Feb 2008
Breaking Through Cultural Walls
February/19/08 Filed in: Local Church Ministry | Leadership Coaching/Mentoring | Relationship Evangelism
“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
I (Alice) come from Mississippi, the Hospitality State, where inviting people to your home is a natural way to build a friendship. Usually, the invitation is reciprocated and friendships between families grow, by sharing life together. But, here in Japan, there seems to be an invisible cultural wall built around people’s homes and private lives. Seldom are you really invited inside.
Between the two of us, we’ve lived in Japan for nearly 20 years. Over this time, we’ve learned that breaking through these barriers to build heart connections can be very challenging, and can sometimes lead to disappointment. When the breakthroughs do come however, relationships in Japan can be wonderfully deep and often last a lifetime.
We’ve gone through some lonely and tearful seasons, as we’ve slammed into this “wall,” when some friends have withdrawn, afraid to be transparent and move deeper into relationship. Recently however, we have seen some exciting glimmers of hope in several of the relationships that we have been investing in…
Sharing Christ by Sharing our Lives
We’ve grown close to two special families with whom we’ve shared many meals in our home. Our kids are the same age, and we enjoy spending time together. In fact, all of our two-year-olds are in the same swimming class right now. But, they seemed guarded, only willing to share their lives with us from a distance. Until recently…
Suddenly, it seems that the Holy Spirit is tearing down these walls! In two weeks time, we have been invited as a family to share a meal at BOTH of these family’s homes. They are beginning to trust us enough not only to let us into their homes, but into their lives.
One of the wives opened up to me about her struggles in communicating with her husband. The other couple has been vulnerable with us about the stress in their marriage because of his job and their difficult financial situation.
They are watching the way we raise our kids and our marriage relationship, and are starting to ask questions about our faith. Would you hold up these precious families in prayer? Pray that they would hunger for Jesus and that He would shine His love through us into their hearts?
A Safe Place
Another bright spot for us right now is our friendship with a young Christian couple at our church. We’ve been blessed to share our lives with them and to be able to coach and mentor them through some pretty big life decisions.
Recently, the husband said something to Sean that really encouraged us in our desire to truly touch people’s lives.
“I am indebted to many people in the ministry for helping me grow in my faith. But, in most of those relationships, it was very clear that they were the “sensei” (teacher), and I was the student.
But, you have been my FRIEND. You don’t talk down to me, or try to “teach” me, although you do give me advice when I ask. You see me as a brother in Christ. I can talk to you about any thing. I feel safe with you.”
Thank you for being a part of our ministry to the people of Japan. Without your love, support and prayers, we couldn’t be here!
I (Alice) come from Mississippi, the Hospitality State, where inviting people to your home is a natural way to build a friendship. Usually, the invitation is reciprocated and friendships between families grow, by sharing life together. But, here in Japan, there seems to be an invisible cultural wall built around people’s homes and private lives. Seldom are you really invited inside.
Between the two of us, we’ve lived in Japan for nearly 20 years. Over this time, we’ve learned that breaking through these barriers to build heart connections can be very challenging, and can sometimes lead to disappointment. When the breakthroughs do come however, relationships in Japan can be wonderfully deep and often last a lifetime.
We’ve gone through some lonely and tearful seasons, as we’ve slammed into this “wall,” when some friends have withdrawn, afraid to be transparent and move deeper into relationship. Recently however, we have seen some exciting glimmers of hope in several of the relationships that we have been investing in…
Sharing Christ by Sharing our Lives
We’ve grown close to two special families with whom we’ve shared many meals in our home. Our kids are the same age, and we enjoy spending time together. In fact, all of our two-year-olds are in the same swimming class right now. But, they seemed guarded, only willing to share their lives with us from a distance. Until recently…
Suddenly, it seems that the Holy Spirit is tearing down these walls! In two weeks time, we have been invited as a family to share a meal at BOTH of these family’s homes. They are beginning to trust us enough not only to let us into their homes, but into their lives.
One of the wives opened up to me about her struggles in communicating with her husband. The other couple has been vulnerable with us about the stress in their marriage because of his job and their difficult financial situation.
They are watching the way we raise our kids and our marriage relationship, and are starting to ask questions about our faith. Would you hold up these precious families in prayer? Pray that they would hunger for Jesus and that He would shine His love through us into their hearts?
A Safe Place
Another bright spot for us right now is our friendship with a young Christian couple at our church. We’ve been blessed to share our lives with them and to be able to coach and mentor them through some pretty big life decisions.
Recently, the husband said something to Sean that really encouraged us in our desire to truly touch people’s lives.
“I am indebted to many people in the ministry for helping me grow in my faith. But, in most of those relationships, it was very clear that they were the “sensei” (teacher), and I was the student.
But, you have been my FRIEND. You don’t talk down to me, or try to “teach” me, although you do give me advice when I ask. You see me as a brother in Christ. I can talk to you about any thing. I feel safe with you.”
Thank you for being a part of our ministry to the people of Japan. Without your love, support and prayers, we couldn’t be here!
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