Dear AGAC friends
On Monday, Rev. Junko Preston arrived in Auckland, and visited Holy Cross on Tuesday to share her story. We had a blessing time. She is the first Japanese female priest who was ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Church in the world in late 80s. Her ordination helped other Japanese women who had been waiting for God opening the door in late 90s. As I spent time together with her, I was reflecting on my own calling this week.
Growing up in the country where women’s leadership roles are hardly recognised, even after starting my training for ordination, I had wrestled a lot with the sense of inadequacy; I could not imagine that I would be able to stand at the pulpit myself someday. But imagine, when Junko, who was born during the war, stood firm to her sense of calling when no other Japanese women were ordained! Her road to the ordination was much harder than I could imagine. Even after she finally became a priest, she had to face so many hurdles. Like Junko, many brave pioneering women had crossed the boundary of the women’s sphere and had paved the way for those of us who came after. For this, I am deeply grateful.
I was reminded that thanks to those women, I am able to do what I am doing now. Junko’s story reminds me of the word in Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.” I should also remind myself that God has helped me cross so many boundaries. God has always been, and continues to be faithful. And I am encouraging all of you as I am writing this.
P. S. Junko donated six of her books and we sold them (total$130). With the money, we are buying the recycling bin at Holy Cross.
Embracing the faith
Yukiko
