With a short time remaining, we all tried to squeeze in as many experiences as possible. I was able to spend some more time with my host family. Rio, wanted to show me and the "two Sams" around Takasaki. She took us to a bakery where we bought some amazing chocolate swirl bread, rice bread, and cheese bread. Then, we only ended up with a little time at another shrine. It, like all shrines, had a very large, old tree that Japanese people will pray to and write wishes and hang in front of the tree. After spending a short time with the Day family, Ryan drove us back to Little Light church to prepare for VBS. Sam Katon and I made pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles.
Rio (Shari’s host), Shari, Sam Vine and Sam Katon
Sam Vine and Sam Katon with their hosts, the Day family
The rest of the team arrived back from a shopping trip just in time to finish our prep for our last day of VBS. VBS was again full of laughter and learning. The kids enjoyed our "movie theatre" skit. The kids really enjoyed the craft time, this day they colored, cut and glued a page that said, "Jesus is the light of the world." For game time, the kids really enjoyed playing tug-of-war.
Tug-of-war at camp
Camp crafts
It's been so encouraging to see our two churches work together for this English Summer Camp! We have had an abundance of volunteers to help with the abundance of children. I've really enjoyed getting to know the believers here as we served along side of them. Also, we are really praying the relationship with the men who run the community center will open doors for Little Light to use their building more in the future! Observing the children having so much fun this week, they have seen that the Christian church, and Little Light Church in particular, can have a positive impact on their community. The common misconception in Japan is the opposite.
After VBS I had a great opportunity to share the gospel with a lady who has been at the church off and on over the years as I gave her and her sons the gospel bracelets. I also encouraged her to come to Little Light on a regular basis. Then, I had a great opportunity to speak to another saved church member who is struggling because her husband is not saved. This is a common struggle in Japan as many women are being saved, but the Japanese man's heart is very entrenched in Japanese culture. This is something for us to continually pray for, that God will save and raise up more men who can help serve and lead their families and the church!
After VBS we had our debrief meeting and prayer times as normal. Pastor Totti shared how thankful he was that we all came to Japan to share the gospel with these children. He has been very encouraged and is hopeful that these children will remember this time for the rest of their lives.
Then, the American team went to a church members house where we were served a spicy curry and rice. It was very yummy and a sweet time to be together as a team. I know for me, the time has gone too fast. Although I am incredibly excited to be home, I am very sad to leave. I also finally got a little time to talk to Noel and encourage her as she bears most of the weight of women's ministry here at Little Light. Please pray for older women to join her in teaching and encouraging biblical principles for womanhood.
A couple ladies from the church picked me up there to take me to my host family. I had talked with these two ladies during our time here, but not gotten the opportunity to really talk with them. I really enjoyed hearing their stories of how God has worked in their lives!
My day always ends with spending time with my host family, playing with their kids, and visiting with Rio and her husband, Hiroaki (although he doesn't say much, he is always listening). This family has been very kind and generous and I have really enjoyed my time with them. Please pray for their salvation.
This time in Japan has been such a humbling time as I have seen God's amazing, loving providential care in giving us these "good works to walk in" (Eph 2). I have seen His good hand in so many ways! I am also so incredibly proud of everyone on our team. They have done an amazing job faithfully proclaiming the gospel and sharing God's love! It has been so encouraging to see God work through them as they obediently did whatever was asked of them! All glory be to God!!!
~Shari Vine on behalf of the Japan team