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“The views and opinions expressed in this blog are personal, that of Robert and Roberta Adair and do not necessarily express the view and opinions of Asian Access | SIM, its leadership, or its partners.”
Picture of the week
Ukulele joy
A team came from Hawaii for 10 days. Part of what they are doing is going to temporary housing areas and giving ukulele lessons. When I first heard about it, I thought it sounded pretty unusual and difficult. When I tagged along yesterday afternoon, however, I was so impressed and encouraged.
Although they’ve been to other facilities that were bigger and had more people show up, I really enjoyed the time with the 3 people who came. We sang and played along to a traditional Hawaiian song, a traditional Japanese song, and Amazing Grace (in both English and Japanese). We drank tea, talked, and complained about our sore fingers. Yet we were making music together and learning a new but fairly simple instrument (my view: the pre-recorder of stringed instruments).
My favorite part of the visit involved an older lady who apparently used to sing in competitions. When we sang the Japanese song, her eyes got a little red, but she sat up so tall. It was touching, really. I was glad I could witness her beauty, her honor, her joy. (pictured below.)
I think the team is making two more rounds to the four facilities (clusters of temporary houses) next week. I hope that their witness will continue to be one of bringing beauty, giving honor, and beaming joy. (and, golly, I hope I get to tag along again!)
Encouragement on a hard day
Monday was a hard morning for whatever reason. I think I was just having a down day after my first month being back in Japan. Nothing particularly bad had happened, I was just feeling down. Anyway, I checked my e-mail and this picture was posted on my facebook wall. It is one of the guys I knew during my four years in Minamata being baptized last Sunday. I knew he had become more and more involved in the church over the last year but had not heard that he had made a decision of faith. I really felt like it was a sweet gift from God that my friend shared the news of the baptism on the morning I was feeling a little low.
Anyway, I wanted to post this because it is great news. My friend Nanri was baptized and is now plugged into the body in Minamata. I played a small role in being his friend, sharing my faith when I had a chance, and teaching him some english. Our associate pastor, Mamoru, it seems was very influential in his decision of faith. And obvious it was the God who ultimately revealed himself to Nani.
I am thankful that the ministry in Minamata is still bearing fruit and look forward to sharing more stories of people choosing to follow Jesus from both Minamata and Tohoku in the coming years. Please join us in praying for both the church in Minamata and for Nanri as he grows in his faith.
bike ride pictures and ramblings
After several days (ugh! probably weeks) of being pretty preoccupied with myself, I was zapped back to reality. Today on a bike ride with Robert, I was overwhelmed for those around us. The earthquake happened a year ago, yet evidence of it is everywhere.
People here have experienced a lot. Robert and I have felt 10 or so earthquakes in 3 weeks; people around us have felt hundreds (not an exaggeration) over the last year. We have been sleeping in an 8×10 room at the church for almost 2 weeks. Many people around us had much less personal space in evacuation centers for much longer than us. We have been living out of suitcases for what feels like months and months. Lots of people here have lost everything.
On the plane
According to the map in front of me, we are somewhere south of Alaska. I’ve never been this apprehensive on a flight to Japan, and I am having trouble figuring out why. When I originally went as a summer teamer, my predominant emotion was excitement. Then, as I began my first term, I went out of an overwhelming sense of calling and purpose. This time I am nervous – or even a little scared.
I don’t for a second feel that we have made the wrong decision or that Roberta and I shouldn’t be doing this. In fact my belief in the need for the gospel to redeem both the individuals and society of Japan has never been stronger. I long to see a day when Japanese missionaries bring blessing to their Asian neighbors as well as to the rest of the world. I am excited to hear stories of Japanese Christians proposing legislation to battle some of the social problems of the country. I believe Roberta and I are called by God to be a part of this task, and I am excited that we get to work with the Japanese church.
This doesn’t, however, change the fact that I am scared. Reflecting on this the last few weeks, I am convinced that it is because we have put all of our eggs in this basket so to speak. We don’t have an immediate plan B. In college I came to Japan somewhat to try missions, my first term was to serve for a little while, but now we are officially starting this as a career. For perhaps the first time, I feel the weight of trusting God to provide for Roberta and I (as well as anyone else who may join our family in coming years). The realization of this is heavy on me these days.
God has filled Roberta with faith. She just knows that this is what we should be doing and is at peace. In fact, she is sitting next to me sleeping as I write an angsty blog post. In my head I think this is a special mercy for us as a couple though my emotions don’t want to agree. Our usual relational posture is often reversed. But by her being the one full of faith right now, she is not just following her husband’s call but encouraging him as we follow our call together. I think something special is happening within this dynamic. And I am being forced to wrestle through to what degree do I truely trust God to meet our needs, to what degree do I trust God to provide significance in my life, and to what degree do I believe that God really can transform Japan and her church.
Thanks for reading through a somewhat rambly post. I look forward to sharing stories and pictures in the coming years of how God is working in Japan. Anyway, I think I will nap. Thank you for your prayers, partnership, and encouragemet.