So far, the most impactful part of our trip for me is getting to know the Tamura family, and TEAM members Gerald May, Larry and Alma Oline. These are truly exceptional people that have submitted their lives to Christ and love the Japanese people with all their hearts. A thriving family of five with 3 busy girls and demanding careers to manage, the Tamuras find a way to run a church, including worship, writing and giving the message, children’s ministry, etc. Both Koichi and Shirley don’t seem to have any down time - Koichi often leaves by 7:00am and gets home at about 10:00pm and is also a great father, and Shirley has a full time job as assistant dean for the University of Maryland and somehow is available and nurturing as a mother. Gerald came to Japan 27 years ago to teach English because he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do after college. Now he is a Pastor within the TEAM organization and supports NBF up to a couple of times per month. Larry used to be college professor in Florida who lost his wife later in life. Upon retiring, he thought he would end up in missions in Israel, but met Alma a recent widow and Japan missionary through a mutual friend at TEAM. Together with the Tamuras, they planted Nokendai Bible Fellowship. It’s humbling and inspiring to see the obedience and sacrifice of these people. It’s also amazing how diverse their backgrounds are, and how the common bond of Christ has brought them together as a team to reach the Japanese people through Nokendai Bible Fellowship.
No comments:
Post a Comment