Drinking Party

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18, NASB.

Social drinking is common among Japanese adults. International Mission Board missionary Donna Qualls did not realize just how common the practice was until she was invited to a year-end drinking party with her six-year-old’s teacher and other moms from the kindergarten class.

“I had heard that Japanese businessmen liked to drink with co-workers, but I didn't know Japanese women were doing that kind of thing too,” said Qualls.

Donna later learned from her language teacher that drinking parties are a common experience in Japan, even among Japanese moms. In fact, the teacher had been invited to similar parties more than ten years before when her daughter was in elementary school. The teacher explained that the parties usually involve visiting a fancy restaurant that serves alcohol. “Japanese often use alcohol as a means of opening up and bonding, " the teacher said. “Those who wish may attend two or three other parties held on the same night at different locations.”

Donna’s friends were going to a restaurant followed by a trip to a karaoke plaza. “Talk of the upcoming drinking party allowed me to share my beliefs about drinking and my relationship with God with many of the moms,” said Qualls.

Donna hopes that these Japanese moms will learn from her that social activities can be enjoyable without the use of alcohol. Her prayer is that each of these women will experience the joy of being filled with the Holy Spirit of Christ.

Pray that:

Japanese will choose being filled with the Holy Spirit over alcohol.

Donna’s beliefs will intrigue some of her Japanese friends and will lead to other opportunities for witness.

Many Japanese will be set free from their bondage to alcohol.

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