Gospel Exposure

“Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12, NASB.

While getting our family picture taken, we noticed that one of the workers in the studio was trying to give our two daughters ceremonial papers that are part of a Japanese celebration of the ages 7, 5 and 3. These papers are supposed to be taken to a Shinto shrine for a blessing by the priest.

Since we were aware of the significance of the paper and its connection to idolatry, we politely refused the offer. The worker explained that the girls could at least enjoy the candy that was attached without keeping the ceremonial papers. Again we politely refused and explained about the Ten Commandments, and that we did not want to dishonor the one true God.

Ms. Da, who also worked at the studio, noticed our refusal of the papers and candy because of our faith. She was sorry that we had been asked to do something against our convictions in her studio, so she went next door to buy some candy with no connection to the Shinto ceremony as a gesture of goodwill.

When we had occasion to be shopping again in the center where the photo studio was, we brought enough Digest Bibles to give as “thank you” gifts to all the workers. Ms. Da was ill at the time, so we left a Bible for her, and asked that it be given to her when she returned to work.

Later she saw us shopping. She ran up to us and thanked us for the Digest Bible. She explained that she had never read any of the Bible prior to getting our gift. She looked genuinely happy and said that she had already started reading it.

Pray that:

Ms. Da’s understanding of Christ will further develop as she reads His word, and that she will come to saving faith.

Believers in Japan will share the Gospel with people with prepared hearts so that many Japanese will receive the Good News and be saved.

Believers in Japan will be sensitive to develop relationships with pre-believers and share the Gospel with gentleness and respect.

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