May 2003

To Our Friends and Supporters:

In our Easter newsletter, we reported the effect that the Iraq war had on our plans with the Make-A-Wish Foundation here in Japan. (Tim serves on the board of directors and helps with international communications.) It was disappointing when the events connected with Major League Baseball's opening games in Japan were canceled. Our wish child who was scheduled to throw out the first pitch will fly to Seattle in August to meet Ichiro, and while a lot of good opportunities were lost, at least some good came out of it.

We have all sorts of interesting wishes, and one I (Tim) had the pleasure of participating in was so inspiring that we wanted to share it with you. Megumi Shinada is a 15-year-old girl who was born with severe handicaps that greatly stunted her physical and mental development. She can only say a few words, but there was sheer joy on her face when she met her “idol,” a character from a children's program that was popular when our children were little. The NHK (Japanese public television) program was discontinued about 10 years ago, but she still remembered her favorite character, Jajamaru, an “alley cat” similar to “Cookie Monster” on Sesame Street. Her favorite stuffed animal was Jajamaru, which she always had with her. When her family connected with Make-A-Wish, she indicated that her wish was to “marry” Jajamaru so that he would always be with her.

Prayer

O God, Creator of the universe, we are gathered here today to celebrate the “marriage” of our beloved Megumi Shinada and Jajamaru, the character she has loved for so many years. Since she was a small child, she has always wanted Jajamaru to be with her, and so she developed this dream of one day being able to marry him. Lord, we thank you that you are a God who gives us dreams, and these dreams can give us hope. We thank you that Megumi's dream is being fulfilled today. We pray that as her wish is granted this day, that this will help give her the courage and strength to overcome the trials that she faces. May Jajamaru be a comfort to her when she is lonely or sad. And may she come to realize that the Jesus who loves little children is also with her in spirit. For it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

Message

Today, we have witnessed the “marriage” between Jajamaru and Megumi. Marriage is an institution ordained by God for the happiness of humankind. It was because of the marriage of Megumi's parents that she came into this world as a special child. As a “special child,” she has different abilities than a “normal child.” While she may not be able to run around and play like other children, there are things that she can do that a healthy child cannot. For instance, she can come up with such a beautiful dream that moves us all deeply. Just like the Japanese characters that make up her name, she has given us "beautiful grace.”

When viewed negatively, having a severe disability is a very difficult thing. But when viewed in a positive light, this is something that can teach something very valuable to those of us blessed with healthy lives. Why is it that God created human beings in the first place? Isn't one important reason that He wanted to cultivate a human society that is perfected in love? All human beings are created by God and loved by God as persons of infinite worth. But many people simply don't understand this. Unless they are taught this in a way that speaks to their hearts, this is something that they may never learn. Thus, it needs to be intentionally included in our social education. Persons with handicapping conditions can best teach us to have compassion and to value those in a weak position. Without that, a human society that is truly “human” will not come about. Thus, I think that all of us working together to bring to fruition such a wonderful dream as this is something that has great meaning. We thank you Megumi for your dream.

While Jajamaru has a few rough edges to his personality, he really has a beautiful, pure heart. He has been loved by many children. Thank you Jajamaru. Please wear the ring that Megumi has given you and also keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Before we have the recessional, let us close with a prayer of blessing. Let us pray. May the God who created everything bless you, protect you, and guide you. May the Lord uphold you with his abundant love and fill you with every spiritual blessing. May God be with you in this world and lead you into life eternal with him in the next world. Amen.

Love,

Tim, Juji, Lisa and Jennifer Boyle

The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 178