No, we're not having a crisis of faith! LifeLine this week features J-pop singer/songwriter Jinnouchi Taizou. Jinnouchi-san is a recording artist who had several hits in his early career, as well as having penned a number of well-known jingles for TV commercials. He has just released his 11th album to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his debut. (Hmmm... 20 year anniversaries are all the rage this year.)

This link will take you to a YouTube clip of the song that he's probably most well-known for.

But he is also a pastor! He was a young man going to seminary when his music got noticed. He dropped out to pursue a career with a major label. As a middle-aged man, he went back to finish seminary and has been pastoring a church since 2007.

"Where is God" is the top track of the new CD. Here is a link to a page selling the CD, which will also let you listen to bits of it.

I did a quick translation of the lyrics

Where is God? Where is God?

I pray He is near to you in that pain
Beside you in that dark loneliness

What is Love? What is Love?

If you would just notice it and hope for it
It is the Hand that wants to block the blow
It is the Hand that wants to reach out
It is the Hand that wants to embrace

I sing my song, looking up to the blue sky
I sing my song, riding the rustling winds
Maybe God is here
If only you would listen
If only you would listen

He still performs in smaller venues, and we were able to tape one of his concerts. He's a very engaging speaker as well, and his interview and testimony were a lot of fun. The viewers seemed to think so, too. Here's a bit from one email that came in through our web site after the broadcast this morning:

I saw this program for the first time today. Jinnouchi-san's talk was really interesting. From listening to Jinnouchi-san's music before I've thought I ought to try going to church sometime, but now having watched this program, I'm really interested in going!

Our followup people will get him pointed in the right direction! (^ ^)