We left Osaka a few days ago. The two bible studies, I thought, went very well. The first one on that Wednesday was especially full of truth, grace and power. It came from something that God showed me during worship on the previous Sunday morning. It's hard to summarize, but it was basically about worshipping God based on His promises and not based on our own performance. The second bible study on the following Thursday also went well. I talked about love being the unifying force in the Body of Christ more than doctrine or personal preferences. Through love we can work through doctrinal and personality differences and work patiently toward agreement as Christ's character is also progressively developed in us.
My time with the sister who requested counseling went well as far as I can tell. Through it I gained a friend.
In all, I can say that I gave to them everything that God gave to me.
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| Nabe with Asuka |
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| Heiji, Luke & Reiko's son |
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| Luke, Reiko & Heiji |
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| Heiji's chubby arm! He looked like the Michelin Man : > |
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| Me, Naomi, Hiromi & Akira the dog |
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| Hirakata City view from the apartment where we stayed. The railroad ran just outside the balcony. |
TOKYO
My time in Tokyo so far has been so refreshing!
A couple of nights ago Mari called together a few of her friends and I led a bible study for them about what it means to rejoice in the Lord always. Mari knew each of them, but none of them knew each other. However, it was so easy for us to talk and fellowship that we all felt that we had known each other for a long time. We had instant friendship in Christ.
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| From left to right: Nobuko, Takako, Mari, Me, Chie |
Last night we met with John and Su Jong, a young couple from Mari's parents' church. It was inspiring to hear the things that God has been stirring in them. They are seeking the will and glory of God, and I think that He will gladly answer. He seems to be doing so and it's really exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the coming years.
This afternoon we met with Len, one of Mari's friends that we also met with during last year's trip. Again, it was inspiring to hear the things that God is stirring in her. She said that for the last year and a half, she has been trying to simply be faithful in little things and walk with God in contentment every day in everything she does. But then God asked her to have a bigger dream of what she wants to do for the Kingdom. Ooooooh exciting!
She also talked about what a joy it is to give everything to Jesus willingly and freely. How precious that heart must be to the Lord!
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| Me, Mari, Len |
All of these people don't consider themselves to be anything special. They are humble and sincere believers that want to live for Jesus. They aren't looking for praise from people. They want God to be glorified and they're willing to take new steps of simple faith in order to see it happen. I think they must be so cherished by God. They certainly blessed me.
Now I'm about to read the Word with Mari and her brother Chishio.
Tomorrow we'll meet with Homi who used to live in Denton. That's always fun. : >
There's no plan yet for Wednesday.
Thursday I return!
Friday Mari comes to Texas! Yeehaw!
Yuko follows a few days later!
Then Yuriko and Noriko will arrive a couple of weeks after that!
Then, I GET MARRIED!!!
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