Hanaya: Courage under pressure

Hanaya's teacher calls her in for a chat because some parents of her classmates have complained that she's influencing their children toward Christianity.

Can Hanaya hold her ground under pressure? Will she play it safe and dim her light? Or will she continue to be a bright shining lamp for Jesus at school? And what does Jesus say to Hanaya at the end?

Context: What's Hanaya up against?

For many Japanese people, Shintoism and Buddhism are closely intertwined with their identity and culture. Leaving your family's religion can be like leaving your family. Also, due to negative experiences with religious cults in the past, many Japanese are skeptical and suspicious of new beliefs. Religion and religious events are considered separate things by the Japanese. Religious activities in Japan tend to be pragmatic, like praying for money, success in exams, naming ceremonies, removing bad luck, dressing up for fun, etc. They don't think deeply about their beliefs. Also, recent studies indicate that 30% to 39% of the population identify as convinced atheists.

We need the courage to declare and display the Gospel through our words, our work, and our character.
— Dr. Patrick Fung

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brushfires in people’s minds.
— Samuel Adams

Our battle is a battle of persuasion. Be a voice, be an advocate for the Kingdom of God. Share the wonder, beauty, and truth of God without hesitation. Sometimes we get locked down in a way that the enemy would want us to, to not talk, to not speak up, to not declare the truth of God, because the truth is what sets people free.

Hanaya Oki Series:  https://superdifferent.com/hanaya