Do you have a little mental “snap-shot” of your memory of “home”? I like this postcard view of Seattle I took today before sunrise. It reminds me of home, even though I grew up in Michigan. The idea of “hometown” is very strong in Japan. God has given us a sense of “home” in Japan, too. Last month, I enjoyed seeing the annual matsuri parade going down our street.  We love our neighborhood and our neighbors. This is a gift to feel like we are “at home” in two places. 

Currently, I am staying in Bellevue with our friends. We are very blessed to have these friends who love to have company and are our partners in ministry to the Japanese. With them, it really is “mi casa es su casa” (my home is your home)! We’ve known them over 22 years! The husband played in the worship band for our wedding. Lee Ann sang in their wedding the following year.

JBC is our home church. We have been co-commissioned through them with International Ministries (IM). They have an annual “Gym” (rummage) Sale. Our JBC neighbors look forward to this event and line up before the doors open. I saw Sonny, who attended Sunday School many years ago. He graduated this year from a voc-tech school and is looking for a job. He still lives with his mom in the neighborhood. He reminisced about his caring Sunday school teachers who provided breakfast on Sundays and delivered food donations to his house. Last year, we were very grateful when all the proceeds from the JBC Gym sale were donated toward our ongoing support. We are very thankful for the many people who volunteer to put on this two-day event. We have a home at JBC (who love and support us), with our friends in Bellevue, and a home in Japan. But, it does not always feel like home. There is still a longing for something better.

I think of the verse, Hebrews 11:16, that speaks about longing for ‘a better country – a heavenly one.’ It is a blessing from the Lord that he gives us the ability to live and serve in two countries! But our true home is where our Heavenly Father, who is trustworthy, welcomes us. There is only one path to go home and that is through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

Once I found my heavenly home, I now know the Father’s love, so I may live at peace in my earthly home. This home can be yours, too! That is the good news we want to share with our friends in Japan and in the States.

With much love!

Gordon (and Lee Ann) Hwang

 P.S. If you are in the Seattle area, please come to JBC on Aug. 9 for a joint service (English/Japanese). We will give a message about ministry in Japan and share a song by the Hwang praise team.