Several things pop into my mind with the word "train". Perhaps until now, the only thing I had to do with it was the children's song "Fukuin no Kisha", The Gospel Train to Heaven. Because of my neurological health problems, I did not make use of the Japanese mass transit--the streetcar system--and if I did, never did so alone; my husband always accompanied me, did the mental work for me.
In the past, that is.
Since last month, however, when it seemed God was leading me to the English Fellowship in Kichijoji, Tokyo; we decided if God was in this, He would have to enable me to do it alone. So Kinya came with me the first time--one way only--to show me which denshas to ride, which transfers to make, etc...; and after that, I was on my own, with God to take up the slack, if He wanted me to continue.
He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Ephe. 3:20) Now, not only can the streetcar system be navigated; but the Tokyo Station no longer seems threatening; and the subway system is being used for another evangelism outreach.
When Daddy came up to mainland Japan and saw the Shinjuku station, he commented that he would go crazy here. He was so used to the s-l-o-w pace of life down in Okinawa, working with individual people. I must say, some of the ekis here make people look like insects swarming around from one place to another. But there was an incident last month that I think would've made even Daddy smile.
Only in Japan.
(Pictured is a stationary children's streetcar at the park. It's not really a ride but a sort of lounge for tired visitors to the park.)
