Reaching the places that Ordinary Missionaries Can't

Personally the best experience for me was my home-stay. It was different from all the short term acquaintances Ive had here with people from the many churches & English classes etc. I got to know my host really well from having talks with her late into the night. She spoke very freely about her feelings. I managed to share my testimony with her & explained how I accepted Jesus Christ. My host said that she accepts Jesus Christ, but only as her philosopher. Talking together, my hosts admitted that they are Buddhists by custom but not by religion. I think they are quite open to Christ.

Im first of all glad that I survived my home-stay despite my poor Japanese language ability. My host family was wonderful! I think I had the bestest host family of all! They are very open in conversations and asked me a great deal about what Im doing here in Japan. The eldest daughter, (a university student,) appeared interested when I asked her to come to Church with me. I found out from them that they would go to the temple every New Year to pray. But since I did not see any altars or idols in their house, I do not suppose they are strong religious practitioners.

I enjoyed the hospitality that my hosts gave to me and the freedom they gave me, allowing me to be involved in the things that they do. Ive learnt about traditional meals, greetings and ways of life. They are polite and have taken care of me very well. Ive enjoyed my home-stay. Its the best way to see the family and their culture.

I enjoyed the barbecue we had. Several families, all with kinder-garden kids, gathered for a barbecue at my hosts house. The family seemed to be free-thinkers. I did not see any evidence of a butsudan, but I did see this pretty big statue in a glass case on something that looked like an altar. Visiting Shrines and Temples in Kyoto was, to my host, just an excursion. She didnt seem to know much about the shrines or ceremonies. Every time I asked her a question, she would ask someone else before answering me.

I enjoyed the friendship of my host the most. They were very warm and friendly and they felt just like my parents. We talked a lot and they were very interesting people. The husband was inquisitive about Christianity. We talked about Jesus crucifixion and His walk to Gethsemene. He  seemed open and asked if I pray and read the Bible every day. He also asked/invited me to say grace at meal times. We talked about the Kanji , (Word pictures)  with which his name is written. It was really interesting. Looking at the Chinese usage and origin of the Kanji  the meaning of his name could be read as I believe that the lamb was sacrificed for me. He seemed please to know this and his wife also said that it was a good name.

Some other comments made by the team on their experiences here were:

 

God has spoken to me about trusting him and his calling for my life and no matter how inadequate I feel, He is my provider. God has challenged me to be a blessing to others.

One of the highlights for me was that I could be involved in a Church Planting work. I feel privileged to have been a part of the preparatory programme. Ive learnt different things from the different missionaries that I stayed with. Its great to be able to see how different people , a family, a couple and a single can serve God. They are all involved in different ministries to reach different groups of people.

The lives of the missionaries that I have met were testimonies of Gods leading and their obedience. Their willingness to serve despite the multiple obstacles (cultural, linguistic, geographical) touched me and reminded me of Hebrews 11:8+9. At the same time, the zeal of the Japanese Christians here also touched my heart. My time in Japan has been a time of learning. The humility of the missionaries exposed my inner pride, while my zeal paled besides that of the Japanese people, but I received a measure of Gods grace. Indeed the God I serve is the same the world over.

Being able to praise and worship with the local Japanese & missionaries is one of the greatest joys I experienced. I never failed to be touched by the way they worship Him and the passion with which they yearn to know about His Word. I was encouraged too whenever I had Bible-study with folks. Being Japanese, I think they experience loads of persecution from their family and friends. But still, they continue to persevere. This taught me to treasure my faith more. I also enjoyed sharing my testimony with them at the various meetings. Each time I shared, I was sort of affirming myself and deepening the knowledge that God is in me. I guess that in sharing, I not only share the love of God with others, but also draw myself closer to Him as I could feel Him working through my life and be assured that God never forsakes.

God wanted me to sow into peoples lives and reminded me that if I want to fish, I would need to be willing to get out and not just be within my comfort zone.