Called by Name

“ちょう! ちょう!” (Chō¹! Chō! meaning “Butterfly! Butterfly!”) the おばあさん (obaasan², an older lady) called out to the otherwise empty sidewalks in the park. She held a few small bags in her hands and continued to call out as Caitlyn and I passed her on an evening walk.

Near our home is a community with towering apartment buildings, a shopping center, and a baseball field next to a small water reservoir. We do some shopping here and walk around the area regularly. On one of our walks, we passed the obaasan and wondered why she was calling out. Not yet having the language skills to ask for details, we kept walking.

On another loop around the reservoir, we discovered the answer: Ms. Obaasan was crouched low to the ground and scooping something into a small bowl. Next to her was not a flock of butterflies but a large, black cat with a stubby tail. The cat was very friendly with her and apparently very grateful for some food.

We have often seen Ms. Obaasan there feeding the neighborhood cat. The cat knows its name and responds to the call of its caretaker. Ms. Obaasan takes care of her feline friend with presumably no compensation other than the love the cat brings.

God is calling by name for the people of Japan to come to Him, to be fed with the bread of life, and to rest in His care. He knows their name and even the number of hairs on their heads (Luke 12:7). Most, however, have not heard or responded to that call.

Please continue to pray that the people of Japan will not only hear God calling their name but will respond to His love with praise and a joyful heart that wants to share about Him with others.

¹ This is an elongated “oh” sound, sort of like an “ohhh.”

² This is an elongated “a” sound like you were opening your mouth for the doctor. “Awwwwww” — “Obawwsan.”