global village
Living in the world’s largest metropolitan area it is perhaps a little odd to write global ‘village’ above this entry. However, the fact that you are reading testifies to the fact that even though we may be thousands of miles apart, we are part of a community that transcends geographical borders. Anyway, enough reflection on the internet. There is enough out there if you want a philosophical perspective on how the net has changed our global community. What I am really trying to convey is that it is exciting to be part of a new church planting effort (in city center Tokyo) that is not just a network community in this urban giant, but that has connections with people all over the world. The support for GraceCityChurchTokyo literally comes from the far ends of our globe, (even though we are committed to reaching Japanese through a Japanese church) the staff and launch team is international/multicultural. And now we may even rejoice in offering events that reflect this global network – something that resonates with our target group of internationally highly mobile young professionals working in finance, politics, media, and arts.
May 8th, Yukiko Tanaka, a Japanese professional classical pianist, will give a concert hosted by GraceCityChurchTokyo. As her name suggests, she is indeed Japanese, but she was musically educated in the US and is currently based in New York. What is so special about all this? First of all she is a wonderful classical musician that boasts not in her great musical accomlishments, but in the transforming power of the gospel of grace in her life. That makes her music even more beautiful to the ear and to the soul; the beauty of the gospel and its effect on culture and music becomes tangible in her performances. It is an incredible privilege that we can host a concert like this in the early stages of the church. Music is one of the most effective ways to connect with the Japanese heart and its longing for beauty and peace. Being able to invite people to an event like this in front of the skyline of Marunouchi, the financial heart of Tokyo (and Japan), is sheer grace.
There is another connection with the title. You can be of help to reach Tokyoites. We know Tokyo is a hub in our global village network. Young professionals in London’s City or Manhattan’s Midtown have connections with peers in Tokyo’s Marunouchi. We have been introduced to Japanese friends of our friends in cities all over the world. We know there are so much more out there, waiting for you to connect them with Grace. Will you help us by introducing your contacts? May 8th is a great opportunity! You can give or send interested Tokyoites the flyer below. Thanks!