Conversation with a cult member

When my wife and I went to a park to view the cherry blossoms, we had our first encounter with a Japanese cult member.

At first, she seemed like a friendly lady trying to make conversation, but the mood changed very quickly when she tried to convince us to recite a special Buddhist prayer. We politely declined and explained that we are Christian and pray to the God of the Bible. The conversation took a turn for the worse when she started to attack our faith and tell us that Jesus has no power to save anyone, and that although there are many Christians, there is no proof for the authenticity of our faith.

We very quickly realized that we were in a spiritual battle and, with our limited Japanese, we disagreed with her views and methods. We shared how Christ has changed us and others through the power of the gospel. From there, the conversation moved to different topics like heaven, reincarnation, and suffering. After 30 minutes we were simply going around in circles with someone who was not open to listening. So, when things got too heated, we gave a clear declaration of the gospel, thanked her for her time, and walked away.

What evidence do we have?

In the car, we both felt flustered. We prayed for the lady and asked for peace, but one phrase she kept repeating still raced through my mind, “根拠がない” (こんきょがない、no evidence). This bothered me for a while. What evidence is there for my faith? How can I share this effectively with Japanese people?

I discussed this with my Japanese pastor. We decided that I should preach a sermon called “信仰の根拠” (しんこうのこんきょ、evidence for faith), at our church’s monthly welcome service, which is aimed at non-Christians who don’t know anything about the Bible.

I spoke from 1 Corinthians 15 and focused on Biblical evidence, eyewitnesses to the resurrection, and the testimony of a changed life. God was pleased to use this sermon to challenge and encourage people, including non-Christians. Many with doubts said the sermon helped them.

After a few weeks, I preached that same sermon at a different church. Again, the response was extremely positive and one Japanese lady told me that she sent a copy of the sermon to her non-Christian parents. God was praised and his gospel advanced through a sermon that was birthed by a cult member’s words of contempt!

God works in mysterious ways

After the positive responses to God’s Word, I was reminded how God works in mysterious and beautiful ways. I would never have prepared that sermon if it wasn’t for the lady belittling our faith. While God is able to change the heart of that cult member, it is still amazing to see how he used that encounter. Whether the response is positive or not, we are called to be witnesses in every situation. There is a happy assurance that in all things God works for our good and his glory. Nothing he does is meaningless, and this gives us the confidence to continue in faith, doing the good works he has prepared for us.

As a new missionary in Japan, I often feel powerless and wonder if I am making any difference. If only I had better Japanese! If only I were not so lazy! If only I were bolder! But God shows up at the right time to encourage us with fruit from the work that he helps us to do. From uncomfortable conversations in the park to nervous proclamation from the pulpit, God is our help and strength. Maybe you are also facing difficult or uncomfortable situations in your ministry. Have confidence that God is able to turn your difficulty into something beautiful. He is the God of mysterious yet beautiful providence.