Takanori Nagakura was a high school student when he first tuned into FEBC. Later he began a correspondence with FEBC-Japan that changed the course of his life.
10/11/96
Hello FEBC. This is my first letter to you. I’m a high school student and I listen to you every night.
I’m not a baptized Christian, but I feel strongly about God. I read the Bible every night, but I don’t go to church because I’m super busy at school.
When I was 16 I developed an intestinal infection and an early stage of mental depression. They were all stress related. Since I was so miserable, I prayed to God, who I had never believed in. I said, “Please, God, help me if you’re really out there.” The moment I prayed, I felt good. It was awesome. That was my first encounter with God.
Thank you. I’ll write again soon.
12/10/96Hello, my friends at FEBC. I’d like to ask you about God.
Right now I am reading the book of John. I used to think the notion of God was nonsense. But the Lord found me and changed me. In John 5:6, Jesus asked the invalid, “Do you want to get well?” I ask myself the same question. I think it is the answer to everything.
I’m not a churchgoer…yet. I know it’s not a good excuse to say I’m too busy, but I really don’t have time. “My Lord, will you still not forget a person like me? Please.”
12/20/96 Hello, my friends at FEBC. Let me tell you, I WENT to church for the first time! The pastor is very kind and his sermon was titled, ‘Trust your God.’ It was good and I think I understood it.
It was such a fruitful day I want to go back. Thank you all. God bless you.
12/20/97
My dear friends at FEBC:
You haven’t heard from me for quite some time. I’ve been studying very hard for the college entrance exam. On test day I squeezed out every ounce from my brain. The result was terrible! I said to myself, You’ve done your best. The Lord knows it. Go for the next one.
I felt strength like no other time. Whatever is God’s plan I will accept it. The Parable of the Talents from the Book of Matthew says, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things…” That’s really cool. Maybe that’s me – faithful.
By the way, my parents say they will make my wish come true if and when I pass the entrance exam. Guess what my wish is? I want to be officially baptized so I can be a bona fide Christian. Hurray! I can hardly wait.
4/15/98
Hello my friends at FEBC. I have a surprise for you.
I was BAPTIZED on April 12, 1998. It will always be a special day for me.
Now, about the book of John. It says that every man carries sin, which means I’m also a sinner! But our Lord in Heaven gives us hope, not despair, and that hope comes through the love of Christ. To me the power of the Cross is too awesome; it is even revolutionary.
John13:27 scares me. Jesus tells Judas to do whatever he has to do. Jesus gave him the freedom to act even if it included sinning. So I think, Hey, I’m like Judas. Is it still okay for me to be a member of a church? No death penalty for me? Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of love.
I bombed the entrance exam. I was shocked. My friends consider me a loser. Had I not known what Jesus taught I would have called myself a loser, too. But I remembered this verse, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” My life is not over yet. “Lord Jesus, my Savior, I’m going to follow You no matter how my future shapes up.” That’s my commitment as I start this new phase of my life.
God bless you all.
7/08/02
My dear friends at FEBC:
Remember me? Three years ago I was baptized. I moved to Tokyo and now I am in my final year at college. And I am NOT going to church. I have no interest in it for the time being.
I could sense I was losing touch with my religious commitment. As my situation changed, my priorities changed. I thought, There’s so much more out there. Why not enjoy life? This must be a part of God’s plan.
Eternal death…everlasting life. To me, what’s important is NOW and whether or not I am happy.
But one thought keeps nagging me. What does Jesus mean to me? I used to call him Lord. Why is He still on my mind? I’m sorry to say my Christian days are over and I don’t think I’ll ever come back. But my question about Jesus is still unanswered.
I know how you must feel about this letter and I’m sorry. But at least you know I’m not lying.
8/26/03My dear friends at FEBC:
In my last letter I said, What does Jesus mean to me? That question still bothers me. Why doesn’t it leave me alone? I’m the one who betrayed Jesus like Judas. I haven’t touched the Bible. Prayers? I’ve forgotten how to pray.
“My Lord in Heaven, if you’re listening, will you forgive a wretch like me? I think I need you, but I may betray you again. I’m the one who runs away all the time. Will I someday have the guts to stand firm before You?”
9/12/03 Dear Friends at FEBC:
Thank you for your reply. It really saved me. I went back to church. My pastor wholeheartedly welcomed me and said, “Bless you, my child. God is always kind. Why would he NOT forgive you? He’s living within your heart. “
Yes, it was a long journey but I’m back now. All because of the love and mercy of God. I may stray again, but God’s leading the way, so I will trust Him.
Since 2003 Takanori has attended church regularly and listened to FEBC while completing his master’s degree. In 2004, he visited FEBC’s Web site and e-mailed the director about a possible position with the ministry. After completing his graduate program, Takanori was offered a full time position with FEBC-Japan. He joined the staff March 1, 2005.
His spiritual maturity and leadership abilities were so evident that Takanori was sent to Canada to study English and theology. This will better prepare him for a leadership role at FEBC. |
