A dear friend once shared a profound truth: “God saves us to serve, and in the process of serving, He saves us.” This truth is the heart of a Christian’s journey, highlighting salvation as a dynamic process rather than a singular event. As I prepare to serve as a missionary in Japan, this journey is not only about the salvation of others but also about the continual transformation of my own soul.

John D. Rockefeller once said, “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.” These words echo the principles of biblical stewardship and discipleship, reminding us that with the gift of salvation comes the call to serve.

Jesus’ ministry on Earth exemplified this. In Matthew 20:28, it is written, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Following His example, we are called to extend our hands in service, to meet the needs of others, and to share the hope we have found in Christ.

In Japan, where less than 1 percent of the population identifies as Christian, the need for the gospel is immense. But this mission is not just about evangelism but about living out my faith through acts of love, kindness and service. It is about building relationships and understanding the unique cultural context of the Japanese people.
Salvation, therefore, becomes an ongoing process. As we serve, we grow in faith, humility and love. Every encounter becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, and every challenge represents a chance to move closer to our own spiritual maturity.

As I embark on this mission, I am reminded that my responsibility, obligation and duty are not burdens but privileges. It is through serving others that we experience the fullness of God’s saving grace in our own lives. The journey in Japan is as much about the salvation of those I will meet as it is about my own spiritual journey.

May we all embrace the call to serve, trusting that, in the process, God continues His work of salvation in and through us.

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