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Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” – Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)
In his home country of Japan, Yasushi Mikami was a traditional hardworking Japanese man. He was focused solely on his professional and school work, and he didn’t believe in or even think of God. As an atheist, Yasushi never believed anything unless there was physical proof that he could see with his own eyes. His least favorite subject to study or talk about was history, and his only concern was today, and maybe tomorrow. Although he would think of his friends and family every once in a while, most days and nights Yasushi was consumed by his work; though had no clue what all his hard work was for. Slowly, he realized that a paycheck might not be the sole source of his satisfaction, and that there might be more to life than just work.
In his home country of Japan, Yasushi Mikami was a traditional hardworking Japanese man. His life was consumed by his work. He didn’t believe in or even think of God.
Inspired by his favorite singer, Cindy Lauper, Yasushi decided to move to Los Angeles on his birthday, April 5, 2006. Settling in to his new environment, he reached out and quickly made many friends, some of whom were Christians. Over the next two years, he began to investigate God and made time in his busy work schedule to attend a church regularly, listen to sermons and wonder about God. After hearing an inspirational teaching by one of the pastors, Yasushi felt the Holy Spirit move for the first time, and felt led to accept God into his heart and follow God. Finally, in June 2008, Yasushi was baptized.
With God, Yasushi’s life is different. He is the first Christian in his family, and now his family and friends are constantly in his heart. As a part of a close community of Christians, Yasushi loves to discuss Jesus with everyone. God’s hope and peace inspire him, as does his favorite book of the Bible, Romans. Yasushi even likes to read and discuss history—particularly the history of the Middle East—and is currently studying the Hebrew language. One of his passions is to think of new ways to bring atheists to Christ, and though he is still a hard worker, Yasushi knows he has something important to work for. Having experienced God personally, Yasushi Mikami can truly attest that we don’t always have to be able to see – to believe. –Jena Campion
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