Today’s VBS started at 2 PM so we had the morning open. The team went on a prayer walk around the neighborhood and through a local shrine. It was honestly jarring to see locals making use of the shrine and was a very tangible example of the tight grip false religions have on the Japanese people. Being able to walk around and pray for the community was a great blessing that the Lord gifted us with. There truly is a deep need for the gospel to be shared here. Looking at the mission trip after this made me grateful for all of the kids and parents that God has brought to the VBS this week. The space to share the gospel to many who have not heard it, is a really special time. I hope for many more conversations throughout the week to really engage joyfully with those God has brought to the VBS.
In the afternoon we went back and hosted the second day of the VBS with the central message being God is Perfect. During the teaching times, I was really encouraged by the work the Lord is doing in both the students and the parents. Many parents were visibly attentive to the teaching so praise God for that. Kids brought back the tasks they received the previous day and received prizes for memorizing a bible verse! The kids are beginning to get more comfortable with all of us and it has been a blessing to spend time together with them. Many of them don’t know much English, but through games, mannerisms, and teaching, I hope they are able to feel the love God has for them.
In the evening, the women had a chance to spend time with the older girls from the church. They went over to the Burn’s house and got to spend the evening making bracelets and eating takoyaki. The moms were very gracious in cooking it all for them. It was a good time to just sit and talk with the youth group girls, who don’t have many interactions with older women of the faith outside of church. Zoe shared they were very curious about her life and felt well loved by them.
Prayer for the kids and their hearts
Prayer that the VBS would continue to go smoothly without injuries
Prayer for the teams spiritual and physical health as the week goes on
