Okinawa is the poorest prefecture in Japan and also has the highest rates of divorce, abuse, and alcoholism. There is so much need; it can be overwhelming.
During a recent mission trip to this city, we spent time serving at two food banks; one run by the church where we were also sleeping, and one run by a Christian businessman named Ito. Ito was once down-and-out himself, before he came to faith in Jesus and had his life turned around. Now he runs a food bank on his business property, which provides resources for many families who would otherwise have a hard time making ends meet. It is touching to see Ito’s selfless love for the homeless and the single moms in his neighborhood.
While we were there, a man named Tony came into Ito’s food bank, looking for help. Ito gave him food, found him shelter, and later on even raised funds for his support. Because Tony was actually an American and could communicate better in English, Ito asked us to pray with him, which we did gladly. As we engaged in conversation afterward, Tony told us more of his story. He had once been a successful hotel manager in Okinawa, running a thriving business for many years. However, after losing his marriage, his family, his money and his visa to work in Japan, he now faced being extradited to the US.
“I have decided to fly to San Francisco,” Tony told us. “I don’t know anyone there, but it sounds like a nice place to die.”
Ito refused to accept Tony’s defeat. Although they had only just met, and likely would not ever see one another again once Tony left Japan, Ito was determined to pour as much love on this man as he could. Contacting friends that lived in San Francisco, Ito actually arranged for Tony to be met at the airport and supported by a local church community.
When Tony found out what Ito had done for him, he was speechless. Why would a total stranger do so much for him? Such love and generosity made no sense. I was also deeply touched by Ito’s gesture, touched by the nonsensical love of the kingdom of God.
Taking his leave of Ito, Tony told him, “I haven’t been to church in over forty years. But if God will have me back, I would like to serve him.”
