Back to Japan (3) !!

Yes. I am going back to Japan again.
And yes, that 3 refers to the number of times I will have gone back--however, it is specifically referring to the number of times I have gone back not just to enjoy Japan, but to give back to Japan.

Yes. Japan is a place I am comfortable with, and it's a place I enjoy. However, it's also a place I want to help change.
Because I grew up there. Because I enjoy it. Because I find it comfortable to be there.
But also because I know the pain that hides behind the peace signs and the smiling faces in the photos. Because I've felt the darkness that can grow unseen there. Because I've seen the loneliness and the isolation, and because I've been on trains stopped by people jumping out in front of it and ending it all.

30,000. That's a statistic; the number of people in Japan last year who ended their lives on their own, before their time was fully up. Suicide. Birthed out of their loneliness, and the weight of the burdens of working and providing for family, and out of the desperation of a person with no reason to live.

1%. That's a statistic. About 1% of all Japanese people identify themselves as Christian. And while the main religions of Buddhism and Shintoism may promote good living and kindness, it cannot produce the supernatural joy that people seek, and that people need.

I went back in 2011 after the earthquake and tsunami, and my eyes were opened to the need for Christ in Japan, and the love I had previously carried for the land spread over to its people. I saw in that trip that, yes, they needed physical help. Or at least, a little bit. But more than that, I saw that they needed joy, and they needed hope. Buddhism can't give you hope, Shintoism can't provide any hope. Because these religions force the people to try harder to be good, and yet still can't guarantee happiness; either later in life, or even after death.
Only Jesus Christ can bring joy and hope for today, for tomorrow, and for eternity. Only Jesus' death cancels out all of our mistakes and failures, and only His life brings us to new life, today, tomorrow, and forever.

So yes, I'm going back. To a place I love, but also to a place that is broken and dying. I don't know what all I'll be able to do, but if I can even help share the good news with 1 person, it will not be a waste and it will bring glory to God. So I will go.

I don't know if or how you'd like to be involved with me in this God-sized task. But whether you ignore me completely, follow me, pray for me, or support me, this is where I am going, and this is why I am going. I hope you will join me on this adventure!

I'm going to be trying to post somewhat regular updates here so if you are interested in keeping up with me please feel free to follow or watch for updates I'll be sharing from this blog via facebook!

No Matter What

In this moment, all my wealth

I need you

In this moment, perfect health

I need you

It seems so easy when I have it all

It feels so simple with the world on call

But God if I need to choose

Having the world or knowing You

No matter my fame

No matter my name

Your cross is what I'm clinging to

Strip away all that binds my heart

Chains be gone, bring a spark

To light the emptiness with faith

No self left, love take its place

In this moment, breaking apart

I need you

In this moment, hope fading dark

I need you

It's not easy when You feel so far

It's so hard when I'm full of scars

So God when I have to choose

Giving up or pursuing You

No matter my pain

No matter my shame

Your cross is all I'm clinging to

Strip away all that binds my heart

Chains be gone, bring a spark

To light the emptiness with faith

No self left, love take its place

God I believe

You've set me free

Death has no hold over me

I stand complete

Your Spirit in me

Jesus Christ is my victory

So God when I have to choose

Giving up or pursuing You

Help me always see

You are for me

And your cross is all I’m clinging to