Viewpoint: In whose authority?

Laurence Hiebert

Today I have the opportunity to speak to a class of students at the nearby Matsutomi Junior High School in Toyota City, Japan. I have been asked to speak about the similarities and differences between Canada and Japan. I do not consider my calling to be to serve as an ambassador of Canada. Yet today I will take that role that, like Paul, I might by all possible means save some.

University professors, doctors, a coach from a professional soccer team and others will join me as guest speakers, addressing the various homeroom classes. No doubt they will employ better Japanese than I and will converse freely about their profession and their passion for it. How about me? I am tempted to feel inferior to these speakers. Sometimes I wonder why I have been invited. Unlike the others, I am not being asked to represent my profession--missionary pastor. In fact, the teacher who invited me politely but clearly indicated that talking about Christianity would be out of bounds. She did say I could mention that I am a pastor and that anyone interested in Christianity could visit our church. I told her I understood her position and thanked her for the opportunity to inform the students of our church's existence. To be sure that she wouldn't worry about what I might say, I asked her to give that little promotion before I speak.

While I have every intention of maintaining the trust of the teacher by restricting my lecture to the parameters she has given, I still believe that I will be Christ's witness in that setting. All authority has been given to Him, and it is in His authority that I will go. I'd rather do that than represent a major university, a big hospital or even the giant Toyota Motor Corporation, which dominates this city.

And even though I am not allowed to share the Word of God or proclaim the gospel, nonetheless I will also go in the power of Christ. Jesus Christ, by His Spirit, indwells and empowers me to be His witness wherever I go. Neither my language limitations nor the restrictions imposed by the school confine my limitless God. I'll trust Him to say and do what I cannot, in a way that only He can.

Laurence, Leona, Brandon, Cambria and Trenton Hiebert serve as church planters with Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services in Toyota City, Japan.

Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 36, No. 7 Home Page