The hike was long and, at times, difficult, but as we stood atop Mount Fuji’s peak, gazing out from above the clouds, the sunrise was majestic, with waves of beautiful clouds gilded against the blue sky.

It was my second summer in Japan, and I had joined others for a group hike. We took a bus most of the way up and were dropped off at about 10:00 p.m. With flashlights in hand, we hiked for about six hours to reach the peak and watch the sunrise. We were so tired afterward that we fell asleep on some benches.

I often think of that experience as an analogy to Jesus’ Second Coming. God’s people are on a long and arduous journey to the top (heaven). The world is in darkness but we have our lights (the Bible) to guide the way. And once the Son (Jesus) comes, He will take us to the top to enjoy the glory and beauty of heaven and rest from our labors.

Mount Fuji holds a special place in Japanese culture. A symbol of natural beauty and cultural importance, it has deep spiritual significance in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. It is considered a sacred mountain and a gateway to the heavens, with numerous shrines and temples at its base. Some pilgrims climb Mount Fuji as an act of devotion and to seek enlightenment.

As my family and I return to Japan as career missionaries, it will be our task to teach the kind, respectful and hardworking Japanese that there is only one way to heaven. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Please pray for us as we attend training this summer and prepare to launch to Japan with the gospel. Please also consider joining us as monthly partners in reaching Japan’s unreached.

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