** Content warning: readers may find content disturbing, upsetting and controversial*
MAYU
"What is wrong with this world? Discrimination, poverty, prejudice, wars, greed and hypocrisy all burned away at me. I wanted to fix it. I tried to fix it but even though I tried very hard I just couldn't. The injustices continually fueled a fury in me I realised I couldn't overcome on my own, and that frustration only infuriated me more".
In hesitant English, Mayu attempts to explain her simmering rage. About 800 years ago her confucius believing Chinese ancestors were invited by the Kingdom of Korea to teach the King about confucious. Whilst there, the kingdoms of China were overtaken by Mongolia so they could not return home. Generations passed through WW1, WW2 and then the Korean war. In 1910 Korea was annexed by the Empire of Japan until eventually it was considered a part of Japan. By government order, all occupants whether native or not, must adopt Japanese names and identify as such.
Decades later Chinese immigrants who lived first in Korea then Japan, spoke Japanese, not Chinese or Korean, were forced into subservient work and treated as low rated humans. The government held the power to decide what name they were called and the language spoken. Most settlers eke out a humble living working menial jobs 60+ hours a week. "There is no welfare or help available. Everyone works. Many Japanese consider they are an educated superior race in Asia, but these immigrants are not included in that thinking. "We were there to work and pay the taxes, not be educated or valued". This is the world Mayu grew up in with her parents and 3 siblings. She questioned who she was, where did she fit in, or did she even want to fit into this prejudiced society?
"What is wrong with this world? Discrimination, poverty, prejudice, wars, greed and hypocrisy burned away at me. I tried to fix it but even though I tried very hard I just couldn't. I lobbied government organisations. Went to parliament. I rallied. I protested. I was an activist". I tried to fix the system, be the voice and speak up for the disadvantaged and disabled as there was no help for them. There were so many barriers, indoctrination and false information I struggled to find the truth or trust anything or anyone. We were taught to accept and follow orders, not to think or work it out for ourselves. In Japan some believe Jesus Christ went to Japan and there is even a tomb [in the town of Shingo] where it is believed he was buried! Every year 20,000 pilgrims and pagans visit the site. So much misinformation.
In 2011 the Fukushima-Daichi [north eastern Honshu] nuclear power plant exploded following a massive earthquake and tsunami. Mayu felt confused, hurt, and tired. "I wanted to finish my life" she said. "I had no fight left in me".
In 2011 deeply saddened and disillusioned, Mayu believed it was time for her to evacuate and leave behind her family and the country of many scars. She was given an opportunity to work her passage to New Zealand, assisting a special needs Mother and daughter. This small group settled in a rented home in Whitianga. "We began learning English at a special needs school owned by a Japanese Christian lady. This was a new way of life as we tried to survive and learn.
"I was sitting on the floor of my room in Tokyo one night, crying, and although I didn't deeply or spiritually know Jesus, he came into my room before me. Jesus appeared in front of me. Full of light. Full of love. Full of peace. What was happening? I was so full of anger and hate but this was the undeniable presence of God. I emptied my heart to Him. He smiled at me and put His loving hands on my head and I felt a peace I had never known. This was my first encounter with Jesus".
Mayu was giving her witness statement in a New Zealand courtroom following an abusive relationship. She continues "I was answering the Judge and the opposing lawyer's questions as honestly as I could. When it came time for my ex to make his statement, I was filled with anger and grief because of the untruths he told. I was so hurt and embarrassed. I started crying with the frustration and sadness of it all. I wanted him punished. I hated him. As he stood in the courtroom speaking his lies, suddenly I saw Jesus standing in front of him. In this second encounter I saw Jesus bless my ex partner and forgive him. Jesus showed unconditional love. This was not just about me forgiving my ex but about Jesus forgiving me too". We are all sinners and He died on the cross for all of our sins. All my life I had been taught to follow and not question anything. Now I was learning about the heart of Jesus. "I am a citizen of heaven and all the confusion about where I was born, my name and the language I speak are unimportant now. Its all so simple. I now understand God is in control, He created the universe and I am not alone. Life has always been hard but I am an overcomer not a victim. It took me two years to fully repent and forgive my ex partner, but when I did, I knew it was then time to be baptised. Sealed in his unconditional love. A sense of renewal and hope grew in my heart like the flowering of the cherry blossoms".