“Do You Think I’m Strange?”

Just a couple of days ago Carol’s friend asked her that after they’d had a
long conversation about many things, including spirituality and Christ. The
woman was so surprised that she had freely talked about things that
Japanese people do not usually discuss. It’s one advantage of being a foreigner here; people are often more free to speak from their hearts.
     That’s why Carol is following up with many of the women she’s made
contact with through her programs here. That’s why Don Love and I started
the “Open English Discussion” class, to make contact with men, for the
sake of developing relationships which could lead to discipleships. That’s
why I’ve been going to a fitness center in Harumi, to develop friendships
with men in the area.
    And, you never know what opportunities will come along. We spent a
morning doing a presentation on Canada at an elementary school that had
contacted us. First we had 15 minutes with all 450 students, and then 90
minutes with the Grade 6 classes, showing them Canada by Power Point,
and then teaching them to make bannock with maple syrup. That certainly
raised our profile in the community! Carol has volunteered at that school as
well. Once again, it’s all about building relationships.