family camp

.
.

.

.

We just came back from a family camp in a beautiful area overlooking west Kobe called Shiawase no Mura ("Happiness Village"). Framed by the themes of English conversation and Hawaiian culture, the camp was hosted by our sister church (Sanda Chapel, where our colleagues Eric and Sue serve) and conducted by a talented group of Asian-American Christians from Cerritos (CA) Baptist Church.

.

.

...

.

.

God was glorified as Japanese Christian families bonded through fun activities, like hula (pictured below); we were also delighted to see a handful of others, including a family in our neighborhood, use the two-day event to explore questions about the Christian faith.
.

.

...

.

.

"My hips don't move that way," said Claire, after struggling to learn the steps while swiveling her hips. She had tons of fun, though.

.

.

...

.

.
Some things didn't go as expected; the camp site double-booked our main rooms, forcing us all to the lobby for an exercise in flexibility. But, all in all, there was a sweetness to our meetings and meals. It was palpable, a provocative witness, at least to one young man.

.

.

* * *

.

.
"Your hearts are so bright!", exclaimed Kaz, one of the campsite's staff members and an aspiring musician in his spare time. He said this during the post-dinner mixer to Evan, one of the guys from the Cerritos team who, along with his dad, sang and performed a couple of guitar-ukelele songs. "I've never seen a group like yours; so much freedom, so happy!"

.

.

We told him about the joy and hope we have as followers of Jesus. Translating the conversation between Kaz and Evan, I sensed God's timing. Perhaps this joy and hope of the gospel was something for which Kaz had been searching. I asked Kaz about his life story and discovered that he was somewhat familiar with the Christian faith; he had heard a Christmas message about Jesus in kindergarten.

.

.

As our conversation deepened, I introduced Kaz to Pastor Fuji. Reflecting a long-held curiosity about the figure of Jesus, Kaz asked a lot of questions. I was so impressed with the way Pastor Fuji listened; he answered each one with clarity and grace. No pressure; just a clear sketch of Jesus as the One who braids the lines of forgiveness, ethics and hope. The Christian worldview was presented without excuse. With a tangible sense of divine help, I shared my testimony in Japanese.

.

.

Here's Kaz (center), smiling after he prayed to receive Jesus as His Lord and Savior. He's framed left to right by Jim, Pastor Fuji, Evan and me. Join us in praising God for unexpected conversations!

.

.

...

.

.

It was also wonderful to spend extended time with two families with whom Claire has developed strong bonds. Annie, to no one's surprise, perfectly timed her sprint through our shot.

.

.

...

.

.

:::