Living in Japan has taught me to take better advantage of the opportunities God gives me to share my faith and invite people to church.  I’ve been asked countless times, “Why are you living in Japan?”  Such a simple question, yet what a huge opportunity!  We’re here for just one reason – to share God’s Word with the people of this country.

I met a woman named Yukiko in swimming class.  I attend a “moms and babies” class at one of our local sports clubs with our two-year old daughter Naomi. I first met Yukiko last summer when she joined the class also.  She was immediately very friendly to me and Naomi and like most people, asked me about how we ended up in Japan.  Each week we’d meet for swimming and chat after class for a few minutes.

At Christmas time I mentioned that we were having a Christmas party at our church for our elementary school kids’ English classes.  I invited her and she was able to come! [slideshow=46]However, due to bad weather, she arrived late that day and missed the telling of the Christmas story.  It was a blessing that she was able to come, but so disappointing that she missed out on the most important part!

As Easter time approached, I invited Yukiko and her son to join us in our Easter party and Easter Sunday celebrations.  Praise God, they were able to come!  Not only did she come to our Easter party and hear the Easter message, but she brought a friend along!  And, even better, she and her son came to church on Easter Sunday morning!  I don’t know if she’s ever heard the wonderful Easter story before, but I know she’s heard it now, and more than once!   Pray that God would lead her to continue to join us in activities and worship.  Thank God for the opportunity He gave me at swimming class, and thank God that he gave me the courage to take advantage of that opportunity!  May God continue to give us all many opportunities to share the gospel with our friends, families and even strangers!