Reality of Japan

12 days with 5 of my favorite people in Japan resulted in unforgettable memories, awesome pictures, and a reminder of how many people have never even had access to the gospel.

In Japan we were able to experience the natural beauty of the island and the hospitality of the people. This trip also brought with it continuous reminders that less than 1% of the country practice Christianity. The majority of the population is either Buddhist or Shinto.

i've learned about different religions in philosophy classes, but i've never been so closely immersed into a people that have never even had access to knowing who Jesus Christ is.

In a recent article in TIME magazine:

The Lamb of God, an ancient symbol dear to most Christians, is an offensive notion to the Japanese. To them the lamb is 'a dirty, stupid, and cringing animal.'

We know and can believe,

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ~John 1:29

As i became overwhelmed with the reality that i could barely communicate with the people i was surrounded by and realizing how steeped in tradition the culture in Japan is, i wondered how in the world i could ever show them the Love of God.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." ~Mark 10:27

Walking past the Tokyo Union Church from the sidewalk you could hear the organ playing Amazing Grace. Holy ground was found. God was so present in that moment. He reminded me that sharing the gospel isn't something that any of us can do on our own.

My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. ~1 Corinthians 3:6

My host family, the Osaki's, took me in with open arms and compassion. As we departed at the train station my heart broke for them even more though. The three generations of the family that i met had never seen a Bible before and had never met a 'real life' Christian as they said. Whoa! They were all so happy together, yet they lived a life that was missing out on the very joy that my life sustains on.

My Japanese family provided me with a home stay that was full of love, and we built a connection that i'll never forget. However, the greatest impact they've had on me is the reality that we are surrounded by people who don't know that Christ even exists.

Fulfilling the Great Commission is something that can only be done by the Power of God. He has commanded all of us to be a part of His desire to hear praise from every tongue, tribe, and nation before His throne. (Check out Revelations 7...it's beautiful!)

God so loves the world!

Join me in praying for Japan: http://www.operationworld.org/country/japa/owtext.html