Eclectic Evangelism

eclectic: wide-ranging, broad-based, extensive, comprehensive, encyclopedic; varied, diverse, catholic, all-embracing, multifaceted, multifarious, heterogeneous, miscellaneous, assorted.

I believe in an eclectic evangelism; one that takes place in a diverse array of places. Extending the gospel message from just the ears of church goers on Sunday mornings to people on the train, in parks and recently as I experienced into music clubs. It's an all-embracing message of love and mercy, the same message Jesus came to proclaim in unlikely ways (healing the sick, raising the dead, washing feet) to unlikely people (tax collectors like Zaccheaus, prostitutes and small children).

Here are some thoughts from Friday, September 12th when I went to a music club in Higashi Koenji to listen to a friend DJ.

The minute I begin to question what in the world I am really doing in Japan, God always throws me into a situation that makes me go, "oh yea, ok I see your point. You win Lord, help my unbelief!". Tonight I was asked why I have faith...I answered, and it was ok, but my response at the moment would be...why not?! What other religion focuses on being saved by grace through faith and not by works that we are saved? Wouldn't you want to believe in something that promises you eternal life as a free gift? One where God has already done the work since we cannot on our own; we stumble and sin constantly, do you not feel its burden? And, all we must do is believe. Of course this faith brings responsibilities, but as Paul says we are able to do that freely, we are not slaves to sin but slaves to God, and who better as our master! A master who lovingly instructs us and welcomes us back no matter how many times we turn from him.

Sometimes I wish I could witness more effectively to people. And yet, I cannot convince someone who feels they have no need for God in their life to pick up their cross and follow him (only the spirit can do that) but I can share why I cannot imagine living without God in my life and pray one day they too will know and understand. It's like trying to explain how much jazz stirs my soul to someone who thinks its a bunch of nonsensical, tri-tonal, all over the place music. Tonight I definitely did not come close to converting anyone on the spot (nor was that my goal), but some barriers were definitely broken that may one day provide access for God, who is always searching to rescue his lost sheep, to draw them close.

The conversations we had about God that evening were all possible because of first establishing a friendship. Charity, my good friend and I went to this club to listen to our friend Sayuri DJ. Charity started talking to her friend who also knew English. A foreign guy from Connecticut walked by and was intrigued by our speaking English so we met. He asked why we were here and was amazed to find out we were missionaries teaching English. He was amazed not because he thought it was so wonderful that we were there, but because he couldn't imagine why we would want to come to a country where only 1% of the people are Christian. He brought over his Japanese friends to meet us since he thought it was so interesting to have met a Christian in Japan (a first for him), and they too started asking us all kinds of questions. Since then I have already had a bit of contact with two of the women we met, and hope to reconnect with them soon.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. - 1 Peter 3:15-16

Be ready! You never know when or where God will use you.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Omiyage (souvenirs) are a big deal here in Japan. So, when I was in America I tried to think what would be something good I could bring back to share with my students and friends. Often, omiyage is some kind of local sweet or snack. So, I decided to bring Starbursts and was given a big bag of miniature Reese's from my mom as well. They turned out to be a big hit, especially the Reese's.

One student loved them so much she told me later of her lengthy quest to buy them somehow. She searched online on international food websites, she went to international stores around Tokyo and even looked around the Reese's website itself. In class, she lamented that she wanted to eat it again and share some with her sister but was unsuccessful. Well, I just so happened to bring the very last of my Resee's that day and she was ecstatic to receive some more. Then in the same class one student admitted she hadn't eaten it yet because she brought it home and her husband and daughter also wanted to try it, so it'd just been sitting on their table for like a week so I was able to supply her with enough so they could all try it!

Then, I also offered one to the secretary who works in my school office. He responded that he could not eat it here, but he would have to eat it at home where he had bread. I was quite confused by this response, so I asked him why he needed to eat it with bread. He said, "Well it's butter isn't it?". I had to laugh and explain that it was peanut butter inside chocolate and was actually a candy.

Everyone really enjoyed the pictures I showed them of America and decided they would like to visit Minnesota and all it's natural beauty someday.