Korehira Watanabe is a swordsmith who has spent more than 40 years honing the craft of replicating Koto, the traditional Japanese sword from about 800 - 1300 A.D. As you read his statement below consider the craft of sword-making as a metaphor for living the gospel.
When I was younger, I was making swords just because I loved it, but as I got older I started to think that I need to pass along the aesthetics and soul of the Japanese people through my swords.
When I was in college, I saw a picture in a magazine of a sword maker, who later became my master. That was when I discovered that there will still be people who make traditional swords and when I decided to be a sword maker. All of my family members opposed the idea because they didn't think I could make a living. They told me, "Don't ever come back home if you want to be a sword maker."
I want my disciple to pass me as a sword maker. It is my duty to build up a disciple better than me. Otherwise the tradition will wear thin with time. What I received from my master is not only the technique, but also his passion for sword making. I want my disciple to receive my passion, and I believe he will pass down his own passion for sword making to the next generations.*
As a follower of Jesus, you are in ministry because part of following Jesus is helping others follow Jesus.
Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
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*Takeshi Fukunaga, Handmade Portraits: The Sword Maker
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