What God Taught Me in Japan

By Anton Tito Kirindongo

Japan had been on my heart since I was a child. I admired its architecture, culture, cleanliness, values, and respect for others. When the opportunity came to serve with Glow Mission Trips, I immediately applied. What followed was a journey of faith through financial obstacles, paperwork delays, work scheduling challenges, and countless prayers. Looking back, I can clearly see that God was preparing me long before He sent me.

After a 24-hour journey, I finally arrived in Japan. The very next morning, we experienced a small earthquake—a memorable welcome that reminded us how dependent we are on God. From that moment on, every day became another opportunity to witness His guidance and providence.

As we served throughout Japan, I was deeply impressed by the culture. The people were courteous, modest, organized, and intentional about respecting those around them. Whether waiting patiently, keeping public spaces clean, or offering directions to strangers, their thoughtfulness was evident. I also enjoyed Japan's breathtaking landscapes, cherry blossoms, and the opportunity to enjoy delicious plant-based meals.

Yet beneath the beauty lies a great spiritual need. Fewer than one percent of Japan's 122 million people identify as Bible-believing Christians. Learning that many churches are aging and that relatively few members attend weekly services strengthened my conviction that God is still calling workers into His harvest.

Our mission was simple but significant: distribute one million Glow tracts translated into Japanese. With the support of the Japanese Seventh-day Adventist Church, we reached that goal. Rain or shine, our team faithfully prepared and distributed thousands of tracts, trusting God to open hearts. On one particularly cold and rainy day, what seemed impossible became another testimony as every member of our team met or exceeded their daily goal through God's provision.

God also used relationships to teach me powerful lessons. I met travelers and missionaries from around the world, each reminding me that God is constantly arranging divine appointments. One encounter with a fellow traveler led to meaningful conversations about faith, prayer, and the hope found in Christ.

Perhaps the greatest lesson came from witnessing an extraordinary act of Christlike love. My friend Shue, who uses a wheelchair, was faced with a staircase that had no elevator or accessible route. Without hesitation, another dear friend, Johnny, gently lifted Shue onto his back and carried him down the stairs so our group could continue together. In that quiet yet powerful moment, I witnessed the love of Christ in action. It was far more than an act of kindness—it was a living illustration of the Gospel. Throughout the trip, God also gave me opportunities to serve Shue in that same way. These experiences helped me better understand how God continually cares for us in our fallen condition, carries us through life's impossible moments, and patiently prepares us for the sinless world He has promised.

This mission changed my perspective on suffering. Rather than asking, "Why me?" I was reminded that God uses life's challenges to shape our character, deepen our dependence on Him, and prepare us for eternity. He never abandons His children but walks beside us through every trial.

I returned home with a renewed appreciation for God's love for every nation and every person. The mission field is everywhere, and each of us has the opportunity to share Christ—not only through our words but through the way we live.

Sometimes the greatest sermon is a faithful life. Even when we say nothing at all, our actions can point others to Jesus. And whenever possible, carry a few Gospel tracts with you. They are truly "Silent Preachers," quietly sharing the hope of Christ long after we have walked away.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This mission to Japan was never a journey I could have made alone. Looking back, I can clearly see how God worked through so many people to make it possible. My deepest gratitude goes to every individual who gave, prayed, encouraged, and believed in this mission. You became part of every conversation, every tract shared, and every life touched. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help send me 7,000 miles from home to serve His people.

Financial Contributors:

Rosita & Otmar Fos

Carolyn & Courtney Melville

Dr. John J. Mills

Lorna & Eric Ebanks

Michelle Gonzalez-Hill & Family

Sonia & Courtne Shippey

Melva & Carlos Bracero

CJ Williams & Family

Pastor Omar A. Palmer & Palm Springs SDA Church Family

Maria & Roberto Solorzano & Family

Ingrid & Edu Kirindongo

Tevin Johnson

Principal Marliano Smith & West Palm Beach Junior Academy

A very special thank you to Desirée, the GLOW secretary, whose prayers and words of encouragement came at just the right moments. Your kindness, faith, and unwavering support reminded me that God was leading every step of this journey. Thank you for faithfully serving behind the scenes and for being such a blessing to so many missionaries, including me.

Additionally, I am deeply grateful to Tevin Johnson, who, despite being unable to make the journey to Japan, selflessly donated the funds that had been raised on his behalf. His generosity and sacrificial spirit became a blessing to the mission, reminding me that even those who cannot physically go can still play a vital role in advancing God's work. Thank you, Tevin, for your kindness and unwavering support.

I am also incredibly thankful for the friends God allowed me to meet on this mission. Though we came from different countries and backgrounds, we were united by one purpose—to share the love of Jesus. Thank you to Johnny Ahn, Divine Domingo, Hana Nakagawa, Shue Vang, Tara Vang, Zach Padayachy, Na Shen, Marxinne Bacus Quijano-Aviles, Jose "Joel" Germosen Polanco, Danton Waller, Nelson Ernst, Jerry Page, Alistair Norris, Kevin Tavoc, David Pano, Hannah DePaula, Mönna LeNaiz, Deanna Brin, Danyelle Hendrickson, and so many others. I praise God for the friendships, fellowship, prayers, laughter, and memories we shared. I pray our paths cross again as we continue serving Christ wherever He leads.

I'm also grateful to Nelson Ernst for documenting this incredible mission. You can read his article here: Mission Trip to Tokyo Results in Sharing of 750,000 Tracts.

Above all, to God be the glory. Every prayer answered, every obstacle overcome, every divine appointment, and every tract placed into someone's hands was possible only because of His grace.