Killing themselves in record numbers

KILLING THEMSELVES IN RECORD NUMBERS

The prolonged economic slump has driven many entrepreneurs and company presidents in Japan to commit suicide.

Crushed by money troubles the suicide rate amongst Japanese jumped by 35 per cent during the last year. A record high of nearly 33,000 people killed themselves last year.

The country's economic troubles seemed to play a major factor in the increase of suicides. Japan is grappling with its deepest recession in 50 years. Every day the newspapers over here are reporting suicides

Three businessmen rented rooms at the same hotel, shared a final drink and hanged themselves.

The president of a printing company, poured over sales records alone in his office. He was at the end of his tether. Leaving four suicide notes on his desk, he took his own life by driving his car over the edge of a pier in Tokyo Bay. In the note to his wife, he said that he felt he had no other choice and that his situation had become intolerable. He asked her to take care of their children.
(Gleaned from the The Canadian Press and the Yomiuri Newspaper)

It is a deeply ingrained tradition in Japan to regard suicide as an honourable way to atone for failure and express remorse.

The main reason people commit suicide is that they have lost hope. Looking ahead, they cannot see any meaningful future and they feel utterly hopeless.

It is not so for us who put our trust in God.

Our hope lies in God! He is the only one who can hear our cry! He helps us.

In order to find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, we must follow Christ no matter what the cost might be.

No matter what pain or trial we face in this life, we know it is not our final experience. Eventually we will live with Christ forever.

Hallelujah!

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