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 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 in 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 rather than miss a revival service in my own church.

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

In my first year of Bible College one of my favorite classes 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.

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. 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 when a classmate of mine 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.

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.

From that day I continued my preparation for future ministry. 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. This went on for three years...while 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.

It seemed as if I blinked and then I was a senior. Instead of peace in my heart, I was frustrated. It seemed by that 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 work on me. I remember going to the altar during that time and weeping. It was common for one of the men to come put their arm on my shoulder. I remember one saying, "David, what's wrong?" At that point, I really did 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. For the first time in three years, I seemed to understand.

I went forward that day. My first thought was that it seemed strange that no one had come to pray with me. God seemed to assure me that this was His day. I repented of my sin and asked the Lord to use me. I said, "Lord, whatever it is you want me to do, I will do it!"

Instantly, my frustrated heart turned peaceful again. It felt like it did that day I had trusted Christ as my Savior. All was well. I felt happy.

It was then that the Lord seemed to lean forward and whisper in my ear. It was one word. Can you guess what that word was? Maybe you did. He said, "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 almost 20 years.

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

Why not give your all to the Lord right now?