I was running late again. “Lord, could you give me something to share at the English chat club today?” We meet on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of each month at Nishiya Christ Church. I included a picture of some of the group. A member of the church, Mrs. Shiga, started and leads the group, third from the right. Sitting next to her, Pastor Miyoko Takeuchi, usually attends and is wearing the sweater with the embroidered flower. Mrs. Shiga always has something interesting to talk about to get us started!

Last week, we were chatting about our names and their meanings. There were just five of us, so we each could talk about our name. In Japanese, most people have kanji for their names. Each kanji has at least one meaning. I don’t have any kanji so they asked me does “Gordon” have a meaning. In one language, it means “gift of God” (but I was wrong, it means round or triangular hill). I was named after the ship that my grandmother traveled on from China, the USS General W. H. Gordon.

Mr. Y, sitting on the far right, shared about his name, and then he also shared about his recent doctor visit. After two CT scans, the doctor says there is some partial blockage in an artery near his heart. He was having some discomfort in his chest and had it checked. The doctor did not give him any medication or recommendation. He just said if it is feeling bad, come back and he will take another look. Ever felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray? I timidly asked Mr. Y if it would be OK to pray for him about his condition. Amazingly, he said yes. After praying for healing, and peace of mind, I asked him how he felt. He said, “Better.” And he had a smile.

I don’t know if Mr. Y will be completely healed. I do know God used me to pray for him and saw his smile return. It’s been over a year since I started attending this group at the invitation of a former missionary to India, Dr. Hasegawa, sitting on the far left. We each have a chance to chat and share a little. Now, it appears God is giving me a chance to pray for some of the chat club members! This is humbling for me and it feels like God is doing a new thing in some Japanese hearts. Please pray that I would not be timid, but follow God with power, love and self-discipline. Also, please pray for the Japanese, that God's power and love would save them.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV