Profiles in Christian Courage: Kristin H.
Courage is doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. ~Unknown
Courage comes in many forms. It might be facing physical danger, remaining morally pure, withstanding peer pressure, being misunderstood for your faith, or supporting an unpopular truth.
Courage is often viewed as performing extraordinary acts. Like Mark C., it may involve smuggling Bibles into a country where religion is outlawed. Perhaps, like Eric Liddell, its turning your back on fame and fortune to share the Gospel in a prison camp. At times, its spending years in a jail cell to right a wrong, as Nelson Mandela endured. Or, in the case of Pastor Bernardo, its risking your life in a war zone to recover the body of a fallen friend.
But courage is more often seen in less spectacular or public ways. Like my Mom, its fearlessly dying of cancer saying, Ill just close my eyes, and when I open them, Ill see Jesus. Its Alan, a white man, trusting that Jesus will protect him when he visited his black friend in a dangerous and deadly neighborhood. Or, like my niece, Kristin H., its leaving behind family and friends to teach English in Japan because she believed God was leading her there.
After graduating college, Kristin was hired to teach in a good school district in suburban Chicago. It was a great place to launch her career, but something was stirring in her soul. As a fourth generation Japanese American, a part of her wanted to go to Japan to learn more about Japanese culture and her family heritage.
Some of her friends told her about their positive experiences overseas with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). A few of them described their experience as life-changing. So Kristin decided to sign up with JET because of her love of traveling and a desire to expand her teaching horizons.
It wasnt an easy decision. As Kristin admits, I definitely had fears before going to Japan! Some of my biggest ones were not knowing and understanding the language, as well as having to adjust to a totally different culture. She also was concerned about finding Christian fellowship and a church.
Despite her uncertainties, Kristin agreed to a one year assignment as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) of English at three high schools. But she has enjoyed her experience so much that shes now been in Japan for almost 4 years.
Along the way Kristin has faced a series of challenges. She explains, Increasing my competence in the Japanese language has been a major challenge, as well as trying to understand the intricacies of Japanese culture. Other challenges have included growing deeper in her faith while living in a country that is predominately non-Christian and learning how to be an effective witness to the Japanese people.
In March 2011 the northeast coast of Japan, right where Kristin lives, experienced an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful tremor since records began. The quake triggered a massive tsunami 250 mile northeast of Tokyo. The huge wall of water caused unbelievable damage as it swept away cars, ships and buildings. Fortunately, at the moment the earthquake and tsunami hit, Kristin was visiting friends two hours south of her schools, where the damage was less severe.
When she returned home, Kristin couldnt believe the scope of the damage. Officials initially reported 350 dead and 500 missing, but feared that the death toll would be much higher. To make matters worse, a state of emergency was declared at a nearby nuclear power plant, where pressure had exceeded normal levels. As a safety precaution, thousands of people were evacuated from the area.
Many missionaries decided to leave Japan for their own safety. But Kristin explains, As I prayed about whether I should stay or not, God made it clear that He wanted me to remain in Japan, despite my fears and pressure from others to return to America. Ultimately, Kristin decided to stay out of her concern for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her friends, students, and co-workers.
Kristin has some advice for people considering overseas missionary service. Pray with an open and willing heart, and be obedient to Gods calling. One of Kristins friends recently reminded her that in Christ we are all missionaries, and God calls each of us to be His hands and feet wherever we are.
© 2013 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
