Lost in the Crowd

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11, NAS.

The crowds in Japan are unbelievable at times. Just like an ocean current can sweep you away the same can happen with human current on the sidewalks and in bus/train stations of large cities there. IMB missionary in Sendai, Donna Qualls was talking with a very friendly lady at a bus stop, while they were waiting for the bus to arrive.  The woman, Mrs. Hara, said she had a 30-something year old daughter who is a Christian, but Mrs. Hara herself claimed no religious beliefs.

After boarding the bus, Donna and Mrs. Hara were separated.  Thinking she would pass the woman a Japanese translation of the “Bridge to Life” tract when the bus stopped, Donna quickly wrote a brief personal invitation in Japanese on the back of the tract.  “Wouldn’t it be great for you to believe in Jesus too.”

Before Donna could pass the tract to her, Mrs. Hara was swept away in the crowd as she got off the bus. So it is in Japan. The people are swept along in a current of culture and busy-ness that keeps them from receiving the truth that alone gives spiritual freedom.

Pray that:

Pacific Rim personnel working in Japan will make the most of every opportunity to share words of life.

Mrs. Hara will sweep across the path of another Christian and hear more truth.

Japanese believers will have boldness and perseverance in their sharing with unbelieving family members.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.