KACS Radio Network

But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7, NRSV.

I was having lunch with a friend. We laughed and chatted as we enjoyed Indian food. She began to share with me little stories of God's guidance and love from when she was very young in Northern Japan. God helped her to go to Christian school, sending her to Yokahama Seventh-day Adventist Academy and Cheba Seventh-day Adventist College so that she could graduate. From there she got a job for the mission. And that's where our friendship began.

In 1976 I was a student missionary and she was working at the office in Yokahama. We had a lot of fun hiking, and she also took me out to eat great Japanese food. I even remember playing the piano one Sabbath while she sang in church. I have to say we did a great job with God helping us. I didn't speak any Japanese and she knew very little English, but we managed to get though the song, being inspired by the music and the words. Music was the way we shared God's love that day.

Time went by—almost 30 years. Then one Sabbath in a church in the United States, I noticed a Japanese woman sitting in front of me. More then once I glanced her, thinking, I know this woman. . . . Is she Kasuko?

Saying a short prayer, I approached her after church. “Excuse me,” I began, “but are you Kasuko?”

“Yes,” she replied. She looked at me a moment, then asked, “Are you Susen?” We hugged and rejoiced at finding each other after so long, realizing anew how much God looks out for us. Both of us know God's love through all the ways He leads us in our lives.

Finding a friend who knows Jesus is very important. I am glad that I have great friends who love Him, and with whom I can share times such as this.

It was wonderful finding friends again after many years. The fellowship You give us is just a glimpse of what You have for all who choose to walk in the light. We count our blessings and give You thanks.