the work in Japan. It has been a good year for us and we look forward to next year with even greater anticipation and excitement. As Christmas draws nearer, we are reminded again that Jesus is the reason why we are here,
Merry Christmas! We hope that this letter finds you all well and that you are enjoying the wonderful Christmas season. We hope that this Christmas is not so overly busy so that you will have time to reflect on the precious gift that God has sent to each of us. We here in Japan have also been gearing up for Christmas and looking forward to several events and activities where we can share the joyful message of Christmas. We hope you are blessed by reading about what has been going on in our lives and ministry in November.
The Machida Church
November has been a relatively quiet month for the church but we have been keeping on with regular activities.
The Ladies Tea met on November 12th and 30th for a time of study, crafts, and fellowship. On the 30th a Christian lady who lives near by came and taught how to make a Christmas candle. Twelve ladies attended with one church member bringing 4 friends from her neighborhood.
The Men’s Supper met once in November for supper, study, and fellowship. This month only 4 men were able to come but it was a pleasant time with a devotion on giving thanks. Please pray for the men and women of the church.
The Church is looking towards Christmas and sharing the Good News of the coming of Jesus with the local community. Please pray for the church as it prepares for Christmas Sunday, the 19th, and a Christmas Eve service on the 24th. We look forward to reporting next month of all that has been going on in December.
Thanksgiving Celebration
Although Thanksgiving is not celebrated here like it is in America, we were able to meet together with the Kornegays and Shields for a Thanksgiving meal on Friday evening, the 26th. The Kornegays and Shields invited some of their church and neighbor friends and it was a nice time of eating and visiting. Lisa baked one of the turkeys (which we can get at Costco now) and everyone joined in bringing side dishes for a wonderful meal. After the meal we played a few games and enjoyed the time together.
The Turner Family
The Turner family is doing well. School and church activities keep us busy but we are some how keeping abreast of everything.
We attended Spencer and Joshua’s Parent/Teacher Conferences in November and glad to hear that they are both doing well in school. They are both a little on the shy side and the teachers encouraged them to speak up in class and ask questions. Basketball, which is their favorite sport, has started up for both of them this month and they are excited about that.
Sarah and Katie are doing well but looking forward to the Christmas/New Year break. They both attended the National Missionary Convention in Lexington, KY and really enjoyed it. Katie will be returning to Japan for the holidays and will leave in a few days after her exams. Sarah will visit several friends and then make her way down to Florida for Christmas.
Tim and Lisa are both doing well. Lisa continues to enjoy teaching kindergarten and Tim enjoys serving at the church. God is blessing our lives and we hope that we are a blessing to others.
Volunteers Wanted
Next year we are hoping to put together a couple of short-term missions trip to do some work in Japan. We are looking for a crew to help paint the Machida Church building and 2 crews to work at Shinshu Bible Camp – one to do maintenance and one to help in the Elementary Camp in August. We will try to give more details in the next newsletter. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Thanks
We are again thankful and blessed for each of you who faithfully and generously give to the work in Japan. It has been a good year for us and we look forward to next year with even greater anticipation and excitement. As Christmas draws nearer, we are reminded again that Jesus is the reason why we are here, why we are serving, and why we are living. The angel said to the Shepherds, “Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11) May each of you have a very wonderful Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from Central Japan Christian Mission
Tim and Lisa Turner Bryan Lackey (Trustee)
Carol Spencer (Forwarding Agent) Chuck Baggett (Trustee)
Rick and Lydia Coyle (Trustees)
Merry Christmas! We hope that this letter finds you all well and that you are enjoying the wonderful Christmas season. We hope that this Christmas is not so overly busy so that you will have time to reflect on the precious gift that God has sent to each of us. We here in Japan have also been gearing up for Christmas and looking forward to several events and activities where we can share the joyful message of Christmas. We hope you are blessed by reading about what has been going on in our lives and ministry in November.
The Machida Church
November has been a relatively quiet month for the church but we have been keeping on with regular activities.
The Ladies Tea met on November 12th and 30th for a time of study, crafts, and fellowship. On the 30th a Christian lady who lives near by came and taught how to make a Christmas candle. Twelve ladies attended with one church member bringing 4 friends from her neighborhood.
The Men’s Supper met once in November for supper, study, and fellowship. This month only 4 men were able to come but it was a pleasant time with a devotion on giving thanks. Please pray for the men and women of the church.
The Church is looking towards Christmas and sharing the Good News of the coming of Jesus with the local community. Please pray for the church as it prepares for Christmas Sunday, the 19th, and a Christmas Eve service on the 24th. We look forward to reporting next month of all that has been going on in December.
Thanksgiving Celebration
Although Thanksgiving is not celebrated here like it is in America, we were able to meet together with the Kornegays and Shields for a Thanksgiving meal on Friday evening, the 26th. The Kornegays and Shields invited some of their church and neighbor friends and it was a nice time of eating and visiting. Lisa baked one of the turkeys (which we can get at Costco now) and everyone joined in bringing side dishes for a wonderful meal. After the meal we played a few games and enjoyed the time together.
The Turner Family
The Turner family is doing well. School and church activities keep us busy but we are some how keeping abreast of everything.
We attended Spencer and Joshua’s Parent/Teacher Conferences in November and glad to hear that they are both doing well in school. They are both a little on the shy side and the teachers encouraged them to speak up in class and ask questions. Basketball, which is their favorite sport, has started up for both of them this month and they are excited about that.
Sarah and Katie are doing well but looking forward to the Christmas/New Year break. They both attended the National Missionary Convention in Lexington, KY and really enjoyed it. Katie will be returning to Japan for the holidays and will leave in a few days after her exams. Sarah will visit several friends and then make her way down to Florida for Christmas.
Tim and Lisa are both doing well. Lisa continues to enjoy teaching kindergarten and Tim enjoys serving at the church. God is blessing our lives and we hope that we are a blessing to others.
Volunteers Wanted
Next year we are hoping to put together a couple of short-term missions trip to do some work in Japan. We are looking for a crew to help paint the Machida Church building and 2 crews to work at Shinshu Bible Camp – one to do maintenance and one to help in the Elementary Camp in August. We will try to give more details in the next newsletter. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Thanks
We are again thankful and blessed for each of you who faithfully and generously give to the work in Japan. It has been a good year for us and we look forward to next year with even greater anticipation and excitement. As Christmas draws nearer, we are reminded again that Jesus is the reason why we are here, why we are serving, and why we are living. The angel said to the Shepherds, “Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11) May each of you have a very wonderful Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from Central Japan Christian Mission
Tim and Lisa Turner Bryan Lackey (Trustee)
Carol Spencer (Forwarding Agent) Chuck Baggett (Trustee)
Rick and Lydia Coyle (Trustees)
why we are serving, and why we are living. The angel said to the Shepherds, “Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11) May each of you have a very wonderful Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from Central Japan Christian Mission
Tim and Lisa Turner Bryan Lackey (Trustee)
Carol Spencer (Forwarding Agent) Chuck Baggett (Trustee)
Rick and Lydia Coyle (Trustees)