Looks of shock, surprise and then extreme joy greeted me as the door opened. Next came hugs from a husband and wife whom I have had the privilege of getting to know over the last several years while visiting one of my projects in Japan.

I first met the pizzeria owner and his wife two-and-a-half years ago. When my wife Erin was able to travel with me last year, she met them, too. Each time I go, it is a wonderful treat, not just because they make some of the best pizza that I have ever had, but because this couple is so kind, friendly and always happy to see us.

The husband barely speaks any English, while his wife can communicate a little. Their pizzeria is tiny, as is typical with most places in Japan. The pizzeria has two tables, one seating two people and the other seating four, plus bar seating, which helps save space. I was there to have a meeting with the Japanese Union President. That day, we were honored to be seated at the special four-person table.

As the wife came up to take our order, she addressed me by name—amazing, because she had not seen me for a year. I pointed at what I wanted to order, and she commented that I order the same pizza every time. I laughed and said that it is the best pizza ever, which brought huge smiles to her and her husband’s faces.

As I take the time to process these brief encounters with this family, God reminds me that it does not take much to be noticed or remembered. I could have enjoyed the pizza the first time and never gone back, but because some of our workers had started building a relationship with them, I wanted to visit them whenever I had the chance. Now, not only do they remember my name, but they shower me with hugs in a society where that seldom occurs, and they always ask when they will get to see me again.

What impacts me the most is that this couple, who do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, desires to see me whenever I can come. How can people ever get to know Jesus if they do not get the chance to meet Him through you and me?

Please pray for this young Japanese couple. My heart yearns to see the look of shock, surprise and extreme joy when we meet again, but this time in the beautiful kingdom of God. People are looking for someone who is true, honest, consistent and who cares. Who is God calling you to show kindness and compassion to for His sake? I guarantee you that there is someone either now or coming into your life, with whom God is calling you to show the love and compassion of Jesus. Please follow His leading. People need His compassion and love, and you will be the better for it as well.

If you ever find yourself in Yokohama, Japan, look up Pizzeria Thank You just outside of the Yokohama train station. It is only a 20-minute metro ride from Tokyo Station and is entirely worth the visit, especially if you want some great pizza from a friendly couple that I pray will accept Jesus as their Savior.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support that help turn these brief meetings into blessed memories for eternity.

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