By Laura Foushee
After one English service ended, I started chatting with a new visitor. She lives in another city but came to Kanazawa to meet friends visiting Japan, and they all came to the service together. A full-time language student since January, we talked about learning Japanese and life in our respective cities.
As the conversation wrapped up, I offered to stay in touch. She responded, “Oh, I’m not a Christian. You don’t have to stay in touch with me.” I was a bit surprised by her response, then she continued, “But I really did enjoy your service today. I learned a lot and it was rather academic, which is probably why I found it interesting. And I really enjoyed the conversation in my small group. I’ll remember this day.”
I was touched by her impressions of theservice. As many pastors can attest, as a worship service concludes you wonder what was heard or received by the worshipers; and on many Sundays you don’t receive feedback. On that Sunday, though, I was grateful to hear from someone who was welcomed, engaged, and touched by the worship of a faith not her own.
Laura and her husband Carson serve as field personnel in Kanazawa, Japan. They have ben partners with the Japan Baptist Convention since 201