"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The Beautiful Feet Project team just finished our Tokyo ministries. Isaiah shared a powerful message on 1 Corinthians 9 at Futakotamagawa church (seen above). His message was directly linked to his testimony as a runner, encouraging our friends to push forward in their faith despite the discomfort.
Meanwhile Lily and Preston shared their testimonies at Niiza church. There they met a church member who recently accepted Christ and was baptized. He told them, that his decision to follow Christ was in part due to the testimony Lily and Preston had shared at Niiza church a year prior. This is incredible, as Niiza church fluctuates between 2 and 12 members. Thus it was so exciting to see a fruit at Kishio's church.
At Futakotamagawa church, pastor Fukui's sermon focused on the vision of The Beautiful Project. He discussed the challenges that the Israelites faced when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. God had given them direction, yet circumstances seemed to work against his vision. Yet God was still faithful to complete the work. Fukui has experienced this in his own life.
He planted Futakotamagawa church 30 years ago, with a bold vision. Yet ministry was often challenging, and it took 30 years for his church to grow past 30 people. His encouragement to us was to live into the vision God has given us, even when it is messy. Even if we don't see fruit. He explained that The Beautiful Feet Project will likely have "muddy feet".
He then proceeded to honor Felicia and I with a glass trophy commending our 5 year partnership that has been focused on advancing the gospel in Japan. It was an incredible honor, and completely unexpected. God's dedication to reaching the Japanese is humbling, and its a privilege to serve this beautiful people group every year. Fukui then joked that in four years, Isaiah would get his trophy.
We are excited to nurture our deep partnership with Futakotamagawa church, by sending a team next year. Fukui has already sent me his vision for next years trip which will be shared in a future blog. #Tokyo2020Team.
Our team is now traveling to Shingu, a rural fishing community. Please pray for God's favor over our ministries during the next week. Our first day in Shingu we will do English at a preschool, a beach outreach with families, and an evening English cafe/bible study with adults.
The Beautiful Feet Project team just finished our Tokyo ministries. Isaiah shared a powerful message on 1 Corinthians 9 at Futakotamagawa church (seen above). His message was directly linked to his testimony as a runner, encouraging our friends to push forward in their faith despite the discomfort.
Meanwhile Lily and Preston shared their testimonies at Niiza church. There they met a church member who recently accepted Christ and was baptized. He told them, that his decision to follow Christ was in part due to the testimony Lily and Preston had shared at Niiza church a year prior. This is incredible, as Niiza church fluctuates between 2 and 12 members. Thus it was so exciting to see a fruit at Kishio's church.
At Futakotamagawa church, pastor Fukui's sermon focused on the vision of The Beautiful Project. He discussed the challenges that the Israelites faced when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. God had given them direction, yet circumstances seemed to work against his vision. Yet God was still faithful to complete the work. Fukui has experienced this in his own life.
He planted Futakotamagawa church 30 years ago, with a bold vision. Yet ministry was often challenging, and it took 30 years for his church to grow past 30 people. His encouragement to us was to live into the vision God has given us, even when it is messy. Even if we don't see fruit. He explained that The Beautiful Feet Project will likely have "muddy feet".
He then proceeded to honor Felicia and I with a glass trophy commending our 5 year partnership that has been focused on advancing the gospel in Japan. It was an incredible honor, and completely unexpected. God's dedication to reaching the Japanese is humbling, and its a privilege to serve this beautiful people group every year. Fukui then joked that in four years, Isaiah would get his trophy.
We are excited to nurture our deep partnership with Futakotamagawa church, by sending a team next year. Fukui has already sent me his vision for next years trip which will be shared in a future blog. #Tokyo2020Team.
Our team is now traveling to Shingu, a rural fishing community. Please pray for God's favor over our ministries during the next week. Our first day in Shingu we will do English at a preschool, a beach outreach with families, and an evening English cafe/bible study with adults.
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The Beautiful Feet Project
The Beautiful Feet Project