The Ministry of the Six Family January 2008
Tokyo population - 12,575.000 total
95% to 99% Buddhist or Shinto - Most sources record the Christian population in Japan to be at around 1%, however some claim that rate to be as high as 6%.
Suicide rate - over 30,000 people a year, one of the world's highest
Hikimori Disease - Hikimori is a Japanese term for 'social withdrawal' This ?disease' seems to be rather unique to Japan and it is very difficult to determine how many people are afflicted with it. People suffering from this disease spend months in their homes and are terrified of coming out and interacting with people.
karoshi', or death from overwork. The number of Japanese working themselves to death is rising dramatically, particularly among white collar office workers. Many rent tiny work apartments so they may sleep near their jobs during the week.
Homeless People - 3,000-4,000 in Tokyo, 24,000 in Japan
Cost of Living - Living costs in Japan and especially Tokyo are famous for being among the world's highest.Some of the world's most expensive land can be found in central Tokyo.
We have met at least a dozen missionaries here, because we live near the Christian School. And all of them have been here at least 10 years, many of them 30 years or more. THERE ARE NO NEW MISSIONARIES IN THIS AREA. Two language schools for missionaries have closed down. We've asked why. The answer was, " because the work here is too hard and too slow." We covet your prayers!
This Christmas we were especially blessed to have Isaac with us for two weeks!
We are so proud of how well Alli has taken on the challenge of attending the Japanese school. Her Japanese is already amazing!
In only 4 ½ months we have obtained our residence visa's! Our visa's are good for 3 years, the longest we have ever received, and can be renewed at that time. We had been told by many that the government had cracked down and that it was quite difficult now to obtain a missionary visa. Thank you everyone for your prayers!
Thank you! For all your prayers and gifts to our family and ministry! Please agree with us for: Entrance into a language school; Aubri's Tuition ($5000); Funds for Vehicle Inspection or new vehicle; a queen-size bed; wisdom concerning ministry.
Mark@Desti-Nations.org OR ONLINE @ www.Desti-Nations.org
