Today is Saturday, October 8, 2016
Our mission journey is well underway! We have had a busy few days, totally losing Thursday in the process, and finding it is already Saturday night! Our immersion into Japan was swift and multilevel. Today we had some time to reflect on the journey so far. The following are some reflective words from our team members, as we share our thoughts and feelings about the mission journey experience thus far.
“In visiting the temples, with the exception of the Zen experience, I felt a lack of spiritual sanctuary. Hikari explained that this was true and why Christianity has a place in Japan”
“I thank God for this wonderful opportunity of being here in this country. God has kept us safe and blessed, visiting the different temples and seeing the way people adore what they believe”
“Having the opportunity to share in new meditation technique was enlightening – my sanctuary was/is within – peaceful”
“A long plane ride ½ way around a very small world; reminded of the beauty of this planet and the true miracle of it and our existence”
“I felt the presence of God through the everyday experience with my brothers and sisters in the journey to this beautiful country”
“Feeling the presence of God in the beauty of this nation”
“Japan is very different from the US, and yet all people need to feel love, and to love – all need God.”
“Presence of God has been with us and his signs have been all around us. God Takes care of his own. Truly we are witnessing “Love in Action”
“Learning about the challenges of Christians living in Japan”
“Sanctuary is often thought of as a special set aside place, such as a church. But sanctuary can be found anywhere as long as the soul desires it. We found sanctuary together in a coffee shop.”
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| Rev. Hikari Chang |
“ ‘You brought us to this land to give us salvation’ part of the morning prayer offered by companion on the journey, Jack Brunt. God is our sanctuary, we are sanctuaries to each other, especially to the ‘other’ “
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| The Golden Pavilion - Rokuon-Ji Temple |
“Through the inter-religious experience of Zen Meditation, I felt God’s Grace revealed and be able to be experienced in many ways. Our Creator of Life is truly amazing.”
“The Zen faith teaches acceptance of good and bad things. Seemingly Christian Faith has a God that accepts good and not so good people”
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| Standing in front of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan |
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| Three fountains; if you take a sip you will receive courage, wisdom or strength. |
“Listening to Zen master describe his philosophy vs. Christianity.”
And so the journey is experienced by each of us in a different personal way, but sharing the experience with each other enhances the spiritual journey we are each on.
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