Hey All!
it's been a while since I've updated my blog or even
given everyone an update by email, but I figured since my coming back to
Canada for a week last month, I decided to use that as my Sept/Oct
update. But now is pretty much the end of November and going into
December, so here is my update from this month and then some. I will try
and update as best I can, but starting next year, more likely in a
quarterly basis. Things here are starting to pick up and as of next
year, I'll probably be even more busy by the way things are going to
play out, but I'll explain all of that in this update!
Campus Ministry
Being on Campus has of course,
continued to be the main ministry that the Jesus Soldiers and I have
been doing. A lot of things have changed in terms of who goes where this
semester partly because of the coming of 2 new missionaries, one from
California and one from Indiana, and partly because one of my teammates
has went back to home country to get married. So new teams and team
leaders have been instituted for sake of structure. I have been charged
this semester to lead of the groups to campus every week, and it is a
privilege, but also a big challenge, to lead my teammates into ministry.
It's a privilege for me because I never expected myself to be a leader
of a group while I was here, I just came here with the mindset of "I
just want to serve and do my best". But God in his Authority has placed
me here for the reason to lead people, and I want to be able to be a
humble and faithful servant to what he has given me to do. On the other
hand, it has been a challenge for me. Feelings of inadequacy creep up as
I look at myself and compare myself to the one before me, which the
question in my mind always comes up to "am I doing a job?". But I know I
shouldn't be comparing myself to anyone else, and I should just remain
faithful to what has been given to me to do, with everything that I
have.
This semester has been a little less fruitful in terms of students,
which has led me to the conclusion that it's time things we did on
campus changed. Of course I still keep up with some of the faithful
students that come to meet with me. And I'm still praying that God will
open their hearts to what Jesus is telling them, and I'm happy to see
what God is doing inside their hearts and the changes in their minds
about the gospel. But the parable of the Great Banquet in Luke chapter
14 convicted me one day. Far too many students/friends have made
excuses, lies and just stopped contacting me for unknown reasons. I
guess it was a reminder that I was not the one changing people, but God
was, and if they chose to leave, then so be it, it's time to find new
people! Of course, I am always there if those who leave decide they want
to contact me again, but rejection and letting go is also part of this
job, so it's time to move forward.
I've also had run ins with a few "adversaries" to the faith. Those who
in 2 Timothy are the ones described as "useless and meaningless"
argument producers and ones that try to destroy the faith others, if for
no other reason then for fun and their own fulfillment. It takes a lot
of me to just leave them without venting out my full fury. But at the
same time I look at the lives that they live and still feel pity for
them because of the emptiness and loneliness. Continue to pray that
Jesus will reveal himself to them and they will "come to their senses",
as Paul says in 2 Timothy.
J-House and J-Soldier Ministry
This month has
been a very busy one in terms of Church events and ministry within. It
has also been one of many new ideas and breakthroughs, all which I am
excited about and happy to be apart of and can't for next year!!!! We've
recently had a mission team from Korea come for a week. They are part
of an Organization that J-house originally had ties with and received
missionaries from in the past, but for certain reasons had a a small
falling out with. Now, we are trying to fix those severed ties and it
looks like things are on the up and up again with the Organization. And
we are looking forward to continually building our relationship with
them from here on. Also this month is a month of many conferences. Some
of my teammates and I have joined the Global Leadership Conference here
in Japan. The conference was started by the Pastor of Willow Creek
Community church, Bill Hybels, from his church in Illinois, and has
spread out worldwide. A few of us are attending the conference now while
another few of us are attending a conference in Tokyo by a Hillsong
branch church called Jesus Lifehouse and hosted by Brian Houston. And
still another one of us are attending another Leadership conference in
another Prefecture of Osaka. So pray that God will keep my team and I
learning and applying so that we can be more effective on the field.
Also, I guess I have the go to let everyone know, but Pastor Katsuya and
the J-soldier team have been working hard on Campus every time we go
and through no lack of effort on our own (as my Leader and friend would
say), we kind of hit a plateau and were looking for a breakthrough in
the ministries that we are a part of. We go to 3 campuses and we've met
many students, we've seen a lot come and go, but even for the ones that
are still here, they receive the word with piqued interest, or have
received Christ into their lives, but they don't go to church! A lot of
the students feel it's too far, and rightfully so, as some of the
campuses that I go to take a fare amount of money to get to, and
Students are not rich. But anyway, whatever the problem or excuse, we
have been praying about it and the solution is, if its too difficult to
come to J-house in Osaka, we will bring J-house to them in theirs. Right
now we are praying about 2 locations, Kyoto and Kobe, a lot of the
students that we know come form those cities and they are a good
distance away from Osaka. The idea we have is called the J-house
extensions. We use the word "extension" for now because it's not
starting as a church plant, but if it's successful then would become a church
plant. We will begin with a Saturday night worship in one of the cities,
and if it works well, we will also do Friday night in another city. We
are still praying about it and setting things up for it, we have no
Official date except that it will start next year. But I'm really
excited and can't wait to see what God has in store for j-house and
Japan next year!
Also I have been put into Rotation on wednesday night worship leading! I
know I said I don't lead anymore and hardly pick up a guitar for
leading, but when I got back from Canada, suddenly that all changed lol.
I at least will be doing once a month on wednesday nights. and I have a
feeling it will be for getting me ready to do worship services for the
extensions. But either way, I'm glad to be back into the worship leading
mix. It's a little different because I have a new team to work with and
new (japanese) songs to learn also :D. But I welcome the challenge and
hope that I can be of service through music again! :)
Other Activities
I have still been reading, but
not as frequently as I want to, but I'm still trying when I can. Also
the english conversational class I have been teaching has "evolved" if
you will, into an English bible study, with it turning into english
class evangelism at times lol. But I'm glad God is using it to further
his kingdom. I find that too many of the church members do not know the
basics of what they believe in, and its a good opportunity to go through
that and more with them when they are willing, and also when they bring
non-christian friends, to be able to share the gospel to them. I also
have been formally discipling a few church members that have become
leaders in the church. I know that they have the potential to lead, but
because of some the tendencies to stay "Japanese", they lack the skill
and confidence to carry out leadership decisions. So with a little
learning, I know they can become good leaders in Christ.
Upcoming Events
Next week we are having the
annual BIG USA thanksgiving event. I was only here for the one last
year, but it was the biggest event we had, with almost 110 people coming
in. We we're glad that we had just the right amount of food! We're
hoping we will be better prepared for this years and also hoping many
students will be able to come out for this one too. Also Christmas is
coming around!!!! and we are holding the annual SUPER CHRISTMAS event!
It's held on 2 days, the 15th and the 24th and we are hoping that we
will be able to spread the true meaning of Christmas in Japan.
Prayer Requests
- for the students that I have met
and befriended this semester, that God will continue to reveal Jesus to
them. Pray that God will use his Spirit to lead them to Christ and Pray
that God will Continue to use J-house and each member to do so.
- For
My colleagues and I to continue to be faithful to our jobs as
missionaries. and to grow with each other through the Spirit and grace
and love of Christ
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a
lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and
maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over
everything.
- For the J-house extension projects for next year, Pray
that God will lead us and help extend his church to other cities so that
the Gospel will exponentially grow within Japan! We REALLY NEED YOUR
SUPPORT! We need all the spiritual support we can get on this one,
because we know we cannot do this on our own for sure! and if you are
moved to want to support financially also, you make donations at the
J-house website: J-House website. We want to be able to partner with all of you Spiritually and prayerfully through this!
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
I
think that is all for now. Also J-house is always looking for
missionaries, workers that are willing to give their lives to evangelism
and discipleship for a year or 2 (preferably 2 lol). So if you like to
joint us here (or know anyone that would be interested) please check out
the J-house missionary application site: http://www.comejapan.org/ if u have any questions, or interest, also let me know so I can put in a good word
Thank you again for all of your support! I am really thankful for
having a supporting church in missions with me on this. and I was really
glad to see everyone back in Toronto! Please continue to pray for me
and my colleagues as we work here, We are continually always feeling the
urgency and the need of the Gospel and the Love of Jesus for the
Japanese people.
I'll be back again for another Update! but in due time, Adieu!
PS, sorry I have no pictures this time, but I will for the next update, stay tuned!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
July/half of August Update!
Konnichiwa!
Hello all! I'm back for another update! Sorry, I meant to send this update a little earlier during the month, but I have been really busy this first half of August accommodating missions teams, preparing for summer camps and organizing other events. I now have some free time so I'm able to get on and update what has happened in the last month and a half.
Campus Ministry
Last month marked the end of the semester for campus ministry. Most of the students had exams during that time, so it was hard to get a hold of the students that we knew, and even hard to speak to new ones because of the study time that they devoted themselves to. Also the ones that did not have exams, were already on their summer vacations, going places and doing other things then, of course, going to school (which is what I would do to). But though we weren't able to talk to the students that we knew, the connections that we have made have been very fruitful the past semester. we have seen at least 3 or 4 students accept the Gospel, now we continue to pray that God will move their hearts so that they may grow and "work out" their salvation, as it says in Philippians. God also blessed us the past 2 months with excellent missions teams to help us out, and I'm very thankful to have met all of them and worked with all of them.
We've recently had one girl accept the Gospel, and her faith is genuinely seen! We have actually been in contact with her for a long time (since last year i think). and everytime we shared the gospel with her, she seemed to think "i have a good family, good friends, why do I need God?" kind of mindset. Only recently has the spirit started to move in her, which was really surprising to me because she disappeared for a good 3 months (doing job hunting), but it was really evident that something in her heart started moving because she started coming to j-house almost literally everyday. She just recently accepted as a I mentioned about 4 weeks ago? and she is already thinking about being baptized (praise God!). But it kind of humbled me in a way where, sometimes we think God is not moving because of the our impatience. I know I have been discouraged at times because one thing I have learned about this job is that rejection everyday is part of it. And its not the kind of outright, obvious "get out of my face" rejection that we can experience in North America. Japanese people like to avoid conflict. and if they see that what they say or do will cause conflict, they will just not do anything! So the amount of indirect rejection that me and colleagues face is numerous, and it can take a toll on you, making us ask ourselves "what did I do wrong?" or making us think that its personally against us that the people we call "friends" that we meet, don't want to talk or hang out or even answer our emails (I just recently had a dose of that with a friend that I think genuinely accepted, but then just suddenly stopped contacting me for a good month now). But time and time and again I am humbled by the fact that it is God that moves hearts and it is God that saves. We just have to continue to remain faithful to the things that he has given to us to do. We give glory to God by remaining obedient. So no matter what happens now, rejection or acceptance, I just want to remain faithful to the work. After that kind of realization, I love this job and the people even more and will continue to work harder to see souls saved and a revival in Japan!
Church and J-Soldier ministry
Been very busy at j-house the last month. Preparing events for students and having the missions team over. I think we have had people over almost everyday since that time. Just now is everything starting to die down. But we also just had our summer camp, and it was a great blessing just getting to worship and fellowship and get to know the j-house members even more. It was a good refresher from the busyness that is Japan. Unfortunately though, Pastor Katsuya could not come to the camp because he picked up a virus and was hospitalized for a week. He really wanted to come and tried to get out early, but proved to be impossible so he was not present. So continue to pray for his that he will recover and be back at 100%. This month also, 2 of the J-soldiers have finished their tour of service (we are soldiers lol) and are going back to their respective country...I say country because they are both from Korea. One has already left in the beginning of the month and the other is leaving in 2 days. It is sad to see them both leave (well the other one is coming back in 5 months....he loves this country THAT much! lol) but I can say that the bonds that we have all built together will not be broken that easily *sniff*, and God willing, we will see each other again. Other then that, everything has been as it is, church services are still great and street evangelism as also been great! we have been getting some more people from the streets of Osaka to come to J-house. We were actually thinking if it was worth doing every saturday because we didn't see anything coming out of it after 1 year. But again, we wanted to stay faithful in doing the jobs we are given, so that's what we are doing, and we trust God will do what he promised to do and be glorified.
Other Activities
Recently during my free time, I have been studying the bible a lot more then usual. I have been also reading a lot more which was my goal in the first place because I didn't want to spend my time doing idle and pointless things. I actually got 3 free e-books by Francis Chan (Thank God for free books!) so I have a lot of reading to catch up on! I also still hold my english conversational classes on tuesdays and its proving to be a great tool for either evangelism OR bible study growth! Study bible AND learn english at the same time! 2 birds, 1 stone! lol I'm also still studying Japanese....I think though its time to start learning a lot more seriously because the 2 that are leaving this month were the 2 or 3 soldiers that could speak Japanese! And we need people that can speak Japanese, so pray that God will move me also to learn the language....and that I can learn it quickly lol.
Upcoming Events
next week will mark the starting of the J-soldier vacation! God knows we do need a vacation and rest sometimes lol. So we, of course, welcome it! Also, though we are losing 2 J-soldiers, we are gaining 2 more in the end of september, both from America, so God is still providing other workers for the mission :D other then that, there are no other events coming up here for the time being
Prayer Requests
- for the students that I have met and befriended this semester, that God will continue to reveal Jesus to them. Pray that God will use his Spirit to lead them to Christ and Pray that God will Continue to use J-house and each member to do so.
- For My colleagues and I to continue to be faithful to our jobs as missionaries. and to grow with each other through the Spirit and grace and love of Christ
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Soooooooo Wow! its been almost 1 year! Its actually gone sooooo fast! I'm glad for this year, God has continued to show me a lot more and revealed to me a lot more. Again I thank you all for joining me in this mission. My love for the country and the japanese people has grown even more, so to me, the urgency to see more Japanese souls saved has grown. I think you all for your prayers and your donations, and I hope that you will continue to join me in Support of this mission. Again, here are some pictures of the events that have just passed, enjoy!
Hello all! I'm back for another update! Sorry, I meant to send this update a little earlier during the month, but I have been really busy this first half of August accommodating missions teams, preparing for summer camps and organizing other events. I now have some free time so I'm able to get on and update what has happened in the last month and a half.
Campus Ministry
Last month marked the end of the semester for campus ministry. Most of the students had exams during that time, so it was hard to get a hold of the students that we knew, and even hard to speak to new ones because of the study time that they devoted themselves to. Also the ones that did not have exams, were already on their summer vacations, going places and doing other things then, of course, going to school (which is what I would do to). But though we weren't able to talk to the students that we knew, the connections that we have made have been very fruitful the past semester. we have seen at least 3 or 4 students accept the Gospel, now we continue to pray that God will move their hearts so that they may grow and "work out" their salvation, as it says in Philippians. God also blessed us the past 2 months with excellent missions teams to help us out, and I'm very thankful to have met all of them and worked with all of them.
We've recently had one girl accept the Gospel, and her faith is genuinely seen! We have actually been in contact with her for a long time (since last year i think). and everytime we shared the gospel with her, she seemed to think "i have a good family, good friends, why do I need God?" kind of mindset. Only recently has the spirit started to move in her, which was really surprising to me because she disappeared for a good 3 months (doing job hunting), but it was really evident that something in her heart started moving because she started coming to j-house almost literally everyday. She just recently accepted as a I mentioned about 4 weeks ago? and she is already thinking about being baptized (praise God!). But it kind of humbled me in a way where, sometimes we think God is not moving because of the our impatience. I know I have been discouraged at times because one thing I have learned about this job is that rejection everyday is part of it. And its not the kind of outright, obvious "get out of my face" rejection that we can experience in North America. Japanese people like to avoid conflict. and if they see that what they say or do will cause conflict, they will just not do anything! So the amount of indirect rejection that me and colleagues face is numerous, and it can take a toll on you, making us ask ourselves "what did I do wrong?" or making us think that its personally against us that the people we call "friends" that we meet, don't want to talk or hang out or even answer our emails (I just recently had a dose of that with a friend that I think genuinely accepted, but then just suddenly stopped contacting me for a good month now). But time and time and again I am humbled by the fact that it is God that moves hearts and it is God that saves. We just have to continue to remain faithful to the things that he has given to us to do. We give glory to God by remaining obedient. So no matter what happens now, rejection or acceptance, I just want to remain faithful to the work. After that kind of realization, I love this job and the people even more and will continue to work harder to see souls saved and a revival in Japan!
Church and J-Soldier ministry
Been very busy at j-house the last month. Preparing events for students and having the missions team over. I think we have had people over almost everyday since that time. Just now is everything starting to die down. But we also just had our summer camp, and it was a great blessing just getting to worship and fellowship and get to know the j-house members even more. It was a good refresher from the busyness that is Japan. Unfortunately though, Pastor Katsuya could not come to the camp because he picked up a virus and was hospitalized for a week. He really wanted to come and tried to get out early, but proved to be impossible so he was not present. So continue to pray for his that he will recover and be back at 100%. This month also, 2 of the J-soldiers have finished their tour of service (we are soldiers lol) and are going back to their respective country...I say country because they are both from Korea. One has already left in the beginning of the month and the other is leaving in 2 days. It is sad to see them both leave (well the other one is coming back in 5 months....he loves this country THAT much! lol) but I can say that the bonds that we have all built together will not be broken that easily *sniff*, and God willing, we will see each other again. Other then that, everything has been as it is, church services are still great and street evangelism as also been great! we have been getting some more people from the streets of Osaka to come to J-house. We were actually thinking if it was worth doing every saturday because we didn't see anything coming out of it after 1 year. But again, we wanted to stay faithful in doing the jobs we are given, so that's what we are doing, and we trust God will do what he promised to do and be glorified.
Other Activities
Recently during my free time, I have been studying the bible a lot more then usual. I have been also reading a lot more which was my goal in the first place because I didn't want to spend my time doing idle and pointless things. I actually got 3 free e-books by Francis Chan (Thank God for free books!) so I have a lot of reading to catch up on! I also still hold my english conversational classes on tuesdays and its proving to be a great tool for either evangelism OR bible study growth! Study bible AND learn english at the same time! 2 birds, 1 stone! lol I'm also still studying Japanese....I think though its time to start learning a lot more seriously because the 2 that are leaving this month were the 2 or 3 soldiers that could speak Japanese! And we need people that can speak Japanese, so pray that God will move me also to learn the language....and that I can learn it quickly lol.
Upcoming Events
next week will mark the starting of the J-soldier vacation! God knows we do need a vacation and rest sometimes lol. So we, of course, welcome it! Also, though we are losing 2 J-soldiers, we are gaining 2 more in the end of september, both from America, so God is still providing other workers for the mission :D other then that, there are no other events coming up here for the time being
Prayer Requests
- for the students that I have met and befriended this semester, that God will continue to reveal Jesus to them. Pray that God will use his Spirit to lead them to Christ and Pray that God will Continue to use J-house and each member to do so.
- For My colleagues and I to continue to be faithful to our jobs as missionaries. and to grow with each other through the Spirit and grace and love of Christ
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Soooooooo Wow! its been almost 1 year! Its actually gone sooooo fast! I'm glad for this year, God has continued to show me a lot more and revealed to me a lot more. Again I thank you all for joining me in this mission. My love for the country and the japanese people has grown even more, so to me, the urgency to see more Japanese souls saved has grown. I think you all for your prayers and your donations, and I hope that you will continue to join me in Support of this mission. Again, here are some pictures of the events that have just passed, enjoy!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
April, May and June updates
Hello all!
It's been a long time since I've updated everyone, I'm sorry I couldn't get the chance to do so earlier, the last few months have been busier then usual, getting back into Campus ministry, preparing for retreats and especially this past June having another team from the US here for month and getting other events ready. It's hard to find time to relax these days so when I do get those times, I totally get lazy in writing my updates to catch up on sleep or read, or walk around Osaka to get refreshed. But I shall try and be more consist on a monthly basis with my updates, Hope no ones angry or nothing! anyway, on to business!
Campus Ministry
Campus ministry has been very very interesting to say the least since we started up again in April. We have seen God working in many of the hearts of students that we thought were unreachable at the time. And though it's a struggle everyday at times (keeping our energy and hopes up), I and the rest of the J-soldiers want to just continue to be faithful in the work that God has given to us to do. Right now, I have been keeping up with 7 or 8 different students from 2 different campuses. Sharing and ministering to them as much as I can and hoping that God will continue to speak to their hearts and open their eyes to Jesus. One in particular has shown great interest to the point of asking me questions initially and letting me know what he's learned while reading the bible (his own I might add) on his own. And though he is a student that I speak to about the gospel, I want to be able to also be a friend to him and go out of my way to let him know the love Christ has given, not just make him an evangelism project. So one day I went out of my way to walk him to the train station even though I wasn't leaving yet, and later on he thanked me for the kindness. I know we we're all given the task to preach the gospel everywhere we go, but I like to remind myself of 1 Corinthians 13:1 and Matthew 22:37-39 and continue to grow in love with the students that I have come in contact with and preach to. So really in the end, they aren't just students that I talk to, they're also my friends! So that's how I view them now. Past April and May we have seen many come to J-house, whether events or Sunday Worship, and we continue to pray to God that he will work in them. This past June, a mission team from CFC (Covenant Fellowship Church) has come from Chicago to help us out for a month. They have been a great help getting events and just expanding the campus ministry. It's been really busy since we changed up the schedules so that we could staying longer on campus to get to meet and talk more to students that we have met, and even meet new ones. But the last 3 months have been a real blessing and encouragement and I'm excited to see what will happen next!
Church and J-Soldier ministry
Things at J-house have also been very exciting. The past months we have seen many new comers (at least 30-40 a month), 4 people get baptized and 10 people get inducted as new members of the church. So it has been a major blessing! Also with the Mission team here our jobs have been a little bit lightened so we get to focus on a few other things right now. I and my J-soldier family have preached a couple of times to help Pastor Katsuya out. I can say though that I really don't have the knack of preaching infront of people, So only by the grace of God it was done well haha. In May, a few of the staff members of J-house and the J-soldiers went to a camp near Mount Fuji to relax and meet other churches and christians to fellowship with. J-house is apart of a network of churches called New Hope. They are from Hawaii and they have come here to plant churches in various parts of the country, most of the churches are in the Tokyo/Yokohama area. It was good to meet them and get to know that there are many just like us in Japan working for a revival in the country. I also met a former strongest man competitor/Dallas cowboy football player from Samoa named Pastor Joe Onosai. Biggest man I have ever met, won a super bowl AND the strongest man competition 2 years in a row, but has a great testimony and even greater passion for the lost.
Right now, The Chicago team is only here for another week, so they are working their hardest and doing their best to be stay faithful, and this Saturday coming up there will be a concert at J-house called Hope United, to raise money for those in the Tsunami/Earthquake disaster area. It's a Gospel choir music concert, and the members have been practicing very hard to get this underway. I will be playing bass and Guitar for a few of the songs. Pray that it will be a blessing to those that come through!
Also we have been continuing Street evangelism every Saturday. it has become a little bit more difficult to go out there and play music because we have been stopped a couple of times by the actual police this time. Though we praise God because everytime we have been stopped, it's always AFTER we're done for the night lol. But we're hoping that God will still continue to give us new ways if we're ever stopped before we can start.
Other Activities
As for my Extra activities, they remain the same for the most part. I have been continuing to study Japanese under the tutelage of one of the Church staff members. I hope to get my listening skills a lot more improved by the end of the year and start actual usage of the language for the next. But all in all I will get the language, or at least a good part of it, that is my promise ;). I have also started a new English conversational class every tuesday night. I don't really teach anything new, I just have the class so that those who want to practice their english have a chance to. So we really just talk about anything in our lives to start up the "lessons". I haven't been reading much lately, which I probably should get back into soon. If not, starting August when things die down a little bit. I haven't really had time to just relax at a coffee shop and read. But I hope that will change soon. oh yes in May I got my first visitor from Toronto. TJ came to visit me and it was really good to hang out with someone from Canada and just show him the ropes in Osaka. Even though it was a short time, I'm glad we were able to just chat and catch up with things (and be filled in with others lol). Sooooo if y'all have the time and money COME VISIT ME, is what I'm saying.
Upcoming events
For the Month of July, The Chicago team will be leaving on the 11th, but the very next day, a team from Orange County, California will be coming for the month, so we hope the transition will be a good one. We need to clean a lot of sheets in a short amount of time, so we're hoping things will be smooth and fast lol. Other then that, no real major events that I can really think of for the month of July. I'll let you know if there is later.
Prayer Requests
- for the students that I have met and befriended this semester, that God will continue to reveal Jesus to them. Pray that God will use his Spirit to lead them to Christ and Pray that God will Continue to use J-house and each member to do so.
- For Energy and strength each day, since rainy season has come around I have been experiencing a few headaches here and there, maybe because of change of weather and just constant business, also pray that I continue to keep my focus in check.
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For the mission team and their remaining time here. That God will continue to grow their hearts for the people that they minister to.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Again I Apologize for the lateness of my update. I will try to update more frequently and consistently. Also Thank you for your donations in this endeavor. I know that this isn't only my ministry but given to all of us as a whole! So I thank you for those who have shown kindness through monetary support. It has been a great help especially during the past few months. Also I have heard about Pastor Brian, and I'm saddened by the loss. He was a real inspiration to me when it came to missions and I will miss him. But I also rejoice because he is with our Creator and Lord enjoying his presence and no longer suffering on this world. I also hope that the missions team for this summer will go well in the name of Jesus. As long as we continue to be faithful, no matter what happens, God will provide and work! A few pictures on the bottom on campus and within the church! enjoy!
Until next month!
It's been a long time since I've updated everyone, I'm sorry I couldn't get the chance to do so earlier, the last few months have been busier then usual, getting back into Campus ministry, preparing for retreats and especially this past June having another team from the US here for month and getting other events ready. It's hard to find time to relax these days so when I do get those times, I totally get lazy in writing my updates to catch up on sleep or read, or walk around Osaka to get refreshed. But I shall try and be more consist on a monthly basis with my updates, Hope no ones angry or nothing! anyway, on to business!
Campus Ministry
Campus ministry has been very very interesting to say the least since we started up again in April. We have seen God working in many of the hearts of students that we thought were unreachable at the time. And though it's a struggle everyday at times (keeping our energy and hopes up), I and the rest of the J-soldiers want to just continue to be faithful in the work that God has given to us to do. Right now, I have been keeping up with 7 or 8 different students from 2 different campuses. Sharing and ministering to them as much as I can and hoping that God will continue to speak to their hearts and open their eyes to Jesus. One in particular has shown great interest to the point of asking me questions initially and letting me know what he's learned while reading the bible (his own I might add) on his own. And though he is a student that I speak to about the gospel, I want to be able to also be a friend to him and go out of my way to let him know the love Christ has given, not just make him an evangelism project. So one day I went out of my way to walk him to the train station even though I wasn't leaving yet, and later on he thanked me for the kindness. I know we we're all given the task to preach the gospel everywhere we go, but I like to remind myself of 1 Corinthians 13:1 and Matthew 22:37-39 and continue to grow in love with the students that I have come in contact with and preach to. So really in the end, they aren't just students that I talk to, they're also my friends! So that's how I view them now. Past April and May we have seen many come to J-house, whether events or Sunday Worship, and we continue to pray to God that he will work in them. This past June, a mission team from CFC (Covenant Fellowship Church) has come from Chicago to help us out for a month. They have been a great help getting events and just expanding the campus ministry. It's been really busy since we changed up the schedules so that we could staying longer on campus to get to meet and talk more to students that we have met, and even meet new ones. But the last 3 months have been a real blessing and encouragement and I'm excited to see what will happen next!
Church and J-Soldier ministry
Things at J-house have also been very exciting. The past months we have seen many new comers (at least 30-40 a month), 4 people get baptized and 10 people get inducted as new members of the church. So it has been a major blessing! Also with the Mission team here our jobs have been a little bit lightened so we get to focus on a few other things right now. I and my J-soldier family have preached a couple of times to help Pastor Katsuya out. I can say though that I really don't have the knack of preaching infront of people, So only by the grace of God it was done well haha. In May, a few of the staff members of J-house and the J-soldiers went to a camp near Mount Fuji to relax and meet other churches and christians to fellowship with. J-house is apart of a network of churches called New Hope. They are from Hawaii and they have come here to plant churches in various parts of the country, most of the churches are in the Tokyo/Yokohama area. It was good to meet them and get to know that there are many just like us in Japan working for a revival in the country. I also met a former strongest man competitor/Dallas cowboy football player from Samoa named Pastor Joe Onosai. Biggest man I have ever met, won a super bowl AND the strongest man competition 2 years in a row, but has a great testimony and even greater passion for the lost.
Right now, The Chicago team is only here for another week, so they are working their hardest and doing their best to be stay faithful, and this Saturday coming up there will be a concert at J-house called Hope United, to raise money for those in the Tsunami/Earthquake disaster area. It's a Gospel choir music concert, and the members have been practicing very hard to get this underway. I will be playing bass and Guitar for a few of the songs. Pray that it will be a blessing to those that come through!
Also we have been continuing Street evangelism every Saturday. it has become a little bit more difficult to go out there and play music because we have been stopped a couple of times by the actual police this time. Though we praise God because everytime we have been stopped, it's always AFTER we're done for the night lol. But we're hoping that God will still continue to give us new ways if we're ever stopped before we can start.
Other Activities
As for my Extra activities, they remain the same for the most part. I have been continuing to study Japanese under the tutelage of one of the Church staff members. I hope to get my listening skills a lot more improved by the end of the year and start actual usage of the language for the next. But all in all I will get the language, or at least a good part of it, that is my promise ;). I have also started a new English conversational class every tuesday night. I don't really teach anything new, I just have the class so that those who want to practice their english have a chance to. So we really just talk about anything in our lives to start up the "lessons". I haven't been reading much lately, which I probably should get back into soon. If not, starting August when things die down a little bit. I haven't really had time to just relax at a coffee shop and read. But I hope that will change soon. oh yes in May I got my first visitor from Toronto. TJ came to visit me and it was really good to hang out with someone from Canada and just show him the ropes in Osaka. Even though it was a short time, I'm glad we were able to just chat and catch up with things (and be filled in with others lol). Sooooo if y'all have the time and money COME VISIT ME, is what I'm saying.
Upcoming events
For the Month of July, The Chicago team will be leaving on the 11th, but the very next day, a team from Orange County, California will be coming for the month, so we hope the transition will be a good one. We need to clean a lot of sheets in a short amount of time, so we're hoping things will be smooth and fast lol. Other then that, no real major events that I can really think of for the month of July. I'll let you know if there is later.
Prayer Requests
- for the students that I have met and befriended this semester, that God will continue to reveal Jesus to them. Pray that God will use his Spirit to lead them to Christ and Pray that God will Continue to use J-house and each member to do so.
- For Energy and strength each day, since rainy season has come around I have been experiencing a few headaches here and there, maybe because of change of weather and just constant business, also pray that I continue to keep my focus in check.
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For the mission team and their remaining time here. That God will continue to grow their hearts for the people that they minister to.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Again I Apologize for the lateness of my update. I will try to update more frequently and consistently. Also Thank you for your donations in this endeavor. I know that this isn't only my ministry but given to all of us as a whole! So I thank you for those who have shown kindness through monetary support. It has been a great help especially during the past few months. Also I have heard about Pastor Brian, and I'm saddened by the loss. He was a real inspiration to me when it came to missions and I will miss him. But I also rejoice because he is with our Creator and Lord enjoying his presence and no longer suffering on this world. I also hope that the missions team for this summer will go well in the name of Jesus. As long as we continue to be faithful, no matter what happens, God will provide and work! A few pictures on the bottom on campus and within the church! enjoy!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
March Update!
Hey all
I'm back with another update! I hope everyone still read this stuff that I'm writing, lol. But yeah, March was interesting month even though I wasn't on campus, The birthday past and got older by another year, by the way, thanks to everyone that greeted me on my birthday. really appreciate it for sure! And even though I'm 31 I still feel like I'm in my 20's (and look like it apparently, thank the Lord for the asian blood!) and still ready to do ministry without slowing down! Anyway, down to the update!
Student Ministry
As I mentioned in February, the Students are on their break until the next semester starts, so we had a lot of time on our hands, but again, still on the job so it was more difficult to come with ways to meet up with students that we already knew. But I would say this March was though challenging, very fruitful! We have had 2 (hoping to be 3) people convert to Christ and one (hoping to be 2) getting baptized on easter day! It may not seem much, but again, even when one turns to Christ, the heavens rejoice (Luke 15:7). So we praise God just the same when we get one or 2 that come to Christ, it's not about the numbers of course!
Again, the J-soldiers are always on the job and we have continued to work and challenge ourselves during the vacation time, as so not to get idle and lazy. But to be ready for the month April when classes start again, so that we will be ready to face the challenges and situations that we come across with faith and courage! I promise for next month for sure, there will be more to put in this section!
Church and J-soldier Ministry
So we have been very busy here at the church as of this March. Pastor Katsuya wants to implement new changes to the systems of doing things, so there have been a lot of changes within the leaderships like with certain ministries and cell groups. The main focus for this year is Discipleship, and I completely agree with the move he has made. A lot of the church members are still young christians, and it's important that they all start growing in knowledge and wisdom of the Gospel. Japanese people unlike western culture, were not taught to think critically and for themselves, so it takes longer for them to be catalysts in their communities and for them to even be motivated in reading and studying their bible. So we have been mobilized to start discipling members of the church so that they can become strong men and women of the gospel. I have been teaching a few here and there, and have been given the task of discipling a few members. it's been a little difficult because, with the kind of work schedules that Japanese men have with their work, they hardly have time to meet at all sometimes. The only thing I can do right now is keep praying and pushing to meet with them, and take advantage of the time I do have.
Also the J-Soldier lineup has changed a little bit somewhat. One of the J-soldiers has ended their term here. But he has decided to stay in Japan to continue to help J-house. He is Actually getting married to one of the members here also. But even though we "lost" him during campus ministry, we have gained 2 other j-soldiers this March. A Japanese man in his 40's to help out with building a kids ministry within J-house which would include afternoon programs and games for children around 4 to 10 years old, and an american girl from Tennessee! Shes here for a year to help out on campus and with the j-soldier responsibilities. So a little bit of a change in the roster, but its been interesting to say the least!
As for me I have been given more responsibilities within the church, working with the P.A./lights/Pro Presenter/Power Point for worship services and also leading church clean up teams, and though its sometimes mind numbing, it's still good work and I'm happy to do it! I have also been singing/occasionally playing guitar for the worship team and still also continue to lead worship when we go out to street evangelism every Saturday.
Other Activities:
I have been continuing to read more, finishing off another book which equals about 4 books in the past 4 months? The last book I have been reading is called Jesus + Nothing = Everything. A very nice book that helps you understand that nothing you do or obtain in this life can ever satisfy or even get you into good graces with God the father, but that Jesus is everything that we need and has already done everything for us, from taking and keeping our probation under the law to defeating sin and death on the cross. It was very enlightening and very eye opening for me to know that even if I fail, he's always there to pick me up to keep going. Also I have been learning every day that I cannot keep thinking like a westerner when it comes to Japanese people. Though I'm in an international church, I still deal with Japanese people who have different mindsets and different ways of doing things, not to mention different perspectives on their surroundings and how they perceive certain gestures and actions. So God has been humbling me and correcting me constantly during this month and though it hurt to realize those things, I'm happy to know it and to given the chance to correct myself. God has been mercifully watching over me everyday so that I may be able to effectively serve and love the Japanese people.
Upcoming events
So Easter is coming up and we will have a baptism that day (rejoice!). One of the students that I was co-discipling has decided to come to Toronto under my suggestion to studying english for 8 months. So before she goes, she has decided that she wants to get baptized so that she can show everyone that she is a follower of Christ (hallelujah!). Also again, Campus ministry has started again, and there are a lot of new freshmen to talk to and get to know! So please pray for Jesus to use us and to reveal himself to the students that we talk to!
Prayer Requests
- For the new The new semester, that God uses the J-soldiers and I to the fullest of the abilities that he has given us and to open the hearts and minds of the students on campus to who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for them.
- For the J-soldiers to adjust to certain changes that happen in J-house regarding ministry and duties and even for the new j-soldier to adjust to Japan, and even for me to just continue to under the Japanese mind and to use that understanding to love them and share more.
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Again I would like to thank everyone for their support, and also for the monetary support for last month! It has been very helpful especially with all the events that we need to use money with. I hope you will continue to Pray with me in this venture because it is not just me but I'm with all of you while I'm here.
Matane (see you later)
I'm back with another update! I hope everyone still read this stuff that I'm writing, lol. But yeah, March was interesting month even though I wasn't on campus, The birthday past and got older by another year, by the way, thanks to everyone that greeted me on my birthday. really appreciate it for sure! And even though I'm 31 I still feel like I'm in my 20's (and look like it apparently, thank the Lord for the asian blood!) and still ready to do ministry without slowing down! Anyway, down to the update!
Student Ministry
As I mentioned in February, the Students are on their break until the next semester starts, so we had a lot of time on our hands, but again, still on the job so it was more difficult to come with ways to meet up with students that we already knew. But I would say this March was though challenging, very fruitful! We have had 2 (hoping to be 3) people convert to Christ and one (hoping to be 2) getting baptized on easter day! It may not seem much, but again, even when one turns to Christ, the heavens rejoice (Luke 15:7). So we praise God just the same when we get one or 2 that come to Christ, it's not about the numbers of course!
Again, the J-soldiers are always on the job and we have continued to work and challenge ourselves during the vacation time, as so not to get idle and lazy. But to be ready for the month April when classes start again, so that we will be ready to face the challenges and situations that we come across with faith and courage! I promise for next month for sure, there will be more to put in this section!
Church and J-soldier Ministry
So we have been very busy here at the church as of this March. Pastor Katsuya wants to implement new changes to the systems of doing things, so there have been a lot of changes within the leaderships like with certain ministries and cell groups. The main focus for this year is Discipleship, and I completely agree with the move he has made. A lot of the church members are still young christians, and it's important that they all start growing in knowledge and wisdom of the Gospel. Japanese people unlike western culture, were not taught to think critically and for themselves, so it takes longer for them to be catalysts in their communities and for them to even be motivated in reading and studying their bible. So we have been mobilized to start discipling members of the church so that they can become strong men and women of the gospel. I have been teaching a few here and there, and have been given the task of discipling a few members. it's been a little difficult because, with the kind of work schedules that Japanese men have with their work, they hardly have time to meet at all sometimes. The only thing I can do right now is keep praying and pushing to meet with them, and take advantage of the time I do have.
Also the J-Soldier lineup has changed a little bit somewhat. One of the J-soldiers has ended their term here. But he has decided to stay in Japan to continue to help J-house. He is Actually getting married to one of the members here also. But even though we "lost" him during campus ministry, we have gained 2 other j-soldiers this March. A Japanese man in his 40's to help out with building a kids ministry within J-house which would include afternoon programs and games for children around 4 to 10 years old, and an american girl from Tennessee! Shes here for a year to help out on campus and with the j-soldier responsibilities. So a little bit of a change in the roster, but its been interesting to say the least!
As for me I have been given more responsibilities within the church, working with the P.A./lights/Pro Presenter/Power Point for worship services and also leading church clean up teams, and though its sometimes mind numbing, it's still good work and I'm happy to do it! I have also been singing/occasionally playing guitar for the worship team and still also continue to lead worship when we go out to street evangelism every Saturday.
Other Activities:
I have been continuing to read more, finishing off another book which equals about 4 books in the past 4 months? The last book I have been reading is called Jesus + Nothing = Everything. A very nice book that helps you understand that nothing you do or obtain in this life can ever satisfy or even get you into good graces with God the father, but that Jesus is everything that we need and has already done everything for us, from taking and keeping our probation under the law to defeating sin and death on the cross. It was very enlightening and very eye opening for me to know that even if I fail, he's always there to pick me up to keep going. Also I have been learning every day that I cannot keep thinking like a westerner when it comes to Japanese people. Though I'm in an international church, I still deal with Japanese people who have different mindsets and different ways of doing things, not to mention different perspectives on their surroundings and how they perceive certain gestures and actions. So God has been humbling me and correcting me constantly during this month and though it hurt to realize those things, I'm happy to know it and to given the chance to correct myself. God has been mercifully watching over me everyday so that I may be able to effectively serve and love the Japanese people.
Upcoming events
So Easter is coming up and we will have a baptism that day (rejoice!). One of the students that I was co-discipling has decided to come to Toronto under my suggestion to studying english for 8 months. So before she goes, she has decided that she wants to get baptized so that she can show everyone that she is a follower of Christ (hallelujah!). Also again, Campus ministry has started again, and there are a lot of new freshmen to talk to and get to know! So please pray for Jesus to use us and to reveal himself to the students that we talk to!
Prayer Requests
- For the new The new semester, that God uses the J-soldiers and I to the fullest of the abilities that he has given us and to open the hearts and minds of the students on campus to who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for them.
- For the J-soldiers to adjust to certain changes that happen in J-house regarding ministry and duties and even for the new j-soldier to adjust to Japan, and even for me to just continue to under the Japanese mind and to use that understanding to love them and share more.
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Again I would like to thank everyone for their support, and also for the monetary support for last month! It has been very helpful especially with all the events that we need to use money with. I hope you will continue to Pray with me in this venture because it is not just me but I'm with all of you while I'm here.
Matane (see you later)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
February update!
Hey everyone!
I'm back for the monthly update! I hope everyone had a good February! I certainly had a good, yet challenging time this month. Definitely things are always interesting here as I continue to minister to people and to serve at J-house, but I enjoy every moment I have good or bad, easy or difficult! Anyway, on to my updates for the month!
Student Ministry
At this moment, I Think I have mentioned in the last update that the students are on vacation until April, so that means we are not going on campuses. But though we don't go on campus, we are still working and ministering to the students that we have come to know and communicate with. The rest of the J-soldiers and I are challenged every week to try and meet up and continue to deepen the relationships we have made on campus and to share the gospel with them. we have also created many events so that we have opportunities to hang out with them. It's actually a lot more difficult then it sounds, we have many students that we talk to so it was hard to keep track of how we were doing and the progress we were making, so we created a spread sheet in order to "map" the people we were talking to that we check every week. Also the students are also looking to do other things and go other places, so getting a hold of them is a difficult but continuous task every week of emails, phone calls, text messages and facebook messages. We have had good progress so far though through Jesus. One of the students that had come to visit us has prayed the prayer of acceptance! Praise God! But of course it doesn't end there since we also want to make sure that he understands everything that he has done, and also to keep up with him to help him grow in Christ! But it's very encouraging to know that God is working in the students that He leads us to talk to, all we have to do is follow! Also one of the students that my colleague and I are discipling is looking to get baptized in the next few months! She's taking the classes to help her understand the meaning behind being baptized, and I'm very happy that she has decided to take the step of faith and to proclaim to the world that she is a follower of Christ! I'm very blessed and humbled to see how God is working even when we are not on campus.
Church and J-Soldier Ministries
February was also very busy month for the Jesus Soldiers and I. We have been asked by Pastor Katsuya to give messages this whole month so that he can also focus on writing his new disciple book for the church. as I mentioned in my last update, I was charged to speak at our Wednesday Power worship session the first wednesday of the month. It was a bit of a challenge because I had to consider timing with Japanese translations. Translation basically doubles the time of the message, so I had to think about how to make my message fit in a 20 minute time slot. But by God's grace, it went well, though I was really nervous. We also continue street evangelism every Saturday. we have been blessed to have a few teams from YWAM help us during those times we go out and proclaim the Gospel. Though I still think this month for us was the most difficult. On even one Saturday, we we're kicked out of all 3 locations we were singing at by security! It was a strange thing because we had always played in those locations, yet on that night, security chose to kick us out lol! But again we continue on as God directs us every Saturday to go out and proclaim the Gospel in Osaka, and it is still always a blessing to do so! We have met many people and by God's grace, some of those people have come to J-house to hear about the word! So we ain't gonna stop now haha! This month we were also graced with another mission team from Korea, I actually never saw them much though. Their church is called the Davidic Generation, and they were a much younger group then the last mission team that came. I didn't know much about what they did in Osaka since they only used J-house as a base of operation, but they were a nice bunch of kids and they help a lot during the times when we did collaborate and do ministry together!
Other Ministry and Daily Lifestyle
This month during my times when I'm not too busy, I'm reading and studying a lot more. I have invested in an Amazon Kindle (electronic book) because buying books here is sort of difficult....especially when I'm trying to find english titles, so having the Kindle helps me get the books I want to read. Right now, I'm trying to only read Christian literature so that I may be able to build up my knowledge of the word and get insights from other Pastors and teachers. I find that my knowledge, though I may be here, is still lacking, and I want to be able to grow so that I may be able to combat the challenges that come ahead. I'm also continuing my Japanese lessons. It still goes slow for me, but I want to get up to a point where I can actually converse to people in Japanese and get deeper into other topics. God willing, I will be able to do so by the end of my first year!
Upcoming Events
We have a few more upcoming events for March. More student get togethers such as Ice Skating, an International Party and a talent night. So please pray for those events and wisdom on how we can reach out to the students. This is the last month before school starts, and we want to be able to use this time, now that students aren't busy with studying, to hang out and minister to them. Pray that Jesus reveals himself to them and opens their hearts to the gospel.
Prayer Requests
- For the new year and the things to come. We have many things planned for this year in J-house, but we are continuing to pray that God has his way with us and our plans to give him the all the glory in everything that we do.
- For the next month we are not on campus, for us to be able to make connections and spiritual encounters with the students, and that they may open up their eyes to gospel
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
again I want to thank you all for supporting me in this venture, I hope that you continue to support the mission that is happening here. I appreciate everything that is being done to back my up and I want to assure you that I'm praying for everyone back home too! I also saw Jerry and Jasmines baby and that everything is well, Praise God! thanks for the updates! I have no pictures of anything last months, I failed to take any, but I'll make it up to everyone next month! till next time! I actually would probably do good to invest in a good camera! this Iphone can only take me so far lol
I'm back for the monthly update! I hope everyone had a good February! I certainly had a good, yet challenging time this month. Definitely things are always interesting here as I continue to minister to people and to serve at J-house, but I enjoy every moment I have good or bad, easy or difficult! Anyway, on to my updates for the month!
Student Ministry
At this moment, I Think I have mentioned in the last update that the students are on vacation until April, so that means we are not going on campuses. But though we don't go on campus, we are still working and ministering to the students that we have come to know and communicate with. The rest of the J-soldiers and I are challenged every week to try and meet up and continue to deepen the relationships we have made on campus and to share the gospel with them. we have also created many events so that we have opportunities to hang out with them. It's actually a lot more difficult then it sounds, we have many students that we talk to so it was hard to keep track of how we were doing and the progress we were making, so we created a spread sheet in order to "map" the people we were talking to that we check every week. Also the students are also looking to do other things and go other places, so getting a hold of them is a difficult but continuous task every week of emails, phone calls, text messages and facebook messages. We have had good progress so far though through Jesus. One of the students that had come to visit us has prayed the prayer of acceptance! Praise God! But of course it doesn't end there since we also want to make sure that he understands everything that he has done, and also to keep up with him to help him grow in Christ! But it's very encouraging to know that God is working in the students that He leads us to talk to, all we have to do is follow! Also one of the students that my colleague and I are discipling is looking to get baptized in the next few months! She's taking the classes to help her understand the meaning behind being baptized, and I'm very happy that she has decided to take the step of faith and to proclaim to the world that she is a follower of Christ! I'm very blessed and humbled to see how God is working even when we are not on campus.
Church and J-Soldier Ministries
February was also very busy month for the Jesus Soldiers and I. We have been asked by Pastor Katsuya to give messages this whole month so that he can also focus on writing his new disciple book for the church. as I mentioned in my last update, I was charged to speak at our Wednesday Power worship session the first wednesday of the month. It was a bit of a challenge because I had to consider timing with Japanese translations. Translation basically doubles the time of the message, so I had to think about how to make my message fit in a 20 minute time slot. But by God's grace, it went well, though I was really nervous. We also continue street evangelism every Saturday. we have been blessed to have a few teams from YWAM help us during those times we go out and proclaim the Gospel. Though I still think this month for us was the most difficult. On even one Saturday, we we're kicked out of all 3 locations we were singing at by security! It was a strange thing because we had always played in those locations, yet on that night, security chose to kick us out lol! But again we continue on as God directs us every Saturday to go out and proclaim the Gospel in Osaka, and it is still always a blessing to do so! We have met many people and by God's grace, some of those people have come to J-house to hear about the word! So we ain't gonna stop now haha! This month we were also graced with another mission team from Korea, I actually never saw them much though. Their church is called the Davidic Generation, and they were a much younger group then the last mission team that came. I didn't know much about what they did in Osaka since they only used J-house as a base of operation, but they were a nice bunch of kids and they help a lot during the times when we did collaborate and do ministry together!
Other Ministry and Daily Lifestyle
This month during my times when I'm not too busy, I'm reading and studying a lot more. I have invested in an Amazon Kindle (electronic book) because buying books here is sort of difficult....especially when I'm trying to find english titles, so having the Kindle helps me get the books I want to read. Right now, I'm trying to only read Christian literature so that I may be able to build up my knowledge of the word and get insights from other Pastors and teachers. I find that my knowledge, though I may be here, is still lacking, and I want to be able to grow so that I may be able to combat the challenges that come ahead. I'm also continuing my Japanese lessons. It still goes slow for me, but I want to get up to a point where I can actually converse to people in Japanese and get deeper into other topics. God willing, I will be able to do so by the end of my first year!
Upcoming Events
We have a few more upcoming events for March. More student get togethers such as Ice Skating, an International Party and a talent night. So please pray for those events and wisdom on how we can reach out to the students. This is the last month before school starts, and we want to be able to use this time, now that students aren't busy with studying, to hang out and minister to them. Pray that Jesus reveals himself to them and opens their hearts to the gospel.
Prayer Requests
- For the new year and the things to come. We have many things planned for this year in J-house, but we are continuing to pray that God has his way with us and our plans to give him the all the glory in everything that we do.
- For the next month we are not on campus, for us to be able to make connections and spiritual encounters with the students, and that they may open up their eyes to gospel
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
again I want to thank you all for supporting me in this venture, I hope that you continue to support the mission that is happening here. I appreciate everything that is being done to back my up and I want to assure you that I'm praying for everyone back home too! I also saw Jerry and Jasmines baby and that everything is well, Praise God! thanks for the updates! I have no pictures of anything last months, I failed to take any, but I'll make it up to everyone next month! till next time! I actually would probably do good to invest in a good camera! this Iphone can only take me so far lol
Monday, February 6, 2012
January update
Hello all!
Back with another update from Japan and J-house ministries! its been a very busy January so I'm a little tired these days, I forgot to put up my December update on my blog, so I'm probably gonna add it on to this update in my blog so that people can see it (minus some of the pictures of course). Hope everyone had a good January where ever you are. For those of you who responded to my last update and to give me updates of whats going on back home, I thank you for that and for the encouraging words, I hope to see you all one day whenever that will be, we'll see. or if y'all wanna visit me in Japan (and get an up close and personal look at what I do) that would be much appreciated!
Well on with my updates of January and all the stuff that happened!
Campus Ministry:
Well January marked the last month for the semester before final exams and the new year. So we had short time to make as much with what we had. January fortunately was the month that a mission team from Korea came over to help us out for a week. We all had a great time, and they were a great help in meeting new people and getting them to come to J-house for our events. The name of the church that came from Korea is called Oryun church. As of now, 3 of the J-soldiers that I am serving with come from that church, so they are a great help and resource for missionaries at j-house. They also have about 20,000 members in their congregation, when I heard that, my mind was blown. But I had to also understand how small South Korea is, so spreading out into other areas was a little difficult for them. Anyhow, this month was still difficult in terms of trying to meet up with the students we knew and trying to meet with new students because of the fact that it was just before the end of the year. So many students were just studying and applying for new jobs for the upcoming 2 month break before the new year in April. So we did the best we could, especially at the end of the month. I'll be honest to say that this month was sort of discouraging in terms of responses, but God surprised us with encouragement our last day when we were able to share the Gospel with some of the students we knew, and a few new students we got to meet. I think though, this break would be a good time for us to get to deepen the relationships that we have with students we know through just going out for food or coffee shops and bringing them to J-house, deepen relationships with church members and baby christians, and also continue to come up with new strategies for the next semester to reach out to students and others. So even though the students are on a break, we are not, still pushing forward for the Lord.
Church and Jesus-Soldier Ministry:
I think this month has been the busiest for me in terms for church ministry and J-soldier responsibilities. I have been added to the roster for taking care of the kids during one of the services.....Now, for those of you who know me, I don't do well with kids much. I mean I can take care of kids, but if I had a choice, Kids are probably the last on my list to choose. But God also has a sense of humor I suppose. So kids it is! I have also been getting more responsibilities in the P.A./technical areas of service. From controlling the lights, video recordings and sound board. This month also was the first time I have led worship in a service....well power worship wednesday service, which isn't much different from regular sunday service. So it was an experience trying to lead with english AND Japanese. But God provided a very well informed and skilled team, even though it was a little difficult to understand each other because of language, God is faithful and with our hearts in the same place, we could understand each other! I actually had to lead 2 worship sets that week, so it was a very busy week indeed. We still hold Street evangelism days on Saturday also. very difficult to do when the weather is cold enough to freeze you if you don't bundle up. And when your playing guitar for an hour with your fingers on steel strings, well, all I have to tell you is that I have numb fingers right after. But it is still a joy to proclaim who Jesus is in whatever the weather. The J-soldiers and I have also had to write our testimonies and tracts to give out to people on certain occasions, so we're hoping that people would be able read our stories and be led to Christ by them.
Other ministries
Well, this month I have decided to stop the english only bible studies that I have been doing. Reason being is that I want to focus on discipleship on some of the members of the church that really need building up and not just looking for english lessons at the same time. I mean, if anyone wants to practice english they can talk to me anytime, but I want to be able to create lessons of put time into helping baby christians grow at this time, so that is what I am doing for now. I have been show a few that desire to grow, so I am trying to put my time into meeting with and teaching them. I have also been reading a lot more lately, Christian books and trying to get deeper in my knowledge of Christ. A lot of things have been revealed to me about myself and the world around me, and I want to be ready to combat the challenges that come ahead of me. So building myself up is necessary, if anyone can recommend any good christian literature, then please let me know!
Upcoming events:
So since there won't be any campus ministry for the next 2 months, we have made up many events that we can go to with the students, whether we be going ice skating, karaoke, or just having time to hang out, we hope that we can continue to deepen the relationships that we have with the Students that we know. Also 2 other mission teams will be coming at the end of February and the around March. I think both of them are from Korean churches. Also for this month, Pastor Katsuya has decided to focus on writing lessons for his new discipleship book, so Preaching during power worship wednesdays has been charged to some of the J-Soldiers and congregation members, one of my fellow J-Soldiers and I have been charged to speak on February 1st on Genesis 20:1-17, the confrontation between Abraham and Abimelek. I preached on the faithlessness of Abraham and the Faithfulness of God, while my friend preached on the use of Abimelek in the plans of God. The other J-Soldiers also have their days to preach coming up, so please pray for them.
Prayer Requests
- For the new year and the things to come. We have many things planned for this year in J-house, but we are continuing to pray that God has his way with us and our plans to give him the all the glory in everything that we do.
- For the next 2 months we are not on campus, for us to be able to make connections and spiritual encounters with the students, and that they may open up their eyes to gospel
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Again I want to thank everyone for the support I received for January, it is very much appreciated! and I want to give thanks also for your prayers and again for those who have emailed me with words of encouragement. If I haven't contacted you in anyway, I apologize, and I will try to next time to do so. till next update!
Back with another update from Japan and J-house ministries! its been a very busy January so I'm a little tired these days, I forgot to put up my December update on my blog, so I'm probably gonna add it on to this update in my blog so that people can see it (minus some of the pictures of course). Hope everyone had a good January where ever you are. For those of you who responded to my last update and to give me updates of whats going on back home, I thank you for that and for the encouraging words, I hope to see you all one day whenever that will be, we'll see. or if y'all wanna visit me in Japan (and get an up close and personal look at what I do) that would be much appreciated!
Well on with my updates of January and all the stuff that happened!
Campus Ministry:
Well January marked the last month for the semester before final exams and the new year. So we had short time to make as much with what we had. January fortunately was the month that a mission team from Korea came over to help us out for a week. We all had a great time, and they were a great help in meeting new people and getting them to come to J-house for our events. The name of the church that came from Korea is called Oryun church. As of now, 3 of the J-soldiers that I am serving with come from that church, so they are a great help and resource for missionaries at j-house. They also have about 20,000 members in their congregation, when I heard that, my mind was blown. But I had to also understand how small South Korea is, so spreading out into other areas was a little difficult for them. Anyhow, this month was still difficult in terms of trying to meet up with the students we knew and trying to meet with new students because of the fact that it was just before the end of the year. So many students were just studying and applying for new jobs for the upcoming 2 month break before the new year in April. So we did the best we could, especially at the end of the month. I'll be honest to say that this month was sort of discouraging in terms of responses, but God surprised us with encouragement our last day when we were able to share the Gospel with some of the students we knew, and a few new students we got to meet. I think though, this break would be a good time for us to get to deepen the relationships that we have with students we know through just going out for food or coffee shops and bringing them to J-house, deepen relationships with church members and baby christians, and also continue to come up with new strategies for the next semester to reach out to students and others. So even though the students are on a break, we are not, still pushing forward for the Lord.
Church and Jesus-Soldier Ministry:
I think this month has been the busiest for me in terms for church ministry and J-soldier responsibilities. I have been added to the roster for taking care of the kids during one of the services.....Now, for those of you who know me, I don't do well with kids much. I mean I can take care of kids, but if I had a choice, Kids are probably the last on my list to choose. But God also has a sense of humor I suppose. So kids it is! I have also been getting more responsibilities in the P.A./technical areas of service. From controlling the lights, video recordings and sound board. This month also was the first time I have led worship in a service....well power worship wednesday service, which isn't much different from regular sunday service. So it was an experience trying to lead with english AND Japanese. But God provided a very well informed and skilled team, even though it was a little difficult to understand each other because of language, God is faithful and with our hearts in the same place, we could understand each other! I actually had to lead 2 worship sets that week, so it was a very busy week indeed. We still hold Street evangelism days on Saturday also. very difficult to do when the weather is cold enough to freeze you if you don't bundle up. And when your playing guitar for an hour with your fingers on steel strings, well, all I have to tell you is that I have numb fingers right after. But it is still a joy to proclaim who Jesus is in whatever the weather. The J-soldiers and I have also had to write our testimonies and tracts to give out to people on certain occasions, so we're hoping that people would be able read our stories and be led to Christ by them.
Other ministries
Well, this month I have decided to stop the english only bible studies that I have been doing. Reason being is that I want to focus on discipleship on some of the members of the church that really need building up and not just looking for english lessons at the same time. I mean, if anyone wants to practice english they can talk to me anytime, but I want to be able to create lessons of put time into helping baby christians grow at this time, so that is what I am doing for now. I have been show a few that desire to grow, so I am trying to put my time into meeting with and teaching them. I have also been reading a lot more lately, Christian books and trying to get deeper in my knowledge of Christ. A lot of things have been revealed to me about myself and the world around me, and I want to be ready to combat the challenges that come ahead of me. So building myself up is necessary, if anyone can recommend any good christian literature, then please let me know!
Upcoming events:
So since there won't be any campus ministry for the next 2 months, we have made up many events that we can go to with the students, whether we be going ice skating, karaoke, or just having time to hang out, we hope that we can continue to deepen the relationships that we have with the Students that we know. Also 2 other mission teams will be coming at the end of February and the around March. I think both of them are from Korean churches. Also for this month, Pastor Katsuya has decided to focus on writing lessons for his new discipleship book, so Preaching during power worship wednesdays has been charged to some of the J-Soldiers and congregation members, one of my fellow J-Soldiers and I have been charged to speak on February 1st on Genesis 20:1-17, the confrontation between Abraham and Abimelek. I preached on the faithlessness of Abraham and the Faithfulness of God, while my friend preached on the use of Abimelek in the plans of God. The other J-Soldiers also have their days to preach coming up, so please pray for them.
Prayer Requests
- For the new year and the things to come. We have many things planned for this year in J-house, but we are continuing to pray that God has his way with us and our plans to give him the all the glory in everything that we do.
- For the next 2 months we are not on campus, for us to be able to make connections and spiritual encounters with the students, and that they may open up their eyes to gospel
- For those members in J-house to grow spiritually, there are still a lot of baby Christians in J-house, pray for spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospel and for those to put the Gospel first over everything.
- For a revolution in Japan! for spiritual eyes to be opened in Japan and that the 0.5% of christians will increase!
Again I want to thank everyone for the support I received for January, it is very much appreciated! and I want to give thanks also for your prayers and again for those who have emailed me with words of encouragement. If I haven't contacted you in anyway, I apologize, and I will try to next time to do so. till next update!
Monday, January 23, 2012
An Apology and a BIG thank you!
Hey all! sorry for the lateness, I haven't been able to update in a while, but I assure you for those who still read this that I will update soon, and since I haven't put up December's update, I will put it together with January's. I apologize to those who have been reading and don't really know whats going on right now, I'm doing well into my 5th month here (WOW 5 months! its gone really fast! HAYAI NE! ) and I still continue to go strong with the continued purpose in my mind constantly pushing me forward!
I also want to thank those who have been supporting me all this time, (with prayers and financially), I'm eternally grateful and for those who have come through to email me with updates about whats going on in Canada and with words of encouragement, thanks from the bottom of my heart! I'm still thinking y'all also and praying that God continues to strengthen you. I still wanna hear whats going on back in Tdot, so lemme know whenever you can email!
I'll probably in with the update at the end of the month, so hold to your hats folks!
-Chris Ryan
I also want to thank those who have been supporting me all this time, (with prayers and financially), I'm eternally grateful and for those who have come through to email me with updates about whats going on in Canada and with words of encouragement, thanks from the bottom of my heart! I'm still thinking y'all also and praying that God continues to strengthen you. I still wanna hear whats going on back in Tdot, so lemme know whenever you can email!
I'll probably in with the update at the end of the month, so hold to your hats folks!
-Chris Ryan
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