2023年日本滞在第4週

To comment on the week overall, this was a week where we each wrestled with some personal issues.  We are thankful that even in the midst of that God is patient with us and is our helper!

Here are some highlights from specific days!...

Oct 22:

This Sunday,  we went to another church in Naha which was completely in Japanese. We were welcomed formally again at the end of the service,  and we were blessed to have a home-made and local style lunch with the pastor and other members.

Later in the evening during a walk, we had a good conversation with a man on the side of The Street who was a taxi caller. We shared about God's love for him and he mentioned he would check out the Bible.

Here is a picture of us on The Street around mid-day

Oct 23:

Today was a simple day, with nothing to note here. On the subject of simple things, what do you think we eat for for lunch most school days, while we are in Japan!? :)

これは私たちが買い物に行く食料品店の写真である。

Oct 24:

Today we were encouraged by a talk with one of our classmates about faith in God, finding out about their journey and belief in Jesus, and sharing with each other on this topic.

In the afternoon, at the community centre, Wesley had the opportunity to have good uplifting interactions with some of the older students.

We move apartments soon. Here is a picture of where we are staying this first month in Naha

Oct 25:

During an evening walk, we engaged with a young man who responded favourably towards us right away.  We were able to share about God's love for him and encourage him to learn more through the card we gave him.

Later on, we started another conversation with a young man, and we were able to share the gospel with him through translation with our phone. He mentioned he thought he was fine at the end, so we gave him a card and urged him to check it out further online.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" - Psalm 19:1.
Picture from local park

Oct 26:

In the afternoon Jesse had more good interactions with the older kids at the community centre, even receiving a planned gift from one of them!

The picture below shows the second of these little creatures which we have noticed on the city streets.  Can you find him in the picture?

「神よ、なんと荒々しく素晴らしい世界でしょう！あなたは知恵を傍らに、すべてを造られ、地をあなたの素晴らしい創造物で溢れさせられた。- 詩篇104:24

Oct 27:

While waiting outside at a popular restaurant, we were able to connect very well with an older Okinawan couple who were a weatherman and a school teacher. They bought us a Japanese dish,  and we sat beside them at the counter for a nice time!

Later in the evening, we went to a local arcade where we played the musical rhythm game MaiMai again at higher levels! :) (We first played during our second week in Japan.)

アーケードでの写真

Oct 28: 

This Saturday morning Wesley was able to join an English learning program class that took place at the community centre. It was a special time of connecting with the people and kids involved. This happened because a security guard at the centre gave an invitation to come out since his grandkids were going!

In the afternoon, we were at an industrial festival (alternative information webpage) which attracted many people to come to a large park where we were amazed by all the food and product stands and the many people. The most notable connections during this trip were with a company man at the park, and a family during the trip home.  We had favorable conversations, shared about God leading us here, and gave them cards for follow up.

A picture of us on a bridge by the ocean (left) and a picture of one of the entrances to the park during the festival (right)