Last Thursday, we received an e-mail from Cindy, our pastor’s wife and the director of GCPN, our sending organization. She shared a shocking news. The pastor of our mission church in Arlington, Clint Dobson, was murdered in his church. His assistant was badly beaten. We didn’t know him personally, but have heard so many great things about him. We have many good friends who were really close to him. Since we could not fly back to comfort them, we have been praying every day for his family, friends, and our church families. You can read more about his story at http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/03/09/2909796/slain-arlington-pastor-is-laid.html
In the e-mail, Cindy shared Romans 8:28 that says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
It reminded me of my mom who passed away last June. God welcomed her to heaven after a year long battle with cancer. Losing my mom was the hardest thing in my life. She was the best mom to me and my brother, and the best wife to my dad. I have asked “why” countless times and I still cry because I miss her so very much.
But God has taught me the meaning of Romans 8:28 repeatedly since we came to Japan. So many people have told me that my mom’s life and passing had helped them to get closer to God. Several believers that my mom was mentoring became more involved at church. Some young moms that my mom was ministering to at the weekly mom’s time started to read Bible and visit church. Her college friends who had never visited church came to the worship service for the first time. Her father (my grandfather), who is a strong Buddhist, started to ask me questions about God and church. Her niece (my cousin), whom my mom was always concerned about, decided to enroll her son in a Christian kindergarten and started to attend church regularly. The list goes on and on.
I am not trying to brag what a great woman of God she was, but I want you to know what Romans 8:28 means. Even though I don’t understand why God called my mom and Clint home so soon, I know He will use these situations for the good of all who love Him and who have been called according to His purposes. I am so thankful for the lives well lived.
What about us? What are we doing for His kingdom? We are here to share the love and hope of Christ with Japanese people so that they have the same peace we have and the hope to see Jesus someday.
