God’s Leading


How the Lord Called Us to Japan

Although my father was a career Marine and we were never in one church very long, the hand of the Lord was evident even when Uncle Sam was telling us where to go next. As a boy I saw this. I saw parents that loved the Lord and were faithful to serve Him. On many occasion that even meant sacrifices, but how can anything compare to what the Lord sacrificed for us? It became my desire to serve the Lord even from a young age.

Church was not a ritual for the Harris family. It was a place for us to serve a living Savior. Mom and Dad often gave their time to do whatever needed to be done. I can remember times of cleaning the church or arranging folding chairs in auditoriums and class rooms. I watched my mom spend and be spent as a secretary, librarian in Christian schools. She did it mainly for us kids. If she had not done that, I know that our family could not have afforded to give us a Christian education!

I remember MANY a night when my father, whose trade was printing, would be printing for the church, missionaries, or someone else needing books produced for the ministry. Many a time as a family, we were the collators. We would go round and round tables collating books for some ministry. I have watched my dad print for days at a time on numerous occasions to finish a job that some Man of God needed for his work for the Lord. To be a part of that was thrilling.

I wish I could say that it was always enjoyable for me. It was not, until I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was 11 years old. The Lord changed me that day and from that day, church became a meaningful place for me.

I never recall having to ask my parents if I could get involved in anything at church. In our home, if the Lord was leading, then it was all right. Even when I finally surrendered to be a missionary to Japan, I knew, as far as Mom and Dad were concerned, all was well.

In high school the Lord had provided many opportunities to serve. I was as busy as could be and thrilled with the prospects for the future. I was a bus captain at age 16, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school in "B" church and attended every youth activity and church service possible. Not even starting on a neighboring Christian school's basketball team was more important that church. On one occasion, with the coach’s permission, I chose to miss a game even though I was on the starting team rather than miss a revival service in my own church. By the way, I never started a game the rest of the season. It was as if the coach penalized me, but I knew I had done both what my parents would approve and what would make my Lord pleased.

My heart was set. Whatever the Lord wanted, that was my desire.

In my first year of Bible College my favorite class was Missions. The teacher was a veteran missionary to Japan named Larry Burgett. Everything about Bible College was exciting and I continued serving in my local church in the Atlanta area.

I remember our first mission’s conference at our Bible school. I was especially looking forward to a video presentation about China. If God would have said, "China!" that day, I was ready. Something happened that day that I was not expecting. While watching that video about China, it was as if God leaned forward and whispered in my ear one word. The word was not China as I had hoped. It was "Japan!"

I was not expecting that. China was one thing, but Japan seemed different. You see, I had been hearing about Japan. Bro. Burgett was especially excited about a classmate of mine who felt called to Japan. He would write words and tell stories. Yes, I wanted to serve the Lord, but that looked too hard for me. All those words seemed to go in one ear and out the other.

For whatever reason, when God said Japan to me that day, I did not say no, but I did say something just as bad. I said, "I can't." The language seemed too hard and at that moment, Japan seemed a LONG way from home!

From that day, I continued my preparation for future ministry as fervently as I could. I increased my efforts. I served faithfully. I tried surrendering to various aspects of ministry looking for direction, but something was wrong.

I could not put my finger on it. Things just did not seem right. I was preparing for the ministry. Yet, while serving as faithfully as I could, I lost the joy. Service turned into drudgery. I was busy though, so I did not notice my heart start to get cold. This went on for three years.

It seemed as if I blinked and then I was a senior. Instead of peace in my heart, I was frustrated. It seemed by this time that God had disappeared. I was praying, witnessing, and serving, but I was as unhappy as I could be and my heart had grown cold.

Little by little the Lord began to stir my cold heart. I remember in particular hearing about a Mission Prayer Band. I thought I would go pray for missionaries. I shall never forget that first day I knelt to pray and finally realized how cold my heart had become. In a short time though, the tears had returned.

In chapel services, God began to wring out my heart. I remember going forward at the invitation of several services and weeping. It was common at that school for one of the professors to deal with those who went to the front. On several occasions, they would say, "David, what's wrong?" I remember answering, “I do not know!” This went on for a couple weeks.

One day a preacher came to our chapel service and preached on the need to surrender our all to God. I do not remember the preacher, but I do remember the Holy Spirit taking that message and sticking it deep in my heart.

I went forward that day. My first thought was that it seemed strange that no one had come to pray with me. I remember the thought that came to my mind at that moment. “Today it is just you and Me!” God seemed to assure me that this was His day. I repented of my sin and asked the Lord to use me. I remember being utterly tired of the struggle. I remember praying. "Lord, whatever it is you want me to do, I will do it!"

In an instant, my frustrated heart turned peaceful. It felt like it did that day I had trusted Christ as my Savior. In a brief moment, peace had flooded my heart again! But the story does not stop there.

It was at that very moment that the Lord seemed to lean forward and whisper in my ear.....one word. Can you guess what it was? It was just as clear and plain as it had been three years previous. "Japan!"

It shocked me as badly the second time as it did the first, but this time I said, "Lord, if that is what you want, I will do it."

The story continues, but we will leave that for another time. Needless to say, God began to bless again...and we have been serving in Japan for over 20 years.

Each step of the way I have learned that His way is best! Praise His Holy name!

What about you? Have you given your heart to the Lord? Unreservedly? Completely? No strings attached? Why not give your heart to the Lord right now? If we can help you pray about a need in your life, do not hesitate to let us know. Our email is dharrisjapan@yahoo.com. We would love to pray with you.