A story from Joey Millard, serving in northern Japan.
Over the last few months, I (Joey) have been meeting with and talking with a few hikikomori–typically men and boys who are characterized by abnormal and extreme social withdrawal, many of whom choose social isolation not leaving their homes and even rooms. The Japanese government estimates that there are more than one million adults who are hikikomori.
One boy I have been talking with, K is in the fourth grade and had not been out of his house for a year and a half! He does not leave his room and his parents are obviously extremely worried about him. Let me share the story of how I was introduced to Kai.
K’s mother’s boss is a friend of mine (and a devout Shinto), S-san. After S-san found K’s mother crying in the employee break room and heard about K, he told her “my friend’s are Christians and they have the best families. They love young people well and I am sure they will help!” What encouraging words by the way.
When S-san called me and explained the situation I was excited, but apprehensive at the same time. I have had spent lots of time with and had many conversation with hikikomori, but never with a 9 year-old (the same age as my son)! What am I supposed to say to a 9 year-old other than “suck-it-up and quit playing video games!?”
God reminded me that I don’t have the right words to convince a 9 year old, but He does. I had just read Psalms 19:7 earlier that day and it says:
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
I don’t have to try to be perfect or know the answers for Kai because God is perfect. And Jesus is enough and His words are powerful! God call us to point to the one who is perfect and gives life to our souls. Yet again, I was struck by the fact that God really can use anyone with a soft heart, a willingness to hear His words.
Earlier this fall, K left his house and dropped by the church with his mom. We talked for a little bit, nothing special, but It was a big step for him. Please pray for K and others like him. May the words of our loving Savior bring healing and life. So many people in the world today are isolated and cut off from society and relationships and it is extremely unhealthy.
I want to remind you that our God is bigger than we can imagine! He works in spite of us and His Word is powerful breaking down walls! Let Jesus’ words give you the wisdom you need to be a light unto the world.