Thanks for all your prayers. The 2nd day of VBS was great. We had 18 kids. The songs in Japanese as well as in English have gone well. Kids seem to sing the Japanese songs louder, probably because they can understand them but they still enjoy the English ones with the motions. Mrs. Honda was the story teller and the kids were spellbound. She is also an artist and made a beautiful picture of creation with Japanese touches to add to the decorations of the room. The memory verses were all done in Japanese and did they learn them fast. They recited the verses so loud and even got louder as we pulled word cards away. One thing we decided to do was to go to the way they learn in school which was repetition together for the verses and it went so much better. Hopefully they will remember the verses longer and God can use them to draw them to Himself. We also did shepherding in Japanese with some translation. This year our team did not take the lead but became the support team for the Reasoners and it went soooo well. The only thing that was totally translated was our testimonies and the opening.
The kids didn't leave until 3 PM and two of them who walk to the SEND always stay until we physically walk them out. They love hanging onto Tim or Andrew. Chieko and I were talking and the one thing we agreed on was the importance of the interaction of Tim, Andrew and BJ in VBS in Japan. It looks like horsing around but it is that physical play, the hugs, tickles, allowing kids to throw water balloons at them and still keep smiling, the laughter, the sense of safety, and pure joy and love that draws those kids here. They don't want to leave not because of food, good stories or crafts but because they know they can be loved. We have an opportunity to share about God's love but the boys (oops, young men), physically show that love every day to them ... and it can be painfully. Some of the guys have expressed that they have back aches and muscle aches! Thank you for scarificing your bodies for the Lord so Al and I don't have to!
There is also a lot of "behind the scene" work that has to be done like, set up all the crafts, run slide shows, getting the water ready, figuring the best way to organize the kids, setup, trains and making the right connections, clean up, etc. so that the rest of us can build relationships with the kids and the mothers. Al is our go-to person who is always there and who we all can depend on to get the details done so we get to focus on the big picture. I really thank God for putting our team together and I can't tell you how many mothers have asked me if some of these guys were my sons!!
Today is the last day of VBS, and it will be an important one. Pray for BJ as he will be sharing his testimony today. We will also be giving an invitation to both the kids and the mothers who have been attending. Cards will be given to the kids to check off during shepherding time. We will have tea and dessert for the mothers where we will be talking and sharing. I will share my testimony and give an invitation to accept Jesus as their Savior. This is the first time we have tried to formally engage the mothers at TMK as a group so please pray up a storm that God would open hearts to Him. BJ, Tim, Al and Andrew will spend time with the kids in the park so the mothers can have this time. It would not be possible to do this, if the guys weren't there to be with the kids.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Please continue to pray for TMK and NBF that we will begin that pulling down of strongholds in Japan in His strength and power. Also pray for energy and strength because tomorrow we head off to Okutama Bible Chalet to serve the youth campers there. This camp is only 1 acre in size but is hosting 69 campers. This will be unknown territory for us as this is not an English speaking camp. Jon said the staff is excited about having us. Hopefully we can meet their needs in whatever areas they require.
Blessings, Ev
No comments:
Post a Comment