People asked me what I'm doing in Birmingham. And that's a fair question. There is no major tourist destination or attraction. The most touristy one, if any, would be he Civil Rights Institute, a museum of racial segregation and civil rights movement. Birmingham is a thriving city and reviving, repelling old reputation. But, it's not a city popular for vacation or tourism.
But I chose this city for my one-week vacation. For what? Why would I choose here over New York or Chicago, or European cities like Florence?
Again and again, then, I'm reminded that it's people that give meaning to places. And in Birmingham, there are many that I care and are dear to my heart. I don't mind traveling alone in New York City or any tourist destination. I've done that, and sometimes it's better to be able to plan and go to places as I want. I did that in New York City and that was one of my best trips I've ever made.
But, those places would be meaningless without people. However awesome those destination can be, it could carry very little value without people to enjoy it. And places like Birmingham, where people I care live, become more valuable than any bigger city in the world. And friendship is what makes this city so special.
I like to be this way. I want to be someone who care and value friendship. Above all, God made us this way. He saw it was not good for a man to be alone and he made us creation that functions much better when in multiple. Two is better than one. And so is church. Church is the body of Christ revealed in this world and different parts make one body. That's why I value community so much.
One day, if God's willing, I want to have a community like this in Tokyo. And I think that is one of ways that church can make difference in the world.
