This was the day I had been dreading. The day we had to say goodbye to our dear church and Christian Japanese friends. Since we have been working at the Satsunae Lighthouse Church for 7 years we have really come to love those that we have spent time with and poured our work and prayer into.God gave us a great last Sunday with many non-Christian friends coming to church for the first time, including our first "friends" in Japan, a couple who we met almost 13 years ago. Also, several of Tim's tennis friends came to hear his Bible message and a lady who Tim always talked to at the park while walking our dog. What a blessing to see this little bit of "fruit", knowing these Japanese heard more of the Gospel clearly and experienced a taste of church life.
It was especially hard to say goodbye to our dear friend we met 11 years ago. She shared that it was because of meeting us that she is a Christian today. Our hearts were humbled and overwhelmed by the many expressions of love and thankfulness to us.
My eyes were wet most of the day and Tim cried as well. But God gave a sweetness to our bitter tears and real joy in the closing of this chapter in our lives. How blessed we feel to have been a vital, but small part, of God's work in starting and establishing this Lighthouse in the darkness.
