 |
The Hieberts - Laurence and
Leona (Brandon, Cambria, and Trenton). See
UPDATES
for recent information and pictures. The Hieberts can be contacted by clicking here: |
|
|
The Hieberts - Laurence and
Leona (Brandon, Cambria, and Trenton). See
UPDATES
for recent information and pictures. The Hieberts can be contacted by clicking here: |
BACKGROUND
TOYOTA, Japan - A decade of prayer and looking for the right location have borne fruit for Toyota's Mennonite Brethren church. On Dec. 20, 2002 missionaries Laurence and Leona Hiebert received the keys to two buildings on a new church property, in the same area where they have been working since 1991.
"God has given our church a wonderful Christmas present to remind us of his great love and the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ," Laurence Hiebert said.
The
Hieberts went to Japan in 1988 as missionaries with MBMS (Mennonite
Brethren Missions/Services) International, the global mission agency of
Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada and the United States. Upon moving to
Toyota City in 1991 they began a church planting effort under the Japan MB
Conference (JMBC). The small congregation had been renting a local community
center for services when it found the land it eventually bought, only a 3
minute walk away.
The
new land includes a house, as well as a second building of 450 sq. feet that
is being used as a temporary meeting place for the church. The church is now
raising funds to construct a new building.
The small congregation had been renting a community center for services when it found the land it eventually bought. The land includes a house and a 450-square-foot building
now being used as a temporary meeting place. The church is raising funds for a new building. As a small congregation, and with high land prices in Japan, the church was concerned about financing the property. But after the church gained a tax exemption, and the real estate agent waived his fee, the way began to open up. Eventually, the seller accepted the church's first offer. Tragedy also played a part in securing the property. A 21-year-old church member died in a motorcycle accident, and his family gave his insurance money to the church. Giving by church members and a grant from MBMS International also helped pay for the property, along with a small loan from the Japan MB Conference. The congregation now hopes to attract new people and develop new ministries. In addition, the Hieberts hope the location will open doors to build relationships with their new neighbours.
"We feel God has given our church a wonderful Christmas present to remind us of His great love and the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ," says Laurence Hiebert.
The new church building in Toyota City is the latest chapter of a strong history of MB presence in Japan. The MB work began in 1950 when Ruth Wiens was sent to the Osaka area. In the next fifty-two years churches were planted around the city and in the suburbs of Osaka. Today over 25 churches exist with a membership of over 1,500. In addition to church planters MBMS International and the JMBC support eight English teachers spread out over 13 different MB churches.
This is not the end of the journey for this church, however, but the beginning of a long awaited dream. With a building of their own on a highly visible main road, the congregation hopes to attract new people and develop new ministries. In addition the Hieberts hope the location will open doors to build relationships with their new neighbours.
Toyota, Japan is dominated by the car company. Most people we know work as engineers, designers, managers, assemblers, or parts manufacturers. They are committed to their work and have little interest in spiritual things. They've got great cars, but can't get anyone to heaven! Only Jesus can do that. In Japan there is one Protestant church for every 16,288 people. Only about 1 in 500 (0.21%) attend church on an average Sunday. Last year the number of churches increased by 40. At this rate of growth it will take 600 years to reach a goal of one church for every 1,000 people. Can you tell we need patience? We also need your prayers for God's power as we seek to lead people into a daily walk with Jesus Christ.
Download a re-worked (size reduced) copy of The Hiebert Horizon (Aug, 2004) for more pictures and information. (164kb, compiled HTML format). • November 13, 2005 - progress on the new building, nearly complete! (c/w pictures) • November 19, 2005 - official opening coming November 20th • November 29, 2005 - after the second Sunday (c/w pictures) • December 8, 2005 - Another Peek at our Building (c/w pictures) Download a re-worked (size reduced) copy of The Hiebert Horizon (Dec, 2005) for more pictures and information. (339kb, compiled HTML format). • January 17, 2006 - update • February 17, 2006 - update • April 10, 2006 - * Urgent Request * - update April 11, 2006 • April 29, 2006 - New Things for the Hieberts • May 6, 2006 - The Latest from Toyota City • June 14, 2006 - Engaged, Mr. Bridge, Peter, blessing service • June 22, 2006 - Visiting Canada and USA - Schedule • July 22, 2006 - Hieberts back in Canada • September 7, 2006 - Waiting for a school for Trenton • September 9, 2006 - Waiting some more • September 16, 2006 - Trenton's Schooling Update • September 23, 2006 - Update on Trenton's schooling Download a re-worked (size reduced) copy of The Hiebert Horizon (Mar, 2006) for more pictures and information. (302kb, compiled HTML format). • October 21, 2006 - Church visits and schooling • November 2, 2006 - Update from the Hieberts • November 3, 2006 - Ready for Christmas? • December 5, 2006 - November Hiebert Horizon (html page) • February 2, 2007 - Hieberts in Canada • April 5, 2007 - Getting Ready for Japan • May 24, 2007 - Hi from Hieberts • June 26, 2007 - Stories of God`s provision • July 5, 2007 - In Toyota City • August 4, 2007 - Prayer Menu from Hieberts • August 27, 2007 - Prayer Menu update from Hieberts in Japan • October 25, 2007 - Stories of God's Work • December 12, 2007 - Christmas prayer menu • December 16, 2007 - Christmas Events going great so far! • January 18, 2008 - Christmas, Teacher needed, people updates • January 30, 2008 - 3 car pileup! • February 17, 2008 - Prayer menu: Car, cancer and a Chilliwack connection • March 3, 2008 - Getting ready for a funeral • March 4, 2008 - Safe arrivals • March 7, 2008 - Another use for chopsticks..... • April 8, 2008 - Prayer Menu: church and family news View a re-worked (size reduced) copy of The Hiebert Horizon (April, 2008) for more pictures and information. (393kb, PDF format). This PDF may be saved once in viewing mode (Save a Copy).
• May 31, 2008 - Presence in a community • June 16, 2008 - Need for immediate prayer! • June 19, 2008 - Prayer Menu Update from Toyota City • June 22, 2008 - Recent Prayer menu update from Toyota • July 2, 2008 - Keep on keeping on! • July 12, 2008 - Prayer Menu Update from Toyota City • July 22, 2008 - God's leading and connections • July 28, 2008 - Many blessings! • August 23, 2008 - Another Anniversary!
