The Land of the Rising Sun

I had an amazing experience today. Bob & Hazel Terhune have just returned from 40+ years as missionaries in Japan. They are retiring and will make their home in an America that is very dfiferent from the America they left in the 1960s.

Since Faith-Westwood has supported them throughout the last 20 years, they stopped to say 'thank you.' They were in worship this morning and then I was able to go to lunch with them. Alison invited Max and me to join her and I was more than happy to say yes. I'm so thankful that I did.

The Terhunes are an amazing couple. Their heart is all about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with a world immersed in Shintoism and Buddhism as well as a nation that reveres and worships it's emperors. Being a Christian in Japan is not an easy thing to do, yet they continued to teach the people they encountered about the love of Christ. And they did it with grace and humility.

It was fun to listen to them speak of Japanese culture, history and changes in that country that have been occurring since WWII. It was interesting to hear Americans speak of relationships with people that view other Americans and the government here quite differently than we do. They have an incredible wealth of knowledge regarding Japan and a strong understanding of the culture. And they articulate their knowledge very well.

They raised three children in Japan and felt the importance of blending American and Japanese cultures for them. Hazel spoke of setting aside her home as an American haven, where mores of Japanese culture did not predominate. In a culture where women are demeaned, she and Bob lifted up the power of a woman. She would serve women first at dinner in her home - which is a strong Western tradition, but absolutely prohibited in Japanese culture.

It was interesting to watch them translate a language that they have been immersed in for many years back into English so that they could communicate with us. It will be interesting to hear from them as they begin to comprehend a new American culture.

I pray for them as they transition back to America, but Bob asked, as we parted today, that I pray for the people of Japan. His heart remains with these people. So, I'll pray for them as well. And for other friends that are in the mission field around the world.