Saturday, August 14, 2010
Ev: Gratitude for the Faithfulness of Those who Came Before
To Elaine H., Vincy, Sharon, Tim, Kelly, David, Keith Tom, Patti, Mei-Ling, Sets, Wesley, Sam, Janis, Susan, Jeanette, Matt, Masae, Neil, Jasmine, Heather, Bob, Sheryl, Elaine N., Daniel, and Pastor Nancy, (if I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me) because of your faithfulness in coming and in serving in Japan, we were able to reap a harvest into God's Kingdom. You all planted the seeds and we were privileged to be there to harveswt that seed you planted. This may be the year where the ministry here may change to include a youth and women's ministry. There were 7 kids in Randy and Austin's group of 3rd to 5th graders who prayed the "believers' prayer" to accept Jesus as their Savior. Many had been coming all 4 years to VBS. In Karen's and my group of 6th grade girls, 3 prayed the "believers' prayer" to accept Jesus as Savior. Two had never come until this year and one was returning. We passed out cards on the last day of VBS and an additional 7 marked that they had accepted Jesus as Savior. Since we were unable to speak to these kids, we are not sure of their commitment but we trust God to make their response to him a deeper reality. We also had 4 women respond positively to having a womens' Bible study/fellowship group during the VBS time. Almost all the 6th graders said that they would return and bring a friend which would increase the older aged group. Many of the other kids also replied that they would return and bring a friend. Verse Eph. 3:20-21 came to mind, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power tht works withing us, to Him be the glory in the the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." We could not have imagined what happened this year. Our God is amazingly faithful. Thank you again for all you who came before us, for the love you shared with these people, for your willingness to serve them. When they came into the Kingdom of God, you were all there with us!!!
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How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news--all those from years past and this team too. Tears of joy and thanksgiving are the natural and immediate response to your blog. How exciting for visioning a youth and women's outreach for next year! Let's start praying now for what God might do. Our God is an amazing God!
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Carli
Wow, how awesome is God and the work he has done through all of us to transform lives and bring hope to the people of Japan! May the Holy Spirit continue to bring new life to many families--from the children to the adults, and to their communities. Thanks for sharing this good news!
ReplyDeletei am behind in reading the blog again; gomen nasai! all praise and glory to our saving God! thank you, team members, both past and present, for being Jesus' hands and feet. Hallelujah!
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