We had a fabulous time with 2 volunteer teams in July! The team from Gardena Valley Baptist Church, left us July 3rd. Then, the team from Purpose Church (Team Purpose), arrived July 9th.
The teams were a perfect match for the student opportunities that Pastor Makito arranged. God is moving in the Christian schools in Sendai, opening doors for Christian witness. Shokei is a mission school started by American Baptist missionaries in 1892. Our colleague, Robert Stephens, worked at the high school for many years. Christian influence at the school has diminished over the years. Recently, God has raised up some Christian faculty who are passionate about sharing their faith.
Pastor Makito is friends with a Bible teacher at Shokei High School. As a result, the volunteer teams were able to share music during the chapel times and play some games with the students during 2 classes. This led to the Shokei teacher bringing 7 students to an event at Morigo campground. The volunteer team was able to teach a simple worship song to the group. The teacher hopes that the students will share some contemporary worship songs in chapel someday.
Another opportunity a team enjoyed was meeting with college students at Tohoku Gakuin University. This is another place God is working. Two church members attend this university and are members of the KGK campus ministry (a student led Christian ministry). The team attended a Bible study one night and an outreach activity the next evening.
Afterward, while recovering, we took time to reflect. Pastor Makito was very pleased with the teams and their willingness to serve. The biggest value was not their service, in our opinion. Perhaps it was in their attitude of humbleness and flexibility that encouraged the Japanese Christians. Thanks again for all your prayers!
Much Love,