by Whitey | Aug 3, 2011 | Ministry News
Prayer Letter, August 2011
Last night as I took in a Japanese festival and fireworks in nearby Toyota city, I was reminded of how much I love summer in Japan. In spite of the sometime-unbearable heat, I love the sights, sounds and events that summer brings. It’s also one of the busiest times of year for ministry.
The past month has definitely been pretty busy. Last Sunday we held our monthly English Club outreach event, where we enjoyed some outdoor fun, including a huge water fight and some “Suikawari”. Suikawarah is Japanese game that’s a lot like pinata-smashing but played with watermelons. The watermelons were delicious, by the way.
More imporantly, we had a few guests come out to the event, including a non-Christian who’s been coming to my English class since November, but never connected with the church outside of class until now. As part of the event, I shared a short devotional message about knowing God. Over all, a great event.
In addtion to English Club and my usual English classes, I also took part in two different kids’ day camps, one in Numazu, Shizuoka, and the other in Toyota. This was a small milestone for me, as it was my first time doing kids’ ministry in Japanese. As part of my ministry, I gave a short message, aiding by some drawing and discussion. About half of the kids were from un-churched backgrounds, so it was a great opportunity to share the Gospel, and I’m thankful the Lord helped me communicate His love.
Yes, I love summer; it’s a great time to share God’s love.
This month, please pray for:
1. My week off in Osaka (Aug. 2-8)
2. Tonican — our denomination’s annual youth camp (Aug. 16-19), where I’ll be playing on the worship team and helping out however else I can.
3. August’s English Club (Aug. 28) & my English students.
4. My monthly worship leading gig (Aug. 24).
5. God’s direction for the second year of my current term with GP.
As always, thanks for partnering with me in prayer!
Hugs,
– Robin (Aug. 1, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In this passage we see Israel suffering the consequences of their sins, as they are defeated by Assyria and taken into exile. Sometimes when we read the Old Testament, God’s judgements seem really harsh. However, this passage makes it clear that He had warned Israel again and again. This judgement should not have come as a surprise. Although it’s not always as explicitly stated as it is here, every time God judged a nation in the OT, they had already been warned but not repented. It’s also clear that if when a nation — Israel or any other — did repent, He forgave and withheld judgement.
We live in a different time. But each of us, like OT nations, has an opportunity to follow Jesus or disobey; to believe or run away. And God has given us His Word and Spirit to guide us. He’s given us each other as well. His commands are for our own good. Will we hear His warnings today?
Father God, please fill me with Your Spirit again today. Tune my ears to hear Your voice. Help me to listen and obey. Guide me as I live and minister for You this day. Thank You that Your commands are for our good as well as Your glory. Thank You for Your grace. I give this day to You. May I honor You. Amen.
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Uncategorized
Yukata Couple
I spotted this cute couple on the way to see the fireworks in Toyota this evening.
Shot, edited and uploaded from my iPhone, 7/31/2011.
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
The one word that comes to mind when I read the story of Ahaz, king of Israel, is “compromise.”
And not the good kind, either.
Ahaz not only allowed pagan worship to go on in Israel; he took part in it himself. He led by example, even to the point of sacrificing his own son in the fire. Compromise.
Ahaz compromised went under attack as well, paying for Assyria’s help by taking silver and gold from the Lord’s temple. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what that treasure was intended for. Ahaz also, in deference to the king of Assyria, “renovated” the temple, even though it had been originally built according to God’s design. Compromise.
What Ahaz compromised I’m sure he reasoned was in Israel’s or his own best interests. But the things he compromised were dishonoring to God. Thus, they weren’t his or Israel’s best either.
Jesus calls us a life of no compromise. Leaving everything to follow Him. Making Jesus our Lord, and not giving the world or the devil even a small area of control. Easier said than done, I’m afraid. But nothing is impossible with God.
by Whitey | Jul 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
A beach in Shizuoka. I’m here doing a two-day kids’ day camp with the Immanuel Numazu Church. It’s a small group, but it’s been great so far. I shared the Gospel through drawing yesterday. Praying for sunshine, a good turn-out, and open hearts today.
(posted July 26, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 16, 2011 | Uncategorized
Just finished the group class I was taking at the YWCA. Here’s what I’m planning to use for studying Japanese on my own for a while, before taking private lessons in the fall. 1. Japanese for All Occasions (book with CD — pictured above) by Taeko Kamiya 2. Remembering the Kanji (big book for learning the meaning/writing of kanji) by Heisig 3. Japanese Flash iPhone app (for vocabulary) 4. Study Aid iPhone app (in which you make you own flashcards — for kanji)
(posted July 16, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 16, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In verses 7-15, Elisah predicts, to his face, that Hazael would kill the king. Actually Elisha only hints at it, but Hazael, knowing what he’s talking, about “felt ashamed.” (v. 11) Sadly, this shame was meaningless, because he went ahead with his plan and murdered the king anyway (v. 15).
Feeling ashamed about our sin is not enough. If it doesn’t lead to repentance, shame is meaningless.
by Whitey | Jul 13, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In 2 Kings 7:1-2, Elisha conveys a message of hope during a desperately hopeless situation. But the response he gets is one of skepticism. Elisha warns that, yes, the miracle will indeed happen, but that the skeptic would not get to enjoy it.
I wonder how often God wants to do something amazing for us, but we miss it for lack of faith. I wonder how often He is actually doing something amazing right in front of us, but we miss it for lack of faith. God is at work in our world, all around us, and we can either be a part of it or miss out completely, depending on our openness, faith and response.
Lord, please give me eyes to see, as You did for the young man in 1 Kings 6:17. Don’t let me miss out on Your best for my life. Don’t let me miss out on being a part of the amazing thing You’re doing here, right in front of me and all around me. Help me see, believe, and act accordingly.
by Whitey | Jul 13, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'” (2 Kings 6*16)
There is so much about the spiritual realm that you and I don’t understand. But I am thankful for the truth of this verse. No matter what we are facing — temptations, discouragements, challenges, fears — we are not alone. God’s got an army on His side, and as followers of Christ, we have Him on our side.
Lord, help me to remember this truth. Help me to be in touch with Your Spirit, aware of Your presence, and filled with Your power. Thank you, Jesus, that victory and freedom are mine in Christ.
by Whitey | Jul 9, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
I find it interesting that it was a captive slave girl who suggested to Naaman that he go to see Elisha in Israel. It seems like she would have had every reason to resent her master, not want to help him. Yet she, for some reason, wanted his best. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we’d rather not be in. Maybe it’s a job we don’t like, a coworker who’s difficult to get along with, or a noisy neighbor. We could let this lead to bitterness and resentment.
But Jesus calls us to be “salt and light” in those relationships. We can show His love, speaking words of life into the lives of those around us, like the anonymous slave girl who sent her master to the place where he found healing.
Interesting, too, that it was also his servants who convinced Naaman to do what the prophet had told him. God really uses people in humble circumstances. And sometimes people need a little encouragement to take a step of faith. Are we humble enough to let God use us that way? Or, to look at it from Naaman’s point of view, are we humble enough to listen?
