In the account of Noah's Ark, found in Genesis 5-10, God gives Noah a sign; a rainbow, His covenant to all men that he would never again flood the entire earth. The word covenant is used in scripture over 270 times, the word promise is used over 100 times. When we are in the midst of a trial in our lives, sometimes it is the hardest time to recall the promises of God; however, this is the time when it is most important to remember what God has promised to us, especially if you are His child.

Something I have found to be a huge blessing to me, is really studying the message of hymns or biblicaly inspired songs that we sing, or hear on the radio on a daily/weekly basis. It is my hope to use this blog as a way of sharing the lyrics to songs that have been a blessing to me, and how they have blessed me and reminded me of a promise given by God, and in turn be a blessing to others.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Konichi-wa (Hello)

Teshio Baptist Church (minus Mr. Mansell) with Charity & I

It has been just over one week since I arrived here in Japan, and I feel like it has been so much longer. So much has happened this week, I can already see the changes God is making in my heart to conform me to his image, and to give me the courage, strength, and ability to do what needs to be done in my time here.


Saturday is basically a time of rest from the week, preparation for Sunday services.Physically, both in body, and cleaning and setup, and spiritual preparation for Sunday.
Sunday services consist of Mr. Mansell, and Christopher (a Canadian who is on contract in Japan teaching in a nearby town) working with Charity & I in learning Japanese. We did a Sword drill using the Japanese words for the books of the Bible. Then the morning service is in Japanese with no translation, every once in a while we are able to pick out a word here & there that we understand, and we can basically follow along in our bibles if we understand the reference.
Some of the High School English students, oh the memories...




Monday morning Mr. Mansell has English classes that he assistant teaches in local Jr. High & High Schools. He also teaches on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings. Charity & I were able to go with him on Wednesday morning and assist. It was fun, and interesting, especially because I am NOT an English teacher by any stretch of the imagination. :P


Charity & I in a field of Rapeseed blossoms
Thursday we drove down to a bigger city for the morning where I had my first experience in a Japanese McDonald's. Charity & I were left 'on our own' for ordering when Mansells went next door to a pork grill. The waitress took pity on us and pulled out an English menu. :D It was fun, even though we obviously had a miscommunication somewhere when we only got one drink and no fries, but at least we had the sandwiches we ordered!!
On the way home we stopped and visited with 3 different Missionary families. It was fun to meet other missionaries, especially those that had kids. The younger ones especially were really excited to meet us, as it gave them someone else to play with. We will hopefully see these family's again mid-summer when they get together to celebrate U.S. Independence day. They also get together at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am looking forward to getting to know these other missionary families, and seeing how God uses this whole ministry experience in my life. Friday is another day to do extra-curricular activities, we already have some trips planned for the near future, and another missionary daughter from the Tokyo area is planning on coming up for about a week in a couple weeks and Charity & I are looking forward to having another girl around.

Please continue to pray for the remaining financial needs I have. God has already provided $4000+ for me, I know that what I need now will also be provided. Thank you for your prayers as I was adjusting, there are still adjustments being made in day-to-day living, but God is good!!

Mata ne (until next time)
Love in Him,
Jennifer
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