Day 9 (Beland)
Sup homies,
After spending a full week with the team, some of the students of OPU would understand my greeting to you :)
Today is the second Sunday the team is spending in Japan. Sundays are always one of the busiest and eventful days. Since it's almost midnight right now, here's the bullet point version:
After spending a full week with the team, some of the students of OPU would understand my greeting to you :)
Today is the second Sunday the team is spending in Japan. Sundays are always one of the busiest and eventful days. Since it's almost midnight right now, here's the bullet point version:
- The team presented our "Special Number" praise song during the two services today. We practiced throughout the week and straight up delivered today. We'll post a video for you soon. We sang a medley of "Hosanna" and "You are Holy."
- Okada sensei's message was on Ephesians 4:11-16 - instruction from the Apostle Paul on how to build God's church. The team read the English transcript of the message as Okada sensei preached in Japanese. (he always writes his sermons in English and translates everything on stage into Japanese. Cool huh?)
- During the "middle hour," Alan, Dianna, and I (beland) gave our testimonies to the church. Since it's my 5th trip to Hamadera Bible Church, I gave more of an update on God's work in my life rather than a description of how I was saved.
- For the second hour, Steve gave a message to the team plus Tim Jin on Psalm 84. It was a timely reminder and dose of spiritual strength to remind us of how blessed we are to be here ministering alongside HBC! We have a long week to go..... GANBARO!
- Throughout the afternoon, the team had many many meaningful conversations directly & indirectly about the gospel with the students who came to church. Many of them were there to attend Aaron's goodbye party, and we basically just spent the afternoon talking. Compared to our conversations on the campuses, the talks today were much more unrestricted and many of use were able to use giant bilingual bibles to aid our conversation.
- In the evening, the church held a goodbye party for Aaron, who taught English for the past 6 years at HBC; and Mark, who taught English for the past 2 years. Japanese people of all ages who were former/current students of Mark and Aaron came to celebrate their faithfulness during their stay. Lots of good Japanese potluck food (it was simply amazing). Lots of Japanese games and lots of fun conversations.
- Sorry, I don't think I did a great job with the "bullet point version" for today's update.
- Praise be to God for a great long day of ministry, fellowship and great encouragement from the saints in Japan. Lord, I am exhausted, Amen!