The bible states "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." My grandmother always used to quote this line to me when I was growing up. And she was right. My family instilled the importance of spirituality within me and I have always carried Jesus in my heart.
When I decided to move to Japan I didn't really realize how difficult it would be to find a church. I took it for granted that I could always find a church whenever I need one. I googled churches within my prefecture but everything came up in Japanese. There was no info in English. I was frustrated. I figured I would have to go to Tokyo every Sunday to attend church.
One day, I went to the local gym with one of my friends. She was offering me a free trial lesson and showing me the location of the gym. I had no idea there was a gym in the same building that housed the supermarket. This is one of the many reasons why I need local friends.
While at the gym, she introduced me to one of the trainers Michie. Michie was very warm and friendly like most locals. When I was getting ready to leave she offered to take me to her church. I was very happy. For weeks, I have been scouring the internet for a church. Usually, I am the one asking. It was like a divine intervention.
She gave me her card and told me she would give me a ride to church anytime. Later that week I emailed her and asked her if I could attend church with her the upcoming Sunday. She confirmed and she picked me up in front of the local McDonalds 9:30 on Sunday.
The church is located near Kamatori station and it has 3 branches. The other locations are by the following train stations Honda and Toke. The name of the church is Oyumino Alive. It is a Presbyterian Church. The service is bilingual. The congregation is made of Japanese, American, African and Australian members.
It was a great service. One of the most powerful moments came at the end of the service when one of Pastor's son gave a presentation about the missionary work he is preparing for. His name is Jonathan Iverson, his wife's name is Maggie and they have a young child. Jonathan Iverson is completing seminary school at RTS and afterwards he and his family will move to India to become missionaries. Jonathan said "It's an Honor to Go." He was inspired by the story of a man named Kumar who lived in India. When Kumar became a christian he wanted to have a connection with other christians but that was hard for him to do in India. As a result, he found a christian chat room on the internet. It was there he met a man named Paul Taylor who lived in Texas. Paul Taylor shared that story with his local church the one that Jonathan Iverson belongs to.
Iverson's discovered that there was a need for Christian missionaries in India. He said for the most part, the missionaries in India are Catholics and he believes Protestants should also have a presence there. His goal is help train the existing Preachers in India. He wants to share his theology education. Although, he is aware of the danger involved he knows its safer for a Westerner to preach the gospel. He believes "it's an exciting time to be a missionary in India."
I was really inspired by the Iverson's faith and dedication to God. They are leaving the world they know in America to go out and preach the gospel in a foreign country. This was my first time meeting missionaries. I always thought missionaries were crazy people. I could never be so fearless. Yet, if it weren't for missionaries I would not have a church to attend in Japan. One of the congregation members told me 10 years ago this church did not exist. And now I can attend 1 of the 3 locations all within 20 minutes of my home.
Thank God for missionaries!
Oyumino Alive
Presbyterian Church
http://oyuminochurch.jp
