1

3 • Christians in a Post Christian World 4 • Summer 2014 Schedule of Classes 8 • BIH Japan Martyrs Tour 2014

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

If the Apostle Paul were living in Hawaii, what recommendations would he give to the churches, es-pecially to BIH in order to evangelize the people in Hawaii? What spiritual gifts will he emphasize in order to strengthen over 700 local churches in Hawaii? What will be the specifi c role of BIH to help

local churches?

Undoubtedly, Paul will emphasize the spiritual gifts of church leadership in order to strengthen the “Discipleship Training Program” at the local church levels.

I. Decline of Sunday School Movement

Historically, the Sunday School Movement began in 1824 and the First American Sunday School Convention was held in 1869. The Sunday School Movement provided Bible teaching ministry at the local church from the 19th C. to the middle of the 20th C. Traditionally, Christians in America from children to adults were expected to attend Sunday Schools, and annual Sunday School conventions were held in different cities in America to strengthen the teaching ministry of the church.

Today, with the rise of secularism and materialism in the American society, the Sunday School Movement has sharply declined, and the small group Bible Study Movement has tried to replace the Sunday School Movement. Nevertheless, most Christians today neither attend Sunday Schools nor participate in small Bible Study groups during the week. Most Christians in Hawaii are satisfi ed with one hour Sunday morning service and receive little teaching ministry of the Word of God for their spiritual life.

In 2010 I agreed to a one-year term to serve as interim BIH Board president just to get us through the transition from Executive Director Clive Cowell to our new ED. The Apostle Peter wrote, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8b). My experience was not

that extreme, but my “one year” term ends on June 30, 2014. My year became four years.

There were transitions, both expected and unexpected. Our beloved founding director, Pastor Don Baron, passed away. Ada Lum, the face of BIH to many, many students, retired. Former ED Clive Cowell now divides his time between service in Hawaii and overseas witness. Our new ED, David Cordeiro, brings youth, creativity, and energy to BIH. He has attracted younger students, who have always been in short supply. Dr. Pat Zukeran joined our faculty through a series of divine coincidences to strengthen our offerings in apologetics and biblical studies.

What one refl ection do I have looking back over four years? I recall that when God called Moses to lead his people to the Promised Land, his fi rst response was, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it” (Exodus 4:13b). My thought was the same. I am a pastor and a teacher, not an executive or a board type. But as he promised to help Moses and to provide others to shore up his weak areas, so he has helped me and brought others to the Board to shore up my weak areas. I look forward to a contin-ued relationship with BIH as during this Summer quarter I co-teach 1-2 Peter with Dr. Zukeran.

Refl ecting on My Term as PresidentBrad Smith

Summer 2014, Volume 39 Issue 4

BIH for Discipleship Training in HawaiiBong Ro

2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“… What is so special about Yamit’s class is that she really helps the students foster a love for the Hebrew language and culture as she incorpo-rates a Hebraic mindset and even performs a vast array of the Jewish festivals in class...”

- Lane Davey

“Taking Hebrew 101 was a life changing experi-ence. Not only was I able to read, write, & speak Hebrew at the end of the course; my heart was completely overwhelmed...”

- Aldarah Kumura

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

Association of Christian Schools In ter na tion al (ACSI) has ap proved Bible Institute of Hawai‘i to of fer course work lead ing to Con tinu ing Education Units (CEUs) for ACSI Cer ti fi ca tion in the area of biblical studies.

Consequently, there is a tremendous lack of understanding of the Bible among the laity of the church. This “Bibleless Christianity” is a common characteristic of the Christian church in the post Christian era in America. This is the reason why the concept of “Discipleship Training” among the laity of the church is extremely important. It is the biblical and spiritual training of a small number of lay leaders who can train others with the Scripture just as Jesus selected 12 disciples and trained them to minister to the multitude of people.

II. Paul’s Emphasis of the Spiritual Leadership Gifts

For the Ephesian Church Paul emphasized the spiritual gifts of leadership (apostle, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) (Eph. 4:11) in order to reach 500,000 people in Ephesus with the Gospel. The Ephesians were very religious wor-shipping the goddess of Artemis (Acts 19:28) and yet were also sinful people (Eph. 4:19).

On the other hand, Paul also described many of the Ephesian Christians as “spiritual babies” (Eph. 4:14) who had a lack of understanding of the Scripture and could not reach their fellow citizens with the Gospel; therefore, his mission strategy for the Ephesian church was to train leaders of the church in order to reach the great multitude of non-Christian population in the city. In other words, Paul’s ministry was the “Discipleship Training” for the Ephesian Church.

How can we reach the population of 1.3 million people in Hawaii with the Gospel?

Hawaii is the multi-national, multi-religious, and multi-cultural state in which the Christian population represents a small minority. Paul’s emphasis on the spiritual leadership gifts is extremely relevant in the Hawaiian situation today. God es-tablished BIH to train the lay leadership of the church through “Discipleship Training.” Only those Christians who learn the Scripture well and apply the Scriptural principles into their lives can teach others at their churches. BIH can produce these men and women of God who can infl uence others with spiritual blessings.

3

Christians in a Post Christian World

1 John Meecham, “The End of Christian America,” Newsweek.com, April 2009, http://www.newsweek.com/meacham-end-christian-america-77125

2 Richard Land, “Christian Apologetics: The Evangelistic Wave of the Future,” The Christian Post, 30 Oct. 2013, http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologetics-the-evangelistic-wave-of-the-future-107624/

3 Ibid.

4 Alex Murashoko, “Apologetics Ministry Leader: Christians Need More Engagement in Culture Through Arts and Literature,” The Christian Post, 28 May 2014, http://www.christianpost.com/news/apologetics-ministry-leader-christians-need-more-engagement-in-culture-through-arts-litera-ture-120455/

5 Land, http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologetics-the-evangelistic-wave-of-the-future-107624/

In a recent Newsweek article, Southern Seminary President Al Mohler stated, “A remarkable culture-shift has taken place around us, The most basic contours of American culture have been radically altered. The so-called Judeo-Christian consensus of the last millennium has given way to a post-modern, post-Christian, post-Western cultural crisis which threatens the very heart of our culture.”1

Christian leaders are realizing that we are and have been for a while in a post Christian culture. What is of serious concern is the inability of the church to effectively engage and impact our culture today. In His book Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, American Church historian Mark Knoll states, “On the one hand there is the enormous growth of the (Evangelical) Church, and on the other its almost complete lack of infl uence.”

More than ever apologetics training is needed if Christians hope to engage our post Christian culture for Christ. Key Christian leaders have proclaimed urgent need.

Dr. Richard Land, President of Southern Evangelical Seminary states, “I fervently believe apologetics is the way we will spell Christian evangelism, missions, and discipleship in the 21st century.”2

Dr. Elmer Towns, Dean Emeritus of Liberty Baptist Seminary stated, “The next great trend in the evangelical church is ‘apologetic evan-gelism’, those who can go and give a defense of the faith while they present the Gospel. That means you are on the cutting edge of the next trend in Christianity.”3

Anthony Horvath, the executive director of Athanatos Christian Ministries, “The Church needs to get fi nancially involved in supporting apologists and artists, because they will be the last remaining frontline representatives of the Gospel when the church buildings in America empty – as they have done in post-Christian Europe. And frankly, time is of the essence.”4

Michael Dredla who serves on the Board of Directors with the Bible Institute of Hawaii also recognized this need. He stated, “When the Bible Institute of Hawaii started, the Bible was at the core of every Christian’s belief. However, the situation in the islands has changed. Today there is an assault on the word of God and many churches no longer hold to the authority of the Bible. False teach-ings have invaded our churches and now we need to defend the authority and inspiration of the Bible and refute the false teachings that have invaded our churches. Christians are unable to address ideas and social issues of our time. For this reason, BIH has had to retool itself to feature apologetics to defend the authority of the Bible that we teach.”

So what is apologetics? My mentor Dr. Norm Geisler, defi nes apolo-getics as “simply to defend the faith, and thereby destroy argu-ments and every proud obstacle against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:5). It is opening the door, clearing the rubble, and getting

rid of the hurdles so that people can come to Christ.”

Simply put, apologetics means loving people enough to give them reasonable and compelling answers to their honest questions. When Christians do this, they are fulfi lling the Apostle Peter’s admonition to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15).5

When I joined Probe Ministries in Dallas 20 years ago, I thought I would be in the apologetics ministry for fi ve years. However, I now see it was God’s providence in bringing me there. The need and urgency for the defense of the Gospel grows greater throughout the world. Now with the Bible Institute of Hawaii and the Pacifi c Apologetics Center, God has placed me in a worldwide apologetics ministry.

It is your partnership that allows me to serve the Lord in the defense of the Gospel throughout the world. Thank you for sharing in my call and I hope you see what a valuable part you are in this vital ministry of apologetics.

Love and Aloha ke Akua,

Patrick Zukeran

4

2014Summer

4

Please refer to course descriptions for start and end dates. Early Registration deadline has been extended to July 7, 2014

Summer 2014 Schedule of CoursesJune 30 – August 15, 2014

This symbol denotes classes that are applicable towards the Certificate in Biblical Studies program.

Monday

MIS107 Engage Your WorldDavid Cordeiro and Pat Zukeran

In Acts 1:8, Jesus commanded His disciples to be witnesses of Him throughout the world. However, a recent Barna survey revealed that nearly one half of Christians do not share their faith. Many Christians are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith with their friends and co-workers. How can I be an effective witness at home, at work, at school, and in the neighborhood? This class will give you practical and biblical principles that will equip you to be an effective witness in the mission field God has placed you. Learn the many ways you can engage your world for Christ.

Administrative Fee: $40 / $45 June 30 – August 4, 2014 (6 weeks) Mondays: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Kane’ohe Congregational Church 45-114 Waikapoki Rd, Kaneohe

CBS: Skills-Evangelism

Tuesday

NT001Gospel of MatthewPastor Rodney Wong

This class will primarily cover the Sermon on the Mount. We will highlight major Christian themes, character formation, and kingdom living. This course is specifically designed for inmates at the O’ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). Since inmates cannot pay for the class, we will rely on sponsorships to cover students at OCCC. Anyone wishing to sponsor an inmate can register for the class and your registration will be applied to an interested inmate. You may sponsor more than one.

Administrative Fee: $35 / $40 (sponsored by your donations) July 1 – August 5, 2014 (6 weeks) Tuesdays, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm O’ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) 2199 Kamehameha Highway, Honolulu

CBS: NT-Gospel

Wednesday

NT205Parables and ParadoxesDr. Ruby Ovitt

What is a parable? What is a paradox? Come and let us join our hearts and minds as we try to discover the hidden meanings of some of Jesus’ parables and paradoxes. The invalu-able insights that we would gain will further strengthen our strong desire to continue lov-ing and serving our Lord and others. Please bring your Bible.

Administrative Fee: $35 / $40 July 2 – August 6, 2014 (6 weeks) Wednesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm First Hawaiian Center, 25th fl. 999 Bishop St. 25th fl. Conference rms. 5 & 6 (No parking validation available)

NT042 Aliens in a Foreign Land: Peter’s EpistlesPatrick Zukeran and Brad Smith

Peter states that our citizenship is in heaven. How should heaven’s citizens live in a fallen world? What kind of response should we expect? How should we respond to trials and suffering? Peter addresses these issues in his first epistle. In a world surrounded by fallen angels, false teachers, and critics, how should a wise believer live? In his second epistle, Peter exhorts believers to live faith-fully in difficult times.

Administrative Fee: $40 / $45 July 2 – August 6, 2014 (6 weeks)Wednesday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Makiki Christian Church, Older Adults Room 829 Pensacola Street, Honolulu

CBS: NT-Letters

“Taking Biblical Hebrew truly deepened my understanding of the word of God, and ultimately, who God is… I would highly recommend this class to anyone, and could not have had a better experience or a more complete explanation and perspective than from Yamit.“

- Gaby Mireles

55

One Day Seminars

Thursday

HEB102Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Pt. 2Ms. Yamit McCormick

Have you ever wanted to study the Scriptures in the original Hebrew, desired to recite the ancient Hebrew prayers and blessings, or wished you could translate the Hebrew text while doing a Bible study? This friendly course provides a step-by-step approach that will enable you to understand the Hebraic heart and mindset, give you a better under-standing of the Messiah Jesus/ Yeshua, and will lead you towards a unique intimacy with God’s language, land, and people. Required Textbook: Zola’s Introduction to Hebrew (not included in registration cost, available only at: www.levitt.com)

Administrative fee: $ 100 / $105

* Bring-A-Friend Offer not applicable to this class.

August 28 – December 4, 2014 (14 weeks, excluding Nov. 27)Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:00 pm New Hope Central O’ahu 100 Kahelu Street, MililaniOld Castle & Cooke Bldg. in Mililani Tech Park

Friday

CNS105 Reaching Out to the Broken-HeartedDr. Ruby Ovitt

This special class is for men and women who want to reach out to the broken-hearted, people who lost loved ones either through death, divorce, or separation. Discover how you can understand and help these hurt-ing people and use God’s words that bring comfort, strength, and healing.

Administrative Fee: $35 / $40July 11 – August 15, 2014 (6 weeks)Fridays, 9:30 – 10:30 am Bible Institute of Hawaii Library2345 Nu’uanu Avenue, Honolulu

SEM-SO5 Giving to Charitable OrganizationsMr. Damon Yonashiro

This information session will provide attendees with general information about gift-ing to charitable institutions like your church, the Bible Institute of Hawaii, or other established Christian organization or ministry. We’ll be talking about the advan-tages and benefi ts of making charitable gifts during your lifetime and gifts made following your death. We’ll be talking about income tax, gift tax and estate tax consequences of your gift. Estate planning devices - charitable remainder annuity trusts and charitable remainder lead trusts – will be discussed.

Administrative Fee: $40 / $45 Saturday, August 2014 (1-day) Date, Time, & Location TBD(see website for update)

“When my wife and I signed up for Introduction to Biblical Hebrew we had no idea how relevant it would be to our Christian walk. Ms. Yamit McCormick teaches the language and the culture from a true Hebraic perspective... This course should be required for every Christian, who will never wonder again why we grew up using words like Amen and Hallelujah!”

- Christopher j Foster

“In Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, one major takeaway for me was learning that our God has many facets of his character, as refl ected by his many names in Hebrew. … I loved each lesson with Yamit! I recommend this course to everyone!”

- Tomoko Tsukamoto Foster

“This class really brings the Bible alive because of all the expanded meaning of the words that does not appear in the English translation sometimes. Some of my favorites are Shema which does not just mean” to hear” but “to hear and obey” and Hineni which does not just mean “Here I am” but “Here I am in complete obedience to do your will…I highly recommend this class!”

- Sharon Dumas

6

Discount!• Bring A Friend! Take 50% off each of your

Administrative Fees when you register together with a friend.

• You each must fi ll out registration forms and submit the forms and payment(s) together (unless family with same contact information).

• Don’t forget to check off “Yes, I’m registering with…”

• Payment may be made jointly or with separate checks.

• See above “by credit/debit card” section to take advantage of the “Bring A Friend” offer on-line.

Other Information• For some classes, the Admin Fee includes

materials. • Text books must be purchased separately.• Questions? Call: (808) 595-4700 or email:

info@biblehawaii.org

By Credit/Debit Card• Paying by credit/debit card? Register

online at www.biblehawaii.org• It’s SAFE & SECURE through PayPal.• You will receive your registration confi rmation

by email.• To take advantage of our Bring a Friend discount

(see below) • Select 1 quantity for every 2

people registering • Select to add “instructions to merchant.”

Include your “friend’s contact information (name, address, phone and/or email).

• After the early registration deadline, register on-line and still get the lower rate. All other registrations, by mail and walk-ins, will be charged the higher rate.

How to Register

By Mail or Walk-In• Fill out registration form, check appropriate

box for course(s)• Make check payable to Bible Institute of

Hawai‘i or BIH• Submit your payment and completed

registration form to: Bible Institute of Hawai‘i, 2345 Nu’uanu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96817

• Early registration (postmarked) by Monday, July 7 to receive the early registration rate. After this date the second rate will be applied to all registrations except on-line registrations.

• Register by the early registration deadline to receive your registration confi rmation by mail/email. We will continue to accept registrations but no confi rmations will be sent after this date.

Summer 2014 Faculty

Mr. David Cordeiro B.A. Communications, Southern Oregon University; M.A. Christian Ministry (Bible emphasis), Pacifi c Rim Christian College/Hawaii Theological Seminary; attended School of Church Planters at New Hope International; radio and television Bible teacher on Daily Decisions Ministries; pastor and Bible teacher at Calvary Chapel Petaluma and New Hope Oahu. Currently serves as senior pastor at Oahu Christian Fellowship. Executive Director of BIH since 2011.

Ms. Yamit McCormickCounselor, Early Childhood Education, Seminar Hakibbutzim, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Teacher of Shabbat School, Hebrew and Bible studies, Israel and Hawaii; Tutor of Biblical and Modern Hebrew, Oral Roberts University; Tutor of Biblical and Modern Hebrew, Ulpan, Israel; Biblical Hebrew Teacher, Hebrew College of the Bible, Hawaii; over 15 years of teaching and counsel-ing in Hebrew. BIH adjunct faculty since 2010.

Dr. Rebcca S. OvittB.A. Philippine Normal University; M.A. Educational Administration, University of Hawaii at Manoa; M.A. Administration and Policy Analysis, Stanford University; D.Min., Hawaii Theological Seminary; author; retired principal, Hawaii Baptist Academy Elementary Division. BIH adjunct faculty since 1988.

Rev. Dr. Bradstreet W. Smith B.A., M.A. Univ. of Hawaii; M.Div. Regent College; D.Min. Columbia International Univ.; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship staff; missionary and professor, Seminario Evangelico de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela; BIH faculty 1996-2004; English ministry pastor, Makiki Christian Church. BIH adjunct faculty since 2004.

Rev. Rodney WongM.Div., Th.M. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and International Graduate School of Theology. Lead Pastor of Crosscurrent Fellowship in Manoa. BIH adjunct faculty/administrator and Prison Ministries at OCCC. He also volunteers with Young Life College ministries; and formerly worked with Youth for Christ and as a Pediatric Mental Health Counselor at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

Dr. Patrick ZukeranB.A. Point Loma Nazarene University; Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min. Southern Evangelical Seminary; Author of several books; Host of a national syndicated radio talk show; Research Associate for Probe Ministries Hawaii; Adjunct faculty at several colleges; National and international speaker on apologetics, comparative religions, Bible, and theology; Twelve years as an Associate Pastor. BIH adjunct faculty since 2010.

77

q First time student q Update/change information Rev. / Pastor / Mr. / Mrs. / Miss / Ms. / Dr. (Circle One)

Last Name

First Name

Best way to reach me is by: (please write in phone number &/or e-mail address) q Phone: home/cell/work

q E-Mail

Address

Church Affiliation (if any)

Please check all applicable boxes below q Yes! I’m registering with: q same contact info as above (if different, fill out separate form)

Name:

q Yes, I’m interested in the Certificate in Biblical Studies Program at BIH

Course Registration Form

Directions: Fill out your name and phone no. and/or email address. One form per person unless you are family and have the same contact info. First time student: Fill out your mailing address (and Church affiliation). Return completed form and administrative fee to BIH. Checks payable to BIH. For more info on How to Register, Schedule of Courses, and Bring a Friend discount OR to register online, go to www.biblehawaii.org

EXTENDED Early registration deadline: July 7, 2014

Please print legibly

q Requesting a Certificate of Completion for: q ACSI Certification q Continuing Education / other: _____

BringFriend

aShare the Word!

2345 Nu‘uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817(808) 595-4700 www.biblehawaii.org

See Schedule of Courses for more details

Total No. of People Registering ______

Using “Bring a Friend” Discount q

Total Administrative Fee ______Optional gift to BIH ______ TOTAl ENClOSED ______

Course No. Course Name Admin Feev

Before 7/7 After 7/7

q MIS107 Engage Your World $40 $45

q NT001 Gospel of Matthew(for OCCC Inmates) $35 $40

q NT205 Parables and Paradoxes $35 $40

q NT042 Aliens in a Foreign Land $40 $45

q HEB101 Intro to Biblical Hebrew Pt 2 $100 $105 * Bring-A-Friend Offer not applicable to this class.

q CNS105 Reaching Out Broken Hearted $35 $40

q SEM-S05 Giving to Charitable Organizations $40 $45

q First time student q Update/change information Rev. / Pastor / Mr. / Mrs. / Miss / Ms. / Dr. (Circle One)

Last Name

First Name

Best way to reach me is by: (please write in phone number &/or e-mail address) q Phone: home/cell/work

q E-Mail

Address

Church Affiliation (if any)

Please check all applicable boxes below q Yes! I’m registering with: q same contact info as above (if different, fill out separate form)

Name:

q Yes, I’m interested in the Certificate in Biblical Studies Program at BIH

Course Registration Form

Directions: Fill out your name and phone no. and/or email address. One form per person unless you are family and have the same contact info. First time student: Fill out your mailing address (and Church affiliation). Return completed form and administrative fee to BIH. Checks payable to BIH. For more info on How to Register, Schedule of Courses, and Bring a Friend discount OR to register online, go to www.biblehawaii.org

EXTENDED Early registration deadline: July 7, 2014

Please print legibly

q Requesting a Certificate of Completion for: q ACSI Certification q Continuing Education / other: _____

BringFriend

aShare the Word!

2345 Nu‘uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817(808) 595-4700 www.biblehawaii.org

See Schedule of Courses for more details

Total No. of People Registering ______

Using “Bring a Friend” Discount q

Total Administrative Fee ______Optional gift to BIH ______ TOTAl ENClOSED ______

Course No. Course Name Admin Feev

Before 7/7 After 7/7

q MIS107 Engage Your World $40 $45

q NT001 Gospel of Matthew(for OCCC Inmates) $35 $40

q NT205 Parables and Paradoxes $35 $40

q NT042 Aliens in a Foreign Land $40 $45

q HEB101 Intro to Biblical Hebrew Pt 2 $100 $105 * Bring-A-Friend Offer not applicable to this class.

q CNS105 Reaching Out Broken Hearted $35 $40

q SEM-S05 Giving to Charitable Organizations $40 $45

8

Early registration is important to us because it allows us to be better prepared for the class and to better serve you. Get the lower administrative fee by registering for a class before the early registration deadline. A� er this deadline, the administrative fee will go up. BUT you can still get the “early reg-istration” rates if you register on-line. Don’t forget, you can still use Bring-a-friend o� er. If you and your friend register together, you each receive 50% o� the administrative fee.

Early benefi ts!Registration

BringFriend

aShare the Word!

See “How to register” for more details.

Call 595-4700 today! www.biblehawaii.org

Bible Institute of Hawai‘iFounded in 19722345 Nu‘uanu AvenueHonolulu, HI 96817 USAPhone: (808) 595-4700Fax: (808) 595-7203Website: www.biblehawaii.org

Ka ‘Olelo ‘O Ke Ola is a quarterly pub li ca tion of Bible In sti tute of Hawai‘i. It is mailed free of charge to friends of BIH.

Summer 2014, Volume 39 Issue 4

Bible Institute of Hawaii’s Mission and Vision

Our MissionTo partner with churches to provide

Christ-centered, life-changing biblical teaching.

Our VisionCommunities and individuals

loving, learning, and leading in response to Christ.

BIH JAPAN MARTYRS TOUR 2014

Dates: Nov. 6, 2014 to Nov. 16, 2014Cost: $3,995.00Call (808) 595-4700www.biblehawaii.org

Join us this year for another inspirational and educational tour as we visit the sites and hear the moving stories of the Japanese Christians who gave their lives for the

Christ during persecuted time of the Edo Era (1615-1868). We will also take in the beautiful sites of Japan includ-ing the waterfalls of Nikko, the breathtaking scenery of Matsushima, and the majestic Mt. Fuji. We will also enjoy worshipping with Japanese Christians at local churches in Sendai and Tokyo.

Last years’ participants experienced spiritual revival as each day was fi lled with Bible teaching, lessons on Japanese Christian history, Christian fellowship, great food, and the beautiful sites and people of Japan.

Western Christianity entered Japan in 1549 when Francis Xavier landed in Kyushu. Christianity quickly spread throughout all of Japan. However, threatened by its growth and teachings, the Shoguns Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ieyasu and Iemitsu Tokugawa launched one of the fi ercest persecu-tions in Church history on the Japanese Christians. Last year we toured the Christian martyr sites in southern Japan:

Nagasaki, Yamaguchi, and Amakusa. This year, we will be going to the northern areas of Tokyo and Sendai to visit the sites where thousands of Christians were martyred for their faith in Christ. We will also visit the beautiful town of Nikko considered by many to be the spiritual heart of Japan.

This will be another spiritually inspiring trip for all. The cost is $3995 which includes fl ight, hotel, breakfast and lunches. For more information check out the Bible Institute of Hawaii website or call (808) 595-4700. Come join us for a great tour and learn the inspiring story of the Japanese Christian martyrs.

Aloha ke Akua,Patrick Zukeran