Leaving Tokyo

It's been a month since leaving Tokyo, and I've left infinite memories there that I hope I will never forget. The Lord taught me many lessons and worked in beautiful ways through ballet classes, friendships, English classes, and performances. Here is a taste of my time in Tokyo.

This is "K-Chan!" Almost from the moment I came to Tokyo, I had been hearing about a dancer who knew many people from my church but was not a Christian. Twelve years ago, on my birthday, 03/11, a horrific Tsunami hit Japan, devastating the country, to speak lightly. That tsunami allowed K's parents to meet my MTW hosts, Roger & Abi Lowther, whose anniversary is also on 3/11.

For twelve years, the Lowthers have been praying for K's parents to become followers of Christ.

I met K at my first performance in Tokyo. She came with her parents and was introduced to me as a classical ballerina, though she later told me she was more interested in modern dance. Through my friendship with K, the Lord taught me just how much we need the Holy Spirit.

Following mine and Faith's performance, Night of the Swan, K felt the Lord calling her and wanted to become a Christian. We went to baptism class together, and she professed her new faith. Even though she didn't know all that being a Christian would entail, she wanted to learn, because she felt comfort in the Lord and felt that He was calling her to himself.

What an answer to prayer! What a miracle! But the miracle goes much deeper than K's salvation. In Japan, becoming a Christian means risking losing all relationships with your family. Abi and Roger Lowther prayed for over 12 years for K's parents to become Christians, just to see them tolerate their daughter becoming a Christian. Though not what they prayed for, it is truly a miracle for K to be able to live as a Christian and maintain a good relationship with her family. And so we will keep praying, for the story is not over yet!

As much as we pray, as much as we do, we can do no good apart from God. For unless the Lord builds the house, all who labor in it labor in vain. Praise God for K's new faith, and please pray for the salvation of our dear friends, her parents!

Thanks for reading! More coming soon :)

Anna Gardner Herren

"He must increase, but I must decrease"

John 3:30