This month I would like to focus on a special unexpected opportunity to reach out to Japan. Japan is a nation of 127 million people. This past January we had 4 new students arrive from a University based in Osaka, Japan as one year exchange students. They came from Kansai Gaidai University. One of the students,Haruna Inoue has become especially close to us during the last few months. Due to an unforeseen change in her volunteer work position in California, she is now working with Friends of Internationals for this month! I asked her today if I could interview her so that people would know about her life in Japan and America and what is happening through our ministry.
Haruna told me that she has studied English for 8 years and has desired for many years to live and work in America in some form of international business. She applied for a scholarship to study abroad at the University of South Alabama. She describes life in Japan as much more formal than life here in Mobile, Alabama. She also enjoys the slower pace of life compared to Osaka which is a mega city in Asia with a population of nearly 9 million people!
I asked Haruna what was the best thing of her experience so far in America. I was pleasantly surprised when she said this, “I think that the best experience I’ve had is my interaction with Friends of Internationals. I have gotten to meet people from many nations and also learned more about the local community in Mobile.” Haruna mentioned that initially she was a bit cautious about coming to Bible study but the welcome dinner helped her feel happy and loved. Japanese society is traditionally Buddhist but they are not very religious in everyday life. Christianity is viewed as foreign and is equated with some cults that have been viewed very negatively in the media and society of Japan.
Friendship Makes All the Difference
You can imagine that someone from a non religious background might find it difficult to understand the value of a weekly Bible study. It was the friendship of an American student, Ragan Ferguson that has made all the difference for Haruna. Though Haruna did attend a Christian Junior High and High school she was only vaguely familiar with the message of the Bible. She describes Ragan’s love and example as a big factor in her now finding the Bible study as something she enjoys very much. Her favorite part has been being prayed for and seeing answers to those prayers. I asked her directly if she thinks that she could come to the place where she herself would believe in and follow Jesus. Her answer was insightful and hopeful, “In Japan when we are in trouble, we have nowhere to turn but ourselves. Perhaps that’s why so many commit suicide. In Christianity you can pray and ask God for help and you have a community of friends that reach out and love you. You’re not alone.” God is using Friends of Internationals to touch the hearts of many who otherwise would not know His love. Pray for Haruna to be deeply impacted by her experience and involvement with Friends of Internationals;
In Christ love;
Jim and Mary
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