"For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
God has been so strategic with our ministries is in Shingu. Prior to our first trip to Japan our pastor in Urbana Illinois told us, "Do not over estimate what you can do in a short period of time, but do not under estimate what God can do over a long period of time." Our ministry in Shingu can best be described as a sprint. Every moment of every day was about being a touch point between the people of Shingu and Jesus, using the simple talents God has blessed us with.
Mornings started with KCEC (Kid's Church English Club) In which Felicia lead various English activities for 12 children ages 5-12 and their parents. This was a secular three day blitz to get parents comfortable with their children being taught by Felicia and I. We created many positive relationships with the children and their parents, which lead to eight children being enrolled in our KCEC 3 day kids camp to have fun and learn about Jesus.
We also held 6 adult English Cafes, with a total of 12 different attendees. The Holy Spirit gave us boldness during these conversations to explain why we came to Japan as missionaries, and we were able to get people plugged in with Kinoshita Sensei because of his great English skills. This is huge as it opens up future opportunities for bible studies. We also used these sessions to invite adults to our Mexican Food Cooking Class.
There are very few opportunities for the Japanese to experience authentic Mexican food, especially in rural areas such as Shingu. Thus, the concept of a Taco cooking class created a lot of positive attention in the community. We had 16 people come to this cooking class where we made tortillas, taco meat, salsa, and guacamole from scratch. This was another great way to get the community comfortable with the concept of entering a church building. It was also fantastic getting to teach the church members how to make one of our favorite meals, as they have extended us great hospitality during our time in Shingu.
Another great experience was staying at Keiko's house, and also at Masako's inlaw's home. Kinoshita's church was originally a handful of elderly woman. Now Keiko and Masako who are young women with children are serving at church and inviting many of their friends to the different events. Yet in Japan, church is consider for the elderly, weak, children, and housewives. Men do not participate. Staying with Keiko and Masako's inlaws gave us the opportunity to minister to Keiko's husband and well as Masako's husband's parents. Please pray for God to continue to do work in their lives.
The climax of our time in Shingu was the KCEC 3 day kids camp. We continued to build upon our English activities by pretending that the children were visiting Felicia and I in America. Kinoshita scripted out English for: boarding an airplane, US customs, shopping at a mall, shopping at a grocery store, attending worship at a US church, and then flying back to Japan. The kids loved it! We also went to the pool, did fireworks, and played with balloons of course.
The theme of our bible games and sermons that Felicia mainly put together was "you are special to God". We began by establishing that the creator God, is above all other gods, and cares deeply for you. We then discussed how sin has divided us from a perfect God, but because of his love for us he sent his son to die on a cross to bring us back into his presence. We finished by explaining the five steps to becoming more like Jesus:
God continues to show us his heart for remote people groups such as the Japanese. Kinoshita sensei sold us that to many Japan is a "missionary's graveyard". That since WWII many have tried and "failed" to plant thriving churches. This culture is so closed off to Jesus, and yet we've continued to see his love break through little by little. Felicia and I brought the little we had: speaking English, cooking food, and throwing kids in a pool, and yet Jesus multiplies these humble offerings. He is building his kingdom in Japan and it is an absolute honor to lay down bricks in Japan one interaction at a time.
Tomorrow we head to Tokyo for another week long sprint of ministry. We will be leading an English bible study at Niiza and Tamagawa church, and then its off to Tamagawa's three day kid's camp where we are the keynote speakers.
Thank you for being a vital part of ministry through your prayer and support!
Joe and Felicia
God has been so strategic with our ministries is in Shingu. Prior to our first trip to Japan our pastor in Urbana Illinois told us, "Do not over estimate what you can do in a short period of time, but do not under estimate what God can do over a long period of time." Our ministry in Shingu can best be described as a sprint. Every moment of every day was about being a touch point between the people of Shingu and Jesus, using the simple talents God has blessed us with.
Mornings started with KCEC (Kid's Church English Club) In which Felicia lead various English activities for 12 children ages 5-12 and their parents. This was a secular three day blitz to get parents comfortable with their children being taught by Felicia and I. We created many positive relationships with the children and their parents, which lead to eight children being enrolled in our KCEC 3 day kids camp to have fun and learn about Jesus.
We also held 6 adult English Cafes, with a total of 12 different attendees. The Holy Spirit gave us boldness during these conversations to explain why we came to Japan as missionaries, and we were able to get people plugged in with Kinoshita Sensei because of his great English skills. This is huge as it opens up future opportunities for bible studies. We also used these sessions to invite adults to our Mexican Food Cooking Class.
There are very few opportunities for the Japanese to experience authentic Mexican food, especially in rural areas such as Shingu. Thus, the concept of a Taco cooking class created a lot of positive attention in the community. We had 16 people come to this cooking class where we made tortillas, taco meat, salsa, and guacamole from scratch. This was another great way to get the community comfortable with the concept of entering a church building. It was also fantastic getting to teach the church members how to make one of our favorite meals, as they have extended us great hospitality during our time in Shingu.
Another great experience was staying at Keiko's house, and also at Masako's inlaw's home. Kinoshita's church was originally a handful of elderly woman. Now Keiko and Masako who are young women with children are serving at church and inviting many of their friends to the different events. Yet in Japan, church is consider for the elderly, weak, children, and housewives. Men do not participate. Staying with Keiko and Masako's inlaws gave us the opportunity to minister to Keiko's husband and well as Masako's husband's parents. Please pray for God to continue to do work in their lives.
The climax of our time in Shingu was the KCEC 3 day kids camp. We continued to build upon our English activities by pretending that the children were visiting Felicia and I in America. Kinoshita scripted out English for: boarding an airplane, US customs, shopping at a mall, shopping at a grocery store, attending worship at a US church, and then flying back to Japan. The kids loved it! We also went to the pool, did fireworks, and played with balloons of course.
The theme of our bible games and sermons that Felicia mainly put together was "you are special to God". We began by establishing that the creator God, is above all other gods, and cares deeply for you. We then discussed how sin has divided us from a perfect God, but because of his love for us he sent his son to die on a cross to bring us back into his presence. We finished by explaining the five steps to becoming more like Jesus:
- Read your bible
- Pray
- Go to church
- Spend time with Christian friends to grow
- Love the world by sharing your testimony.
God continues to show us his heart for remote people groups such as the Japanese. Kinoshita sensei sold us that to many Japan is a "missionary's graveyard". That since WWII many have tried and "failed" to plant thriving churches. This culture is so closed off to Jesus, and yet we've continued to see his love break through little by little. Felicia and I brought the little we had: speaking English, cooking food, and throwing kids in a pool, and yet Jesus multiplies these humble offerings. He is building his kingdom in Japan and it is an absolute honor to lay down bricks in Japan one interaction at a time.
Tomorrow we head to Tokyo for another week long sprint of ministry. We will be leading an English bible study at Niiza and Tamagawa church, and then its off to Tamagawa's three day kid's camp where we are the keynote speakers.
Thank you for being a vital part of ministry through your prayer and support!
Joe and Felicia