Japan Part II

I am always having conversations with people about community.  When I came to Japan God told me I was going to learn about community.  At that time I think I had an idea that such a topic that would be a building block...that I would learn about and then use as a tool...and extra element in life and ministry.  Ha!

Sunday morning several of us meet to read the Bible readings in English and pray before our friend has to leave for dance rehearsal.  This week Betsy couldn't make it and Lindsey had to leave early, so at prayer time there were three of us: a dancer from Japan, a medical researcher from Kenya, and me.  "Fun! We are all from different countries," I observed.  "We're all from different continents!" came the reply.  Black, white, yellow; all speaking different primary languages and in very different vocations, but sisters nonetheless - encouraged, energized, and empowered by just a short time together.

The day before at our "Music Time" after Saturday Bible Study I was struck by the same theme.  We were equipped with a full band accompaniment (WOW Christmas CD) and Japanese hymnals.  Someone would choose a Christmas song and we would open up to the Japanese lyrics in the hymnal and then sing along with Third Day, FFH, etc.  The more "jazzed up" modern versions were fun for all (and not available in Japanese usually) and the gathering was full of life and joy...even our 80+ year old man was tapping his toes and singing along. 

Why are times like these so meaningful and encouraging?  Why do I get more done when I don't live alone than when I have no "distractions"?  Because we were designed to live in community.  God's observation in Genesis was that "it is not good for man to be alone".  He wasn't just talking about Adam.  We need people who live and work and play with us to encourage us, to kick us in the butt, to reaffirm our gifts and strengths, and to rebuke our vices and weaknesses.  We need a variety of personalities and perspectives to reign in our extremes and give clarity to our doubts and insecurities.

In Japan there are even more single women than in America (significantly more I think).  Our design for community and relationships is not just a "if/when I get married I will live in community" thing at all.  Marriage is simply one aspect/relationship of community.  As I watch God continually bringing us back to and deeper into this idea of living every aspect of life in community...eating, resting, working, praying, worshiping, learning, struggling, rejoicing I see what a rich treasurehouse God has given us for the taking...if only we are willing to shed the blood, sweat, and tears to enter and fight for that promise that when 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name He is there in the midst of them...not there in memory or name only, but He is uniquely and powerfully present  in the plural.