Japan

It was a great honor to minister in Asia for the first time.  We ministered at the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Discipleship Training School in Tokyo, Japan.  This school and missions base, located in the Tokyo suburb of Ome, is a training center for young missionaries from Japan, Korea, the United States, and all over the world.   They have gathered in Tokyo, under the leadership of Director Bryan Smith, to prepare to serve the people of Japan through the ministry of the Gospel.  Hundreds of millions of Japanese have yet to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  May these young people accomplish great things for the Lord’s Kingdom in Japan! 

We taught the Word of God in daily lectures for several hours each day.  The focuses of the lectures were Intimacy with God (which included such subjects as passion for God, the character of God, reverence for God, and others) as well as Prayer (particularly focusing on fellowship with God, intercession, and spiritual warfare.)  The Word of God was well received, and we believe that the Holy Spirit laid some crucial foundations for the future ministries of these Bible students. 

Marla also led worship – in both Japanese and English!  These were special times.  We all felt the presence and excitement of the Holy Spirit as young men and women from all over the world joined together to worship Jesus!  Marla had worked hard for months to be able to sing a full repertoire of songs in Japanese.  Everyone agreed that it was worth it! 

The sweet presence of the Lord was very manifest throughout our time at the school.  God drew all of us into a more intimate fellowship with Him.  The Lord also moved very powerfully in repentance.  Many students, in response to a revelation of God’s holiness and grace, allowed the Holy Spirit to do a deep work in their lives.  Without any prodding from anyone but the Holy Spirit, student after student sought us out for personal ministry.  Many confessed sins that had been burdening them.  The Holy Spirit cleansed their souls, assured them of their forgiveness, and ministered to their hurts and wounds.  The power of God was also present to deliver people from demonic bondage, and many were encouraged by the enabling grace of the Holy Spirit.  Glory to God!  

Here are samples of feedback we received from students:

Thank you for your care, worship, prayer, and knowledge!  There is a new spirit in this place because of you.  -Sarah (USA)

The Lord did many wonderful things... [including] a feeling of intimacy [with Him].  The worship went deep into me, and swells up out of me...  Too wonderful for words.  -Hyelan (Korea)

I have learned many valuable lessons that you both imparted to me... more than just "knowledge".  Thank you for exemplifying Christ and giving of yourself so freely in humility and love.  - Eileen (Singapore)

To God be the glory!

Our duties of ministry and prayer at the YWAM base kept us very busy.  However, we were also able to minister in two local churches.  One of them, God is Faithful International Church, is made up primarily of Philippino immigrants to Japan.  We had a wonderful time worshiping the Lord with Pastor Pepito S. Sioson and his congregation. Their hunger for the Word and passion for the Lord was energizing and uplifting.  We also had a wonderful time of ministry and fellowship at Tokyo Shibuya Evangelical Church, in downtown Tokyo.  Pastor David Sungsoo Kim leads a vibrant body of believers who are reaching out to their local community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We very much enjoyed our first ministry trip to Japan.  We definitely sensed the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in all that we did.  Thank you to all of you who prayed for us while we were there.  The spiritual atmosphere in Japan is very difficult, and we found that much prayer was required to have the spiritual breakthrough that we experienced there.  Please continue to pray for the precious people of Japan, and especially for the young missionaries who are preparing to make a major impact for the Kingdom of God in Japan.