Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,and let them say among the nations, “The Lord is king!”Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. (1Chronicles 16:31-33)
Osaka, Japan
A living signpost
Recently I have been doing a form of street evangelism by becoming a living signpost in downtown Osaka! Buddhist monks in Japan have a tradition of standing at a busy place and chanting while collecting donations. I have been using a similar form as a means of spreading the good news and starting conversations with people about Jesus. The sign (shown in the photo below) is painted in paintbrush calligraphy on Japanese "washi" paper and asks the question: "Is Jesus Christ a foreigner?" (what is your answer to this question?)
This activity has led to numerous experiences such as: receiving donations, being bowed to, photographed, posted online, and being referred to as "Jesus Christ". The reason I have been doing this is that I have long felt compelled to "spread the net wider" - to many who do not know Jesus' name - or know all his benefits.
How can you "spread the net wider" this Christmas season?
Another Question: WIJA
You probably know the acronym WWJD - What Would Jesus Do ?
This has been a very effective motto and a reminder to live more ethically. I think it is actually a prayer asking Jesus what he would do - and Jesus has the ability to answer that prayer! (this makes it different from What Would Mom Do! )
I have a new acronym for you: WIJA - What If Jesus Asked ?
Think of Jesus stretching out his hand toward you with that "let's go have an adventure" look in his eye. He is asking you to step out on the water regarding some decision you are considering.
When we consider "what if Jesus asked me to do that?" there will be thoughts like "but Jesus wouldn't ask me to do that". These may be the soldiers defending our own opinions and worldview. We must get past these in order to get the root of things. Then we can arrive at an answer of either "Yes, I guess if Jesus asked me to then I would do it" or alternatively "No, I don't think I would do that even if Jesus asked me to". In this way our heart is laid bare and our true motivations are revealed. We need to remember that Jesus will never ask us to do things which are not agreement with his word in the bible.
A recent example for me has been regarding the question of believing in creationism. Could I return to believing in young-earth creationism? WIJA - What If Jesus Asked?
(WIJA sounds like would-ya as in "would-ya do it?" : )
Another example is: Will I continue investing in the difficult relationship I have with Tatsu?
WIJA - What If Jesus Asked?
Some other examples may be:
Should we stay at this church?
Should I take this step of faith?
Should I pursue reconciliation with him/her?
Refreshing and renewing time in Thailand with Multiply family and Cory's parents
Celebrating Canadian/American Thanksgiving with our Thu. Dinner group
Hosting Pastor Dan and his wife Kathy from Beechy SK
Having the English Bible Cafe group over to our house for the first time
Bringing Ishibashi Church members to Aino Ie (Soup kitchen ) ministry in downtown (one by one!)
Multiplying intercession groups
↑ Photos
Top Left: Thu Dinner group Thanksgiving dinner
Top Right: Prayer walking in downtown Osaka
Bottom Left: Cory in Japanese Kimono with calligraphy sign
Bottom Right: Japan MB Pastors
Praise Items:
New parenting class at Ishibashi Church. A couple of mums from the community are attending. Please pray that they will know the love of God.
Praise the Lord for giving me (masami) a chance to join some ladies in their prayer walk in one of the red light districts of Osaka.
Thank you for praying for our foster baby Hana (not her real name as we are not allowed to share her personal info online!). Things have improved at her birth family home and now Hana is scheduled to return there by end of March. Please continue to pray for Hana, her birth family and our family!
Prayer Requests
Dec. 10th Lamb Lamb (Mum & Baby group) Christmas party
Dec. 10th Plus One (Ishibashi Men's group)
Dec. 13th English Bible Café Christmas Party
Dec. 17th Parenting class
Dec 26th Ishibashi church team at Aino Ie (soup kitchen ministry)
For Thu. Group that these young people will have Jesus as their Lord as they make their daily decisions.
For many opportunities to share the hope of Jesus this Christmas
