God's always in control.
Eric here again! Ohayo to all!
Today, after our team meeting, our team (including Fumika) headed out to visit students at Osaka University (OU). We had previously prayed that God would bring students to us and bless us with a wonderful time with them. Turns out, God, in his loving wisdom, granted us a different blessing. When we arrived at OU, only one student was there waiting for us. Although we were disappointed at the low turnout, we were reminded again that we need to trust in God's sovereignty. We never know His full plan and we're not called to know everything.
We're simply commanded to trust.
We trust that whatever God ordained for each moment is the absolute best. God knows our every need and wisely orchestrates circumstances in our lives for our good. We trust His goodness and His control.
With that attitude in mind, it's incredible to think what God could possibly have planned. We can speculate what God can do with Boom-chika-boom-boom, 2 hours of apples-to-apples, "this is so much fun", and okonomiyaki, but ultimately, we're floored at the thought that God can do far more than we even think (Eph 3:20).
Thankfully, more students came, including Kazu (a student from last year) and Marisa (speaks Spanish fluently!), and we were able to connect with them and invite them to our Kyoto event on Friday and Camp on the weekend. For dinner, we ate okonomiyaki with only Hiro (also a student from last year), which enabled us to spend quality time with him and each other as a team.
At the end of the day, it's hard to say how big of an impact we've made. And thankfully, that's not the standard we're held to. God simply asks us to be faithful with what He's given and trust that He do the work He wishes to accomplish. Knowing this, we can rest with a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).
Please pray for us!!
Praise!
Thanks everyone!!
Here are some pics for your enjoyment:
Today, after our team meeting, our team (including Fumika) headed out to visit students at Osaka University (OU). We had previously prayed that God would bring students to us and bless us with a wonderful time with them. Turns out, God, in his loving wisdom, granted us a different blessing. When we arrived at OU, only one student was there waiting for us. Although we were disappointed at the low turnout, we were reminded again that we need to trust in God's sovereignty. We never know His full plan and we're not called to know everything.
We're simply commanded to trust.
We trust that whatever God ordained for each moment is the absolute best. God knows our every need and wisely orchestrates circumstances in our lives for our good. We trust His goodness and His control.
With that attitude in mind, it's incredible to think what God could possibly have planned. We can speculate what God can do with Boom-chika-boom-boom, 2 hours of apples-to-apples, "this is so much fun", and okonomiyaki, but ultimately, we're floored at the thought that God can do far more than we even think (Eph 3:20).
Thankfully, more students came, including Kazu (a student from last year) and Marisa (speaks Spanish fluently!), and we were able to connect with them and invite them to our Kyoto event on Friday and Camp on the weekend. For dinner, we ate okonomiyaki with only Hiro (also a student from last year), which enabled us to spend quality time with him and each other as a team.
At the end of the day, it's hard to say how big of an impact we've made. And thankfully, that's not the standard we're held to. God simply asks us to be faithful with what He's given and trust that He do the work He wishes to accomplish. Knowing this, we can rest with a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).
Please pray for us!!
- Eyes to see God's hand at work in all situations
- Humble hearts to submit to God's will and instruction
- Salvation of the students we interact with
- A stronger conviction that sharing the Gospel is the most loving action we can do.
Praise!
- Fumika's helpfulness and spiritual growth!
- Team unity and bonding through craziness (watashiwa okashii desu!)
- Support and love from HBC members and you all who are praying for us!
Thanks everyone!!
Here are some pics for your enjoyment:
Also some videos: