本文はご寄稿いただいたオリジナルのまま掲載しています。
※今回掲載する、キャロル・サック宣教師の原稿は、英語がオリジナルとなります。
日本語に翻訳し、一部編集したものを読みたい方は、以下のリンク先（「JELA NEWS 45号」電子版の紙面P2-3頁）をご覧ください。
http://www.jela.or.jp/newsletter/jelanews/jelanews45.pdf
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Lyra Precaria
Director Carol Sack
When I was finishing my two years of
intense studies and training in the US to become certified as a music
thanatologist （音楽死生学士）、I was asked, “How are you going to offer this
work when you go back to Japan?” It was a question I had been asking myself,
because this work (what we in Lyra Precaria call “pastoral harp”) is a very
unique way of doing service, a completely new way of thinking about music. I knew that I would be the only person in
Japan to have this training. However, when I was asked this question, to my
surprise, an answer came forth immediately, from some place inside of my soul. I replied, “I don’t know exactly, but I know
that there will be a way for me to do this work, because the work is
important and this work is TRUE.” What I meant by that is that this work honors
the dignity of each human being, no matter what their identity, religion,
background, gender or societal position. It honors them because they are a
human being, and, as such, a beloved child of God. This, to me, is work that is
TRUE.
Shortly after that, a medical doctor asked me the same
question. I answered him with the same reply. Then he gave me a valuable word
of advice~ one which I again knew in my soul to be 確実
true. He said, “They will come to you.”
In other words, he suggested that I should not try too hard on my own to introduce
this work in a different culture, but rather I should wait for the invitation
to come to me.
So, when I returned to Japan in 2002、I
had a sense of peace that the Lord would open the right doors for me to serve. But I had no idea what kind of doors God
would open for me. That was a complete surprise. My hope was to
quietly offer this pastoral work in some institution, preferably with those who
are homeless or without support. When I met the people of きぼうのいえ, a hospice for homeless persons, they welcomed this work for their
patients. I was also invited to serve for relatives and friends of people I
knew. With these opportunities, I felt thankful that God had answered my
prayers to serve in Japan.
But I guess that was not all that God had in mind. To
my surprise, Lowell Gretebeck, who was the head of JELA at the time, asked me
to consider teaching this work to Japanese persons. Although I was honored to
be asked, I knew it would be impossible for me to do so. However, as I prayed
about it, I realized that what is
impossible for us humans is not impossible for God. If God is calling me to
do this, then God will supply the people, the resources, the guiding concepts,
the students and the institutions to cooperate- everything. And, how fortunate
I was to have the generous support in every way through JELA’s mission work.
Eventually, in faith, I said, “Yes.”
Now, after twelve years, I am in awe of how God has
provided everything that we needed: a beautiful and appropriate physical
setting (complete with multiple harps!), superb teachers (special gratitude for
the amazing music teachers), dedicated JELA support staff, a curriculum solidly
based in pastoral-spiritual care, excellent visiting lecturers and the
cooperation of the Japan Lutheran College, and now 38 dedicated graduates who
are offering their service voluntarily in institutions in various places throughout
Japan and Australia. Never did I dream that God had such a picture in mind!
My goal is that we might, by quiet work, raise
the level of compassion in Japanese society, not through grandiose
plans and movements, but rather one-by-one. For that is how God
comes to each one of us, quietly, one-by-one.
Moreover, God has opened doors to share the Story, the
Great Story of Christ’s forgiveness, Grace and hope, in places I never would
have imagined that we could go. After
3-11, we have shared the music of prayer in public schools and temporary
housing in 東北。We have shared the story and song in countless
universities, in prison, for medical professionals, for businessmen, for
music-related groups, and of course in churches.
Although the course itself is now drawing to a close, the
work continues! I am full of thanksgiving for each person who has taught and
studied and worked together in these twelve years. (I must say a special word
of thanks to my supportive husband, too!) “Lyra Precaria” is the result of a
huge team effort. It is not in any way the work of one person. My life has been
immeasurably enriched as a result of getting to know so many excellent people
who have given so much of themselves to be of service to others. How
blessed I have been!
Finally, my prayer of gratitude goes to the patients,
who are our only true teachers, in this work, as well as in life, death and
faith itself. It is they who teach us what is ultimately true, what is of lasting value,
and how precious each and every human life is.
So, in your own life, as you find what is “TRUE,
“ remember: “They will come to you.” God
will open the way for you to share His Truth of Love with others, and it may be
in ways you never expected.
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※リラ・プレカリア（祈りのたて琴）とは、ハープと歌で祈りを届ける活動です。
【関連リンク】
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日本福音ルーテル社団（JELA）ホームページ
