I’d been in Japan for the first 4 months of my one-year term. A summer team from my home church came for about a month. We were in the sanctuary of one of our partner churches for a youth ministry event…nothing major, just a small group of about 10 Japanese high schoolers, college students, and young adults for a few days of teaching, leadership development, and general goofing off. During one of our worship sessions, we sang “Shout to the Lord”, and each person sang in their heart language. It dawned on me that we could worship the same God with the same song at the same time in our own way, and He could receive it all. Language and culture are no barrier in worship. I wonder if Heaven will be like that?

I can’t remember how many people the room seated (it was definitely in the thousands) or how many countries were represented. We were all singing the same song — I think it was “There Is a Louder Shout to Come” — and realizing, “this might be what Heaven will be like.” I know not every nation, tribe, and tongue was represented, but there were more in that space than I’d ever been exposed to at one time. There were probably some people there who were more concerned about catching their flight home and some who just weren’t in to it, but at least from where I was standing, it seemed like everyone was joined together in unison not for a cause but for a Person. So cool to experience just a taste of what we were singing about.

A Jesus Manifesto

I like how they call us out on our inconsistencies. It’s challenging. They also say a lot of what I’ve been thinking. I would question one or two statements (they don’t agree with each other on everything either, so it’s ok!), but they seem to be more perceptive and insightful than your average Christian.

Especially convicted by and appreciated points 1, 2, 6, 8 (“The cure for a big head is a big heart.” That makes me laugh and cringe at the same time!), and 9. It’s all a good read, though, and an even better reality check.

ISI Conversation Partner

Kaori is back in Japan. I miss hanging out with her, even though it’s been helpful to have a few extra hours each week. This story, though, has God written all over it. I finally got in touch again with an old friend in Yokohama who let us know her husband and another pastor were visiting different ministries in the U.S. A group of us got together to catch up with them over dinner, and I told them about Kaori. Halfway through dinner Kaori’s friend, Mizuho, walks in with one of my friends. It turns out Mizuho is my friend’s conversation partner! It was nice talking with her. Kind of like another connection to Kaori. I’m praying both Kaori and Mizuho will continue seeking and eventually find Jesus.

WCC PC

The ministry of initials is back again. This year (and next), I’m privileged to serve on their planning committee. It’s going to be a little hectic in the beginning, but the group has been pretty amazing. We (mostly they, since I’m always late to meetings) bonded pretty quickly and are sharing pretty deeply from the start. It’s great to have another community of like-minded people to serve with and go to Yogurtland together. Please pray I can figure out how to fit that in to an already full life. I had to ask God twice if He really wanted me to commit to this (since I thought I heard him wrong the first time). It’s been good so far, though. He already seems to be confirming some things among us. It’s cool to see Him at work like that.

Meeting half of the board for the first time! (Besides the conference call a couple of months ago.) The other half, I’ve met face-to-face last summer or, more recently, two weeks ago.

Please pray for their safety as they travel. Some are coming from the midwest or beyond. Also pray for team-building and unified direction. I’m only meeting with them for a few hours, but they’re meeting all day.