Well God, If You Say So...

Hi.

First of all I want to say, Happy Mother’s Day (母の日　おめでとう！／어머니날 축하해요!~) My mom is very precious to me and I love her so much! She has always been supportive of me even when things in my life don’t seem to be going well. She stuck by my side no matter how stupid I was. Thank you for all the years of love, support, and patience, I really wouldn’t be the person I am today without you!

So this past week, I have been either wondering what God is trying to say/teach me, or why God is saying what he is saying to me. Strange, no? I want God to speak to me, but when he does my response, in a very unsure and unenthusiastic way, “Well God, if you say so…” But I guess in subliminally, I mean “Ugh…not this again, so much faith and trust necessary, God why can’t you just show/tell me clearly more frequently…” There is a lot going on internally, and the only thing that I can cling to is God. It is funny that I came to that conclusion (but not really haha), because it’s God that is leaving me confused and even sometimes frustrated, but I cannot deny the countless times that God has provided for me when I was in situations like these. Ultimately, I guess my first response is the only response I can really truly say. Yeah… So if you guys can pray that I can see what God is trying to teach me during this season, that would be greatly appreciated!

Anyway… There was one big event this past Tuesday and it went extremely well! God gave us awesome weather, many people came (about 50!), a good mix of J-House members and Funky Club students, and just awesome time of fellowship! We had an American BBQ and I was so blessed and happy to see the people interacting so well and just enjoying/relaxing during their Golden Week! (For info on what Golden Week is, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan) :P ) We started around 11:30 and ended around 3:00, but the cool thing was after everything was over, people just came back to J-House and just chilled and had a good time enjoying people’s company.  A lot of people didn’t leave until 7-8 PM! So I thank God for being gracious to us!

(Tickling Takuya: Initiation before he goes studying abroad)

Well, that’s all for today. Not too long, but it’s ok. :D See you next week!

Positive Thinking

Hello~

I can’t believe it is May already… It is pretty ridiculous how fast time flies… Because of this, it is difficult to find time to just stop and think about my life and what God has been teaching me. Recently, God has been poking me in a place where it is kind of delicate, my personality. The part of my personality where I feel very “proud of,” I guess you may all know that I get hurt pretty often (physically)…ok, very often. Haha, but really, God has been telling me that I identify myself as “the guy who always gets hurt but keeps doing stuff anyway,” / ” the guy that doesn’t have any luck,” / “the guy that has everything bad happen to him,” and what God has been saying is that I pride myself in that too much. I don’t leave any room for trust, restoration and that God could actual free me from that. My thoughts have been so negative and pessimistic that I don’t realize how much I am limiting myself as well as God to work through me. I have no idea if this makes any sense, but I was just saying what was in my mind this week; it is possible it doesn’t make any sense because my English is deteriorating because I speak in broken English a lot over here… o.O

Anyway… Positive thinking is something that I have been challenged to do not only this week, but for as long as I am alive.  I found some verses to encourage me and help me reach this. In Philippians, when Paul was thanking the people of Philippi for their gifts and says that because he is in “need” but that they had an opportunity to show their gratitude.

Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Also the story of Caleb and Joshua when they were sent out to explore Canaan, they saw how abundant the place was but seeing the these really powerful people settling there scared 10 out of 12 people that went. When they went to report back to the people, they let fear consume them and they told the people a false report, but Caleb was bold and positive that they could certainly do it! Even though most of the people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for saying such things, that didn’t waver their positivity and trust in God’s deliverance.

Numbers 13:30 “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it!’”

Numbers 14:6-9 “Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!"

I can just imagine this like it was this big speech before going into some crazy battle and to get everyone hyped up, but it was actually the opposite in this story, the people just wanted to kill them. What bravery and what positivity they had, when they knew logically, things seemed impossible, but with God, anything is possible!

So this week, I want to try and be positive like Paul, Caleb and Joshua. They put their whole being in God’s protection and promises. I want to do the same.

Front Line

Hello people that I think read this blog?!

This week, like the weather, has been so bizarre. First of all, here was the weather forecast: Cloudy, Sunny (and really warm!), Rainy, Humid, Windy, Rainy, then Sunny again. My body really cannot handle this change of weather very well… so originally, I thought it was just me who was suffering and just felt very downcast this week, but as we had our Jesus Soldier meetings, I found out that almost everyone was having some kind of trouble, sickness, problem, etc. Then we knew that something dark has been attacking us. At first we were all wondering “why us?” but one of our older Jesus Soldiers (Justin) said something that made me respond “oh yeah!” He said this: As Jesus Soldiers, we are in the front line of attack from the enemy. First of all, our job description is Jesus Soldier; second of all, it makes sense that the enemy wants to take out the leaders in order to get to the (for lack of a better term) “vulnerable” soldiers.  We are here from all over the world to strengthen this army called J-House and be in the front lines of this battle. 

We need our concentration to be at its best, because once that comes down for a second, the enemy ambushes us in so many different ways. We are here to protect God’s sheep, we can’t let the wolves just waltz right in and snatch people away. That is why this week, I remembered reading many many times about the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20. 

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

If I am not prepared, I will be attacked. My mom and some other people told me that instead of me going to the Korean Army, they are thinking of this time as me being in God’s Army and I am just stationed in Japan. I guess it is a good way of viewing this time. I am being trained as well as serving in God’s Army to bring his Kingdom to power.  So I really need all of you to continue praying for me, because seriously, I think I would have given up by now if it weren’t for all of you! 

To CUMCers: Thank you for the video!! I was very very happy and blessed to see you all!! I miss you and update me on how you all are doing! I want to know! :D 

P.S. I don’t want to look over this and edit it… so if it doesn’t make any sense, too bad. Haha… it makes sense to me! :D (thanks Rebekah for the insightful words.. :P) 

Pressed But Not Crushed

This week has been filled with meetings, going to campuses, meeting people, late nights, trying to not discombobulate my brain, and lack of motivation to do certain things that I need and want to do. I honestly feel like I have been pressed and pushed to what my physical body can actually handle; however, recently I read 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

(Knee brace, huge bruise, ankle brace, and 4 bruised knuckles)

I thought to myself when I read this that Paul was one optimistic guy. This guy has been through so much, yet he keeps going or has this mentality of seeing the positive in even the most trying times of his life. He could say something like, “I’m almost dead, but not dead yet!” and just keep pressing forward.

This past week was the first week we had all the Funky Clubs and it was good! We didn’t really know what to expect out of all the FC because most of the Christian students that we rely on have class during that time or they are going to job interviews. But every time God has given us something to do or someone to meet. I just can only pray for more and more boldness to go reach those students that have never heard about God and his amazing grace.

Each day is a new adventure waiting to happen, but it is up to me how good or bad it will be. I need to prioritize better and not rely on how much I can do on my own, but really remember that my strength comes from God. Yesterday, we had this “Jesus Soldier Entrance Ceremony” thing and we were asked to tell everyone why we wanted to be a Jesus Soldier and what I looked forward to being one. It gave me some time to think about and refresh my memory about why I came here.  I need to constantly remind myself that, though at times it really is work, this is my ministry and that in any and every ministry, there needs to be personal devotion and prayer on my own time.

Going back to 2 Cor. 4, Paul’s optimism truly challenged me to not stay down when I get beat or I fall, but to get right back up and learn from the previous experiences. God is with me and I want to understand that in my whole being. 

Basketball in Japan. Go figure. :P

We played in a tournament with some of the Kandai students and it was fun! We lost, but we pretty much met that day and it was on a Sunday night, so we were pretty tired. Haha... lot of "lost in translation" stuff happening, but it was good! Next time boys! We got this. :) 

Resemble a Sakura (サクラ) Tree

Hello everyone!

It’s been a crazy week… Funky Clubs have officially started and honestly I didn’t know what to expect. Most of the students that are Christian either have class during this time or are going out for job interviews. This upcoming week Kansai Gaidai will start school too so Tuesday through Thursday is going to campuses and outreaching. I must say it still is quite nerve-racking to go to random people and just talk to them, but I am sure it will become like second nature….eventually… haha. It has been pretty tiring, but I know that when I am weak, He is strong!

Kandai

                                    

Kangaku

However, when I did have time to just sit and think, I just reflected and thought about all the people who serve in ministry full-time, and my respect for them increased even more! It was already pretty high up there, but to do this for a living is not an easy task, but when I remember just some of things that people who serve as pastors, missionaries, etc., I am truly amazed for their heart and dedication not only to God, but to the people they serve. Much love and respect to you all who are serving the Lord full time!

Anyway, this week has been pretty good… now that the schools have started, the day seems to go a lot faster now. From now on, I’m guessing time will just zoom by without me noticing. I just hope that in the midst of the craziness, I will be able to reflect and thank God for what he is doing here in through me. It is pretty hard to write an update every week, but it keeps me in check to think about what God has done throughout the past week. It is also a self-discipline that I am making myself do. I am already ¼ done here. It is really hard to believe, but (I know I always say this, but I really mean in) thank you sooooo soooo much for all the prayers and support you all give me. Seriously, I don't think I could have lasted even 2 months without your prayers, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.


So right now, it is the season of Sakura (サクラ Cherry Blossom) Well, now its ending. Why? Well, Sakura only last a month at most, maybe even less than that. The Japanese people think that Sakura represents life: short-lived yet beautiful. Hmm… but when I look at the Japanese people here in Osaka, most are either just tired of working, going to school, or they just live a very routine life. Indeed, I agree that life is short, but it is only beautiful when Jesus is in the mix! We never know what will happen in the future so, at least for me, I want to live a life that is considered beautiful in God’s eyes. When the Sakura start blooming, people all over the world come to see it, even though its lifespan is so short. When you see Sakura in person, it is really a magnificent picture that will stay in one’s mind forever. I want people to look at my life and say that it was beautiful and have some part of my life imprinted in their mind or heart also. That is what I hope for to happen here for the rest of my time here in Japan.

Goodness of God

Hello everyone~

What a week filled with blessings and realizations of the goodness of God.  This week I experienced a lot, so I just want to share some of the things that I went through or experienced:

I was able to rest, I was able to find time to read my book, I got sick, had people worry about me and bring me food while I was sick, I had a chance to get to know the newer Jesus Soldiers a little better, I have a new floor mate (finally!), I got to go see Sasaki at his freshmen entrance ceremony, I got to play guitar with Kohei and worship with him, I went to a campus to pass out some flyers and talk about Funky Club, got in trouble passing out flyers by the staff at the school (haha), I got to see sakura trees with some J-House members I don’t normally hang out with, we did our very first Big Wave on Good Friday, I got to play guitar during worship (finally!! Praise God!), played drums for Friday and Sunday service, ate sushi, took a lot of pictures, had one really nice and beautiful day, had time to talk with my mom (very quickly), had a great conversation with some native English speakers (who are also leaders at this church [Mimi, Jonie, Christina], with the new Jesus Soldiers here my work is now spread out so that I can focus more on the things that I am confident at doing, the list goes on…

I must admit that during this week, I sometimes forgot that it was Passion Week…however, some how something throughout the day always made me think about Jesus and what he did for us on the cross.　 私は神に感謝している！主よありがとう！(Watashi wa Kami ni kanshashiteiru! Shu yo arigatou!) I have no idea if this is correct grammar or even the right words… but I am grateful to God and I thank him for being everything to me.

“Words are not enough to tell You of our love so listen to our hearts” 

[Listen to Our Hearts – Geoff Moore]

Lord, help me to remember that the power of Your resurrection is something that I can boast about and know that if everything in this world should be in total chaos and confusion, that this one thing is something I know I can hang on to and save me from the darkness.

4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. [Romans 6:4]

This is a video that I recorded during our first service. The song is “I Will Run To You” – Hillsong…Here are the lyrics:

Your eye is on the sparrow

And Your hand, it comforts me

From the ends of the Earth to the depth of my heart

Let Your mercy and strength be seen

You call me to Your purpose

As angels understand

For Your glory, may You draw all men

As Your love and grace demand

And I will run to You

To Your words of truth

Not by might, not by power

But by the spirit of God

Yes I will run the race

'Till I see Your face

Oh let me live in the glory of Your grace

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter, or if it already passed for you, then may you remember that God’s grace is sufficient and may your days be filled with joy, challenges, and blessings. Through it all, may God mold you, his workmanship, into what he envisioned you to be! God bless you all!

(Ok...I uploaded a bunch of pictures on Facebook, so if you want to look at pictures, go there...haha)

P.S. I had a dream where I thought I was in Australia, then woke up and thought I was in America, but looked around and realized I was in Japan. Hahahaha… oh joy. :P