Giving and Receiving

Giving and receiving can be tricky in any culture, but it is especially so here in Japan. To receive a gift obligates one to give something in return. Depending on the situation, being too eager to receive a gift is considered impolite. What happens when polite people who are used to a certain standard of living suddenly lose everything? To survive they have to receive, but it just isn't easy.

In the last several days I've heard of three situations where the recipients of relief supplies were reluctant to receive them, but after establishing a connection with the giver, the donations were happily received. I love how God understands cultures and years ago was working out details so that needy Japanese today are getting what they need.

Fifty years ago a missionary kid (MK) went to a Japanese kindergarten. 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds across the nation attend kindergartens. There are so many of them I can't begin to imagine how many there are in Japan. This MK grew up in Japan, returned to the US for college, and ended up returning to Japan as a missionary. (He and his wife are in the same mission we are in –TEAM.) Fluent in Japanese culture and language he has made several trips up north delivering relief supplies. He found a temple where 100 refugees were staying with a Buddhist priest. The missionary wanted to share what he'd brought with the refugees, but the priest said they had what they needed. Undaunted, the missionary kept talking to the priest. The longer they talked, the more they realized they had in common. Then it came out. They attended the same kindergarten! Suddenly the relief supplies were very welcomed. It's hard to accept aid from a stranger, but from someone who knows your roots? That's a different story.

Go God!

There are many wonderful organizations helping with the relief and recovery effort here in Japan. We are closely connected to these three organizations and recommend them for your gifts. I am confident that all of them will use the funds carefully.

Christian Academy in Japan is the school where I work. We are collecting money to gather supplies that staff and students will use to help with the recovery effort.

CRASH Japan is a group of missionaries and Japanese Christians who are working together using churches as bases of operation to distribute supplies and emotional care

TEAM is the mission we are a part of. They will funnel the funds in consultation with our mission leaders here in Japan.