7 years ago, this group of 8 college friends went to the beautiful country of Japan...
With a common love of Jesus and worship through music, we formed a band, packed our bags and went to the home country of my friend ChrisTiana (bottom right) who grew up in Japan as a daughter of missionaries.We rode their trains...
Swam in their rivers...
We visited their amazing schools...
and spent time with their incredible children...
Every time we took a picture, they would make a "peace" sign with their fingers and smile, though most had never experienced the deep, fulfilling peace that the Holy Spirit brings to one who believes...
and received AMAZING hospitality...
We stayed in the homes of some of Japanese Christians who were members of the church we partnered with.
We were always greeted with gifts...we were even given a tea set that had been passed down in their family for generations. I've never met a more generous group of people in my life...
We went to encourage them...
but it was us who left encouraged and inspired by these brave believers who in choosing Jesus, must many times turn their back on the religions of Shinto or Buddhism, observed for generations in their family line, often times to the dismay of those closest to them...
Although the sound in this video isn't the best quality, I wanted to share with you the JOY they have in knowing Jesus! I hope you can see how evident it is as they worship!!!
After the tragedy of the earthquake and tsunami hit this precious country, I was talking to my friend ChrisTiana again. She grew up in Japan for most of her life and led the trip John and I took 7 years ago along with some of our dearest college friends. We were talking about how devastating this kind of tragedy is to Japan and how although parts of their country have been devastated by natural disaster, the Japanese people have not started looting or rioting. Instead there have been reports of extreme order in the chaos. They are rationing and making personal sacrifices to make sure everyone is fed and that needs are met in the wake of this disaster.
Not wanting to be a burden on anyone else, they may not cry out for help and make their needs real well known, but its important we don't mistaken the culture of "responsibility" that they foster so beautifully for a lack of need. They need our help. And in a land ravaged by trembling and waves of water, they need food, they need water, they need a new roof over their head and restoration to their failed foundations...but more than any of that...even after buildings are rebuilt and streets are repaved, their hearts that have been broken, need Jesus. They need Him now, more than ever before.
Will you pray with me for the beautiful people of Japan?
Oh Lord...our hearts break for the loss your people in Japan are experiencing now. Meet them in their brokenness, Lord. Mobilize those who know you, to share with everyone they meet that earthquakes may come and shake, tsunamis sweep in and destroy, but the LOVE you have for them can never be taken from them once they put their HOPE in You. Life lived in You is the only aid they can receive that will last forever. We want wholeness for the country of Japan, Lord. Meet their deepest needs. Raise people up, and send them out to your hurting people. We trust You in all of this, Lord. We love You as you are there even now. What comfort we have in knowing You, Jesus. May the Japanese people know the peace that is found in You, too.
Add to the number in this choir, Lord, with those who find you in their state of devastation...
Someday again, I want to hear them sing, "Oh Happy Day!" because of YOU!!! Only You can bring beauty from ashes...
