This weekend we had camp so we slept over at church with some of the students in HOPE and some non-Christian university students. There were about 7 Hamadera church members and 6 university students who slept over. After waking up bright and early in the morning, we had breakfast together before church. Some of the church members were really kind to us and made rice balls for us to eat for breakfast. I'm extremely grateful for the hospitality of the members at Hamadera Church and the joyful attitudes with which they serve us.
It was the first time that several of the students had ever been to a church service. In general, the students agreed with some parts of the sermon, disagreed with some other sections, and were not sure about the rest. During the sermon, which was in Japanese, our team left the sanctuary and had some time for personal devotions, time with God, and Bible reading. I read Romans 1-7, which describes how righteousness comes through faith alone and how faith without works is nothing. It was really cool how God planned out for me to read these chapters, because during discussion groups, one of the students asked specifically about why Christians cannot continue sinning if we are saved through faith alone.
Our STM team got to sing As the Deer in front of the church during the two services. We took communion during the first service, which was a great reminder of how we are all united in Christ despite our different backgrounds. In between the first and second services, Adrian, Hannah, Will, and Eric shared their testimonies in front of the whole congregation. It was encouraging hearing how much each one if them has grown and how God has been working in their lives.
During the second service, our team, the HOPE members, and the university students went upstairs, where we split off into two discussion groups. We talked about the sermon, which was on obedience and perseverance (Philippians 2:12-13). Some of the students had some great questions, such as why Christians' actions must reflect their faith and whether Christians still sin once they are saved. We used passages from Romans and James to explain why faith without works is dead and why Christians still struggle with sin.
After eating lunch at church, the students, HOPE members, and we walked to the park, where we played capture the flag and water games. We also had a piñata, which is something that people don't really do in Japan, so it was a novel experience for many of the students. It was a good time of bonding and spending time with the students. Yesterday, Eric led a devotion on the importance of sharing the gospel out of compassion rather than solely based on obligation. We had already shared the gospel with many of the students earlier on in the week, and it was difficult not being discouraged when we saw that many of the students had not reflected on what we shared and that they didn't see the importance of it. However, their lack of urgency and reaction are good reminders that faith comes through God and the need for perseverance.
The students left after we got back from the park, and we walked them to the train station. We'll see the students again at Osaka Prefecture University (OPU) on Tuesday.
-Jennifer
It was the first time that several of the students had ever been to a church service. In general, the students agreed with some parts of the sermon, disagreed with some other sections, and were not sure about the rest. During the sermon, which was in Japanese, our team left the sanctuary and had some time for personal devotions, time with God, and Bible reading. I read Romans 1-7, which describes how righteousness comes through faith alone and how faith without works is nothing. It was really cool how God planned out for me to read these chapters, because during discussion groups, one of the students asked specifically about why Christians cannot continue sinning if we are saved through faith alone.
Our STM team got to sing As the Deer in front of the church during the two services. We took communion during the first service, which was a great reminder of how we are all united in Christ despite our different backgrounds. In between the first and second services, Adrian, Hannah, Will, and Eric shared their testimonies in front of the whole congregation. It was encouraging hearing how much each one if them has grown and how God has been working in their lives.
During the second service, our team, the HOPE members, and the university students went upstairs, where we split off into two discussion groups. We talked about the sermon, which was on obedience and perseverance (Philippians 2:12-13). Some of the students had some great questions, such as why Christians' actions must reflect their faith and whether Christians still sin once they are saved. We used passages from Romans and James to explain why faith without works is dead and why Christians still struggle with sin.
After eating lunch at church, the students, HOPE members, and we walked to the park, where we played capture the flag and water games. We also had a piñata, which is something that people don't really do in Japan, so it was a novel experience for many of the students. It was a good time of bonding and spending time with the students. Yesterday, Eric led a devotion on the importance of sharing the gospel out of compassion rather than solely based on obligation. We had already shared the gospel with many of the students earlier on in the week, and it was difficult not being discouraged when we saw that many of the students had not reflected on what we shared and that they didn't see the importance of it. However, their lack of urgency and reaction are good reminders that faith comes through God and the need for perseverance.
The students left after we got back from the park, and we walked them to the train station. We'll see the students again at Osaka Prefecture University (OPU) on Tuesday.
-Jennifer
Prayer Requests
-Sincerity and compassion as we continue to witness to the students
-Energy throughout our busy days
-Sincerity and compassion as we continue to witness to the students
-Energy throughout our busy days