We have been here almost a week and it has been crazy! We arrived after a 14 hour flight in which there was no sunset. We were up almost 26 hours (not counting naps on the flight). So, technically we left Wednesday and when we got to our hostel, it was Thursday night.
During the weekend, we played at Emmanuel Fakagawa Christ Church. Saturday, we had an exchange concert in which we played for the Japanese students and parents and the Japanese students played for us. They are very talented and passionate about their music. It is amazing to me how distant they seem in public (in the train station) but how personal and engaging they are, especially in a musical context. It is very rare anyone will look you in the eye in public. However, after the musical exchange we were able to talk to them and one of them talked about her search for a religion. A story that was encouraging to us was what happened Sunday, the day after the concert. Ladies in the area take their children to Sunday School and drop them off. However, this past Sunday, they stayed for Sunday School and the church service for the first time!
What is so exciting about the ministry of Abi and Roger is that they can establish connections with people through music. God is using art in amazing ways to bring people into the Church! People in Japan love classical music. We played outdoors for 15-20 minutes yesterday and people stopped and listened, recorded, and took pictures. While we played people who walked by even cracked smiles!
I am very grateful for the privelige of being in Japan and seeing God's work here. I am amazed at His work. I am also amazed when I find out the sacrifices the missionaries here make. Yes, everything is modernized but there are so few Christians! Also, the culture is one of extreme pressure. There is no forgiveness or grace in this culture. Perfection is required of everyone and those who cannot measure up or sustain the pressure commit suicide. Being here makes me so grateful for the forgiveness and grace I have in Christ Jesus. This grace is extended by others to me as well because they have also received this gift of mercy.
Thank you for your prayers! We are fighting spiritual battles here every day and need your prayers. Please pray for our health as a few of us are not well. I feel like I am coming down with something as well. This weekend we have a lot of performances and we need everyone to be healthy! I love you and am excited to be able to share with you the work God is doing.
