Hope for Japan

After a decade of serving in NJ, my former youth pastor recently returned to my parent’s church in Des Moines. We were able to catch up over lunch and hear all about their journey, share our stories, and have a great time together, as if we pick up right where we left off in our friendship. (funny how good friendships work that way).

Towards the end of our time together, he shared how proud he is of us. He then reminded me of a letter I wrote back when I was in France. I had written to tell him how influential he was in my life and how he impacted me (tip: written, or spoken, words of encouragement mean so much to others, especially pastors!). As he trained leaders in the NJ church, he shared how he used some of the things I wrote to him. I felt touched that my words were building up others. 

What I shared with him was a simple idea on the ABC qualities of a leader. 

A- availability- He made time for me and other teens. It is crucial for people to be able to count on you and for you to be there in times of need, or just to develop an influential relationship.

B- believability (don’t bother looking it up, I made up this word to fit my concept 🙂 ). He saw potential in others, like me, when I would just sit in the back not showing any interest in being at church. He believed in me enough to not give up or write me off. I continue to try to do that with others, as you never know what God may do in their life, even when it may appear to be a lost cause.

C- credibility- He was somebody that you could trust and respect. A pastor, or leader, with credibility will have a hard time being very influential. We continue to strive to be people who the Japanese can look up to and trust, while also living up to the trust entrusted to us from our supporters who generously give and pray for us. 

I am forever grateful to Pastor Steve for being such a great leader that inspired me in my calling to serve God as a pastor with a heart for young people.