The 'Busy' Week

Well, after our first week, which was already intense by most standards, we’ve started what the Ghents are calling our ‘busy week’. We finished off by hosting a Canada Harvest Day where we cooked for about 80 people some of our own home-grown recipes. All of us were cooking from 9 am to 4pm to prepare ham, broccoli slaw, twice-baked potatoes, and butter tarts. (It was the last day before I did my laundry so all I had was a nice dress shirt to wear. Needless to say, I felt like one of those television cooks running around.) This week is mostly ministering to pre-school kids and their teachers, in the hope to reach out to families and inspire the younger generations. A couple days ago, we were doing a concert up at an elementary school with over 400 kids (imagine the influence for the sake of the Kingdom!!). After each encounter, we’re given a chance to greet the kids and ‘cause some havoc’ as Martin Ghent would describe it. Many handshakes have been given, hi-fives exchanged and kids hoisted and carried around in the hopes that they would see Christ through us. On a side note, it’s an interesting experience to have children rush you for your autograph… no, we’re NOT rock stars, that’s not why we’re here.
It has been inspiring and encouraging to hear from all of you back home and know that you are uplifting us in your thoughts and prayers. You are joining with all the missionaries, parents, and volunteers here that have been interceding for us before we arrived and since we’ve been here. We have just come off a stretch of heading up concerts in seven preschools in the last two days and there is plenty in front of us to do. Our last week holds another Canada event/concert tomorrow, an overnight youth sleepover at the church tonight, a larger concert and BBQ on Sunday at the new church site, and a four day OMF conference to end off our last bit of our trip.
Here in Japan, there is much freedom to express the gospel message and proclaim Christ, literally to the nations. People will probably listen, but may not accept. The songs we sing are mainly in English and we’re able to sing them in schools that are even strongly opposed to any Christian influence. Most of the kids would not comprehend our language, but we trust that they will see our passion and joy in what we’re doing and as a result, see Christ through us. For all of us, we are doing our best to remember that each new day brings opportunities to witness before new groups of kids in a way in which they will know that they are seeing something real and true and that there is a God who cares for them. May the tenth time we sing a song or dance a routine be as full-hearted and committed as the first.
In getting to know and minister to the Ghents, the team has learned not only a lot about what goes on in church planting in this part of Japan, but also the darker side that is rotting away the underbelly of this culture. There is a lot of hurt and pain in the people here, though most would not admit to it or would rather turn a blind eye. Some people are gripped by their Buddhist or Shinto animistic beliefs, praying and worshipping to everything under the sun, to the sun itself. The large mountain that looms over this entire area is considered to be one of their greater gods. In talking with the Ghents, it is evident that many are coming to the church looking for a sense of refuge, protection, or escape, rather than spiritual curiosity or longing. Some are drawn in by the services, by the promise of learning English, ballet, parenting classes and youth programs and as a result families start to attend. It’s heart-breaking to hear stories of abused families, teachers impregnating students and children being raised more by themselves than their parents. It becomes that much more important for the message we’re sharing; and of the work that the Lord is doing through us, even if it is just witnessing to hundreds of kids by a simple song to let them see some joy and hope.
Pray for strength, health, spiritual formation, team harmony, and a continual focus on the ministry God has called us to. Please also pray for the events and everyone God will lead to them. Look for more personal blog blurbs soon!

Sayonara,
Jon