First day of yet another weekend camp! The Hope students were in charge and this camp had an evangelistic focus. We had invited the students we met that week to it.
Eric started us off with Matthew 9:35-38, focusing on how Jesus when “seeing the people…felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 36, NASB). We were exhorted to strive to follow Christ’s example of affection and compassion for the lost, especially as we seek to welcome and reach out to the nonbelievers who may come this weekend.
As the Hope members had their separate meeting, our STM team (+Ash) was able to apply what we just learned: by praying for all the students we met this week by name. Praise God for all the students He placed in our paths, and how they were able to hear Biblical truth. Praise God for prayer, and how He hears us!
Eric started us off with Matthew 9:35-38, focusing on how Jesus when “seeing the people…felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 36, NASB). We were exhorted to strive to follow Christ’s example of affection and compassion for the lost, especially as we seek to welcome and reach out to the nonbelievers who may come this weekend.
As the Hope members had their separate meeting, our STM team (+Ash) was able to apply what we just learned: by praying for all the students we met this week by name. Praise God for all the students He placed in our paths, and how they were able to hear Biblical truth. Praise God for prayer, and how He hears us!
THE CAMP BEGINS!
A new friend, Mika, joined us! She had been coming to HBC, but had stopped recently due to the busyness of school and such (pre-doctor life). So it was a delight to have her take time out of her schedule to come back.
We started with a few games for the sake of learning each other’s names, bonding, and fun!
We played Assassins (everyone walks around shaking people’s hands … but amongst the people are the Mafia who kill). That was fun to dramatically die, but also introduce ourselves + answer an icebreaker question as we shook people’s hands.
Then, follow the leader. Then, telephone charades. Overall, just a lot of fun! I think it did its job in breaking ice, and it produced a lot of laughter in all three games.
A new friend, Mika, joined us! She had been coming to HBC, but had stopped recently due to the busyness of school and such (pre-doctor life). So it was a delight to have her take time out of her schedule to come back.
We started with a few games for the sake of learning each other’s names, bonding, and fun!
We played Assassins (everyone walks around shaking people’s hands … but amongst the people are the Mafia who kill). That was fun to dramatically die, but also introduce ourselves + answer an icebreaker question as we shook people’s hands.
Then, follow the leader. Then, telephone charades. Overall, just a lot of fun! I think it did its job in breaking ice, and it produced a lot of laughter in all three games.
Afterwards, Takashi Higuchi shared from Acts 17:22-31. He taught about God’s attributes: how He is Creator, sovereign, how He created men in His image, and is the Judge. He used these points to clearly share the gospel.
We then broke off into smaller discussion groups to…well, discuss.
We then broke off into smaller discussion groups to…well, discuss.
Carissa, Aimee, Fumika, Mika, and Sophia: We were able to share which one of God’s attributes stood out to us, or was the most impactful. This opened the door for Mika to ask questions about the passage and about faith. Aimee and Fumika were able to share, and hopefully were able to encourage Mika who felt her faith was decreasing.
Erika, Lindsey, Tamie, Kat: Erika (from OPU) was able to join! They were able to give a recap of the lesson. Praise God for Erika’s interest in Christianity as she asked questions about guilt vs. innocence, salvation of babies, and the trinity. The group was able to share and answer her questions together.
The boyz (Takashi, Takashi, Mako, Stephen, Eric, Seichan, Yoshiki): Since there were no newcomers that were male, they watched a video of Paul Washer’s “Shocking Youth Message” sermon. They were able to discuss repentance and true belief.
Erika, Lindsey, Tamie, Kat: Erika (from OPU) was able to join! They were able to give a recap of the lesson. Praise God for Erika’s interest in Christianity as she asked questions about guilt vs. innocence, salvation of babies, and the trinity. The group was able to share and answer her questions together.
The boyz (Takashi, Takashi, Mako, Stephen, Eric, Seichan, Yoshiki): Since there were no newcomers that were male, they watched a video of Paul Washer’s “Shocking Youth Message” sermon. They were able to discuss repentance and true belief.
After all that goodness and spiritual nourishment, more blessings: FOOD (physical nourishment), more specifically: takoyaki, a delicious octopus-ball-thing-special-to-Osaka. Please look at all these wonderful pictures.
It was really fun making the takoyoki (or watching it be made), and talking — and just spending time together. There were two separate tables, but each had a blast!
Our tummies were all satisfied … and it was time for the onsen. Already had our first experience, we were ready for Round 2! Another friend, Takumi, was able to join us, as well.
Our tummies were all satisfied … and it was time for the onsen. Already had our first experience, we were ready for Round 2! Another friend, Takumi, was able to join us, as well.
Afterwards, chillin’ like villains. Some of us also went on a late night adventure to Lawson’s (convenience store that is just a walk away) to get ICE CREAM! Whenever people felt tired, they could just go to sleep since we were all sleeping over at the church.
Praise God for the people who were able to come, and we are praying that God will open and soften their hearts to the truth and that they will come to know Him. Please pray also that this camp can open opportunities for the church members, specifically the Hope students, to continue having those gospel conversations. Soli deo Gloria!
Praise God for the people who were able to come, and we are praying that God will open and soften their hearts to the truth and that they will come to know Him. Please pray also that this camp can open opportunities for the church members, specifically the Hope students, to continue having those gospel conversations. Soli deo Gloria!