Day 10
This morning, with Hebrews 9:1-15 open before us, our team reflected on the matchless sufficiency of Christ's blood. Two questions pierced our hearts:
How does knowing that Jesus is not created help us truly trust Him, especially as we rest our hope in His death and resurrection?
Do we believe that our sins are fully forgiven through the blood of Christ, or do we still cling to guilt and shame? What other ways have we tried to handle our guilt?
In a nation where the concept of forgiveness is elusive and shame often runs deep, these truths are not merely comforting – they are liberating. Christ, the uncreated Son, both Creator and Redeemer, is able to save to the uttermost.
Created in His Image
Before Kids Gospel began, Kaji encouraged us from Genesis 1:26 on being made in God's own image. Throughout the day, we witnessed Japanese children learning God's Word, moving joyfully in dance, and expressing childlike faith through arts and crafts – all bearing that divine imprint.
A highlight today was seeing Clive, one of the missionary kids, craft a beautiful cross – a tangible reminder that the cross of Christ unites us across cultures, ages, and languages.
Joys & Challenges in Gospel Ministry
Later, CJ and Mitchell (GRC's two youth interns), along with Caleb (one of our fellow students), met with Ben to discuss the nature of ministry in Japan. Ben shared honestly about the ongoing challenges and gospel opportunities in this season:
Following up: After a summer of broad outreach, making time for genuine follow-up with new contacts is both a privilege and a real challenge. Pray for margin and intentionality, that none who experience gospel warmth would slip through the cracks.
Church planting: The Nagoya Church Planting Team is prayerfully seeking the right place, timing, and core values ("DNA") for the next church plant. Pray for wisdom, unity, and for hearts – both within the team and in the community – ready to receive the gospel.
Balancing ministry calls: Leading both college ministry and the church planting team can easily stretch one thin. Pray for Ben to wisely delegate and rest in God's grace as he juggles these responsibilities.
Family: Ben shared that one of their sons is wrestling with confidence and insecurities. Pray our team would gently encourage him, integrating him as a valued brother with quiet words of affirmation.
Kids Gospel Festival
Tomorrow marks the Kids Gospel festival. Parents, friends, and guests will hear the gospel message proclaimed. Please pray:
That God would open ears and soften hearts so that entire families might be drawn to His kingdom.
For spiritual protection and peace for every child, volunteer, missionary, and family involved, shielding them from discouragement and spiritual attack.
For endurance, joy, and unity among all who serve, so that every act points to Christ's finished work.
For gospel fruit that lasts, far beyond what our team may ever see.
Because Christ is the uncreated, crucified, and risen Redeemer, our labor in Japan is not in vain. Every lesson taught, every song sung, every cross crafted is a thread in the redemptive tapestry He is weaving among the nations.
May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!