My New Home
May 7, 2008
Having only just recently moved to Utsunomiya I am still in the process of familiarizing myself with my new home. Gradually though I’m beginning to learn my way around town and get adjusted to my new surroundings. My apartment is ideally located in the center of the city and I have a great view of the whole area from my balcony. As I sit here and look out over the city I am reflecting on a number of first impressions that have been made upon me during my short time here.
First, I have found that the Chinese style gyoza dumplings the city is most well known for truly are delicious beyond compare. After having visited a number of different gyoza establishments here in Utsunomiya I willingly concur that this city’s gyoza is the best in all of Japan. Second, the pace of the city is more laid back and slower than one would find in other Japanese cities. Utsunomiya has a population in excess of 500,000 people. While that is large by American standars, when compared to some of the other cities in Japan, Utsunomiya has a small city feel to it. The streets are not as crowded here, and the residents tend to move about at a more gradual pace. With all of the things that make Utsunomiya unique from other Japanese cities though, there is one glaring similarity that cannot be ignored. The inhabitants of this city and the surrounding areas are still spiritually lost, living in bondage to sin. They are not experiencing that unconditional love, eternal peace, and incomparable hope that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Please pray for the people of Utsunomiya. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be at work in their lives drawing them closer to God the Father. Pray that they would be dissastisfied with their present circumstances and begin to search after that love, peace, and hope that can only be found in Christ. In addition, please pray that even as I focus on learning the Japanese language at this time, that God would still lead people to me who are willing to hear the Gospel message and ready to respond in faith. Pray that God would give me boldness and the exact words to say in order to communicate that message of forgiveness and love in an effective way.
Jarod Juriga
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It is wonderful to read about your first days in Utsunomiya. We have joined you in prayer for those who are lost in Utsunomiya. Remember, to prepare your mind for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed (to the Japanese) 1 Peter 1:13. We are praying that God brings to you those who He has planed. Sometimes the hardest thing can be to wait on the Lord, but we know we must “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” Psalm 27:14. God bless you, use you, and always stay close to you that those around you may see Him by year hands.
Fervent for the Lord
Dana Shadburne