Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you..."

Our fourth class at Takeshima Chapel included some seminary students from the Osaka area who were visiting for the weekend. As you can see in the picture above, everyone was studying hard. The text we used was from Luke 11:5-10. As many of you already know, Jesus tells a story about a man who has a friend come to visit and the hosting friend has no bread to offer, so he goes over to his neighbor who is in bed and after repeatedly asking, the neighbor finally gives his some bread. In the same way, Jesus said, ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you. As usual we read the text together, discussed the contents of the story, and used key words to write our own sentences. After writing sentences students shared their sentences with the class. Still not sure what the Lord is doing here, but for the time it continues, His will be done. Our last class is scheduled for the end of the month.

Jesus was teaching to the multitudes (Mark 4:1-9)

Our third class at Takeshima Chapel went well. We studied Mark 4:1-9; when Jesus was teaching from the boat to the multitudes. Many of the same people from last class came again to this class. One particular lady said that many years ago she studied English, but had forgotten most of it. However, she said that now it is starting to come back. Of course it is great that she is remembering the English she studied, but the best part is that we are reading God's Word. So, it is not just an English lesson, but a cleansing, refreshing, encouragement unto our hearts and minds too. After reading we used the key words of the text to write our own sentences.

Second Class at Takeshima Chapel

We had our second class at Takeshima Chapel. We began with a song that pastor Mori prepared. It was a song by Paul Simon, "Scarborough Fair". We studied the first four lines of that song which was quite interesting because it is very abstract. People seemed to enjoy it, and it even gave me an opportunity to use the popular Japanese comedian's phrase, "soo nano kankenai!" when discussing, "Parsley, sage, Rosemary, and Thyme." It seems to have nothing to do with the question, "Are you going to Scarborough Fair?" Therefore, "soo nano kankenai!" which means "nothing to do with (the previously stated subject)."
Moving on, I chose to use the NIV version of the Bible for the story about Jesus and the Centurion in Matthew chapter 8. It was a little difficult for the group, but we got through it and I think it worked out well. Afterward, we wrote our own sentences using the keywords from the text. The highlight was definitely having two new people join us! Praise the Lord for bringing some new faces! He is gracious and compassionate and worthy to be praised! His will be done.

First Class @ Takeshima Chapel/Daichi Church/(What appear to be) Great ideas

The first class at Takeshima Chapel went pretty well, considering it was the first time. There were 12 who showed up. Since it is supposed to be an outreach class, the only down side was that all were church members. But, I am sure God's purpose was served because we went into it prayerfully. Hopefully, in the future there will be more non-believers who have not heard the Gospel. But, whatever God wants to do is obviously most important. We will just have to wait and see. His will be done. Next class is scheduled for June 1st. Please pray as the Spirit leads.

Regarding Daichi church, we are still negotiating scheduling, so it appears that things are on hold for the time being. His will be done...

Which reminds me about other projects I have mentioned via prayer requests, newsletters, or blog entries, that did not take off. I have to admit, I get some (what appear to be) great ideas, only to find out that for the most part, very few materialize. Obviously, God either allows it or He clears the path. I am thankful overall regardless of what happens, because I know He is looking out for my best interest.

Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me/Praise Report!

Tonight was a blessed night at Mountain Worship here in Hiroshima. For those who don't know, Mountain Worship is a gathering of Christians from various churches throughout Hiroshima city. The name "Mountain Worship" is a result of the initial gathering place which was upon a mountain. Tonight, they spoke about the history of the gathering and its growth and how God blessed each of the workers individually, despite some difficult times. Personally, I received a freshness from His Holy Spirit that I needed during the worship time. His Love came down and filled me anew! Burdens that I was carrying were taken away and the inhibitions that had formed due the baggage were released as a result of His Love working in me. I praised the Lord with open arms tonight (something I have not done in quite a long time~opening my arms wide), receiving more than enough. Praise the Lord because He changes our hearts and fills us with His Love!

Finally, I must make a PRAISE REPORT because at the end of the night, while walking to the station with my brother Brayden, he shared with me that the Lord has encouraged him through our friendship. He continued saying that a great healing is continuing to take place. Oh, to be used to encourage the body of believers! Praise the Lord because He is a healer! Thank all of you who have been praying for Brayden, the Lord is truly doing a work in him! Let's continue.=)

Jesus loves Amimoto-san イエスさまがあみもとさんを愛している

His name is Amimoto. He's 53 and he has no children. He's been living on the streets in Hiroshima city for more than 20 years. He is kind. While we were talking today, he held his umbrella over me because it was raining. He even complimented my Japanese, although I am sure he was just being polite. He doesn't drink, but he does enjoy his cigarettes. He doesn't like music very much. He likes to read. Perhaps he'd be interested in a Bible the next time I see him. Please pray with me for Amimoto and the other homeless people in Hiroshima.

かれがあみもとさんです。五十三さいです。子供がいません。二十年ぐらいから、広島の度尾りに住んでいました。親切な人です。しゃべた時に私のうえのに傘をさしました。かれが私の日本語を賛辞をしたのですが私の日本語がへたです。礼儀正しかった。お酒のまないのですが煙草をすうことがすきです。あまり音楽がすきじゃないですけど、本を読むことがすきです。たぶん、聖書が読みたいです。あみもとさんとホームレスの人のためにおいのりしましょう！

Because Jesus Loves the Homeless of Hiroshima city

Recently, I was walking down the street in the middle of Hiroshima city. I was going to the office to take care of some things, and on my way I noticed a homeless man lying on the sidewalk. I had seen him there before, but this time was different. I continued on and went to my meeting. On the way home, he was still there. As I stood there about to cross the street and continue walking right by him, the Lord told me to talk to him and give him a tract. So, before I crossed the street I pulled a tract out of my pack and had it ready to give. So, I crossed the street and spoke with him and gave him a tract. That was it.

Out of this experience the Lord has continued to put this guy and the other homeless of Hiroshima on my heart. They are there everyday and we all just walk right by them. They need love. They are the outcasts. People look down on them. They are the shameful in a thriving society.

However, God has been been ancouraging me to reach out to them saying, 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Matt. 25:35-36

Please pray for guidance regarding this potential ministry. I am thinking to go out on a particular day or evening consistently every week to talk to them, to bring them food and a tract if they are interested. Perhaps it will cause others to want to come out with me. Please pray.