I’ve been constantly amazed during my time in Japan when I see how God uses us in ways that we might not expect.
When I was first asked to teach a ukulele class, I thought it would be a fun way to connect to people and share my love of music. Due to my limited Japanese, I wasn’t sure how that might happen if we weren’t able to communicate with each other. But I trusted that God had a plan.
Thankfully, one of my students—let’s call her Hanako—spoke good English, and served as translator for our conversations and short Bible talks at the end of each class. As we shared songs from different parts of the world, our conversations naturally touched on culture, language, and life.
One day before class, Hanako shared how she learned English through Beatles songs. She went on to share that her two favorite artists, George Harrison and a Korean pop star, shared the same birthday. This must have meant something to her, so I asked her when their birthdays were, and was shocked to learn that I also had the same birthday. I didn’t expect her reaction—her eyes welled up with tears.
It was a simple moment, but something about that connection touched her deeply. It reminded me that God often works through little things: a lyric, a strummed chord, even a shared birthday.
That conversation has opened the door to deeper spiritual talks, not only with Hanako but with the other students in the class. They’ve been asking questions, and I continue to pray—hopeful, and excited to see what God will do next in their lives.
I’ve realized that it’s not about what I do, but what God does that really changes people. He created me with my interests and background, and uses those things to build bridges with people. Music may have brought us together, but God is the one who is working in their hearts. And that is music to my ears.
Please pray for Hanako and others like her in Japan—that God would continue to open their hearts, in any way he chooses. And consider how God might use your unique background, skills, or hobbies to build bridges for the gospel.
By Tommy, an OMF missionary
