Yuri Goes to America (Part Two)

“You’re becoming Americanized! You must return home to Japan.”

It was close to the end of my one-year study abroad program in Arkansas. [Click here to read part one.] I called my parents and told them of my decision to follow Jesus and of my desire to be baptized as a Christian. They were concerned. “You’re becoming Americanized! You must return home to Japan.” They said I shouldn’t rush into following a new religion and if I came back to Japan, everything would go back to normal.

I was disappointed and angry, but like a good Japanese daughter I obeyed them and did not get baptized. Despite this decision, my new church family gave me the opportunity to publicly confess my faith and share my determination to follow Jesus.

I finished my study abroad program and returned to Japan. My parents were right. My life was busy and I didn’t have Christian friends. My faith was vulnerable. Four years later, I was pregnant and got married. My son was born prematurely and the whole situation began to overwhelm me.

One day, I couldn’t stop thinking about my Christian friends back in Arkansas. I looked online for churches and found one not too far from my home. I visited that Sunday and kept going back every week. I began studying the Bible again and decided to be water baptized. This time, my parents respected my decision.

That was three years ago. I am the only Christian in my whole family. When they ask me to participate in Japanese traditions, my pastors discuss my concerns and pray to God for wisdom. Our church is a close family in Christ, and I am encouraged in my faith when I attend. I am praying for my family to come to Jesus.