Finding lost family members...

This letter was written spring of 2006 in preparation for John's trip to Japan to work with the Tokyo Best Club. I find his insights to evangelism in Japan to be very fresh and powerful.

Dear Friends,
     Several years ago I saw a program on TV about identical twins who were separated at birth. Each of these twins was adopted by different parents and each grew up believing that he or she was an only child. Interestingly, although all were adopted by loving, financially stable families and grew up to be happy, responsible adults into their 40’s and 50’s and beyond, none of them could shake the feeling that there was something missing in his or her life. Then one day, after decades of separation each twin was reunited with the other for the first time. Instantly, both felt like their lives were complete and reacted with much rejoicing, for each had finally found that something that they knew had always been missing - the other. And the longing they had in their hearts was suddenly and satisfyingly fulfilled beyond description. I was fascinated by that program because it reminded me of the longing that the LORD has placed in our hearts for the completion of His Body. That longing is somewhat fulfilled when we meet our spiritual siblings in the faith. But it is also a longing that we should have for those who are yet to be found. Among the billions of people lost in this world there exist many who are meant to be found. It does not matter what nationality they are or what language they speak. They would be our spiritual brothers and sisters. They simply don’t know it yet. Perhaps we should approach evangelism not only as a commandment to be obeyed, but also as a rescue mission to find our Family members who are hidden among the lost, or held captive by the enemy. When we find them we can all rejoice because they have discovered their true identity, lost children of the King. And someday, when the Body is finally completed our longing too will at last be fulfilled.

     I’m reminded of the movie, Saving Private Ryan, where a group of soldiers are led in enemy territory by a school teacher turned army captain in order to find someone they neither know nor have ever seen in order to bring him home. All they know is that he’s out there, somewhere, and is meant to be found. He himself doesn’t even know it. This summer I will be that school teacher turned “captain” and lead a group of collegians and Navigator staff on a search for these lost ones in Japan disguised as Japanese atheists. I cannot guaranty that we will find them, but unless we try, how will we know? I am writing to invite you to join us this summer in this effort in one or two ways. First, will you pray that we will find them in the places that we go and pray for us while we are there? There is a strange, inexplicable darkness in Japan that lies beneath their façade of modernism and politeness that can somehow be felt, yet, cannot be touched. We will go into universities in Tokyo to participate in the BEST Club (Bible English Sports Travel) on campus and develop relationships with students while we participate in those activities. Second, please consider helping us financially with a tax deductible gift. Our budget is $4200 per person to cover the airfare and Japan’s high cost of living. We will be there from June 19 to August 6. If you are interested please send a check payable to The Navigators along with the pledge card. If you would also like email updates this summer please write your address on the sticky note provided, if not on the card itself. I would welcome any opportunity to talk to you in person about any of this.

In His service,

John