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
March 13, 2012
Dear Friends,
Just yesterday, March 11th, we remembered the great Easter Japan earthquake that happened a year ago. We at the Machida Church held a special prayer time during the morning service to continue to lift up those who are still hurting and displaced. It is said that close to 20,000 people died and 340,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Much has been done but there is still much to do. Many Christians and Churches are continuing to provide assistance and care to those who are suffering. Please keep Japan in your prayers that God will work doing this difficult time.
We are doing fine here and keeping on. Spring should be just around the corner but we are still experiencing chilly days here in Tokyo. We hope you enjoy this issue of the CJCM newsletter. Thanks for your interest and care.
Machida Church Activities
Attendance has been a little low this winter for the Machida Church but we have had some good services. Tim finished up his series of “Getting Unstuck” and many enjoyed them and have commented on them. With a high level of stress for many in Japan, it is easy for them to get stuck in ruts and get discouraged. Please keep praying for the Japanese as they come in contact with the freeing power of Christ.
We had the first Men’s Supper for the year on February 4th and had a good meeting. It was interesting that we had five men in attendance and that every one of them was from a different country. From left to right in the picture: Park is from Korea, Dan is from the Philippines, Matthew is from New Zealand, and Inomata is from Japan. Of course Tim was taking the picture rounding out the international men’s group. We ate the favorite Japanese winter dish, Chicken Nabe, and had a time of Bible study and prayer. We hope to do it on a monthly basis this year.
On February 26th, we were blessed to have Phil and Kim Kornegay in our worship service. They worked with us for a few years when they first arrived and while they were studying Japanese. They are now working in the city of Higashikurume and doing a house church. Phil preached for the morning service and we had a nice fellowship together with their family.
March is Tax month
Instead of April like it is in America, March 15th is the deadline to file and pay taxes in Japan. Tim went to the tax office on February 27th to file our taxes. It was not so crowded and he was able to get in and out pretty quickly.
The Turner Family
February was a busy time for the Turner family as the basketball season winded down and finished for Spencer and Joshua. Joshua had his JV tournament on Saturday, February 18th at their home court. They were seeded 4th going into the tournament but did well and got a third place finish. Spencer and his varsity team traveled to Guam from February 19th to 26th for their Far East Tournament. Sixteen teams from Korea, the Philippines, Japan, and Guam gathered in a weeklong tournament. Spencer’s team played 7 games in 5 days and although the outcome on paper wasn’t so good (12th place), they played well losing by only a few points when they lost including 3 overtime games. Tim and Lisa took a few days off to accompany the team and cheer them on in Guam. We all had a fun time and it was a nice change from the cold here in Japan.
Sarah and Katie are both doing well at Johnson University. Katie is enjoying her studies and keeping up with the classwork. Sarah is enjoying a lot of student teaching. She was in a 4th grade class most of February and in a 1st grade class now. She has applied to several international schools overseas and should know where she will be going next year by the end of March. Please continue to pray for Sarah as she graduates in May and then commences on her life as a schoolteacher.
We are grateful for you prayers for our family as we live and work here in Japan.
Summer Furlough Plans
With Spencer graduating from high school in June and returning to America for the fall, we are planning on making a trip to America this summer for a short furlough. Lisa will go in mid-June till mid-August while Tim will go from early-July to early September. Although we will not have many weekends free, we would like to visit a few of our supporting churches. If you would like us to come in August or early September for a visit, please let us know so that we can start making plans.
Thanks
We just noticed recently that the dollar has gotten stronger against the yen, which helps us, but it is still a long way off from what it used to be several years ago. We are thankful to have supporters like you who faithfully and give to the ministry in Japan and make it possible for us to be here.
As Easter draws near, we remember the hope that we have and the hope that is available to the Japanese people. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” IPeter 1:3-4a Please continue to pray for the Japanese that they may know this living hope. 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)