Afraid of First Times?

Who said first times are easy?

When I arrived in Japan, people around me always spoke of this famous Japanese culture called “onsen.” I told myself that I would never ever try to go to these bath houses. It is very awkward for me especially because I came from a culture where being naked with others is unacceptable and indecent.

But everything changed one day when together with two Japanese friends and one American friend went to see the beauty of autumn leaves. After the sightseeing, since it was getting colder here in Japan, they all agreed to go to onsen. I ended up with little choice. Either I would stay inside the car and wait for them or I would go with them. Since I don’t like waiting, I went with them in the bath house. At first, I really did not know what to do, but as the quote goes, “when in Rome, do what the Romans do.” So when everyone started to remove their clothes, it was a sign for me to do the same. We went inside naked, without malice.  Everything was normal.

To be honest, it is one of the best experiences I have had.It gave me a good night sleep and my cold was healed. It was very relaxing and I felt relieved after. What if I had never tried and stuck to my shame?  I would not have experienced this very amazing Japanese culture.  Now I know how good onsen is! To that, I can testify.

Who said first times are easy? It never is. It takes a lot of courage to try something new and to know something new. When we walked the first time when we were a kid, it obviously scared us and probably our parents, too. We have some hesitations the first time we try a new food since we do not know if it tastes good or not. If there is one thing I have learned from this onsen experience, it is to never be afraid of first times.

My ministries in the church are no exception. I have been through many moments of fear and doubts in my first times – the first time I organized youth fellowship, the first time I directed a musical play, the first time I led praise and worship I had creepy feelings and butterflies in my stomach. I am full of what ifs. What if they reject the programs I am proposing? What if it won’t work? Will people be happy about it? I have experienced a lot but I have to admit that even at present, as a missionary in Japan, I still have a lot of doubts and fears in doing my new ministry for the first time. Fear heightens as I realized I am ministering to a very different culture in a different world where I only know a little about it.

Matthew 14:26-31 talks about the Disciples seeing Jesus walking on the water for the first time. They were terrified and afraid. They thought of him as a ghost. New things are always ghosts that frighten us. Retrieving courage, Peter said, “I will walk, too.” But His courage did not see him through. Fear was eating him, especially when big waves came near him. Jesus said, “You man of little faith. Why did you doubt?” Fear stops us from growing and doing something great for God’s glory. You never know what experiences await you behind those first times. Whether our first times give us good or bad experiences, one thing is for sure, WE GAIN! WE GROW! And we become braver to dare something new the next time.

Rey Fabros

Asian Rural Institute

Nasushiobara, Japan

GMF International, Class of 2016-2018

#3022242

That We May Live Together

We are living in a world where every person is unique and different from each other. We are separated and divided due to differing ideologies, theological teaching, religious belief, cultural orientation, philosophical views, nationality, the language we speak, skin color, interests, or even simple things, like our favorite color, favorite music, etc. These differences consequently create a schism amongst people here and there, anywhere around the world. In our past, we have seen how our differences in various aspects of our lives have resulted in subjugation, domination, oppression, and exploitation; the discrimination often results in isolation, divisions, war, and worst, death. Sadly, if we are to visit our church history, the church has never been spared from these scenarios. Schisms or divisions occurred due to differing theological orientations, biblical interpretations, and sometimes, hierarchical structures. We are really different from each other and those differences make it so hard for us to live together, even more difficult to live together in harmony. As a saying by Martin Amis goes, “Only in art will the lion lie down with the lamb and the rose grow without thorns.”

For many years, I’ve held onto the belief that people with differing beliefs cannot live together; that we cannot unite two people with different thinking. People different in many ways when put together might end up, if not killing each other, hating each other. It seems to me that people nowadays love arguing rather than creating and building relationships. It is very easy for most people to destroy a relationship just because one doesn’t agree with the other’s beliefs. It is so easy to forget a friend just because of differences in ideas. Instead of creating harmony and fixing things, it has become a trend to just end up relationship, giving in more to go or pride.

I always dream of a community like what the Prophet Isaiah had prophesied in Isaiah chapter 11, where leopards and goats lie down together, wolves are resting together with lambs, calves and lions eat together and are cared for by little children, snakes are not seen as dangerous creature but a good companion. It is a place where there is no harm, only peace and love; a place where one values fellowship rather than focusing on differences. What a beautiful scene it is to see people living together in tranquility! But a question always lingers in my thoughts – is it just a dream or could it be possible?

Just recently, God showed me the answer to my question. As I applied to the Global Mission Fellow Program of the church, God sent me to Japan. I had no idea that my placement site will give me the answer. Unity in diversity is possible and it does exist! Here in Asian Rural Institute (ARI), Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Japan, exists a community composed of different nationalities, religion, and way of life. We really differ in many ways but we choose to live together in harmony. This is a community where the word “hate” and the word “division” are alien to our existence. Every day, people come together in fellowship to hear stories from one member of the community. They come to listen to whatever stories the appointed member wants to share, may it be about his/her faith, nationality, or philosophies. The community tries to embrace where this person is coming from. Every day, these people also work together in producing their food; working together with joy and harmony.

     (Members of ARI gathered for morning gathering and listening to the story of a member.)

Being united in the midst of differences is possible. The secret formula is simple – it is learning the meaning of the word “respect” and applying it. To be united is to acknowledge the fact that every individual is created differently, born and raised in different cultural and faith backgrounds. If there is one common denominator that should bond us, it is the fact that we are all humans created in God’s image. We all have needs; we have struggles, we want to live. We are all living and as living, we breathe the same air, we eat the same food from the soil, and drink the same water from nature; we are all striving to live and survive, and yet, we are all created uniquely different from the rest.

                                                    (Stella Kumbong from Cameroon and myself checking the pumpkins ready for harvest.)

We might be different in many ways, but what matters the most is the things that we have in common. We all have dreams for ourselves, we all just want to be happy, to be treated justly and fairly, and to receive love. Every person in the world is equally important, we all need each other to live. In my new community (ARI), one of my greatest teachings is to set aside differences, and choose to understand and love each other. We are all God’s children and we are all part of each other. As Suzy Kasseem wrote in her book, Rise Up and Salute the Sun, she said, “through understanding, people will be able to see their similarities rather than differences” and “every human bleeds the same color and occupies the same world.” When we are able to decipher and embrace all these things, we can live in harmony.

Isaiah’s prophecy is real. It can happen in the communities where we belong and it can happen this very moment. It can start with you and with me by being the instrument of Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus is the perfect example of love, respect, and caring for people, and as His followers and faithful servants, it is our responsibility to live out His teachings. The expression of love should start with us. The challenge is how we can be the instrument of unity and peace in this world. Through us, people may see and experience heaven on Earth.

“Let us advocate peace,

Let us advocate hope,

Let us advocate love,

…that we may live together.”

(“That we may live together” is the motto of Asian Rural Institute)

Rey Oliver Fabros 

Asian Rural Institute

Japan

GMF International, Class of 2016-2018

#3022242