Dear friends and fellow servants in the Lord;

A sign with a large red cross, posted on what seems to be just another shop entrance, actually marks the inviting open entrance to Daiichi (First) Baptist Church of Okinawa City. On Sunday, March 16th, opening no door, we literally walked in from the sidewalk, climbed the stairs to the third floor sanctuary, and enjoyed a wonderful time of worship and fellowship with the members. This day of worship for us also marked the opening (by the way of enthusiastic invitations), of some new doorways of ministry for us (especially for David).

We have longstanding relationships with the church’s pastor, his family, and various church members, so it was comforting that during worship, both Pastor Nohara and his wife prayed for our health, for our ministry, and for our daughter, Joanna, who is eight years old. Afterwards, during snack and fellowship time, David was encouraged by three invitations to teach English Bible classes within convention ministries. We are praying about them, because they would broaden opportunities for building relationships with people of different age groups from different areas, rather than concentrating on one church. Should David meet these requests, we still will seek out a “family” church where we can worship and serve with a local congregation. How uplifting it is that on this one day of worship, the Lord opened up so many new ways for us to honor Him through more acts of service!

This was the planned closing of our March newsletter, however, yesterday, on St. Patrick’s Day one of those strange, surprising events occurred, that added a splotch of color to David’s memories forever.

He relates, “I escorted Joanna to a local hospital to see an ear-nose-and-throat doctor about an ear ache. The staff members were all very helpful, but I had to quickly let each person know that Joanna doesn’t speak Japanese, and that I must translate for her. That was fine, and we finished the examination and pharmacy visit within an hour.

When we returned to the car that was, parked just below the hospital, we saw a sign across the street, marking the entrance to a riverfront park. We could see glimpses of the river from where we were, and since school was already over, I said, ‘Joanna let’s go see this river park, shall we?’ We strolled down a short path, and “oohed”and “aahed” at the emerald green river and the lush vegetation with wild flowers on the other side. On our side of the river there was a terraced concrete platform for safely viewing the river. A warning sign was posted that said in Japanese, ‘Be careful not to let children play alone near the river, because there are very deep dangerous places in it.’ I read this for Joanna aloud and pointed out the Japanese words and letters she could recognize. When we had finished reading it, and had stepped down below the sign a little closer to the river’s edge, I heard a sound behind us and turned to see a small middle-aged woman rushing up in a semi-crouched position toward the sign.

I greeted her and, and asked if there was a problem. She kind of stiffened up and nervously asked in Japanese, ‘Are you her father?’ I answered, ‘Yes, this is my daughter.’ She haltingly started to ask me something else with fear in her eyes, and her car keys jiggling in her shaking hand. I realized that this was all about a big, bearded foreigner being with a little Japanese girl on the river’s edge. I explained how I had just taken my daughter to the hospital and we were returning to the car when we saw this park entrance and wanted to see the river.’ I added, ‘Please be at ease.’

At that she sighed, and said in a more relaxed tone, ‘Oh, there’s nothing bad going on here then’, and turned and quickly walked back up the path toward the entrance. I suppose it was the sight of Joanna clutching me that really calmed the woman. I really wanted to talk more to explain that I am not connected to the military, and maybe say something that could be a witness to her, but lost the chance.

As I walked back up the path with Joanna, my heart overflowed with admiration for that woman. Recently, because of an episode of rape involving an American military member, there is a heightened sensitivity on the island. This woman was risking her life (as far as she knew) to confront a big male foreigner in order to protect a child! I am deeply moved when I ponder such bravery. Our Lord Jesus knows her and understands her heart. From now on, whenever I see the color emerald, or pass that green river, or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sure to recall that woman’s face and pray for her. I hope I have the opportunity to meet her again under different circumstances, because I would tell her that her ‘uncommon valor’ was one of the deepest forms of love I have ever witnessed, and that God’s love is just like that. Jesus sacrificed his life to protect our souls eternally.”

St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally, a good reminder to pray for missionaries. We appreciate your continual prayers for us, as well as for these new possibilities for ministry, and we ask that you might also remember this story and pray for that brave lady.

Blessed in Christ’s Love,

David, Leslie, and Joanna Turley