by Augusta R. Mennell, Campus Ministry Director at All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center, Slippery Rock, PA
Kenzaburo (Ken) from Japan was a baptized member of All Saints Lutheran Church and Student Center. After he died unexpectedly, his sister Michiko came to All Saints from Japan to attend a memorial service for him. Later she wrote saying she was reading Why I am a Lutheran–Jesus at the Center by the Rev'd. Daniel Preus. She had been given the book by All Saints elder Glenn Usechak. She had read the book from cover to cover, even though she had to translate it from English to Japanese. We were ecstatic to hear that she really enjoyed the book.
Later, Michiko returned to the United States for a second visit. She wanted to experience the fellowship of all the people who had known Ken. She attended the monthly “student meal“ held by All Saints, where years earlier Ken had asked if anyone would teach him about the Bible. She got to visit his friendship family mother, Carole Markovitch, and his Pittsburgh pastor and friend, the Rev'd. Eric Andrae.
"Did I do the right thing?"
She noticed the devotional book my godmother had given me in the 1940’s. This was a treasured personal keepsake, a gift from my beloved godmother, with whom I had been very close. It was very hard to give it up, but I could see in her face that it might be a difference maker in her faith. As she was about to leave for Japan, she was thrilled when I gave it to her.
We had no idea that Michiko would write another letter. She wrote again saying, “By the way, if your church has a book on faith that I can easily read, please send it and I will read it. Something like the book Why I Am a Lutheran.”
Of course we were overjoyed by her request! Campus Pastor Rev'd. Jacob Deal, who, several years ago, volunteered to pastor our small congregation in addition to his own, immediately responded. He gathered English-language books to air mail to her. In addition, he was able to obtain a Children’s Bible in Japanese from the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. He also ordered A Simple Explanation of Lutheranism and A Simple Explanation of Christianity from CPH, and we sent them to her by air mail. Although air mail cost $30, we wanted her to get the Christian material as soon as possible so that she could read it immediately.
Rev'd. Deal then wrote to Michiko and also contacted LCMS missionary to Japan, the Rev'd. Dr. Daniel Jastram and gave him Michiko’s email address so that he could share information with her. Perhaps he would even invite her to visit his church. Rev. Deal checked this with Michiko first.
Is it possible that Michiko will become a member of our Lutheran Church? That is our prayer. We ask for your prayers, too.
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