When we came to Japan 33 years ago, the first advice that we got from a veteran Japanese pastor and his wife was “listen” and “have patience.” On both counts we have often come up short, but when we have practiced those principles, as we worked with our Japanese brothers and sisters, we have observed what St. Paul wrote about in I Corinthians 3:7, “Some plant, others water, some harvest, but it is God who gives the increase.” We have had the privilege of planting the seed in the hearts of many Japanese friends, both adults and children, through Sunday School, worship services, children and adult English conversation class chapels, special events and daily life. While we were with them, some came to faith, but more often our part was to either plant or water the seed that others planted long before we came to Japan.

When we look back on the people who we have been privileged to baptize, we see that the key was “listening” and “patience.” For example, Keiko was baptized last year in September, but the seed was first planted by her Christian aunt 48 years ago when Keiko was a high school student. We met her six years ago and began to listen to her story. Listening gave us and other church members the chance to tell her about the hope that we have found and introduce her to the God of all hope (Romans 15:13). Eventually she found that hope and desired baptism. Patience - 48 years, but it was “God who gave the increase.” On other occasions growth happened much more quickly. Kanako joined our English conversation class and started going to church. Within the year she decided to be baptized.

In 33 years we have never been the ”Lone Ranger” who single handedly contacted, evangelized, baptized and discipled anyone. However, working together with our Japanese brothers and sisters, we have had the privilege in God’s time to “plant, water and harvest.” We have also had the privilege to pass on what we have learned to Sunday school teachers in the churches that we have helped to plant, and to seminary students who we helped to train over many years. To God be the glory.

Arnie and Bonita Nordaas