"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16
Yesterday, I learned that five women from Futakotamagawa church have met every week for the last five years to pray for The Beautiful Feet Project.
It was so humbling, and awe inspiring. James 5 tells us that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. I believe that the miracles we've seen in Japan over the years are in part due to the prayers of these five amazing women. From left to right, their names are: Naomi, Jenny, Mikako, Sumiko, and Mika. I thought it would be appropriate to honor them, and I would encourage you to pray for the unity of their team for years to come.
The Beautiful Feet Project will send them weekly prayer request, so we can directly partner together in prayer moving forward.
The last 48 have been fast paced and full of blessings. Lily did a phenomenal job directing a one day TamaYuriShiki camp at Futakotamagawa church. She lead Felicia's English curriculum with excellence, and the children were really engaged. This year we had 12 children ages 4-12 and 2 high school students. Many of these children had never been to church so we did an immersive bible activity called "walking with Jesus".
There were 8 key locations from the bible numbered on the floor: Creation, Galilee, Samaria, Jerusalem, etc. Children would run to a station and hear a mini sermon describing a key aspect of Christ. For instants, at the Sea of Galilee we discussed Jesus calming the storm. This depicts that Jesus is in control, everything submits to his will, and we can trust him with our lives.
This was a great opportunity for children to become aware of who Jesus was and why he came. This camp was very short, so these children will need more positive interactions with the gospel before accepting Christ. Pastors and parents we're impressed with the quality of the English modules and the biblical content, so the children are likely to return in years to come.
Please keep these kids in your prayers.
This morning we finished our Futakotamagawa ministry with a new ping pong tournament. This was a great way for the members of church to connect with one another and the community through playful competition. Check out one of the final matches between Hikaru Kishio (niiza church pastor) and his son (Reiya Kishio):
photos.app.goo.gl/94BeRxJ2RKw1AGA18
I concluded the ping pong session with a teaching on John 20:24-29, discussing Jesus's response to doubting Tomas. I was excited to share this message as Japanese Christians often struggle with pressure to have "perfect" faith. The Spirit brought peace through the message, allowing those who have had doubts to feel empowered to ask God to reveal himself more in their lives.
Tomorrow (Sunday) morning Isaiah will share his testimony at Futakotamagawa church. Lily and Preston will share their testimony and sermon at Niiza church. Please pray for Lily and Preston as they write their first 30 minute sermon. Pray for God to give Lily, Isaiah, and Preston wisdom and influence as they speak God's word. Pray for someone to believe in Christ as a result of their message.
We've added pictures and videos from the camp at this link:
photos.app.goo.gl/jWkCrLPKM7Y5r4fV8
Yesterday, I learned that five women from Futakotamagawa church have met every week for the last five years to pray for The Beautiful Feet Project.
It was so humbling, and awe inspiring. James 5 tells us that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. I believe that the miracles we've seen in Japan over the years are in part due to the prayers of these five amazing women. From left to right, their names are: Naomi, Jenny, Mikako, Sumiko, and Mika. I thought it would be appropriate to honor them, and I would encourage you to pray for the unity of their team for years to come.
The Beautiful Feet Project will send them weekly prayer request, so we can directly partner together in prayer moving forward.
The last 48 have been fast paced and full of blessings. Lily did a phenomenal job directing a one day TamaYuriShiki camp at Futakotamagawa church. She lead Felicia's English curriculum with excellence, and the children were really engaged. This year we had 12 children ages 4-12 and 2 high school students. Many of these children had never been to church so we did an immersive bible activity called "walking with Jesus".
There were 8 key locations from the bible numbered on the floor: Creation, Galilee, Samaria, Jerusalem, etc. Children would run to a station and hear a mini sermon describing a key aspect of Christ. For instants, at the Sea of Galilee we discussed Jesus calming the storm. This depicts that Jesus is in control, everything submits to his will, and we can trust him with our lives.
This was a great opportunity for children to become aware of who Jesus was and why he came. This camp was very short, so these children will need more positive interactions with the gospel before accepting Christ. Pastors and parents we're impressed with the quality of the English modules and the biblical content, so the children are likely to return in years to come.
Please keep these kids in your prayers.
This morning we finished our Futakotamagawa ministry with a new ping pong tournament. This was a great way for the members of church to connect with one another and the community through playful competition. Check out one of the final matches between Hikaru Kishio (niiza church pastor) and his son (Reiya Kishio):
photos.app.goo.gl/94BeRxJ2RKw1AGA18
I concluded the ping pong session with a teaching on John 20:24-29, discussing Jesus's response to doubting Tomas. I was excited to share this message as Japanese Christians often struggle with pressure to have "perfect" faith. The Spirit brought peace through the message, allowing those who have had doubts to feel empowered to ask God to reveal himself more in their lives.
Tomorrow (Sunday) morning Isaiah will share his testimony at Futakotamagawa church. Lily and Preston will share their testimony and sermon at Niiza church. Please pray for Lily and Preston as they write their first 30 minute sermon. Pray for God to give Lily, Isaiah, and Preston wisdom and influence as they speak God's word. Pray for someone to believe in Christ as a result of their message.
We've added pictures and videos from the camp at this link:
photos.app.goo.gl/jWkCrLPKM7Y5r4fV8