I began studying at the Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary (KRTS) in April 2024. The reason why I started my studies here, was because I was asked to give a message at the Sunday worship service at the church I belong to (which is not a Reformed church). The pastor was undergoing cancer treatment and was not in good enough shape to continue preaching. Without any experience of theological study, I prayed to the Lord with a sense of anxiety, because I felt as if I were ‘a blind man leading a blind man’  (Luke 6:39). I was led by the Lord onto the path of learning as a part-time student at KRTS.

So far, I have taken classes on ‘Theism’, ‘Salvation’, ‘Apologetics’, and ‘History of Christianity in Japan’. None of these were easy for me, as I had no basic knowledge, but I was still able to gain many ‘eye-opening’ experiences through my studies. The scattered pieces of knowledge and information about God gradually connected together like puzzle pieces, and I feel that my vague perceptions are gradually becoming clearer.

In addition, I receive great encouragement every day from the enthusiasm of the teachers and fellow students. This kind of learning has given me rich insights not only for my ministry to share Bible messages, but also for my life of faith in general. In particular, the worship time that takes place between classes is a precious time filled with joy in the Lord, and it makes me realise that the seminary is a community where we pray for and encourage each other. Through experiences like this, I would like to wholeheartedly recommend that Christians who are not aiming to become pastors or preachers also attend seminary. Finally, I pray that the Lord will richly bless and protect all who are working so devotedly at KRTS.