Be Patient with Me

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9, NAS.

Liz and I were introduced to Tsubasa by a Christian professor. What started out as an opportunity for Tsubasa to practice English has turned into a Bible study. Tsubasa asks wonderful questions that honestly stump Liz and me. Recently Tsubasa asked us to "be patient.” She said, “I'm trying to make sense of what I am hearing and reading." 

Tsubasa invited us over to meet her mother and her young twin sisters. She wanted us to tell her mother what a Christian was exactly. Her mother thought we were Catholic priests, but we were able to explain who we were and still share with her about Christ.

We have asked Tsubasa to come over to the house to watch the Hope DVD, which is a really good program in Japanese that puts all the pieces of the Old and New Testament together to show the relevance of Christ's death and resurrection.

Our hearts ache for Tsubasa to understand and receive the Gospel, but her word to us is a good reminder to anyone wishing to reach the Japanese: “be patient.” God has started a work in her heart, and she needs time to assimilate what this strange teaching of only one, true God means in her life. The sobering truth is there are millions of Tsubasas out there still waiting for a Christian friend to lovingly start them on the journey towards faith.

Pray that:

As Tsubasa searches for answers and understanding, she will see that Christ is all she needs. 

Liz and I will speak nothing but what God would have us speak.

Christians will be patient, yet have boldness, perseverance and love in witnessing to the lost Japanese.

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