Sharing the Good News and Gospel with Japan
by Hiro & Eryn Bamba
Greetings from Japan!
As we enter a new year, we are reminded of all of God’s blessings and provisions over the past year. We are so honored and blessed to have each one of you working with us to share the love and light of Jesus with the Japanese people.
End of Year Activities
During our English conversation classes for the children in our neighborhood, we often use flash cards with various pictures to teach vocabulary. In December, we used cards with pictures from the story of Jesus’ birth. When one boy saw the picture of baby Jesus lying in a manger, he asked, “What does a baby have to do with Christmas?” We were then able to share with all of the children the true meaning of Christmas.
Also during our various Christmas parties, we always share the Christmas message. One of the ladies who attended commented that she always felt peaceful when she heard messages from the Bible.
One 5th grade girl, whose family is not a Christian including herself, really wanted to attend our children’s Christmas program, even though she had a piano recital the same day. She wasn’t able to stay until the end of the program, but she was able to make a Christmas ornament and hear the true meaning of Christmas before she had to leave for her recital.
Only because of your continuous prayers and support, were these people able to hear about and experience the love and peace only God can provide, especially in a far-east country where less than one percent of the population are Christians.
A low percentage of Christian population in Japan means there are not many Japanese materials to use for Bible study. Hiro has had the opportunity to translate several Christian materials into Japanese to be used at our church. We have a women’s Bible study on Thursdays. It has been a blessing to these women to have materials to learn about God in their own language.
Eryn held a Valentine’s Day cooking class for the children in our English conversation classes. Both classes were full and the children enjoyed making chocolate waffles and decorating them. The mothers stayed to watch the classes, giving them the opportunity to learn about the love of God along with their children.
Thank you again for your partnership. We are excited to see what God has planned to do in Japan through you!
Arigato (Thank you)!
Photo Credit: Hiro & Eryn Bamba
