Despite discouragement from those
around her, she grew in faith and was baptized. When she announced
that she intended to marry a minister she was disowned by her
family. The Second World War brought privation and discrimination
against those who followed the “enemy’s religion,”
but through it all hers was a bright and contagious faith. She
never tired of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with her
neighbors. Whenever we visited her in the nursing home we received
far more encouragement then we were able to offer. Every time
she told us, “I am so glad that I became a Christian. They
said I was cursed for following Jesus, but actually all things
have worked out for good.” When I officiated at Mrs. Kondo’s
funeral it was a joy and privilege to share her witness to God’s
goodness.
There are many other stories I could relate about the faith and
dedication of our sisters and brothers in Christ here in Japan.
Although the Christian community is small, the faith is deeply
rooted in the lives of those who believe. Over our twenty years
in Japan we have come to identify ourselves with God’s family
here in this place and are compelled to share in their witness
to the hope and joy we know in Christ.
Our primary work continues to be that of organizing a new congregation
of the Reformed Church of Christ in Japan in a community called
Nishitani located just north of Kobe where we live. It is a blessing
to join together with Japanese believers to share the gospel in
Nishitani.
It is also by your prayers and gifts that we are able to serve
in this place. You are just as much our partners in mission as
Mrs. Kondo was. God has blessed our efforts and met all our needs
because of your prayer. Your gifts through the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) for our support are vitally important as well. Your partnership
with us as well as our witness in this place to God’s grace
and salvation through Jesus Christ are made possible by your gifts.
In Christ,
Bill and Ann Moore
The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
251 |
