“Ahhh! They came! Sensei (teacher), come see, come see!” Caitlyn and I grinned at each other as the elderly lady practically ran off to get the local church Bible worker. We had returned!

Over two years ago, Caitlyn and I took a two-week vision trip to Japan to explore different areas of the country, do some cultural research, and pray about where to serve long-term. We wanted to visit some of the existing SDA churches, so we picked one rather arbitrarily that was somewhat close to a large city we wanted to visit because it had no known Adventist church. We planned to visit on the Sabbath we were in town.

We shocked the tiny church when we showed up without notice, and with hardly any Japanese language ability. Fortunately, another expat was there that Sabbath, and he helped us communicate with the members. They were all extremely friendly. We promised to come back when we returned for full-time service.

After more than two years, we were finally able to return. The joy on the faces of the local members, as well as the church Bible worker, was palpable. We joined them for Sabbath school, the worship service and potluck. We even spent some time visiting the evangelism garden at their church. And this time, we could talk to them in their own language—well, we could at least try, anyway.

Our joyful reunion at this little church reminds me of another soon-coming promised reunion. Jesus promised 2,000 years ago that He would return. The signs of His return are evident all around us. Jesus is coming soon!

Please join us in helping as many people as possible to be ready for that great reunion when our Savior comes to bring His people home.

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