When I was a university student in Japan, I made Christmas cards for my classmates. I was in a Christian school, but even there some people didn’t know about the true meaning of Christmas. They were celebrating Christmas without knowing what it is (some people believe that it is the birthday of Santa Claus).
In that situation Christmas cards helped me to have the boldness and opportunity to share the gospel with my friends. They seemed to be more open during the Christmas season.
In Japan, most Christmas cards depict Santa Claus, big Christmas trees, presents, boxes, and reindeer. We can’t find out about Jesus’ good news from these things. Our classroom’s main topic of conversation was always, “What do you want for Christmas?”
So, in contrast to that, I drew baby Jesus on the Christmas card to show that this is the day of celebrating Jesus’ birth. I added this Bible verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
Most Japanese don’t like talking about religion, they aren’t used to it. Some cults also leave Christianity with a bad connotation. So sometimes it’s difficult to invite to church or to pass out flyers. I invited my friends several times, but they did not show interest.
After I made the Christmas cards, I passed it out to my friends. They looked glad and another classmate said: “That’s so cute. I wanna have one!” So I made more.
God gave me the wisdom and creativity to share the gospel. He gave me ideas to reach people’s hearts because God provides us with creativity to worship him. I love to ask God for ministry ideas and keep creating for his glory.
Japanese usually don’t have a Bible, but this way everyone can have a Bible verse. Even though everyone received it just on a card, they may hold onto it and someday they might find Jesus in their life. Even though it is a tiny thing, I’m praying for the Holy Spirit to lead my friends towards believing. Praying for the day they say, “I want to have Jesus in my life.”
By Yuzuki, an OMF Japan apprentice
#OMFJapan #PrayforJapan
