New Kid’s Album: Big & Small Like most parents, Junko is always on the lookout for uplifting, Scripture-based music for her two young children. After all, they’re the ones who have taught her some of the immutable facts of parenting: Children dictate the song selection in the family car, and they listen to their favorite songs over and over and over again. In response to this teaching, Junko decided to take on the challenge of writing songs which kids-and their parents!-could enjoy. The efforts of this seasoned singer/songwriter resulted in her latest CD, Big & Small. In between diaper changes, playtime at the park, and family walks, Junko penned the eleven original songs on this CD. Lessons learned at her women’s Bible study were seeds for “He Is Messiah,” an overview of Christ’s life sung from the viewpoint of his mother, Mary. Sermon topics about lovingly speaking the truth inspired her reggae-tinged “Say It in Love,” while observations on her own kids’ growing independence led her to write the title track, “Big & Small” (“I can do things big and small/When my life is in God’s control/He’s helping me to stand real tall/So I can do things big and small”). When Junko and her husband, David, became first-time parents several years ago, their lives changed forever. One change for Junko was fewer days of traveling the world with her music ministry. “As our family grew and my heart turned more towards home, I realized that I needed to turn my music over to the Lord to do with as He willed,” she recalls. God blessed her willingness to make her family come first and to let Him guide her music: In 2000, Junko was asked by her church to become the worship leader for its contemporary worship service. She also found herself writing song after song. “I’d been songwriting for years,” Junko reflects, “but staying off the road and spending more time at home afforded me more time to be creative.” Although children’s music is a new direction in Junko’s ministry, it is not completely foreign territory for her. She has often led music for Vacation Bible School and, through the years, has even written some songs for them. She also knew that something in her voice drew in young listeners. In fact, most of her early fan mail came from kids who also included their proud crayon drawings. “Moms often tell me about their kids doing their best Junko-imitation with the toilet paper core at their slumber party,” Junko says with a smile.
