Sharing the Good News and Gospel with Japan
by Hiro & Eryn Bamba
As the Thanksgiving and Christmas season approaches, we would like to thank each one of you for your continuous prayers and support. We cannot over emphasize how vital and essential they are for us to share the love of Jesus with the Japanese people. The holiday season reunites distant families and friends. The past several months, God has blessed us with many unexpected reunions and new friendships.
Reunion with Uemine Kids
Over two decades ago, in our old neighborhood, we held Sunday School for the children in that area every Sunday morning. After the classes in the morning, the children would return in the afternoon to play indoor and outdoor games. Most of the children were between the ages of three and seven. Now most of them have graduated college and are getting jobs all over Japan. Recently God provided us the opportunity to get together with three of the girls. They remembered the stories and fun times from Sunday School. They even sang some of the praise songs we had taught them. We thank God for this reunion and that the seeds planted in their hearts when they were children have not died! Please pray for their salvation!!
Boy Scout Camp and Youth Leadership Training
Justin is leading his boy scout troop again this year as the senior patrol leader. He has wanted to add a spiritual aspect to all of their activities, including worship services at campouts and a prayer time at events and meetings. This year he has been able to include those things in their scouting activities. Many of the scouts are not Christian, so Justin wanted to share the message of the Gospel while enjoying their outdoor activities. We thank God for Justin’s desire to share the love of Christ with his peers.
Olivia’s Ballet Friend Hana-chan
Olivia has taken ballet for the past two years. She had her first recital in the spring. She has made many friends there. We had the opportunity to invite one of her best friends over to our house. She came with her mother and younger brother. While the children played, Eryn and Hiro were able to have a meaningful conversation with the mother. She asked many questions about child rearing and we had the chance to share our Christian beliefs with her. Please pray for more opportunities to share the love of Jesus and to deepen the friendship with this family.
Japanese-Kenyan Friend Valencia and Keira
We met a unique Japanese and Kenyan family this summer. They just moved to Japan after living in Kenya. The Japanese father and Kenyan mother brought their eight and two year old daughters to our Sunday School. They are having a difficult time adjusting to life in Japan and the school system here. They do not know anyone in this part of Japan. Our children, especially Hunter and Olivia, have been able to help them feel accepted through their friendship. They invited us to the birthday party for their daughters, Valencia and Keira. Their dad expressed many times how much it meant to them that we came to their party, especially to Valencia. Please pray that our family will be able to share the hope and love of Christ with this international family. For all of these families, we have been the only exposure to the Gospel they have had. Pray with us that we can continue to pour God’s love into each one of their lives.
Photo Credit: Hiro & Eryn Bamba