Loneliness, frustration, embarrassment, amazement and delight – I experienced all these emotions within the initial weeks of my first two-year assignment – and have continued doing so, only slightly less often, ever since. So my first year home after four in Japan was welcome refreshment – wonderful spending time with family, friends and many who had been praying for me. I could speak about God’s work in Japan and was so encouraged by the level of interest and concern. It means so much to know people are praying.
In a way Japan is the very model of a stable, affluent and successful society. Little crime … scrupulously polite people … clockwork public services – not a place in obvious need. But I have met so many who are searching for meaning beyond material affluence and Japan’s convenience- and entertainment-driven lifestyle. Mental illness and suicide levels are high – results, I think, of huge pressure to fit in and live up to expectations. People in Japan do need prayer and help but tragically, so few think of looking to Jesus.
On the other hand, Japanese abroad, away from their home culture, seem much more open. Seeing this, I must admit I began wondering whether it might be more fruitful to join JCL’s work among Japanese in Britain rather than return to Japan longer-term! But my personal sense of God’s calling has always been not only to the people but also to the land itself.
From a young age I had a special interest in East Asia so, when I gave my life to the Lord, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to go there as a missionary. Initially I wasn’t sure if it would be Japan but, one after another, doors opened and I only had to walk through. The confirmation came when I first touched down on Japanese soil and remained with me, even when I was struggling and with nothing left to cling to but the conviction I was where God wanted me. The way I feel about the beauty and artistry all around has often caused me to think that this was the place I was made for. That kind of conviction is hard to disregard.
I came home with the sense of something begun but not completed. In Japan it can take a long time to gain people’s trust but relationships were now beginning to flower. People were opening up and sharing their personal struggles. Sometimes we could pray together and experience God working wonderfully. I wanted to return to build on those foundations.
Some people said that, given my previous struggles, returning to Japan was a brave thing to do. But in my experience, when you know what the Lord wants you to do, you will not find any peace until you do it.
Dawn Bolton,
Japan Christian Link