He That Forsaketh Not All Cannot Be My Disciple

“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” -I Thes 1:9-10

 

I asked one of the pastor’s sons a question. “Would you like to have children one day? He hesitated for a while before answering – “that is only by will of God”. Then it came to me – he may never be able to.

 

Sometimes the things we struggle with externally reflect the things we are dealing with spiritually. If one is struggling with the heaviness of sin, he might be looking for a Savior to mend the void in his heart. Someone who is often finding a complaint about their life may be having an wrestling inside with contentment. However, there are some problems here in Japan that I’ve not quite seen before in the U.S. – like the tremendous internal conflict for those who entertain what it would be like to be a Christian.

 

Have you ever faced the dilemma of being almost entirely alone for the rest of your life because you are a Christian? In some places of the world, Christians face some difficulties that we may never have to. Bishops are required to be “the husband of one wife”, so we understand that a pastor must be a man. But in some countries, someone might get saved, and now have the issue of an unbelieving spouse –  several of them.

Mini shrines sold for home use.

Mini shrines sold for home use.

Here in Japan, the eldest son is expected to carry-on and lead the future family traditions, including Buddhism and ancestor worship. To do anything besides is considered one of the greatest shames one can bring to himself and his family. While you may not be killed for your faith, as in some countries, to become a Christian here is to make an open statement that “Jesus is more important than my family”. It makes Jesus’ words of “he that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” a very real and weighty thing.

 

For the few in Japan who make the decision to follow Christ, it means not only forsaking the world, but quite literally your friends, co-workers, and family. You may no longer be able to attendお茶会 (important social meetings) and become ostracized within your company or neighborhood. It would most likely mean the rejection of your family, and to become an extreme minority. You will probably no longer have the opportunity to get married or have children, as 99% of the people around you will reject Christ and what you believe in. It is a “big deal” to “have no other gods before me” (perhaps more on that in the future).

 

Pastor Emori

Pastor Emori

There is no casual accepting of Christ in Japan. It is quite literally the surrendering of your entire life for the Lord. Please continue to pray for the people of Japan, and specifically in Fukui. God is greater than all barriers, and we hope and pray that the countless shrines and temples will be replaced by churches and pews. Please also pray for our pastor here and his family. Pastor Emori made the decision long ago to esteem Christ more than anyone else, though he is no longer a young man. He retains a lot of zeal, but now relies on the “glory of young men” to help him with many things. His wife, Chizuko, and son, Makito, has begun having Japanese lessons with Mia (which she is doing well!), and they have many things in mind for us for future ministries. We trust the Lord will continue to bless them greatly for their unceasing work, and we ask that you will also please pray for them as they continue for the Lord and to reach the lost of Fukui.

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