God's Olympic Gathering

Like so many people worldwide, even an Osaka GO! Team is watching bits and pieces of the Olympics. Mind you, it's a little different for us. First, commentary and banter is in Japanese- not overly helpful to us. Then, event coverage here pretty much centers on events in which there are prominent Japanese competitors. That means we've caught portions of some men's and women's soccer, and judo. Lots of judo. But we enjoyed the opening ceremonies (again, visuals were great, explanations a bit lacking). And we were reminded again that we're part of a great world of people that increasingly in crossing cultural gulfs and finding connection.

 We experienced this kind of interaction throughout our weekend here in Osaka. Saturday night found us on a footbridge overpass in the heart of the city, singing and playing instruments as we distributed fliers for the church's services. Matt and Seth (one of the great missionaries here) played guitars, Caitlin Greer (another great missionary) played violin and accordion (not at the same time), I played tambourine (it actually belonged to Caitlin's 3 yr. old son, was tiny and sported cartoon figures and the phrase, "Rub a Dub Dub"- definitely humbling), and together with Jessica we sang Christian songs while team members handed the leaflets to passersby.


One highlight was God's demonstration of His bringing together of different peoples- sort of a mini-Olympics kind of look. As Mark handed out invitations, he recognized his unique situation as an American standing on a bridge in Osaka, interacting with Japanese people left and right. But they weren't the only ones he talked to. He had lengthy conversations with a man from Toronto, another from Italy and two young ladies from Russia. And to top things off, he made friends Sunday morning with a man from Trinidad! Interactions with people from five countries by someone from a sixth- God has a knack of bringing people together for the sake of His name. 

This is one of the outstanding perks of short-term missions. We can be used in ways we never expected to point people to God. Some will tell you that we can't really make a great difference in a short period of time in another culture whose language and ways are unknown to us. I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. God can use any of us at a point in time to impact another's eternal destiny, regardless of the barriers...if we allow Him to do so. In our time so far, we've shared our faith with several at a Language Exchange, passed out more than 500 invitations to church-related activities, prayed throughout the city, and (hopefully!) refreshed and encouraged the hearts of the missionaries we came to serve. And that's just in a little more than 5 days!

So we continue to follow and celebrate a global convergence through sport a little while longer in London. But more importantly, we rejoice knowing that God continues to accomplish His purpose by bringing people together in special ways and times. And knowing that He wants to use His people- that's you and me!- to get it done. Regardless of differences. Regardless of language. Regardless of any other reason we think might hold us back. We've got to put them aside and get ready.


Because it's gametime.

Picture with a Korean group who listened to us on the bridge

Setting up for Sunday morning service

Jessica getting snacks ready for church

Jay Greer, lead pastor of Mustard Seed Osaka, preaching with translator

Matt playing with worship team Sunday morning

Mark- our new Children's worker!- at kids' level

Great lunch group after church