I had a low grade headache that lasted through VBS today and turned into a migraine as we were returning to the apartment. I was able to medicate and crash for a few hours as the team did chores and had dinner, and now I feel fine – thanks to the prayers of my teammates and yours, too! My teammates are absolutely fantastic. Tim offered to fill my shoes tomorrow and encouraged me to take the day off if I needed to. Just an example of how this team has galvanized under God. We’re laughing a lot and having tons of fun, too!
There is no central idea or theme that comes to mind as I reflect on the first two days of VBS. God is here and He is changing hearts, starting with mine. I really enjoy being with the kids. Most of them show up very early and are filled with energy. Even though the day officially starts at 9:30, we start spending time with the kids at about 9:00, and it’s a whirlwind of constant activity until 3:00, with a 30 minute break sitting on the floor with everyone eating lunch prior to PE in the park with Tom. With the pace of things and the number of kids that are here, I’m finding it a bit challenging to have individual conversations with the kids at a more personal level, but there are good times of bonding that are occurring that I pray God will use as the week progresses.
We asked the 3-5th grade kids today if they had already made a commitment to follow Jesus. I was a bit surprised that only one (and she said she wasn’t really sure) of them raised a hand, but I was encouraged that they did so with their Japanese Bibles in hand, having just read aloud from Luke (I’m too tired to remember the exact verse)… As I talk with the kids, I’m learning to highlight God role as creator. It’s a powerful picture to the Japanese, who live in a culture surrounded by idols and god’s – literally millions of them, none of which can lay claim to creating the heavens and the earth… How great is our God! So much of the work is planting seeds – letting each child know how precious they are to God, helping them understand through our testimonies, scripture, and prayer who Jesus is, inviting them to ask questions, and being available to them. I do get the sense that these children are our hope for Japan, as the strongholds are significant and spiritual warfare is evident, but there is nothing better than a childlike faith. Luke 10:21 reads “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. (NIV)”. Pray that we are sowing good seeds that God will use to grow lasting faith in Jesus in each of these kids.
Sorry, I just realized I was rambling a bit - must be the medication! I’d better shut down and get some rest for tomorrow. Thanks again for your support and prayers. God Bless!
amen to your prayers, randy! Good seeds, good sprouts, good fertilizer! OH LORD, after the team leaves, how crucial that You empower the tamuras, reasoners, and the nakamuras to continue the ongoing and critical work of following up with those You brought to them. Give them sensitivity to Your leading. Give them the ability to ask the right questions, sense where each person is at if they need individual attention, and discernment when You are working in a way that they need someone to pray with. You will bring Your harvest to pass, so we praise You, LORD! open the floodgates of Your love so that they may be overwhelmed by it; and we cast down the gates of the enemy in the name of Jesus! this is a spiritual warfare, LORD, we know, as You have taught us in Your word. So we use the authority You have given us to cast down every thought counter to You in Jesus' name and proclaim His name over the entire country. We take to the heavenlies to proclaim Your truth where the battle is waging over the souls in japan. our battle begins on our knees. so thank You LORD for the ones you have brought to VBS, for You say, "I will start with these. Yes, they are unruly and perhaps hard for you to love in the natural. but take these as My chosen ones, and My anointing will be upon them. have faith! rejoice for a new day has come in their lives! you will be my witnesses."
ReplyDeleteall praise and glory to HIM!
amen and amen.
Headaches, jet lag, tons of work, mistakes, unappreciative kids...
ReplyDeleteSharing the news, reaching the kids, building relationships, glorifying Him...
Sounds like you are all having a great time!
~ Jason
We are praying for you guys, especially as you work and the spiritual fruit may be less visible as ministries that meet tangible physical needs. I agree with Celia that some heavy lifting in prayer is the key to nurturing the faithful seeds the team is sowing through teaching, playing, laughing and loving the kids there. May you sense His pleasure over you as you energetically sow and we as a church wait as our faithful God causes growth and bring fruit to this spiritually poor place. Will be praying spiritual protection and the joy of the Lord to be your strength as you all labor with the Tamuras.
ReplyDeleteBless you for heeding the call!
Carli