God's Promise to Abraham/Niimi Bible Study Outreach

This week at Joy Time we were blessed with the presence of three students; Yuki, Yuki, and Youka. Each of them had attended Joy Time gatherings before, so we were happy to see them return. Praise the Lord! We began our English lesson with our usual greeting and good morning song and then we reviewed the days of the week. We decided to play sugaroku again using the days of the week since Yuki and Youka had not played with us before. It was a hit and we all enjoyed it. For our story we read from the Children's Bible about God's promise to Abraham. We told them how God said to Abraham, "Leave your country and go to your people. Leave your father's family. Go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you. I will make your name great." We shared how God blessed Abraham as the father of many nations and with a son named Isaac. We summed it up to the students by telling them, when you obey God, He blesses you. Afterward we all just hung together. It has become apparent that they need time to relax since they have a busy schedule during the week. So, we will be accommodating to their need for rest in the future. While we were resting, just hanging out, the children began to ask about the children's Bible story. So, this rest time seems to be a time when they are willing to open up. May the Lord continue to guide and use this time to plant His seeds.

NIIMI BIBLE STUDY OUTREACH

This past Thursday I was blessed to lead another Bible study in Niimi. We met at Shu's house and Shu and Darren attended. It was Darren's first time attending the study and so I was thankful to have him. He is a high school teacher from Arizona. Ayano was out of town so she could not join us. In preparing for this study the Lord emphasized that by His Spirit we shall understand His Word. "But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I said to you." (John 14:26) Both Darren and Shu are believers, so it was a blessed time of fellowship in His presence as we gathered in His name. The Lord is faithful and He most certainly did speak to our hearts and all who attended were richly blessed. Praise the Lord! I remember speaking and feeling the Lord directing my words and directing me to certain scriptures. It was such a blessing to see His Spirit in action and His Word upon our hearts! We agreed to meet next Thursday and perhaps, if the Lord leads them, more students may join us. I will be going to Niimi campus this Wednesday so we will wait and see what happens. Also, I have been attending a Monday night Bible study lead by an American lady named Jenny. Her husband is a native to Niimi named Hiroshi and they have a son named Gin. Together, the Horai family reaches out to the Niimi community via English and Japanese Bible studies and are part of Niimi church. So, as a result, after reaching out to the students, I am then able to refer them to the Horai family and Niimi church, whereupon they can also begin attending the Niimi church and get plugged in with the Niimi Christian family of believers! The Lord is working in Niimi and it is a privilege to be used. Hallelujah!