We have had a great time here in Tokyo for the
past 4 days. John and JoBeth Lee have been wonderful hosts and such a great
blessing to us. We conducted an introductory training on Monday and 13 people
attended. We were a bit discouraged that no pastors attended but it may well be
that the best route here in Japan is to start with lay people. The people
seemed really blessed by the workshop and I think there are definite plans to
take this further. We will have to wait and see just what the Lord has in mind.
I was especially blessed by one middle-aged woman who is a new believer and came
to know the Lord about a year ago. She said she was just a novice and was a bit
nervous to make a presentation on Jonah 3. She had never read the book of Jonah
before, but did really well. She testified about her deep desire to reach out
to young moms with the gospel. It was so precious to see this new believer with
such a passion for the lost. It reminded me that those of us who are older
believers need to see some of the joy of the new believers to encourage us to
keep at it.
Yesterday we spent an hour riding a train around
central Tokyo and praying with a group of believers for the city. It was a
blessing. We continue to be impressed with the character and faith of the
missionaries we meet on the field and with their hearts for the lost. Afterward
we went to a high tower that overlooks the city. We went up about 1000 feet and
could see in all directions over Tokyo. It is such a huge city, 36 million, and
is spread out so far in all directions. My heart was moved to think of all the
people here who do not know Jesus.
One of the missionaries told of the
desperation of the Japanese who seem so secure and prosperous. He said many middle-aged
men are so depressed because their whole goal in life is to reach a certain
station in work and have a certain lifestyle, which most do not attain. Many,
around 30,000 a year in Tokyo alone, commit suicide, which the society sees as
an honorable way to end your life. What a blessing we have to look beyond this
life and its attainments towards eternity under the blessing of God through His
grace.
We head home today arriving tomorrow late in the
evening. It will be a marathon once again but we trust in the Lord and His
strength. Thanks for praying for us through this trip. God bless you.
Al
