m

MIYAKO CH $-I AN MISSION

Hirara City, Ponald & Fay Riolcerson ffrso W# H Cox, Financial Secretary
1660 Sallal Ror.d

Island, Ryukyus

Publications mailed bys Greenwood Christian Ch\u*oh

8015 Fremont Avenue Norl^.

Woodburn, Oregon

Seattle, Washington

98103

Link-Letter # 105
Dear Pellor/ Laborers: January 1966

NBTiT YEAR'S DAY is the big event of the year with the people of Miyako# Visitation, drinkiiig* and feasting describe the order of events# One food found at every

feast is SEXHIM (RED RICE). Here is the legend of its discovery:

An honest, scholarly man named Takemasari operated his avm Chinese language school in Naha. For many years he had taught the language to ambitious sons of Samurai fam ilies, who T/ere hoping to qualify for university training in China. Life was pyacefial ajid pleasant for Takamasari for many years until one eventful night when he :cr/oke with a start after having had a strange and startling dream# In this dream he pic tured himself as standing on a high hill at night v/atching large, white clouds float by above himc Suddenly he seemed to hear a strange, powerful voice booming out from behind the clouds and calling his namec The voice said that Takamasari's grandfather
had not been a ^ood man and that he must suffer for his ancestor's misdeeds# The voice

masari was deeply troubled#

said that Takamasari would soon be struck dovm by a thunderbolt from the sky# Taka As soon as daylight came, he hurried to the home of an
old and wise fortune teller and asked him what his future would be# The fortune tel

ler told him that the voice was undoubtedly

the voice of one of the gods#

told that Takamasari would be struck dovvn soon nothing any mere human bein.^ could do about it#

by a thunderbolt and

He fore that there was

"I am old and I am not afraid to die," Takamasari said#

"However, I am now woirried

about my relatives and friends# If lightning should strike me while I am at home, it might also kill or injure my wife, my children or one or more of my students# I must go av/ay alone at once# That evening, while the sun was setting over the East China Sea, Takamasari left his home and walked south into the country away from in habited places# The night came and he continued walking in darkness until he finally

became so tired that he laid down under a large Sendan (bead) tree and fell into a deep sleep# Ax^ter several hours he was awakened by a voice from the sky calling out his name# He felt that his time had come so he knelt on his knees in prayer and said,

"I came here alone because I realize that it has been ordered that I die by a thunder
bolt# I am ready to die here#" Suddenly, he saw a shooting star streak across the night sky# Covering his face with his hands, he fell forward to the ground# After a few minutes he looked up to see a white-bearded old man dressed in a long white robe standing near the huge Sendan tree# He noticed that the man held a long stick in his
right hando

"I am the Thunder God from heaven#

thunderbolt strike you to atone for

I had intended to take your life by having a

your ancestor's misdeeds# However, now I know

that you are not only an honest and just man but also a man who is more concerned with the safety of other people than of your own self# By your unselfish actions you have

atoned for your ancestor's crimes# You may return home safely# I will not harm you#" Suddenly the old, 7/hite-bearded man disappeared# Peeling at peace with tho world, Takamasari started walking back towards his home# As he was walking down Yrza-dake hill, a heavy rain started and loud peals of thunder could be heard in the distance# There was a sudden flash as lightning struck nearby# Then came a very loud orack of thunder# Takamasari looked back and saw that the huge Sendan tree, v/here he had met the Thunder God, had been shattered by a thunderbolt# Takamasari* s wife and children at home had seen the lightning strike the earth to
the south# They were afraid that this thunderbolt had struck their husband and father as had been predicted# They were even discussing plans for the funeral when xhe door

opened and there

stood Takamasari,

very wet from the rain but smiling and healthy#

t^e whole family had tears of joy in their eyes#

This was such a happy night at the Takamasari home that the wife decided t h a t something special could be done to celebrate her husband^s safe return The only extra

food she could find in the home was some Indian beans .lo 3he put them in with the fam ily rice, which was cooking on the stove, in order to give it a richer taste* She was delighted to see the rice turn a beautiful bros-mish-red colorj Tlie family enjoyed the
red rice very much#

It is said that ever since that night, many Ryukjitan people regularly prepare red

rice (sekihan) whenever they celebrate special oco::si.oiis such as the v/edO.iix/js, rice
harvest festivals, tug-of-war contests. Hew Y0r.."'s Day and many ot'ior folk fvssfcivals# Not only on Nev/ Year's Daybut the day f' llovz-ing rise tvas almost a steady stream of groups of young men, enpeoiaily. i_ oing l^y cur home .^ Th.ey were on their way to make a socisil call, to ee.t e.n.. co drinl. sv'sxi (r*..e-^/h.^jaiJiwy)*. l/iaiiy of them had to be helped home by th^-ir trf.sa-"::* Th.6 tx.j oi a o f you^if. >.usi?*ess mon drink and smoke# For young v/omen, it is a cay to d^-ess up .i:n. a beautltul kimona and go
oaHliaag^ Mothers rtay at hoipo to prepare and serve food to a71 rj;53j'i;s who come#
Your Tiiyako Missionaries Poaald and ii'ay Rickerson

Vf '
lYAKO CHRISTIAN MISSION

2 5 19555
liiTd-ra Cicyp Myako Island, Ryokyus
Donald and Fay Rickarson Ifrso TfiT# H, Cox, Fina.ncj.ai Qeoro'lary
1550 Sallal Road

Publications Mailed by:

Greenwood Christian Churoh 8015 Fremont Avenue North

Woodbui'n, Oregon

97071
Link-Letter ttIOQ

Seattle, Washington

98103

Dear Fellow^Christians:

February 1965

A WOITOEHFUL COlimSXON thrilled our hearts recently<,

Mrs. Karikari, a policeman*s

wife, mother of five children, accepted Christ Tlie eldest daughter first became a Christian, then when the fain5.1y moved from a village to the city, the mother began at-^ tending services and made her decision after some months# On a very cold, windy day

we madcJ our v/ay to the Ch3.na Sea for the baptism Iminediately she began participating
at the midweek prayer serviceo Join us in prayer that the father may soon come to S6r*7ios also Far mere girls and women accept Christ than men, the reason being that
Japa:iese women have al^vmys performed the religious rites for the family*
wiver and husbands we RBJOICEI

"When we get

1/SELCOI

LETTERS

are ones that contain news items like this s

"Last week we hiid a

missionary conference at your former pastorate at Zillah, "Washington, for a full week of morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Our Jr,. Dept. 'Reflecting Lights* had a booth for Miyixko# Our space was 4 X 10 feet. The ceiling was red and white stripes of crepe paper representing Isas 1:18 In front, we had 'ItS-yako Christian Mission' with your picture and address| directly underneath the Scripture card Isa. 6s8 hung on bright red ribbon Children made five posters for it. "l/fe had t;vo big maps show ing Miyako and its relation to our home heres Had a red ribbon from Zillah to Miyako. Also two maps of Miyako TiTe dug out a pictiare of Bfr. Rickerson taken in 1929 and posted it near your enlarged picture taken when you vrent out in 1953. On the table we had the world globe mounted in a frame. The inside and outside of our booth were
covered with link-letters and testimonies you've sent us. The photographs were fast ened on red ribbons and hung on each side so the people could see the picture and read

the back too (like the cradle roll idea) We had an alarm clock hidden behind the globe and when it rang the person near the booth got a pencil you sent (Japanese writ ing on it). Had your fans and sandals on the table also# On the side of the booth
facing entrance door we had the name Miyako Christian Mission and under it John 20:2QiS

also infomation about Miyakoc" A GOOD IDEAS OUR BELOVED TAI1AKI NAKACKI has gone to Osaka, Japan to enter Nurse's training. paper, which closed with these wordss "My prayer to God every evening iss Please
me someday see my father. I believe that the Lord
that he had a child,

Per

haps some of you will remember her picture and testimony in February 1962 issue of our

let

7/ill have us to see each otheras he had gone to Japan and mar

father and daughter."

war, and he did not

She had never seen her father who was stgt>ned here during the
know

ried another woman and had a family (a case quite often v/ith Japanese men).

"When

our evangelist, }!fr Ishimine, went to Osaka to Bible College a few years ago he found the father and told him about his daughter and the father then sent gifts to daughter and mother, and expressed a desire for her welfare Now Tamaki has graduated from High School and her father wishes to help her learn a trade. Pray for her training years, and for her witness that her father might also be saved A HIGH CLASS EVANGELIST visited Miyako. We just happened to be out at the air strip expecting Claire to come in, and we saw women, dressed in their beautiful kimonos, getting out taxi, by ones, irwo and tliree, until perhaps fifty or more arrived. We

vj-cndered Tihat it was all about so asked a friend and he said, "A High-class evargelist is to arrive and conduct services in the theater for three nights." We asked what church he v/as fepresenting and he said, "Seiichi no lee" not really a religion but more moral teaching, but v/e know that ib is a false religion, so pray that it will not
prosper.

DS.ATH CLAIMED OUR Mrs. Kame Tamashiro of the Nakayama Church.

T/hen our Evangelist,

Taira, firs^t'Visiteii'h^r she~was~1yBdfast^wtth"T.B.~He wenl daily to teach her--fer

some weeks, and v/hen her health improved she began attending services in the near"by villo.ga of Nakayama. She never looked well, very thin, and coughed frequently, but nearly ^ivory Thursday night -when we started for the village we would go by a road which ivus near her home and she would be there waiting. Often she v/as crouched down in Japanese fashion in order to rest a little. After some months of teaching, she and her moCher and her high school age sister all three accepted Christ* They all remain ed faithful until her recent death. She had been a Christian for a year and a half. We were once told thrt T.B. is as prevalent here as a common cold is in jimerica. It
is not to be wondered ab Virhen the cases are not isolated. We were thankful that Mrs.

Temashiro never drank tea at our church meetings as the cups were never washed in any thing but cold water. Many folk with T.B. are not so considerate, and so the disease
spref.d'sc

Om^ brother, Yama Fukusato, who suffered a stroke at the Leper Colony is much im proved nov/, but still very ill. Miss Yoshiko is improving right aloi^. Continue to pray for her complete recovery iiiat she might again enter into Christian work.
Fri^>erty oi LIBRARY BIBLE COLLKGE
Joplin, WTo

Your Miyako Missionaries in His service, Donald and Fay Rickerson

MIYAKO
^

CHRISTIAN

MISSION

AP^20 65

Hirara City, liiyako Island, Ryiikyus

Publications mailed "bys Greenwood Christian Church
8015 Fremont Avenue North

Donald and Pay'Rlckerson Mrs* W H Cox, Financial Secretary

1550 Sallal Road

Woodburn, Oregon

Seattle, Vfeshington

98103

Link-Letter #107
Dear Fellow-Laborers s March 1965

A BROTilSR AND SISTER BI CHRIST,

& Mrs. Isamu Nagahama, from Kanoya, Japan have

been visiting us

In a letter from Iferk l&ucey concerning them, he said:

"liJiyako was

their birthplfice and home, and they have nmny close relatives there# Twenty - five years ago, after they were married, they found they had leprosy and came to Japan for treatment# They have not been back to Myako since that time. For a number of years uovf their diseasehas been arrested and the local hospital has given them a certifi
cate of health and a non-reoccurance of the disease. The Japanese government hasgiv^

en them a passport, probably the first one over given to former lepers. Naturally both of them are rejoicing and feeling it is God's will. They are faithful in church at tendance and joyous in faith. They intend to be in Mij^ko about three vreeks. Mr. Nagahama wants very much to testify to his own family about Christ and he is hoping that he can have some other opportunities to do so. He wanted me to v/rite you and ask if you could not use him in any v;ay while he is there. Please use him if at all pos sible in your nightly meetings I think he 7/ill bring a blessing to many. Also he is anxious to visit your Leper Colony there-* Perhaps some people will be afraid of him

because he is a former leper but perhaps you can help displace this fear. getting in touch with you after he arrives"

He will be

The couple..ceme and indeed they were a blessing to us all* We had them in for tea and cookies and a good visit, and then discussed the meetings they could attend and speak at. We felt that we had never met a more joyouslovely Japanese couple. They attended two Hirara Church services and spoke, and spoke several times at the Leper Colony We v/ero sorry that because of our car being on Okinawa we couldn't take them to every village church meeting. We vrish that every Christian could have heard them.
After their return to Japan we received the follovring note from them:

"We thank you for during when we visited on Miyako by the guidance of the

Lord we

were taken under the care of you. It had been tv/enty-five years since we. irere in Mi yako and we were much surprised because everything we oeji see and hear has very much

changed. We could do nothing but say, "wonderfuli wonderful."

Especially your

deep

love for us was enough to make us very glad and happiness and it was the greatest gift for us. This e^iperience is not only for the forty days on liiyako but it will become the source of our happiness for our whole life time. It will become the pov/'er to win against any trouble which may visit us from nav on. Thanks to Jesus Christ vxho always blesses us and God bless you. Praise the Lord's name and v/-e will pray for your good

health and for your two evangelists who labor for the Lord with you." A NB17 BABY for our Isao Ishira5.ne family was the biggest single event of the monthJ Although a second son was desireda third girl (fourth child) v/as joyously welcomed.
On the tenth day which is the "official naming day", vre were invited to their home for a big celebration. The trip required six hours from home as we had to walk at both ends, and take a bus inbetween. First of all was a service of praise when vm sang
many songs and many prayers were offered by the Christians who came from our various

churches. Yx* Ishimine decided to give a Bible name to his nav daughter and in search ing the Scriptures he found Ephesians 5:2 "and vfalk in love, as Christ also hath loved
us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smell

ing savour"

The vrord sweet smelling or fragrant in Japanese is KAORI, which became

the little girl's name Following this program 7/e were each given a square laquer tray with f\3od on it X bowl of soup containing many ingredients, which is a IJUST for most meals. A dish of cold cooked sugared peas, and a salad of apple, cabbage and tomato, plus a bottle of
orange juice drink. And tivo boxes of food eaoh-to take home, one conta-ining fried teiir*

pra (battered fish or pork) slices of fat pork, fish and sea weed.
ated. A neiv man's handkerchief placed on each tray was so one
for taking homeo

The

second box

contained the "celebration cake" made of ground rice and sugar and beautifully decor
could -v/rap the boxes Although this was a party in honor of the new baby she was not brought into the room Tow^d the close of the service when I asked if I could see the new daughter, they brought her into the room, dressed in her brilliant little silk kimono. In America ii" a party honoring a new baby Viras in progress the mother would at least have a place of honor Not so in layako where the mar. is IT, and it is the r.CAN who does the honors at ALL affairs Ifrs. Ishimine did not even enter the room until we ;vere leaving and then came out to say thank you and "goodbye" but did not even sit dovm v/ith us. IJany neighbor xvomen and relatives vrere in the kitchen doing the coooking and serving Peo

ple who Tvere at v/ork all dayvculd come after working hoursprobably up until mid night, and as each one came they would be sorvod. This special afternoon service was attended only by our Christians from various villages. This celebration is very ex pensive, but each gimst is supposed to bring a small cash offering to offset the ex
penses

Donald and Fay Rickerson

Nlayl9
MIYAKO CHRISTIAN
I S S I 0 N

Hirara City, Miyako Island, Ryukyus

Don^d and Pay Riokorson Mrs* W E Cox, Financial Secretary

1550 Sallal Road

Publications Msiiled By
Greeiiwood Christian Chiaroh

8015 Fremont Asrenue North

TiToodburn, Oregon
Dear Fellow Laborers:

3^;^
' Link-letter #108

Seattle, Washington

98103

April 1965 At six o'clock in

RESURRECTION LORD'S DAY was a day of victory on Miyako Island#

the morning a service "was held at the Aragusuku Chwch (seven miles out from Hirara City). jyround eighty youth took the mile hike over the rough roads and down to the
seashore where ten of their number were immersed into Christ* These had all been

faithful in

Bible School and

Chwch attendance over some months tme.

The majority

of them were Junior-High students. This brings the total of conversions at-iMs ch\jrch to 150 Bach child received a special treata hard boiled egg*, .not even a colored egg*just a plain boiled egg is appreciated by those who have so little in
the way of a treat* AT THE TEN O'CLOCK AIR BASE SERVICE there was an unusually good crowd.

Mr. Ricker^ son broiaght a stirring message and Sejrgeant Hall led the singing and for a solo sang4

pate in the services as much as possible*

ice*

'He Lives" as only Sergeant Hall can sing (he is a colored brother and sings from the dq>ths of his soul with his eyes lifted toward heaven.) We use the airmen to partici
EIGHT CHURCHES participated in the joifit afternoon meeting held in the Hirara Church*

^a^elist Ishimine brou^t the message, with Evangelist Taira leading the song serv
teachers and others she had brOTight with her*
was rich and rewardizig*

Several special musical numbers were furnished by one of our High School music

Hie church was full and the fellowship

AS KANSEIEN(Leper Colony)we held a fourth service and experienced another spiritual

thrill as we wound our way across the grounds, domi the steep slope to the China Sea
and buried two fine women in the waters of C&ristian baptism. We didn't have a sunny

Easter Day, bxit we had sunshine in our souls* We have had a rainy j^ril and the roads could not have been worse*" We couldn't drive all the way to the colony for a big bus
had got stuck in the mud and we couldn't pass it. We parked the car beside the road

and waded thru mud for about two blocks* It was a good thing that we had worn rubber boots and our rain coats.*.for we were badly splashed* Coming back it was even hard er as it was up a steep hill* We didn't have any new Spring clothes Iwt returning

home we had our arms full of Easter lilies which grow wild on the

steep hills sur

Friday night at the joint meeting of thd iragusuku and TJ^uka churches at the Aragusuku

fr^ Nakajin (Jfel Huckin's work) come to Miyako* On Thursday night he spoke at the jo^t meting of the Nakayama and Karikari churches held in the Nakayama Church. On Church*^ On Saturday night again at Aragusuku Village, and on Sunday morning to the
Youth Bible School there* On Sunday afternoon at the Leper Colony and on Sunday night at the Hirara Church. During the day time we had meetings planning our summer camps*

at their crippled feet and hands we appreciated them more than ever* Which is better, ^ Spring outfit. .orglad a love gift likewas that? It was service almost scheduled 7:00 p.m.for whenthis we reached home and we were that there no evening day for we were exhausted enough to fall into bed right then and there* SPECIAL SERVICES were held five nights this month when we had evaz^elist Nashiro

rounding the colony on three sides* Our lady leper friends pointed out to us how steep tms the hill they had to climb to pick these flowers for us.*and when we looked

Every year we exchange workers with the Nakajin Church for our youth caB^s. Ifr* Nashiro is a very pleasant person and it was= a pleasure to have him as a guest in oxar home. There was seldom a meal went by that he did not remark about how good 13ie Amfr
erican food was. We will be looking forward to August when we can work in the summer
camps together.

DR. AND MRS*' NORWOOD have been on oiir Island for the past two months xiow andwa have

had a fine fellowship with them. Dr. Norwood is of the IT. S* Arny's "Special Action Force For Asia"* He oversees a blood examination project in conjunction with a cur rent filariasis-eradication lo'ogram ^n^fiyadtcd Islander. IHie program lis^sponsored by the U.S.' Civil Administration of the Ryukyus, government of the Ryukyu juid the Japan
ese govermeiifc to promo1?e health in -&e Ryukyus. Filariasis 'is a parasite which is

predominant in the Soul^ern Ryukyus* This is an odd disease* Ihe ge2*m lives in the muscle tissue, but at/ night it lays a worm-shaped egg into "ttie blood stream* It is carried by a mosquito, a breed of mosquito idiat feeds only at night* So these doc

had plenty o^r mosquito bites* Dr* cuid 2firs*Norwood plan to become missionaries to the

will bo test^*'
Base

tors and their crws work at night taking blood samples to look for -Kie eggs* 3his disease is very serious as it leads to elephantiasis* About one fourth of the people on HQyako already have filariasis*but in this stage it can be cured* 70,000 people

We are thankful that our tests were negative for we have certainly
Ihey have been helping us at our Air

^ilippine^'when his tour in the army is over^

with -us^^ffthe first time for "tiion to make the boat trip alone*

jaaraiLDREN*Sfcevd (iSj) and Kathy (l2|) spent four days of their Spring Vacation
Donald and Fay Rickerson
Your Miyako Missionaries

Ifrs* Norwood has played the piano and Dr, Norwood sang solos twice and aj^rilling testimony at one church service*

miyako CHRISTIAN iJISSIOH

Hirara cityT Mi^ko Island, Ryukyus
Donald and Fay Hickorson tlrs W. H. Cox, Financial Secretary 1550 Sallal Road

lun23 65

Publications mailed "by:

Woodturn, Oregon

Uric-Letter #109

Greemvood Christian Chinch pj-eniont Avenue Worth Seattle, Washington 98103

1965

Dear Pellow-Lahor-ers s

so^ol grounds across the street from o^ h^e. ^e

are always told to stay in...wa stay m tooi too. All schools were erected a tall pole in the ya^^-

may seemed to be aMOHTH of SFEC^

-rr:VerK:^"e"!tr.f

fbirSlegation KEIIM IHB

may fifth was BOY'S DAY, or

fish which is the symbol of the

life, and is always found going up-stream

^^.j^^refore the boys are told to do likewise

_

^gre flovra large bright colcpsd oarp-the to live an exceedingly long ^ P Of course there is the traditional ' ^ rice, but it looks more fes-, Miyako families don't eat it , P ^ a small chunkthe
family. On this.

there werriio^ in the^family had'

and they will live a day the mother cooks the best food she red rioe (it perhaps does not taste any tiTe). There will be fish soup

tail, head, etc. Cabbage is in season soup and any other vegetables garlic. acre will be tem^a...cm^ deep fat...exceeding greasyto eat and

plentifully like Americans do...but ]ust

home has an oven (o^y the ^^"f^ ^^^f^.'^^panese apples-small ones at five
cents each or are two f^ water...these not the deliciou
occasion ?iother will also splurge and huy

type of tempra-whioh would correspond somew^t to o^

^-^^^arlic of course., .rich in pork dipped in batter and fried in doSoious to THEMi Dessert will be another doughnut...but very heavy. Ko

P generously added to the

deep fat. On this

i^ic? awl" ^mereitey J Lo ..this candy does aot taste goodto us at

^vg heve Don*t let your mouths

^n!.!i:t it
can taste*

fhtXVor" infy'Ln.t k^ow how good Merican candies

^_^^ ll^^hr'okinawa^stores had decorations
Mother. Hundreds of chil-

may NntTHIKIHER'S DAYis

at least on Okinawa.,..not so on Miyako,

dren! especially, were seen milling and as Claire packages. We just happened to be on ^ " Ld for him at the First Christian ^s on liivako p-.-6e.ohing us of that weei, 2\?g^iiita^y). from City the morning ^^cL..Xthis^chureh !sfor made ^ fo in Right thi Hirara Church
church service we took tne plane tor myaKu,
for the evening service.

of read and white flowers and m^y sips to buy a g -

^ying .small gift-wrapped

He had never visited our mission

mitted a swim*

AGTJEST for A^TOEK..with us here,

because of illness in her family, he

anrsince^h^^Tlffand haby girl

:rghtTo-r.':L:u^crba4Virl - bo ^o^anet and Wa^e Hic.^ W - o^

only sL and this was their f beautiful mother. She has been named Heidi Kay

may THIETEEHTH...should be '^"^j^^^jj^CHIM''arrived^i^^^

may FIFTEEHTH....sorrow "ame to J^e Leger Colony^Churoh^when

Wash. ^An

father ieighed 8lbs, 2oz...so grand-daughter for the

" llS'?aS?y!"H:S^a^d
stroke*

a^rdTi^nnr

-if^:allT^ Zllt foTo to%e wi^h the Lord, he was blind and also suffered a
the roads have left them

THE SUGAR CANE harvest was

conditaon.

'"lotuallvtt^it''"urt S^^^ut'^tL'tL Ao^^ll^^i uncomfortable to

meetings and this means many hours of travel*

ifZ-uncZVrZ :fd^ ?o"iL: "uesSyT Thursday an^Friday nights are village church

formerly this was 'true only in afew homes in E^^^ra City. I^s at expense but America is putting up the money. We hope that some day a sewer sys
will ba installed^.then there will be less siokness and death.
Bona.id and Fay Rickerson

GOOD HETfS for Miyako Island is that all homes are now to have ^ter

em

I YAKO

CHR.IS.TIAN . MI SS ION

Hirara City, Myako Island^ Ryukyiis^

Donald & Fay Rickerson Mrs W H Cox Finanoial Seore-bary
1550 Sallal Road

Publications l&iled by
Greexfivood Christian Church

8015 Fremont Avenue North

Woodburn^ Oregon

Seattle^ Washington

98103

Link-Letter #1X0
Dear PellowLaborers: Juiie 196S

1, 2* 3 4 5* 6

Donald and Fay Rickerson leaving Miyako Island^ Island work to continue as for past twelve years* Rickersons to continue support of two native evangeli^s^ Claire Boulton to head work on Miyako Church building program to continue* Miyako Mission publications to continue*
THE^ ARK TEE HEADLINES Here are idie details

Both have been advised by their physician that it is imperative that they leave the Island before i^e extreme hot weather comes* During the past year Bfrs* Rickerson has had four attacks of angina* Rickerson*s hardening o^ the arteries has worsened during the past two years* Recently it was found that his blood count was down to thirty-six,

Donald and Pay Rickerson are retiring from active missionary service on Jfi.yako#

and he was given four pints of blood# During the giving of the fo\arth pint he suffer
ed a severe reaction and had to be in the hospital for eighteen days, then in bed an other w^ek at home before gradually getting back on his feet# He has lost thirty
pounds in weight, and is in need of special medical care in the TJ*S*

Ihe Rickersons came to Miyako in August of 1953, and have served on this tiny remote Island continuously for the past twelve years with the exception of two furloughd* One was a one-year furlough in 1958 and a ten month furlough in 1962*. Ihe Rickersoxis had hoped tg make their third term of service a longer one,, but are confident that the
work will continue to grow

Rickersons will continue to raise funds for the support of the mission work* Ifr* Isao Ishimine, and Mr* Heijiro Tairs, evangelists, will continue to preach the Gospel six nights of the week in the various churches* Their salaries will need to be paid
as well as the expense of ninning their motor-biloes, and funds for new bikes

these have worn out* Mr* Ishimine will continue the evangelism on the sister Island of Irabu* Also the summer youth camps will continue to be the big event of the year#

Pastor Shimoza will continue the work at the Leper Colony with weekly evangelistic meetings conducted by Brother Ishimine* The same expenses will need to be met as if

Rickersons were on the field***at least for a year, so please continue your support
as usual*

tend American schools# He will be head of the Miyako Mission work* He plans to spend
every other week on Miyako Island* He will be preaching at the Air Base on those Sun**

Claire Boulton, as you know# is living on Okinawa in order that his children can at

at the American Ryukyuan Cultural Center* In this class have been about twenty adult business men and women, including a doctor, two nurses, several school teachers, sev eral bank employees, business men and women* Ifr* Boulton is very familiar with all phases of the work, having been in the Orient for eight years now, and having worked
with the Rickersons a great deal of that time*

also take over the four hour weekly English class the Rickersons have been conductizig

days-^arrying on the work there that the Rickersons began twelve years ago* He will

During the past twelve years, two church buildings have been erected* There aro plans underway for more buildings but complications of building delay the work* There is a building fund, and we hope in the near future to be able to tell you of definite
-plans along this linot,^ :

The monthly link-letter will continue to tell you of the progress of the work on Mi yako. Also it will tell you of the Rickersons plans for the future. Until doctoring is completed, they will be unable to accept speaking dates. Ten^orarily they will be living ./iih their son^, Wayne Rickerson whose addi-ess is 26305S., E. 158th, Issaquah, HVanhingtDn. Telephone; EXbrook 2-6930^ area code 206* They hope to be in Seattle
early in July*

furloviga an^^ for one jeir xltjr ret-'a-emont to receive thoir salary." Fe hope that contiV'.ba+orc will co:iii:iue vo se.id ;heir support to tiox, flia.'icial scorotary.
vre as'c for your coiitlnueu prey-irs fo^- the -ircrk arid for th3 restore! haalth for the
Riokei-sons,

As Misij Grace Parnliam ctated when she retired, *'It is customary for missionaries on

Donald and Fay Rickerson

^
Hicsm

'

11 Yr. \ 0 ci: :i i s t i a n i: i s s i oh
il irara City, Miyako Island, Ryukyus Publications mailed "by*.

Donald & Fay P-ickarson

H. Cox, FineJicial Socrotary

Greemvood Christian Churoh

8015 Fremont Avonue North

1550 Sallal Road

Woodhurn, Oregon

Seattle, Washington 98103

Link-Lotter # 111 Issaquah, Wn July 29,1966 Dear Follow-Laboroi's; We have had 5*;ie month of our furlough year, and it is time v/e should wite you again

and ausvi'ar soina cf your auastions"HOTr long did your trip homo take?" some have asked From Miya'ro "lio Okinawa the flight was one hour and fifteen minutes. From Okinawa to Tokyo it v.'as tvo hours# From Tokyo to Alaska v/e avero in the air six hours and from
Alaska to Seattle was a throe hour trip, so our time in the air was only a little over

tiivelv hours* In To'cyo we h&d a tv'o hour wait but got special permission to remain on the plana due to lir. Rickerson*s heart condition. We did get off and walk a few feet
to the observation deck of the terminal. There we got to visit a few minutes with

Harold and Lois Sims, Stanley and Mabel Butray and Kathleen Pratt who had come to see

us. ViTe had to change planes at Anchorage, and there we were met by our eldest daugh ter, JJarguerita Euckins and family ar^d we had a wonderful visit and rested there for two and a half days* In Soattle we were met by son '.iTayns, Janet and two month old. Heidi, and taken to their home in Issaqvmh, where we were Invited to stay and rest

during July ar.d Aue,i;.st. This v.-ill be the first fiirlough that we have taken time out to really rest-.neither have v/s taken yearly vacation perioas on the field..so perhaps
Church in Seattle and I^cKinley Park Church in Tacome. lYe were thrilled v/ith the beau
elders and their wives. In the chm'ch bulletin v/o read these kind words:
T:1LC0I-IS IiOMS RICKERS0H3

we are entitled to this little rest.

During this month we have enjoyed worshipping at Lake Sav/yer, Kirkland,

Greenwood

tiful new building at McKinley and enjcyed a potluck dinner with the minister, fouir
"Mr. and JJlrs. Donald Rickerson have spent t.^elve long years on tho Island of . Hiyacko.

in the Pacific. They went there not as young people but have done the work of younger people. Their health finally forced their return home. Their work on the field ha9 finally forced their return hor.:?. Their work on the field has constantly thrilled us^

has gone on record to continue to support Mr. and Mrs. Rickerson for one year, at the regular rate given over the years. This will assist in their rehabilitation* eH
done, good and faithful servants."

for av^hile. They ai*e in service v/ith their son Wayne and his vfifo today. This churcn

fh will hear from them as soon as they are physically able to do so.

They must raat

We wish to thank our many friends for their get well cards and letters telling us of their continuous prayers on our behalf. God has truly answered in a marvelous way. Mr. Rickerson has made" eight visits into the Virginia fJiason Clinic in Seattle. He has been poked and probed and X-rayed from his toes to his nose and then over

again* The Doctor*s report is that he does not have a groirth, diabetes, nor perni
cious anomia all of which wore suspected. The Doctor believes that a blooding ulcer

perhaps the cause of his serious illness, but there is no trace of such now. He is continuing his medicine for hardening of the arteries which he has taken for the past eight years, and is also taking heart medicine. The wonderful weather during July
and the outdoor life here at Issaquah have made him eat well and sleep well and he

has been gaining some weight. Folk who see him at 138 lbs. are shocked at hovf thin he is but his weight is just as the Doctor v/ants it. He has had no chest pains since arriving here and his strength is renewing day by day. The Doctor has suggested a
second month of rest here at Issaquah, then xhere will be more tests and we hope
after that we can continue working for the Lord as He leads.

Concorning Mrs. Rickerson*s health..some have asked what is angina? To answer, "angina pectoris is not a disease of tho heart, but a warning symptom of acute dacgen Such symptoms must never be taken lightly because they tell you that a portion of the heart muscle is not receiving an adequate supply of blood. It is one of the most reliable symptoms characteristic of coronary heart disease and may often forecast an impending heart atta^.~ It~is almost" alv7ays "the consequence oVer-aoing. Mrs.
Rickerson has had no more attacks since E&y 4:th. Thank you again for your prayers-

Some of you have asked for tho addresses of our family, so here they are:
Mr. & firs. Mel Hucklns 3208 Lois Drive, Spenard, Alaska

L&-. & Mrs. Claire Boulton

Mr. &I.Si's. Wayne Rickerson 26305 S. E. 158th Issaquah, Washington 98027 Reports from the fiold are good. This is camp month and we are sending our Evang elist, Ishlmlne, to Naka.jin Okinawa to teach in the camp there as we have done for the past years v/hen Mel Huckins ^vas on the field. We are also paying the expenses for Evangelist Nashiro to come from there to Miyako to teach in our camps. Our

256 R Mercy

Oyama Ginorvan,

Okinawa - Ryukyus

youth saii that they would miss Ivi-s. Rickersons treats that she provided for th campers each night. But they v/on't miss them as much as they think, for daughter
Donald and Fay Rickerson

will bake tho cookies this yBar for both canps. Our t.vo native evangelists are busy preachings the V/ord every week night except Saturdays and of course twice on Sundays.

Donna has writter that she and her friends at the First Christian Church on Okinawa

5
MIYAKO CHRISTIAN MISSION

^^
Hirara City, Miyako Island, Ryukyus

Donald & Fay Rlckerson Its. Xi. H. Cox, Financial Secretary

PuTDlioations mailed by Greemood Christian Church

Woodburn, Oregon

1550 Sallal Road

Link-Letter ^112

Seattle, V/ashington 98103

8015 Fremont Avenue North

Dear Fellow-Laborers; Aagust 28, 1965 We have had tivo months of visiting clinics, resting, and regaining our health, now

the doctor has said that we may resume vfork. As you know, there^are several avenues of service open to missionaries during their furlough year* If it is necessary for them to secure renewed support for their general mission funds or for some special projoct, they usually travel extensively presenting the work to as many churches as possible. If they are in need of further training for their work, they often attend
Bible Colleges or take special courses.
churches to establish residence near one of these

Often they are requested by their sponsoring

churches and serve as workers in

the local church instead* During our first two furloughs, we travelled extensively but this time the McKinley Park Christian Church of Tacoma, Washington, which is one

of our largest supporters, have requested that we establish residence in Tacoma and
So this we will

serve the church there for the remaining ten months of our furlough.

be doing# They have just recently completed a beautiful new building, and are in need

of additional workers for launching a large nevr program this Fall# We will be available for missionary speaking and slide presentations in the Tacoma and Seattle areas*
Seattle Church* Our new address is: 3594 East "I" St, Tacoma, Washington#

Vie have already presented our v/ork at McKinley and at the Wcanen's Council of IHie VIest
Now we v/ish to share with you the story of a young Tfiyako Christian man, Mtm Sawada
eoid here i t is as he wrote it for ust

"It is my greatest pleasure to wite my testimony# I am a teacher in the Ifiyako High

School now. X became a Christian when I was a Junior at the University of the Ryukyus# I did not know at all about Christ before I entered the church. I did not know the

ultimate purpose of human beings# I asked myself these questions: Vi/hy do I have to study? For what was I bom? IVhy am I alive? I felt sad when I remembered my mis takes and failures# I enjoyed seme of my class mates, and others I hated# When I w&Q in the third year of Junior High School, I was a proud man as I had been the head of my class for many years# I spoke evil of other class mates, but Tdien I realized hoiY wrong this was I changed my ways. One day while playing catchball, I threw a ball that hurt a boy and my conscience hurt me# So, I went to church to clean my sin but
I could not understand what the minister said# I only attended a few times# Later I

heard that a certain missionary would be giving messages during the summer vacation, and I attended and I read the Bible through and I was greatly moved with the reading

of the Gospels, Acts and the Letters# The next year I was appointed chairman of our Bible Study club and I was frightened as I felt lack of ability, but by God's mercy I did it and it was good experience for me# I was also sent to a Bible work camp in Korea one summer and it gave me many good lessons. To go abroad and to see other na
tions is to understand each other and to love each other# died for our sins#

people ask me why I became a Christian I say it this v/ay: Jesus is our Saviour#
I believe in Him because He gave His life to save a

I pray for Korea now# When

He

sinful one

agine how much He suffered# I believe that our ultimate purpose is to be saved by His blood# He is my Lord. He is the only v^ay to the Kingdom of Heaven; I will obey Him who is the way and the life. God is just tind faithful and holy# I thank God and I pray daily and study His word# I v/ant to be a Christian professor and go to the U#S# to study more# Here in the Ryukyus we have a scholarship system sponsored by the U# So If we pass the exams, we can study at graduate school in the U#S. at the expense of the government# Ify major will be Economics but I will also study the Bible every day. I have passed all the exams so far. As soon as this year is over I will be go

like me# He is the Son of God, and He was crucified with much pain#

I could not im

ing to Okinawa for one year to further study my English. Then if I pass the final exam, I vri.ll be going to the Tfeiversity of Ha^vaii to study. While I was in the Uni versity of OkinaTfa we had a very fine teacher in Dr# Clark who was a Christian# After school hours, he taught us the Bible so 1 want to be like him. My greatest desire is that many people become Christians." We first mebthis young man while he ttos a stu
his home and start Bible classes that his family might find Christ.

dent in the Tfeiversity of Okina^va. His home was Miyako and he came to visit his par ents, and came to our home. He asked about our services and we took him with us to a different village church every night in the week. Then he asked us to please come to

Vie did so, and

as a result both his father, mother and two sisters became Christians. Pray for this fine enthusiastic young man that his health may continue and that he can graduate fr^

the ISaivei'sity of Hawaii and continue to be a" fine Christian worker#

witness for the Lord, either# For the next ten months we will be sharing such testi
monies and stories with you#

week, often walking to the next village, or riding his bicycle and he is not afraid to

one of cur most faithful Christians on Myako. He attends church several nights every

His father is

Good reports are ccauing to us of the continued faithfulness of the Christians on I^yako, and of the progress of the work# Pray fcr Claire Boulton as he goe?5 to our Island every other v/eekto supervise "tiie work, and pray daily for our two e'.'stij,lists,
Jfr^Jshimine ard I5r#IaJj*a as they preach the Gocpej. iii a diffavent village ofoL
111 Eis gifi fer-loo, Lo?i.1-1 anu Fay R3.c3:err:on

MIYAKO

CHRISTIAN

MISSION
Publications mailed by

Hirara City, tayako Island, Ryukyu.o

Donald & Fay Rickerson

Mrs, W. H. Cox, Financial Secretary 1550 Sallal Road Woodburn, Oregon

Link-Letter #113
Dear Fellow-Laborers:

GreenwC'Od Chri^ti^m i^Lurcii

8015 Fremont Avev.ue l\,o ri-h

Seattle, Wasiiington

9^103

September 30, 19^5

ington, where we are assisting in the woark during our furlough year. Just what have
we been doing?

This has been a busy month here at HcKinley Park Christian Church in Tacoma,Wash-

3 were youth group meetings iidiere we gave a missionary presentation with slides
3 were Junior Church Services which Mr. & Mrs. Rickerson conduct
1 adult Bible School class Mrs. Rickerson gave a flannelgraph lesson

20 services attended in the church (3 of these were the School of Missions)^

In addition to these, Mr, Riclcerson attended an elders meeting, board meeting, and in Seattle, The Evangelistic Meetj.ng and took charge of the office one morning. We attended two potluck dinners and at one Mr. Rickerson gave the devotions, and at
the other the Rickerson*s and Ren^jel's answered questions on their mission fields.

Together we made three side calls,

and one day attended the State Fair,

and each

took charge of a patient from the Western State Hospital. Mrs, Rickerson attended three women's meetings, and gave a missionary talk at one.

On another day she assisted in putting on a birthday party at the Western State Hos
pital.

Nine (9) afternoons, Mr. Rickerson went with Mr, Dunbar to make calls on sick and
prospects,

ON KEYAKO there has been some excitement since we left, A mobqf 3000 farmers rioted

in Hirara City outside a theater where some executives were meeting Id try to iron out
difficulties. 85 Ryukyuan police were rushed by air from Okinawa to restore order. They did but 56 were injuredsome farmers and some police. The trouble was over the
ownership of the two sugar cane mills.

TESTI^iONIES from our Miyako Christians always thrill our hearts and we share with jou here. Mrs. Kame Tamashiro writes: "I was bom April 1, 1935* One day in 1961 a stranger came to my home and spoke friendly to me. I am shy by natiire so I did not speak but just listened. He did not stay long but I knew he was a man of faith. He left, saying he would come again in a few days. At that time I was home in bed every day with T. B., and I had no happiness nor hope to live in this world. In a few days
he returned and introduced himself as Mr. Heijiro Taird., an evangelist of the Miyoko Christian Mission Church of Christ, He talked for a long time concerning spiritual

salvation through the Lord Jesus and about Christ healing the sick body. He explained

me more, and as soon as I was able I began to attend all the Friday ni^t meetings in
Nakayama Village. mother and sister also had great interest in learning, and Mr. and J^s, Rickerson came by our home and took usii the Volkswagen as it was too far to

that salvation comes thru faith and obedience.

After this he came everyday to teach

life.

walk.

There we heard the Bible taught and I forgot my illness and foundanew hope in

I learned to pray to God, and I accepted Christ and was immersed into idm on

June 2, 1963. Now I am living very happy as a Christian under the blessing of God. Thanks to God he protects ny sick body and I am getting better since I became a Chris
tian, I not only go to our village meeting but also to Karikari village meeting on Thursday nights and to Sugana meetings on Tuesday nights and to our Sunday night Vil lage meeting. So I hear the Gospel at least four times every week. I want to continue
to be a faithful Christian and to win others to Christ." The Lord called her Home two years later.

YOSHIKO MY/.GUNE (13) testifies in these simple words:

tian.

"I finally became a

Chris
There I

I did not know about Jesus. Christ, except I heard a little about,Him when other

people were speaking.

This made me want to go to Church to leam who He is.

heard of Jesus from the teacher but I did not understand well* I asked other people t>

explain but still I coiald not understand, I attended the Church longer and I listened carefully and little by little I began to understand. By the teaching of Miss Yoshiko Taira in Sunday School I learned the best. I came to believe that Jesus Christ is our Saviour. Then I was gladly baptized into Him and now I am a happy Christian who at tends all the services faithfully in this our Village of MLyaguni. I will believe in
Jesus Christ as the Son of God all ray life."

We tinist that you will continue to pray for the teacher. Miss Yoshiko Taira of whom

this testimony spoke. We en^loyed her as a part time worier, and she was a wonderful
teacher of children. There are many more who have testified that through ho* teaching they were "won to Christ, Earlier in life she had been in a hospital with T. B. This disease returned and now for over a /ear she has been in a hospital in Japan, where great hopes were given for her recovery. So fa,r she has not returned to Miyako, but
.'-he is greatly needed there

T'lfa': vou for your px-ayj^^ on our behalf. The Lord is blessing, and giving strength lev VA-Li /ork. Dar irj Estst^ "Eye" St., Tacoma, Wash., 98404. Phone number
Donald and Fay Rickerson

NOV 1 0 1965
MIYAKO CHRISTIAN MISSION

Hirara City, Jliyako Island, Ryukyus

Donald and Fay Riokerson I'.frs W H Cox, Financial Secretary

1550 Sallal Road

Publications mailed bye Greomvood Christian Church

8015 Fromont Avenue North

Woodburn, Oregon Link-Letter #114

Dear Follorz-laborers:

Seattle, Vfashington

98105

October 31, 1965

Another busy month has come to a close here at McKinley Park Church in Tacoma, VTn., v^here xfe o.ro assisting in the i7ork during our present furlough year Activities in- cludeds thirty-one (31) services attended at the church five of these trere Junior
Church services we conducted, three T/ere Sunday School classes taught by Mrs. Rioker son, tivo Y/ere youth services where shov/ed Miyako slidesj we showed mission slides at the Taccsna Rescue Mission; Mrs* Riokerson gave a mission talk at the Bible School Teachers meeting; she gave a tr/o-hour mission presentation of slides and talk at the Western State Hospital; assisted in putting on a birthday party at Western State Hos pital; 14rs Rickerson gave a talk on the work on Miyako at the Adult Bible School class social; attended three T/onen's meetings at McKinley and one at Lincoln Park Church; and, prepared slides and script of Tiiyako Mission work to send to out-of-state churches for presentation. Mr* and IJirs* Riokerson attended Board meeting; F* S. C B. Fellowship Meeting in Seattle, a reception for neiv members at McKinley, churoh-^orkers breakfast and confer ence. Rickers CDS each assisted one morning in the Church office, entertained former missionary, Grace Farnham, overnight. On four Sundays, we en;5oyd the fellop/ship of

our son T/ayne, his v/ife and baby from Issaquah, Washington. Mr. Riokerson attended the Christian Evangelistic Association meeting in Seattle and
brought the devotional# Also attended the Christian lanisterial Association breakfast

in Tacoma.

He spent eighteen (18) afternoons in church calling.

Mr. Isao Ishiaine, v^ich t/s wish to

FROM MIYAKO comes a letter from our evang^ist,

share in part:

"I tms so happy to receive your letter*

nev;s from you through me* Hearing so that you are near able to help in Christians shed tears of joy. Their letter. Hearing the good nefiTs thay
bless and protect you.
souls here.

I asked Jfr. Boulton about you many times

but he did not give me so much in detail about you. At every meeting place of the Christians I am asked about you. Nov^ they are all happy because they got the good

this good news that your health is both improved the work of the I&Kinley Park Church madethe loads of trouble are off their minds by your good

are all thanking and p3raising God v^ho vail always

You are in our every prayer.

Jfr. Boulton, Mr* Shimozarm, Ife*. Taira and I are working veiy hard every day to win
At the Leper Colony you vd 11 be glad to knar that Brother Fukusato who suffered idie stroke and was in bed so many long months is now able to ivalk and talk a little* You

v/lll be saddened to kno\7 that our I^s. Sumi Ikane is in the hospital noiv* You remem ber that she came rrith the other lepers to the HiraraChuroh v/hen the lepers gave the fare\Tell meeting for you and she shed many tears as you gave the farewell message* Sorry to say her cancer of the breast has returned and she is not expected to live more than a feiT months* Pastor Shimozawa and other Christians at the colony are
faithfully carrying on the v/ork there.

On Irabu Island at the Nagahama Church they are nav meeting in Ifrs.Nikadori*s home* In addition to the evangelistic meeting vrhich I conduct on Monday nights, they conduct their oivn Sunday Lord's Supper service, and a mid^v/eek service led now by Mr. Tsukayama. Nakachi Church is doing the same, having the mid-week service led noir by Mr. Fukushima. I think novr \fe no longer need to vrorry about the Seventh Day Adventists on that Island* I am alvrays so happy and praising God who has done and is doing so good vri.th Irabu Island people vrfio are such strong idol worshippers. Hirara City Church is carrying on the same as when you were here. On September 29, v<re vfill have a baptism service for a third-year high school boy i^o has been coming first tiTO days there were strong T/inds and heavy rains,
much is^roved*

very faithfully to church. He is at the very top in his school record* FIFTY-1^/0 pupils attended our sumer YOUTH camp. There were TEN ooOTersions* _ The

but then the weather became

Altogether FORTY-FOUR people have accepted Christ since you left Miyako* I \Till send you their names in my next letter so you can add them to your record book fw
the chTorch members*

V/e, every Christian,

do understand and realize horr much Mr. and Ifrs. Riokerson has

done such a good work on our stony Island of Mi^ko for twelve years. And we know that even while they are in Merica they are supplying the funds, through their Miyako Christian Mission, to carry on the work of evangelism on Ifiyako* Our people who be
came the children of God are many on lfi.yako Island many more have moved to Okinawa

and to %}an. We give our prayers fca: you and we need your continued prayers on Jfi.yako. The Christians from the Churches of Hirara City, iiragusuku, Iftruka, Mlyaguni,

Karikari, Sugama, Nakachi, and Nagahama send their greetings. Oh yes, and the Naga
hama Church also. 15ay God bless you and all the Christians in 'America*'*

NOTE: Ifrs. Dox(address above)still handles all funds for the Miyako Christian Mis sion v/ork, including the Rickerson's monthly salary). For personal mail, the Rioker
son's address is; 3594 East "Eye" St., Tacoma, Wash. 98404. Phone: GR 2-4074.
Donald and Fay Rickers oa

"" ""sTrara "Citjr^ MijrtSo Island, Ryukyus

Donald & Fay Riekeraon Mrs. ViT, H, Cox, Financial Secretary
1550 Sallal Road

Publloations mailed "byt Greenwood Christian Char-sh

6015 Fremont Avenue JIurbn

Woodbum, Orei^on
Link-Letter #115
Dear Follovf Laborers

Seattle^ Washington

98103

IflHY m

KNOT THAT SIBffiiER YOUTH CAilPS PAY:

We know, baoause of testimonies lil^ the following one from Mrs# Kiyo Aragusukui

"Before I v/as baptized and becwne a Christian I believod in a stone as my god. But my eldest son, Shigomatsu attended the summer camp conducted by the Tfi.yako Christian
Mission, ejid there he studied about the true God# "When ho came to understand this, and that Jesus Christ is the Saviour, he became a Christian# No?r ho is a Senior in
High School.

"After my son beoone tv Christian I attended the church meeting every week with him and I also heard the Gospel# After I had heard for some time, and believed, I also accepted Christ and was baptised at six o'clock in the morning on April 14, 1963. I have no words to express how happy I was on that day# It was Resurrection day of Je
sus Christ, our Lord* No\t I go to church regularly in my village of Aragusuku# I have six children, four of them have become Christians# I do want the other two chil dren to become Christians also and study the word of God#"
FROM 3HE MIYAC-UNI VILLAGE CHIKCH COJffiS AX02H2R TESTIMOiJY;

"I em happy the true God#

vj-ith me#'

after I became a Christian# Ify" father had once told me that God was Over the radio again I heard something about Christ, but I did not un
At first I did not under and I v/as im

derstand the meaning of it# One day a friond said to mo,'Come and go to Sunday School
So 1 went and listened to J/Iiss Yoshiko Taira#

stand her either, but gradually I learned the meaning of what she was speaking# Then,
I confessed that I believed in Jesus Christ that He is the Son of God,

mersed into Him.

I will believe in Him for all my life#" . Mieko Miyagimi

MRS. laTSU TAJIASHIRO FROM THE NAKAYAMA VILLAGE CHIffiCH TESTIFIES AS FOLLO'.'JS:

"I was bom on August 10, 1904# shipped the idols for a long time# "Evangelist, Mr#

Following an old custom on lfi.yako Island, I wor I was afraid of the worship of Jesus Christ, for to my home every day for some time and iEfflgJrt

my brothers and neighbors soared me about believing in Jesus Christ#

Heijiro Taira came

me about the Lord Jesus. Ho said that if you believe and obey Christ you ivill be saved both in spiritual life aril in actual living# After that I did not pay any at

tention to the rebukes against me#

iour and I yielded everyth5.ng to God#

I just decided to accept Jesus Christ as my Sav

"I was baptized into Christ on June 2, 1963. Hoir I cm living as a happy Christian, expecting the promise which God gave me# It is my desire to ever live as a faithful Christian# Tiro of dqt daughters accepted Christ at the same time as I did.
HERE AT MCKINLEY Pj\RK CHRISTIM CHURCH IN TACOMA, ViTAiSHIlKTONj

During

pastor's absence,

ifr# Rickerson had charge of t\'jD youth services,

the

mid-week service, preached on two Sunday mornings, and did calling in the afternoons# On t'./o Sunday evenings we presented the story of I.Q,yako JELssicaa with slides. Mrs# Rickerson preaftw^taH -hVia hhrflfl othar in other-plftOes#

Attending all the regular and special meetings of the church, giving devotionals teaching in the Bible School, and conducting the Junior Church has kept us busy.
NOTEi There are still many addresses without 2ip Codes# PLEASE send yours in#

In HIS glad service,

Donald and Fay Rickerson

Jan 24 66

MIYAKO

CHRISTIAN

MISSION

Hircirc. City, I\iiyilco Islcmd, Ryukyus

Donald and Fay Hickorson Ifrs. IV. H. Cox, Financial Secretary
1550 Sallal Road

Publications Mailed "by:

GroeiEvood Christian Churoh 8015 Fremont Avenue North

Woodhurn, Oregon

Seattle, ViTashington

98103

Link-Letter #116
Dear Follow-LalDorers:

Decemher 31, 1965

FROM OUR MIYAKO CHRISTIANS comes the folloiTing letter we share with you:

" We

Christians here in Miyako received your heartfelt letter and enjoyed with it and thanked to Ciod. Because you are being blessed by God and still doing very good work
for our Lord. We, Myako Christians wish you to take very much care of your health, and it is our daily prayer to God* Vie thank you for your prayer for us and we do

thank the Christians in the Church in America that they pray for us, and that tlirough Mr# Rickerson we can help each other in God*s v/ork. MIYAKO CHRISTIANS miss Mr. and Jfrs. Rickerson for a long time# We will never forget that you worked very hard for us, day and night for t^velve years* Vife "tiiought you would always stay with us and not return to America, but now you are not with us any longer. Please romember without cease, us in your prayers. We do like to grow spiritually and stand as good witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, as you taught us through the Scriptures.

"THE NEIY-BORN since our last letter to you are these tliree: Takashi Tcsnori v/ho is a
yoimg man in the third year of High School was immersed into Christ on September 29.

He made a record for himself in being the number one student in all the Ryukyu High Schools, and he will attend Medical thiversity upon graduation from High School. On December 6 Mrs. Kame Shimeji who lives an Irabu Island, was also immersed into Christ. On the same day, a third year High School girl by the name of Tomoko Matsukawa was ;5oined to God*s family and will be a member of the Hirara City Church.

"THE LEPP5R CHRISTIANS are alv/ays asking about you and remembering you in their
ceaseless prayer. greetings to you. Pastor Shimozawa and the other Christians there are all well and

doing a good Christian v/ork.

They all said to extend their Christmas and New Year*s

to them, especially Ifr. Ikemia and & Mrs. Yoshiyuki. Evangelist Ishiminie was invited by the Miyako Atnerican-Ryukyuan Cultural Center to deliver a Christmas mes sage there on the evening of December 22. Christmas Carols will be sung by the vil
lage churches on Christmas eve.
places.

"IRABU ISLAND CHRISTIANS wish to express their appreciation for all your goodness

ARAGUSUKU VILLAGE BIBLE SCHOOL PUPILS will arise at

FIVE AM. on Christmas Day and sing carols in their village,

at

several

different

"CHRISTJMS DAY ViTQRSHIP SERVICE for all the Miyako Island churches will be held at
the Hirara City Churoh beginning at two p.m. on Christmas Day. We v/ill feel very sorry on tha.t day because Mr. and Mrs. Rickerson will not be with us. Our worship
program vri.ll be about the some as other years oxcept that different ones will be

asked to give their testimony. Evangelist Ishiminie published a special Christmas letter from Rickerson. An American Christian man from the Air Base will make a
tape recording of the service."

place cards of the lady cairying the little parasol. Every patient received a box of numerous small gifts and there was cake, candy and coffee~as muchas they could hold.

^VE RICKERSDHS missed the Miyako Christians this Christmas season. We had always i^de it a big day for them. Jirs. Rickerson always had gifts for the Lepers and cook ies and Christmas cards for all the children. This year, she assisted in a lovely Christmas party for the patients in one of the wards at the Western State Hospital. Each of the-ladi^-we^-delighted to receive~6ne of our little hand-painted Japanese
OUR ADDRESS is 3594 East "I" (Eye) Street, Tacoma, Washington, 98404.

have. Aflked for it to be printed again.

Yours in His service,

Some of you

Donald and Fay Rickerson

l/