There’s a long list of things I could give feedback on. The last couple of months has been packed with activities ever since our year (officially) started in April here in Japan. Not that there was any chance to relax between January and March either! But instead of trying to elaborate on everything in detail, the photos below tell the story themselves.
So, I’ll focus on just one ministry: a recent retreat for young working adults, where I (Stéphan) was the main speaker. More than 90 young people gathered in the Gifu area—not far from where I am now for the annual synod of the Reformed Church in Japan. My talks at the retreat focused on what it means to say a wholehearted “Yes” to life—in Christ—in all circumstances.
Pentecost has just reminded us again that the work of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives remains astonishing. I realized this afresh when I received the following message from one of the participants after the retreat:
“My name is Toshiko, we met at the youth retreat a few days ago. Your presentation made a lasting impression on me, especially when you said: ‘It’s okay to just be yourself, but if you stay just the way you are, you won’t grow.’ Those words really touched me deeply because they gave me courage—I sincerely appreciate it. … With this email I’d like to share and ask a few things. First, I want to learn more about faith, theology, and truth … and I also want to understand more about the church. I used to attend worship services, but due to various problems with the pastor, I can’t attend church at the moment. This situation has made me wonder: ‘What really is the church?’ … Is there anything you can recommend to help me with this?”
The Lord used one (unplanned!) sentence from three hours of presentations to plant a seed in someone’s heart. As Paul rightly says in 1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow.” By the way, do you know how many generations of Christians came before you in your family? In Japan, most people are first- or second-generation Christians. The need to learn what it means to be a Christian, runs deep and wide.
Pray with us for growth, and for the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of seekers like Toshiko. Join us once again—as one body in Christ— partnering in God’s great witness in the world. (*Toshiko is a pseudonym. Her email is shortened here.)
You can read more about the ministries we’re part of at https://missionjapan.co.za and https://www.facebook.com/missiejapan
Your prayers, support, and interest deeply encourage us.
Peace and joy, in Christ,
Stéphan, Carina, and family; also on behalf of Rev. Tobie and Annalie de Wet (RCJ Niihama)
Braai for our students @KRTS
Kobe Seminary (KRTS) holds annual retreat
Something of Everything
# Tobie by RCJ synode
# Dinner at the parsonage
# Family visiting from SA
# Stephan’s rugby team
How do you plow a rice field before you plant?
# Cornelius in his element
# Rice field rugby tournament
