A Jazz Connection

On this particular Friday night, just like he has been for the past 30 years, a late-night jazz radio DJ plays his favorite Abdullah Ibrahim hits to honor the pianist’s recent passing. His voice is deep, mellow, and grounded—not unlike an upright bass in the right hands.

Ron is one of the older gents at my coffee shop. Every Wednesday morning he meets his friend to share good coffee, good pastries, and conversation that’s good for the soul.

For most regulars, it’s easy to remember their face, name, and preferences. Some like their coffee extra sweet. Others are chronically in a rush. But it can be a bit challenging to move from friendly to friend without a shared context.

I once had a professor challenge me: “If you aren’t living missionally in life now, you won’t magically start once living abroad.” At the time, his words haunted me. Will who I am be enough to “justify” life as a missionary?

I’ve never been one for overt evangelism—I much prefer establishing a relationship first from which Gospel conversations naturally occur, but is that just serving as an excuse or will opening a coffee shop in Japan truly be enough opportunity to build relationships?

As time went on, interactions with Ron got a little more genuine. Answers about how our weeks are going got a little longer. Next thing I know, he’s telling me about his love for jazz radio. His eyes lit up when I told him about my radio DJ-ing days in college.

“My show is on every Friday night at 9pm—there’s an app and everything!” That was one of those lines seeping with resolute expectation. In that moment I knew right away: I had plans on Friday night at 9pm. That nagging feeling of inadequacy got a little bit lighter.

By living the mundane moments of life side-by-side, a relationship is established and the light of Christ is put on display. This is what we call Relevant Presence: that by living and working alongside locals, believers have a justified place in community, creating natural “micro-collisions” that create Gospel opportunities. My friendship with Ron is proof that God doesn’t waste any of our experiences in preparation for His plans.

In the closing words of Ron’s Friday night jazz show:

“If you like jazz, tell a friend, give them a hug, and have a great night!”