One Pilgrim’s progress to the Pink Ribbon Walk
November 22, 2008
When the Pilgrims first came to settle in the “New World” from England, they met with some pretty dire beginnings. But during trials on stormy seas and in hungry winters God was there to bring them through. They were especially relieved and encouraged to find the native inhabitants living near them to be both friendly and helpful. The Indians’ treatment of the Pilgrims, gave the “newcomers” something to be truly thankful for at the next harvest. By that time, the pilgrims had learned how to grow crops in the unfamiliar soil and more importantly had gained a harvest of friends among their neighbors, the Indians. Thus was born America’s Thanksgiving, the celebration of God’s bountiful provision.
As I look back over the past three years we have ”pilgrimmed” here in Sendai, Japan, I, too, can testify to the many ways in which God has brought me and my family through various trials and troubles. One great relief and encouragement God has given me, personally, in the midst of struggles like language acquisition and culture shock is the gift of friendships with the “native inhabitants.” Because I have found friends who are both helpful and friendly, I consider myself truly blessed. God has given me and my family much for which we can give thanks, both on November 27th and always.
Last month I signed up for our city’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon Walk. Sendai is one of only three cities which hosts such a walk in Japan. Though many people were certain to participate, I felt it would be rather lonesome to walk 5K in a crowd of strangers. So, I asked a few of my Japanese friends to join me. Two of the most friendly and helpful Japanese ladies I know joined me the day of the Walk. We walked together, talked together, and afterwards went out for lunch.
Please pray for my friends, Mrs. Ma and Mrs. Ta, shown in the picture that they will come to know personally my best friend, God’s One and Only Son, Jesus Christ.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
pilgrim among the Japanese and a servant of the Lord’s,
donna qualls
