During WWII, when Japanese soldiers knew defeat was near, they charged the enemy with bayonets and yelled “Banzai!!!!!!!” Its a Japanese word meaning “long live the emperor!” These charges probably scared the crap out of their enemies. I mean, I’d be pretty scared. They almost always died charging into the machine gun fire, but something inspires me about their bravery.
They would rather die fighting than surrender and live with defeat. Part of the Samurai honor code, bushido, is to never accept defeat and sacrifice your life for the emperor — as well as be brave, honest, and servant-hearted.
I gotta say, I’ve been pretty tired lately. I’ve seen so many battles, had so many adventures, and done so much ministry. I’ve laughed, cried, danced, and mourned. I’ve seen people get healed, touched by the love of God, get saved, and I’ve also seen bitterness, division, and fear abound. It feels like the end of battle has drawn near. The final month has begun!
So, if you haven’t already picked up on the banzai analogy — my emperor is Jesus. And He is so worthy to die fighting for. No other King has ever stepped down from his throne to meet me at my lowest. Nobody else loved me so deeply in the places nobody else did. I’m so free because of Jesus.
I have the freedom to endure, be strong, and even suffer. I am free from fear and anxiety!
So I go through the exhausting days, the difficult living conditions, the diarrhea, the bad smells, the awkward obedience, and all the struggles. Its all worth it. It’s been an honor!
In the book of Acts, the apostles considered it a great privilege for being counted worthy of suffering for Jesus’s sake. They rejoiced when they were beaten and thrown out of the synagogue. It’s like all they could do in response to the cross was live sacrificially, loyally, as if they were paying the debt that Jesus already paid because that’s all they knew what to do with their lives! They were not living out of guilt or obligation, but walking in the freedom they found in the cross.
As I “taste and see” Jesus and what he did as I enter month 9, the only thing I can do now is Banzai charge to the end. Give everything I’ve got left, push through when it’s hard, to never quit! Never surrender! Don’t worry, I don’t think I’ll die… I think. I mean I’m not charging into machine gun fire or anything. I charge into everything Cambodia has for me.
The Gang atop 100 a year old French Colonial Watchtower overlooking the Mekong River. I got stung by a bee here.
So far, month 9 has been great despite the weariness. I got to share the gospel with the little nuggets playing soccer and go frog hunting with my Cambodian friends. There is so much more ministry planned now that our interim host Sipha, a 20 year old high school senior, started his summer break this week. I have a feeling the best is yet to come.
Telling the kids about Jesus!
Eating a rather traditional meal of frog, whole fish, and mystery soups.
I was offered the traditional “Bockshaw” treatment. It looks worse than it feels.
Never quit!
Don’t surrender!
Honor the Emperor!
Honor! Courage! Sacrifice!
BANZAI!
-Brandon
Green mango + cat + Paramore. I am complete.
