July 17-20, 2019 End of Totsuka Ministry and Rest!

We finished our time at Totsuka, and are now back at YIBC to enjoy a few days of rest!

Prayer Meeting at Totsuka Baptist Church

On our final day of service at Totsuka, our team joined the church in a morning prayer meeting. Ai gave her testimony, Pastor Horino gave the message, and afterwards we dispersed into groups for prayer. I was joined by two women who shared a passion for nurturing the church’s youth— something which I was also excited to pray for— and so we spent quite a bit of time lifting them up name by name.

Prayer meeting was followed by a light lunch of rice, salad, and dessert. Over coffee, when Pastor Horino asked for thoughts about our time spent together, many congregants shared that our mere presence had been an encouragement. I was moved to hear, as this was something I too experienced as a visitor.

The past week felt a lot like meeting extended family at a far away reunion. I was a stranger, but they treated me as kindred. I could not communicate well with words, but they responded with warmth and heaps of food. We didn’t hold many values in common, except for a shared faith in Christ, but for them it was more than enough for me to be treated as family. In all this, I believe God is teaching me that Japanese hospitality and the love of Jesus makes for an irresistible and unstoppable combination.

Family dinner with the youth earlier that week

Since leaving Totsuka on Wednesday we have returned to YIBC for 3 days of much needed rest. We’ve spent it sleeping in, preparing meals together, and doing some light prep for VBS next week. Today (Saturday), the team went on a culture trip to the Cup Noodle Museum. I, for one, did not know that instant ramen was such an impactful (and delicious) invention! A true global phenomenon.

Selfie at the Cup Noodle Museum!

Prayer Requests

1. For God to strengthen Pastor Horino and Totsuka Baptist Church. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue its work through this small but tight knit group of believers in order to reach the community of Totsuka.

2. Prayer over our team’s health, as Ai, Dan and Trevor are coming out of a sickness that has been going through our group.

3. For renewed strength for service at VBS this week! We are at the 1/3 point in our mission trip and we are relying on God to continuing empowering us through!

Grateful for your prayers!