Mr. Nakaoji bowed three times before he began sharing his testimony on the day of his baptism. It is common for Japanese to bow to the people who are leading a meeting, then to the front of the stage and then to the audience. It seems Mr. N hasn't realized that we as Christians typically don't do that. But then it has been a quick journey for him.

In October I received a call from someone asking about studying English. A week later Mr. N. joined Sean's ESL class. I was out of town so I didn't meet him until 2 weeks later. One evening I felt led to go out and meet a man waiting in his car outside our church building. Assuming it was a parent waiting for their child, I introduced myself and began visiting. He told me he was waiting for the next class to start. In our short conversation he openly shared that he was a man with a "weak or delicate heart." So I told him that I was similar to him and that he came to the right place because the God of the Bible takes special interest in those who recognize their own needs and weaknesses. At that moment tears began to run down his face - very odd for a Japanese man. With only minutes before his class would start I asked if he had time to visit with me later in the week. He said he could come the following evening.

He came and seemed pleased to be asked to share his story, telling me that he grew up in Toyota City and now works at the city hall. He explained that for several years he has struggled with discouragement and depression. As a result his wife decided it was better for her and their two daughters to live separately. So this 40 year old man lives with his parents.

He explained that on his way out of the church after his first English class he took home a free book consisting of testimonies of Christians in Japan. He enjoyed it and bought a Bible in order to look up the verses mentioned in the book. He opened up his notebook, revealing pages of notes he had taken. On one page he has a list of "requests" that he had written to God.

After studying Jesus words to all who are weary and burdened (Matt 11) and reading the stories of how Lydia and the jailer came to trust and follow Jesus, Mr. N. was ready to do the same! So on October 23 he was reborn into God's family.

We began meeting weekly. Each time he comes with questions from verses he has been reading. One evening when I was crying out to the Lord, wondering how we were ever going to make an impact in our city and help the many suffering from depression, Mr. N. called and asked, "Pastor, what does Romans 12:20 mean?" I thought, "Wow! Maybe Mr. N. is the answer!"

In January he suffered a bout of depression and returned to the hospital for treatment. Unlike previous occasions when it took up to two months to gain enough emotional and mental strength it only took two weeks this time! He was sure it was God's power in answer to the prayers of the many I told him were praying for him. His doctor was amazed at his speedy recovery.

He is showing concern for his colleagues. He regrets not talking more to a colleague who committed suicide, knowing that he himself had contemplated the same. Now with new hope is he is trying to help others who are discouraged or enduring illness. Recently he turned to me and asked, "Pastor, would you consider speaking at the city hall? There are a lot of people there that would benefit from that." He went on to explain that many suffer from discouragement and depression. He tries to encourage them and has even written letters to some of those who are suffering.

One of his favourite expressions is "Fushigi desu." That expression means, "It is a wonder or a marvel." Or "it is strangely amazing." He tells me of times when he feels helped and how a deal got signed quickly or some work comes together quickly. I tell him that is Jesus. He tells me of times he knows he is not alone. I remind him that God's Spirit is with him. He reflects on hearing a voice and being directed. I assure him that God is speaking to him. He testifies that suddenly he receives wisdom and is sure it is not his own thinking. I'm trying to help him understand that these things are fushigi because God is so fushigi!

One day as we discussed God's leading he asked about seminary. I talked to him about how God was already planning on using him. He agreed and had felt that perhaps someday he would be helpful to people who are suffering from similar things to him. In his prayer he asked that he could be useful and helpful.

I explained the various kinds of love. He was totally shocked when I explained that eros was God's idea and that within the context that God has planned - marriage between a man and woman - it was a very good thing. He is pleased that he is experiencing God's agape love.

He said he gets to work about 40 minutes early and reads his Bible and writes in his notebook. He mentioned it gives him strength for the day. One day he shared that he struggled to install some software into his computer at work and was praying all along that God would help him. He got it done! He also mentioned that every morning when he goes to work he is already praying about the day.

We talked about omamori or amulets. He said he has some but said he didn't have an interest in them any more. When I asked if he would throw them away, he figured he could do that.

He was talking to his brother and his brother mentioned something about meeting a foreigner who talked about the Bible. The brother asked, "What is this about the Old Testament and the New Testament?" So Mr. N was able to tell his brother that he has been reading the Bible lately and studying with a pastor. Also one of his cousins said it was a good thing to do, when Mr. N told him that he was going to church some Sundays.

Mr. N is pleased that so far his family members haven't opposed him going to church. And his brother asked him for a Bible! He then found out that their family actually had a Bible in their home in the past. He is not sure why. But apparently his brother had read some of it in the past.

Mr. N. is enjoying his new life with Jesus. He is amazed that many people in Canada and the USA are praying for him and so he even wrote a letter of thanks for me to share with them (it was in our last Hiebert Horizon). His name means "middle prince" or middle son of the king." A fine name for a member of God's family! His favourite verses are 1Thess. 5:18 and Matt. 28:20. It was a joy to baptize him and welcome him as a member of East Toyota MB Church on April 13, 2008. Please continue to pray for him: complete emotional healing, salvation of his family, and effective ministry to his friends and other needy people.

We thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. We are grateful that our support level looks very good. May God bless you!

Laurence and Leona
Toyota City, Japan