Monday, 13 October 2008

• From generation to generation

  This upcoming week I'll be attending two memorial services.  Friday will be for Mrs. Miyo Yamasaki.  And Saturday for Mr. Roy Naruo.  Though I don't think they knew each other well (if at all) they were both an integral part of our church body at San Lorenzo (though the Yamasaki family joined our church family relatively more recently).  Both have served Jesus from the time when they were young either by serving the church, their families or the people around them until they were no longer physically able.  Both have devoted families who loved them well to the end.  Both went to Jesus somewhat unexpectedly.  And I had the honor of spending time with each of them individually a few days before they each went to heaven.  (And both have been on my ministry team.)
  
  Today I just got back from San Lo's first church retreat in over 20 years and I couldn't help but think about Mr. Naruo and Mrs. Yamasaki and the legacies that they've left.  One of the best things about San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church (besides the fact that we love Jesus and believe that the Bible is the true Word of God!) is the multi-generational aspect.  Though I love my church in Japan, almost all the members are first-generation believers and mostly my age.  Which has been awesome and perfect for my two years living in Japan.  It's made it easy to bring Japanese college students to that church who don't know Jesus personally.
  
  But when I look at the isseis/nisseis/sanseis of our church (first/second/third generation Japanese Americans) and think about their personal faith and SEEING that it is possible to remain faithful to God throughout all stages of life is encouraging and inspiring.  And I have so much to learn from the older generations.  Like how to persevere, work hard, make God number one, keep family as a priority, leave a legacy for the future generations, not to worry, take time, slow down . . .
  
  And I'm also reminded to pass on what I've learned from my parents and grandparents to the next generation. 
  
  A couple of my favorite times during retreat this past weekend was playing with the kids (there's so many!) and leading the small group time with Akemi for junior high and high school girls.  Even though we're not SO far apart in age, it really blesses me to see the younger ones love the Lord on their own and serve Him in their own ways. 
  
  I've been surprised and amazed that some of my most faithful "blog readers" are actually readers from my parents' generation and above.  So if you're reading this and you're older, I'm pretty sure it's because you have a heart and interest in how God's working among my generation.  So to you I say thank you.  Thank you for even reading this and for having an interest and for being an example to me and my peers.
  
  For those of you who are younger "xanga stalkers", let's not forget that God's story doesn't start with us!  It's easy for us to get wrapped up in ourselves, in our own ministries and to think that we're the first to be doing whatever it is that we're doing.  God's been faithful since the beginning of time and He'll continue to be faithful to our kids and our kids' kids.  Let's remember to thank Jesus and to thank those who have paved the way for us!
  
  

  Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
         it stands firm in the heavens.

     Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
         you established the earth, and it endures.

  Psalm 119:89-90
  
  

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