Where in the World is Carman...San Diego?: Sayonara, Japan

And as quickly as it came, it's coming to an end. Our time in Japan is all but complete- we had our last night in Nagoya, and are leaving today (Wednesday) at noon (arriving in LA before noon, same day!). It's hard to describe so much of what we saw, heard, learned and tried in this short time, but I assure you it's made an impression on MattyDub and me that we will not soon forget.

Our last evening here was, let's say unique, for the two of us. We went with Andy and Louis (Louis is an intern here) along with some of the Japanese church members to a karaoke party. It's a wildly popular activity in this country- multi-level buildings with countless soundproof rooms where you and your friends can sing your favorite songs! Then we ate our first sushi of the trip (well, they actually ate sushi. I found items that had found fire first!). Another Japanese moment! We had a blast with our new friends and it was a great way to cap off these last few days.

I know I'll want to reflect and share with you in the days ahead more of what we've learned, and I'll also update you about the rally and launch of the church in Osaka. One observation that continues to hit me is the resounding sense of need here. Certainly it's not about material or physical need (for most), as this is an extremely developed and self-sufficient culture, at that level. But in a place where so much is thought out and worked out for the sake of efficiency and order, there seems to be an underlying sense of dissatisfaction and lack. Marriages struggle, suicide is far too high, and it feels like people go to great lengths to fill their lives with what amounts to distractions, rather than face the very issues whose answers could free and fulfill them.

Of course, we believe that the ultimate answers lie in a connection with God. This is a Buddhist/Shinto society where something like 70% call themselves atheists (even though 85% participate in regular religious rituals). With fewer than 1% in Christ, there is virtually no understanding, no hope, no spiritual purpose or direction. Those who appear to have so much, in reality possess so little. But that doesn't mean that the Lord is not here! God so loves the Japanese (and there's much to love) that He continues to reveal Himself, desiring them to respond to that love. And although there aren't many believers, men and women are finding new life, and are sharing that life with family and friends. And believers are answering God's call to come and invest their lives here in Kingdom business. And God's community worldwide is responding in support of and partnership with these workers.

Oh, there's actually much taking place here, much of it behind the scenes or in the spiritual realm, but don't ever think God's not working...because He is! And in it all, He invites us to participate through our prayers, our resources, our encouragement and our engagement with the Japanese culture and people. Believe me, it's a great place to invest and we're going to figure out how best to do it.

Matt and I love you all, thank you for your prayers and will see you very soon!