Pursued

The last few days have involved a lot of intense conversation regarding classes, students, textbooks, and all-around teachery-type things. I love the details, the plans, batting around themes and topics and assignments and projects...it also has helped to make me feel more like a part of things here. (Which reminds me--this is my first official week in Fukushima! I arrived about this time last Wednesday night! Time goes so quickly...)

Anyway, because of textbook conversations, Cindy and I decided to run to the bookstore to check out their selection of English textbooks and scan the options for new kid's curriculum. Upon arriving in the bookstore, we made a beeline for the textbooks and ended up literally claiming the entire area. In a very rude way, we settled down on the floor with all of our bags around us and commenced pulling books off the shelves left and right... :) Anyway, into the midst of our chaotic textbook searching walked three very adorable ladies who were obviously also looking for textbooks...after apologizing profusely for getting in their way, we ended up scanning textbooks together for awhile and then introducing ourselves. When the ladies learned that we were English teachers at Fukushima church, they were really excited, and Cindy told them about all of our upcoming events, etc., and invited them to stop by the church or call sometime.

Walking home from the bookstore, Cindy and I were exclaiming over how God brings people together at random moments...when suddenly we realized we were being pursued. The same three ladies called to us from a parking lot near the church--they had decided to immediately come and check out the school! They came in, met Sensei, and chatted for a few minutes, asking about some of the classes.

Moments like that make me laugh and praise and wonder at God all at the same time. I firmly believe that nothing happens by chance, and it is so cool to pray for connections and watch God immediately plunk three ladies into our laps! It reminds me that God is pursuing people, reaching out to them, wanting them to accept His truth and forgiveness and love... My work here is nothing compared to His Spirit's work, and His orchestration of all the meetings, conversations, and random textbook buying sprees...

A good reminder that God's work didn't end at the cross. His victory is in place, yes, but His love and pursuit of people continues...until that final heavenly home, where all nations gather in praise of the Lamb.