My first impression of Japan was one of modernity. Except for the obvious differences in language and Japanese people everywhere, for the first couple of hours I almost felt like I was still in the United States. Everything went smoothly and was well organized at the airport; I had no problems with immigration or customs and I got my baggage very quickly. One funny thing (at least from my perspective) was the Japanese concern with the current H1N1 flu or Swine flu. Upon arrival in Tokyo, no one could leave the plane until health officials performed a cursory check of passengers, which consisted of filling out a form and asking passengers to raise their hands if they had any symptoms. I'm not sure I want to imagine what would have happened to someone if they would have; more than likely immediate quarantine and a whole lot of hassle. I made sure to avoid any suspicious activity like coughing while the health workers were passing by!
I met Mark Blakely at the airport, one of my team leaders and a PAZ Japan Missionary, and also my fellow short termers Amy, Hannah, and Becky who arrived at almost the same time as me. We proceeded to exchange some money, in my case US$260 for $24,000 Yen! I felt like a rich man until I paid $350 Yen for a small cup of juice! Mark reassured me that this was only because airport prices were expensive; I should have known right?
The drive from the airport across Tokyo took almost two hours, and I saw everything from rice paddies to skyscrapers. There was no lack of good looking vehicles on the road, but traffic was no where nearly as bad as it would have been in an American city of comparable size (even though there are none). Tokyo is currently the largest city in the world with some thirty million people. One thing that immediately struck me was how packed in the city was. Apartment buildings rose above the highway side by side for much of the drive. The Japanese are very good at utilizing small spaces, as I am coming to find out. Tokyo is quite a site to see, but I am eager to be able to get outside of the city to see what Japan really looks like!
On Sunday I attended morning and evening services at the PAZ Naborito Church, which is headed up by Tim Huber. The evening service worship was done in both English and Japanese. Abe Huber, who is Tim's brother and who used to be my pastor in Brazil, is in Japan briefly and he gave the message. I was so blessed to see him again and listen to him speak. After the evening service I was introduced to some young men, two of whom do not yet know the Lord. We had a long and entertaining conversation, and I hope to be spending a lot more time with them in the weeks to come! I am still having trouble remembering names because they are so different, so please pray for me in that regard. I am here to work with young people, and I want them to know that I care about them and that Jesus does too!
The Lord is so good! I am staying at the TAMA Christian center, where they teach English and spread the gospel at the same time. Joe, another PAZ worker, is here with me and is pushing me to learn as much Japanese as I can. My current accommodations are rather small, but that doesn't bother me. I am almost completely over jet lag, and I can't wait to get into gear and begin working on the Machida church plant. I am praying that the Lord will draw me closer to Him during this time and give me confidence and direction to keep my focus and glorify His name!
I will have another update for you next week, but until then, keep on praying for me, that the spirit of the Lord and the love of Jesus would go with me in all that I do.
Be Blessed!!!
Brad Zimmerman
Romans 10:14-15
