Kanagawa University XA
If I closed my eyes I could easily imagine I was in the Mexico City subway again. The sounds were very familiar; the rush of the approaching train, the press of the people in anticipation of the doors opening and the surge to grab one of a few seats still available. Yet the sights (while vaguely familiar in shape and size), the faces, the language, the directions, were very different. I wondered to myself, what kind of connection might I be able to make with students from Japan? Students who, from a cultural standpoint, seem so very distinct from the Latin students I had once ministered to day after day in Mexico City.
Japanese Book of Hope
Gwen and I were on our way to Kanagawa University. This would be the first of 9 times I would speak on our tour to Japan and Northern Asia. We were traveling by subway train, accompanied by Pastor Yukio Funatsu, our host while in Japan. This seasoned leader has a passion for people and love for students that has been burning for over 35 years and I found myself relaxing as I watched him interact with students who could almost have been his grandchildren. Upon arriving at the University, we connected with a handful of students, grabbed some lunch in the school’s cafeteria and sat together for a brief message and prayer. As I was introduced to a few of the students, the names were so familiar! I met Raul and Carina, along with one other Peruvian/Japanese student whose first language was Spanish! They were part of this seeker’s Bible study using the Book of Hope! For the next 20 minutes Gwen and I spoke freely in Spanish with our new friends and they translated into Japanese for the others. I shared how Jesus declares Himself to be our “Good Shepherd”: good in his character, and good in his skills to protect us. We need only turn to him and hear his voice. It was overwhelming for me to realize that, in that moment, God had placed this missionary with the Mexican heart to minister to Japanese cross-cultural students. Yes, God places us all in moments and circumstances that we have been groomed for by His loving grace. We can live each moment with the assurance that The Good Shepherd truly does lead us beside still waters and restores our soul.
Returning students party in Tokyo
On another note, it was very exciting to host our first ever Japanese returning Chi Alpha student reunion in Tokyo on Monday, November 27th. Twenty-two of us gathered to connect and reflect. Some of these former students were able to meet Japanese, Christian peers and campus missionary Joyce Kitano for the first time. Our desire is to see our returning students make connections with the body of Christ in their home country. This was one of the purposes of our tour to Japan and Northern Asia.
I will be writing more in the weeks to come about our experiences in Northern Asia. Thank you for your continued support and prayers!