Why don’t I learn from the past? About two years ago, we brought a boy from Japan to Seattle with us. He attended family camp with us at Warm Beach Conference Center (WB). We thought he was close to becoming a Christian, but he was not yet ready. This year, in July, his older brother became a Christian. And his younger brother, T, came with us to WB this month. Matthew, our son, agreed to interpret for T. The ride up to camp was full of laughter! I did not know how chatty and happy T is. Amazingly, T and my middle daughter, Miki, were chatting for much of the 90-minute trip to WB from Seattle.

 

We met T at Nokendai Fellowship in Japan. His mother, Mrs. O, brings him to the church service and he is usually very quiet. We attend the service on the third Sunday of each month. Lee and the girls usually help with church school (Sunday School) with the kids. Last February, Mrs. O asked if T could go to Seattle and attend WB. We were delighted and a little surprised. T is only 12 years old and we did not think he was ready. God knew this was the time for T. He had a great time with three homestay families. The best part of the trip was when he received Jesus at the ending communion service at WB!

 

Lee Ann and I were ready to receive communion. Standing in line, she looks across the room and sees Matthew and T in line also. She whispered to me, “I think T is going to receive communion.” Normally I am calm. But when I heard this, my spirit was overjoyed. I start praying fervently and with many tears for T. God was speaking to my spirit to pray for T’s decision and courage. I could barely receive communion with Lee Ann. Later I learned that at the communion service, the speaker/pastor from the youth camp explained the gospel to T. She prayed with him to receive Christ, and T also received his first communion. It was a two-for-one deal!

 

We had prayed for T, but I never thought God was going to answer our prayers so quickly. Nearly the same thing happened to another Japanese friend five years earlier. I should have learned that God uses prayers and special times of retreat to invite new believers into His Kingdom.

 

Those who sow in tears

Shall reap in joy.

He who continually goes forth weeping,

Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5-6 (NKJV)

           

Would you consider a donation to World Mission Offering now through October? Please know that your part in the body of Christ is extremely valuable. Please donate at your local American Baptist church or visit http://www.internationalministries.org/, and see how you can touch lives all over the world!

 

Gordon (and Lee Ann) Hwang