Japanese Youths I was stuck. It was only noon, and I didn’t meet my friend Derrick until six. Lex, who I had spent the night before with, had already gone to work, and I was locked out of her apartment. I’d been in Japan for less than 24 hours, still recovering from jet lag. And there I was, stuck with an overnight bag and several hours to kill in Tokyo.

I headed toward Harajuku, a part of Tokyo known for the national Meiji shrine, trendy clothing boutiques, and the goth high school girls who parade around on weekends. I came because of the four floor discount store (perfect for souvenirs!) and the delicious crepe stands.

But now I was bored. I’d already bought my souvenirs and my crepe. I’d eaten mediocre ramen at a cheap restaurant. I went up and down all of Takeshi-dori, the main street, without finding anything of interest. There seemed to be little else to do than walk around and try not to freeze. “Figures there’d be a cold snap when I brought nothing but a light jacket,” I thought glumly.

Japanese Man with Drums I shifted my bag to the other shoulder and wondered if someone had been slipping rocks into it. It weighed a ton. I wandered down a street and found myself in Yoyogi Park. Today being a Sunday, the park was crowded with a wide and colorful folk.

Sellers spread out clothing, jewelry, and knickknacks on the sidewalk, like a giant yard sale. Elvis impersonators danced around to oldies music. Couples walked around the lake with dogs dressed in little knit sweaters. Rock bands played to passersby. Little kids ran around in coats and hats with their parents calling after them. Girls sang karaoke with boom boxes.

As I walked through the park and watched all the people, I realized that there was the feeling of happiness in the air, of excitement, and of passion. Why else would these performers come out with no specific audience? There must be a deep passion behind it all, to just come and play for the pure enjoyment of it.

I reflected on my own passions – would I be able to come out and bare my soul for all to see? My shy self? To subject myself to whatever opinions people would have of me and my passion? Could I deal with rejection or scorn? What could really merit that kind of risk?

Japanese Pathway And I realized what would merit it all – what should be the True passion for all of us. Sharing Christ. After all, those that share the Gospel are often rejected and scorned. But they put themselves out there anyway, ready for whatever came their way. There are so many Christian martyrs – all died for something they were truly passionate about, willing to fight for no matter what.

Passion is and always has been a key element for Christians. Most people are led to Christ by a person brimming with Godly love and holy passion. “Passion for your house has consumed me.” ( Psalm 69:9, New Living Translation). And this is how all Christians should be – consumed and overflowing with passion for Christ.

I, however, am not a stellar example of this kind of passion. My cowardice often wins out, and I stay silent. I did not do any impromptu witnessing on that day in Yoyogi Park (the significant language barrier was a factor). But what did touch me was the unbridled passion that so many showed that day. I only pray that I too can someday show fearless passion for the most important thing of all – Jesus Christ and sharing His love.

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