Tales From Japan, Okinawa - Healings Breakout and Spread to others in Japan

I was so excited to see God work in Okinawa in so many ways

Last Sunday night I arrived in Okinawa and on Monday I gathered together for a time of sharing about Dynamic Church Planting training.  That was a great time to seek the LORD, network, pray, and get to know one another before our training event coming up (April 24-26)

As we were having dinner at the church which opens its doors to feed neighborhood families, I encountered a woman in a lot of pain.  She couldn't stop talking about how much it hurt and how she could barely move without pain.  Pastor Naomi from the church said let's pray and after everyone had ate we took the woman aside and began to pray.  She sat calmly as I began to lay on hands and rebuke and cast out the sickness in every area she told me.  She had side, chest, neck, shoulder pain and a headache.  Within in less than a minute her whole body began to get very hot she said.  At this point I asked her to stand up and walk around and tell me how she felt.  She was completely shocked.  Everything was gone.  No pain anywhere.  You can see her reaction in the video below.




Also after that others began to line up for prayer.  We saw miracles from severe stomach pain being healed to blind eyes seeing and even family members were healed at the same time in other areas of Okinawa.  In the video below a generational condition of bad eye sight was healed in Jesus' name simultaneously.  The healings even continued into the next day as I went together with some others to pray in a local park.

The FB videos are in Japanese but I think most will understand what is going on.  I was so inspired about what God was doing I did a FB live to explain with the hopes of equipping and inspiring others to do the same.








I podcasted about the healings which also led to more people being healed because the faith for healing became contagious.  So often we do not have because we do not ask God, nor do we believe. This is a struggle for me even after seen such amazing miracles.  The walk of faith requires daily renewing our mind in the word and stepping out from what is comfortable into a real RISK.  Yes faith causes us to risk something.  But the sacrifice of humiliation or akwardness is nothing compared to the price JESUS paid, nor can it come close to the glory when GOD shows up and does a wonder in our midst.


I explain in this video the details about the miracles in ENGLISH


 






(JAPANESE)

 

(JAPANESE)

Tales From Japan: Church Planting in Downtown Fukuoka Japan

Photo Akasaka Des Anges   http://www.anges-akasaka.com/

Last year I began on a task of starting a worship service in Fukuoka City, Japan.  I work church planters in Japan on a regular basis as well as train leaders in church planting through Dynamic Church Planting International.  This service that I currently refer to as the Chapel Service is held at a wedding chapel called Akasaka Des Anges.  Currently we are still in the phase of building a core team, but the LORD has given us an amazing opportunity to share the Word of God in both English and Japanese as well sing songs of praise together.

The video gives some more detail about the Chapel Service and some of the ways God is amazing us. This is just the beginning please pray for more workers to come together for the KINGDOM OF GOD.

We had over 500 people come out for Christmas last year.  Pray God enables us to not only share the gospel and see souls saved but that a growing body of believers would be discipled and take root in this place.

 

Tales from Japan: GBC Akane Healed Walks for the First Time VIDEO

Today something so amazing, so wonderful happened it left me almost speechless.  I was surprised but not surprised at the same time because I too believe God is a God of miracles.  In fact I am seeing more and more of these miracles in response to faith in Jesus Christ not only our LORD and Savior but our healer.

Today was the story of Akane who has never been able to walk for her whole life born with a defect in her feet. When prompted by pastor Rie from GBC, Akane literally stood up out of her wheelchair and paced the room.  As you can see in the video taken below.  Since it was her first time to use her legs in this way all on her own you can see she is going to need to get used to using them LOL.  Later she was jumping and actually almost running.

Awhile ago Rie had given Akane a word from the LORD that she would walk and today was the day. Rie was faithful to sow that prophetic seed in Akane's heart and look at the joy she has.

Nobody prayed for her or laid hands on her, she just literally took a step of faith!

This is just like the story in Acts 3 when Peter told the lame man to stand up and walk in the name of Jesus and took him by the hand and literally the man began to walk.


 


 More LORD Jesus!

Tales from Japan: Jesus Heals Young crippled Woman in Japan in Osaka VIDEO

I want to share with you all a little taste of what God is doing in Japan particularly in the ministry of GBC (God Blessings Church) where I serve as a volunteer pastor, and who I also do podcasts for.

 Last year during one of God Blessings Church's worship services in Osaka a young woman named Megumi who wasn't able to walk was healed as the worship started. She has attended services in the past but this one was different. She was filled with faith and stood up during worship to her surprise with very little difficulty. She had been using a cane to get around and couldn't even stand for worship before. As you can see in the video below Pastor Rie sees her stand up and pulls her out to dance and jump during the time of worship as everyone is seeing "He Has Made Me Glad" in Japanese. You can see the emotion and realization that she has been healed come over her and the other worshipers as they join together to sing "Thank You LORD"

The miracle starts around 15:24-


 


 Stay tuned for more works of Jesus on Holy Fire Japan.

Teaching English in Japan with His Word - Videos and Podcasts

For the last two years I have been teaching weekly English classes in Japan using the Bible.  The class is basically free and I do not charge students anything and all are welcome.  I would get a variety of students from high schoolers, salarymen and seniors.  With the new addition of FB live, I have been able to even share the classes to hundreds of viewers online as well.  Also I have begun podcasting with the same idea of sharing English through the Bible for Japanese listeners on GBC-radio.

I started podcasting His Word in mid-August last year and now have split my podcast into two levels. A beginner level on Monday and Thursday will be an podcast for more advanced students.





It is exciting to see this ministry grow and share God's Word with many who are hearing it for the first time.  I discuss not only the English meanings but the context of the passage as well to the students and listeners.

(Recent videos of classes below)







 God is now calling me from the classroom portion of the ministry for a time to reboot things.  This will be my last month teaching classes for free in Fukuoka at Daimyo Cross Garden.  Exactly two years ago His Word English started as an idea, a leading from the Holy Spirit and it has grown and I believe that even though I will be temporarily stopping the classroom portion (podcasts will continue) I am confident God will give me direction on how to expand it so that more Japanese can hear and learn English through His Word.

Thanks for those who have prayed and supported my ministry.  I look forward to the new direction God will provide for the ministry.

GBC - Wells in Malawi AFRICA - video of the Fresh Water pouring forth in the desert!

The children of Malawi live in some of poorest conditions in the world.
How Precious they are to our Father in Heaven!

God is writing an amazing story with all of us and at times our stories interweave and intertwine into an awesome ministry cross- over.  In only a few months since starting GBC-radio we have partnered with Reaching the Hungry in an effort to help some villages in Malawi, Africa, one of the poorest nations on the planet.  Last month Pastor Carlos of Reaching The Hungry sent a mission team to build 4 water wells and two of those were sponsored by listener donations from GBC-radio.  We are based in Japan so all the donations were from Japanese who sponsored a U.S. mission team to bless people in Malawi.  Talk about an international move of GOD!

It is so exciting to watch these videos of people singing and dancing, celebrating a miracle for their village.  In response hundreds of people gave their life to Christ and will be discipled using TALKING BIBLES.

Literally entire villages coming to Christ.  The Book of Acts is still happening today!

For only $2000 US a well can be constructed! At GBC - radio we have funded two and saw the videos bringing many of our listeners and staff to tears.  PRAISE THE LORD!

This is only the beginning!!

 For more on how to give go here

Only in Japan: Masters of Mochi

Traditional Japanese Mochi Photo taken from pinterest

It`s been over 10 years in Japan for me and you see a lot of things that can amaze you and I post them as things only in japan.  They can be shocking or funny or inspirational.  This video was recorded by a good friend of mine, Pastor Rie.  She has a great blog in Japanese here for anyone interested.

GOD`S WORD PARADISE

The video below is of mochi being made by one of the best in the world.  The speed and performance recording by Pastor Rie`s video is amazing.  This is her favorite place to buy Mochi which is a Japanese sweet rice treat.  This is green because the flavor of the Mochi is Matcha a powered refined green tea in Japan.  The shouts of the mochi master gives the rhythm to the man with the hammer so that they can coordinate to make the mochi fast.  The rice starts out as regular rice and as it is pounded it becomes like dough and is usually served with sweet beans.
This was taken in Kyoto, Japan.





Something like this you can only see in JAPAN.  Everyday this man makes mochi and is a master of it.

Below is another video with subtitles that has interview with the same man.

His Word English - Teaching English in Japanese with the Bible (video)

Daimyo Cross Garden in Fukuoka, Japan.  I teach here every Wednesday night

Many Japanese struggle with learning English.  I teach weekly in Fukuoka and have even begun to use Facebook Live as a tool to teach Japanese how to use English by teaching the differences between the languages and also looking at examples in text primarily the Bible.  The Bible has historically had a huge impact on the English language itself and studying it along with English certainly benefits my students greatly.

Below is the video from my class on 10/26/2016 and also below that are my podcasts which are about 20-30 min each that are similar to my lessons.  Introducing Japanese to ideas within the Bible and the gospel has certainly led to many dialogues about faith.




Signs for Moses - His Word English class

Japan to America Open Gate Japan Worship Music Tour

Just yesterday we had the chance as a family to spread the word about OPEN GATE on Facebook.  We sang a worship song in Japanese as a family to share about the Tour that will take place from October 18-22 in Los Angeles.  See below for more details and watch the video to see the Barrett Family sing Jujika no Aganai - The Redemption of the Cross (JAPANESE)

linkla.info


このチャレンジは１０月18-22日にLAで行われるオープンゲートツアーを多くの人達に知ってもらうためのものです。
先ず、オープンゲートメンバー（長沢崇史・中山有太・中山告・池原仰一・西田勇・山川高平）が作曲した賛美を一曲選び、自分が歌ってる様子をビデオに撮ってください。
歌い始める前に、曲のタイトルと作曲者を言ってください。
そして一節、または一番を歌い終わった時に、「みんなでオープンゲートのアメリカコンサートツアーを見に行こう！詳しくはlinkla.infoを検索してね！」と必ず言ってくださいね！
自分のタイムラインにあげてください！
この順序が書かれた説明をコピペして、次にチャレンジしてほしい友達を２人以上タグ付けして、バトンを渡してください！
最後に、このツアーが神様の御わざのために用いられるよう祈ってください！
LA Worshipper Project :: OPEN GATE Challenge (2016)
****************************************************************************
Help us spread the word of OPEN GATE’s Tour that will take place on October 18-22nd in LA!!
Film yourself worshipping your favorite Nagasawa/Open Gate (Nakayama Tsuguru, Nakayama Yuta, Ikehara, Nishida, Yamakawa) Praise song.
Please introduce the song and the composer.
At the end of the video, please include the phrase 「みんなでオープンゲートのアメリカコンサートツアーを見に行こう！詳しくはlinkla.infoを検索してね!」
Upload to your timeline.
Copy this text above and share on FB and tag two people you want to send this challenge to!
Lastly, Please pray that this Tour will be used for God's glory.
Looking forward to hearing your praises!

HIS WORD - sharing God's word and teaching English in Japan

This is just one of the many ministries I am involved with in Japan.  Weekly English classes at a very easy accessible church facility in the downtown area of Fukuoka, Japan.  I live about 15 minutes away by car and a variety of people come from mothers to retirees and even college students.  I teach in the evening from 7:00pm and start the class off with a little conversation warm-up and then get the students to practice describing things using the English they know and to reinforce I go through the text of the Bible highlighting grammar points and other elements of language, culture etc.

I call the class HIS WORD and I have had many opportunities to both bless and share about Jesus with the wonderful people in Japan.


UPDATED

(The previous video was corrupted and so I have updated this post with a video from NOVEMBER.)

Here is a video clip from the last class.  I teach in Japanese mostly.  This class is volunteer and free of charge.


HIS WORD English in Fukuoka, Japan.

Tales from Japan: Abe, Japan's new hope?

Shinzo Abe, soon to be Japan's new Prime Minister 2012.  Photo taken from a Liberal Democratic Party pamphlet

Just recently Japan's Diet appointed its new leader. Shinzo Abe of the conservative side of Japan's political spectrum has returned to the highest position in Japanese politics.

In the past he has had the demeanor of a more soft spoken man. At one time he was Japan's youngest Prime Minister but had to resign due to failing health.

Now he has a new tone and voice that has lit a fire under the politically indifferent Japanese culture. He has gained strong support from his stance on foreign affairs and his commitment to effective economic strategies.

I have watched him over the years and seen him be bashed repeatedly by Japanese media but he is still going strong.  The fact the media won't leave him alone makes me think perhaps there is something good about him.

This was taken from Abe's Facebook page.  It notes how when the more liberal party took power three years ago it was a "A Democratic Revolution that will Change Japan" but now with the return of the conservatives party's overwhelming victory the magazine title reads, "The Concern Over Abe's Politics".  Let the bashing begin the comment reads on the Facebook post http://www.facebook.com/abeshinzo

One thing for sure is that Shinzo Abe has a lot of pressure to perform an economic revival in Japan. Remarkably, the day after the elections the Japanese stock market soared  and the over valued yen dropped.  A sign that perhaps there is hope for this struggling nation.

We even had the rare opportunity to listen to him speak live at Funabashi station a day before the election

Mr. Abe is speaking from a platform by the far building and is mostly being blocked by trees but you can see him move slightly if you look real close, or if you can zoom in on the video.

It was about a year ago that I had a vision about Japan's future.

A White Serpent Will Appear

I don't know whether Mr. Abe is going to be a phenomenal success or a tremendous failure. But my heart is that Japan is blessed and it's people prosper. That is my prayer for them and my prayers for their leader.

The reactions of some Christians in Japan seem almost fearful as to what what might happen, if religious persecution or hardships might result from this new leadership.

I certainly do not think it could even come close to the persecutions under the shoguns of long ago.

Christian Martyrdom in Japan

If anything, let there be hope and let there be joy in the land again.  

U.S. West Coast: How Ready are We for a Great Earthquake or Tsunami?

A tsunami evacuation sign posted in Southern California 2012

As the world continues to spin and the earth continues to move we find ourselves facing the reality that we are just here for the ride.  The earth is wild and not tame.  Though man with every generation gains knowledge and grows in population and culture, it seems we can only attempt to lessen the inevitable damage and loss of life that comes from the disasters of the earth.
With the disastrous event that was clearly seen by the entire world, people around the world most certainly will be asking,

"What if that were to happen to us?"

In no other time in history have we been able to see the horrible and awesome wrath of the tsunami upon humanity.  March 11th combined with the Fukushima meltdown and on going crisis has awoken humanity to the realization that safety is an on going battle, and with all our ingenuity, it perhaps can easily be forgotten.

Over the past year many experts raised valid concerns that the San Onofre Nuclear power plant located near San Clemente would not be able to handle a massive earthquake or tsunami like what was seen in Japan.  This would be a population of millions of people at risk for a catastrophic nuclear event.

Personally I have serious doubts that the U.S. could handle such a combined disaster very well.  That being said I did make the observation that there is a tsunami evacuation route posted along the roads to beaches that seem to ease concerns most likely brought about by the impact of 3/11.

Below is an amazing video that shows exactly what it feels like to be caught up in a tsunami.  It is almost surreal I encourage you to watch and share it and ask yourself what would you do? or even would you be ready for such an event.



Ultimately worry is counter productive but discussion about such disaster scenarios and improvements that could be made is absolutely necessary to preserve life.  When it happens, you will not have time to plan only time to react and try to do your best to survive.  This is coming from a person who lived in Japan when it all happened on that fateful day.

God bless and be ready in your heart for any circumstance.  How great the gift of faith is in times of trouble!

Tales From Japan: The Coming of the Great Tokai Earthquake in 20??

Captured as one of the most startling images of 2011 from National Geographic.  Lighting sparks as volcano erupts in Kyuushuu Japan.

An image of an erupting volcano in Kyuushuu Japan. Mt Shinmoedake is the most recent major volcanic eruption on the island of Japan. It erupted in January 2011 and subsequently a few more times afterward leading to the evacuation of a few hundred local residents. The department of Japan's government who handles such issues raised the level of emergency to a level 3 out of 5. Level 5 is a full blown eruption requiring the immediate evacuation of all local residents and subsequent areas of danger.


Japan Metereological Agency explanation of levels and safety measures




































Looking at the history of Japan and its seismic and volcanic activity reveals a harsh and fearful reality.  It is difficult to accept that many will die, many more injured and scarred for life by the trauma of it all.  Yet the earth continues on without malice nor a whim of our concern. The truth of the matter is that the earth has a schedule to keep and our presence will simply not detour it.  A great earthquake is always brewing, especially in Japan where seismologists have upped the percent of a magnitude 9+ earthquake hitting the Kanto region in the next 30 years to 87%, though some put it even higher into the upper 90th pecentile.

While Japanese are confident in their building technology and prevention measures, as March 11, 2011 demonstrated, nature can exceed human preparation and expectation.  The Great East Japan Earthquake devastated Japan but not nearly as much as a potential M9 earthquake even closer to the highly populated capital and metropolitan area of Tokyo.

More info here
Researchers raise level of great Earthquake to hit Japan

Although scientists do not exactly know when an earthquake will hit they have a clear understanding of their cyclical nature and early warning technology is still advancing.  In fact, the Great Tohoku Earthquake was actually detected 1 minute in Tokyo before the earthquake began.  This perhaps gave some people a moment to find a safe area or take cover.

Below is a video in Japanese that explains the sure inevitability of the Great Tokai Earthquake that will come in our lifetime.  The scary thing is that on this 300 year cycle as before Mount Fuji is bound to erupt.  That means that this next Tokai quake will most likely be 1000 times stronger than the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923.



(The video is in Japanese but needs no real translation just watch the visuals and you will get the idea. Plus if your studying Japanese there is some motivation for you).

Beside Japan there is also talk of a great earthquake and tsunami that will hit the west coast of the United States. Many experts are concerned with the continued high activity on the pacific ring of fire and some believe that another great earthquake will occur in 2012 somewhere along it.

 

Some experts see the potential for another Great Earthquake along the Juan de Fuca plate devastating Oregon and triggering massive and destructive tsunamis along the west coast of America.  This earthquake like the Tokai Earthquake in Japan is due to occur this century.

More info here
The Great Coming Cascadia Earthquake

The population of the world is increasing and people are naturally drawn to live in places near fault lines which tend to have properties conducive to human settlement.  This is the conundrum that humanity faces as civilization evolves and progresses.

For an island people like the Japanese there seems to be little but no choice to invent, improve, or adjust to drastic living conditions in order to survive.  This is their fate and many of them affirm it and have strong resolve to prepare for great disaster because...

The next Big One could be tomorrow!