The month of August is a fairly somber time in Japan compared to the other seasons of the year. One would think that the warm summer months would be times of celebration and joy - school vacation and holiday travel. That is only on the surface surface level. There are events that have transpired in August which have brought about great changes in this society. Let me just list a few significant dates in August.
August 6, 1945 - The Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima with 140,000 casulties.
August 9, 1945 - An Atomic Bomb was detonated over Nagasaki with 80,000 deaths resulting.
August 12, 1985 - We baptized 8 persons in a portable baptistery in Shingu Machi, Japan. This was our first baptism after arriving in Japan in Sept, 1979. We surely did Praise God that day!
August 12, 1985 - JAL 123 crashed into a mountain causing 520 deaths with only 4 survivors.
August 15, 1945 - The Japanese government announced its intent to surrender to the Allied Forces.
August 13-15 - Is the Japanese Buddhist Festival of the Dead. Obon (お盆)
These are several sobering events to be remembered which take place over a two week period of time. I am thankful that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. KJV
We can praise God at any time. We have much to be thankful for. There are negative and painful memories, but we cannot change the past. If we allow it the past will control our present and future. This is the Day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
May God bless you as you remember His Loving Kindness!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
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