Hello to all again! It is very exciting to write about our second church service in Japan because God's faithfulness to the global church is so clearly revealed through the preaching of His Word in another cultural context. I hope and pray that all of our updates, and this one in particular, is especially helpful for increased worship of our Savior and awe of the glory of God as He works to bring the Gospel to the nations.
After a packed weekend, our team and most members of Hope spent the night at the church. We all woke up and began eating breakfast around 7:15 and got ready for the two services being held that day. On this day we had the unique opportunity to sing "Hallelujah, What a Savior" in front of the whole congregation! We had Carissa and Seichi leading the vocals, Eric playing violin, and Seichi playing the guitar. It was really a treat to be a part of the service and share with the congregation in worship even though we are separated by cultural and language differences.
Watchi-San preached from Genesis 6-8, regarding Noah and the flood, and I am so grateful that we were able to listen to a translation of the message through a headset thanks to Chris Mortimer (except for Seichi, who listens with the rest of the congregation in Japanese). The message began with an emphasis on how essential it is for us to know the Old Testament to interpret and have context for the New Testament as well as to look at the Old Testament with the culmination of God's redemptive plan revealed in the New Testament in mind. The message was very helpful to see God's faithfulness and steadfast love in light of man's repetitive sinfulness. The salvation of God as well as His wrath were on full display, a stunning display of the character of God.
After the service, our team spent some time with the Hope members and broke off into discussion groups to discuss the news of the Supreme Court decision in America, especially to discuss God's plan for marriage and gender. It was a helpful discussion to discuss the Biblical principles to frame our thinking around such issues and for visitors to witness the authority of the Word of God over our lives.
After a packed weekend, our team and most members of Hope spent the night at the church. We all woke up and began eating breakfast around 7:15 and got ready for the two services being held that day. On this day we had the unique opportunity to sing "Hallelujah, What a Savior" in front of the whole congregation! We had Carissa and Seichi leading the vocals, Eric playing violin, and Seichi playing the guitar. It was really a treat to be a part of the service and share with the congregation in worship even though we are separated by cultural and language differences.
Watchi-San preached from Genesis 6-8, regarding Noah and the flood, and I am so grateful that we were able to listen to a translation of the message through a headset thanks to Chris Mortimer (except for Seichi, who listens with the rest of the congregation in Japanese). The message began with an emphasis on how essential it is for us to know the Old Testament to interpret and have context for the New Testament as well as to look at the Old Testament with the culmination of God's redemptive plan revealed in the New Testament in mind. The message was very helpful to see God's faithfulness and steadfast love in light of man's repetitive sinfulness. The salvation of God as well as His wrath were on full display, a stunning display of the character of God.
After the service, our team spent some time with the Hope members and broke off into discussion groups to discuss the news of the Supreme Court decision in America, especially to discuss God's plan for marriage and gender. It was a helpful discussion to discuss the Biblical principles to frame our thinking around such issues and for visitors to witness the authority of the Word of God over our lives.
Bible study with Yoshiki and Higuchi-Kun
After singing as a team during second service, we were able to enjoy another wonderful lunch prepared by the Hamadera members. During this time we were also able to give our gifts to the people who have been so kind and hospitable during our stay.
After church and time of fellowship, we headed over to Hamadera Park to play some games with Hope members and some of their friends. We played ultimate frisbee and had a water balloon toss, which then led to an all-out assault by the Mortimers on everybody with water balloons and buckets of water. Completely drenched, we headed back to the church and hung out a little longer before closing out the day and saying good-bye to our new friends.
We are very grateful for the Gospel, its global impact, and the opportunity we have had to meet students and get to know others for the sake of their eternal hope and joy in Christ. Seeing new people coming to Hamadera and spending more time with the students is an incredible encouragement, and we continue to ask for prayer for God to work mightily in the lives of both these students and the ministry of the church.
Thank you so much for all of your support!
"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:11-14
After church and time of fellowship, we headed over to Hamadera Park to play some games with Hope members and some of their friends. We played ultimate frisbee and had a water balloon toss, which then led to an all-out assault by the Mortimers on everybody with water balloons and buckets of water. Completely drenched, we headed back to the church and hung out a little longer before closing out the day and saying good-bye to our new friends.
We are very grateful for the Gospel, its global impact, and the opportunity we have had to meet students and get to know others for the sake of their eternal hope and joy in Christ. Seeing new people coming to Hamadera and spending more time with the students is an incredible encouragement, and we continue to ask for prayer for God to work mightily in the lives of both these students and the ministry of the church.
Thank you so much for all of your support!
"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:11-14