Based on a recent update by Alan and Jill Kropp, serving in Ishinomaki, Japan, the area devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami
Nearly 40 children attended “Shoot the Rock” basketball camp, which the Ishinomaki New Life Center (NLC) hosted at Inai Elementary School. Twenty adult volunteers from Canada, the United States, and various parts of Japan collaborated for the three-day event.
While practicing basketball, learning English, and enjoying lunch and refreshments together, students interacted with Christian volunteers and experienced Christ’s love personally. After the noon meal, students listened to a brief passage from the Bible and then watched enthusiastically as the story was presented in an engaging puppet show.
A highlight of the camp was watching each child receive and flip through a Japanese New Testament. For most of these children, this was undoubtedly their first encounter with the Bible!
Another important aspect of this outreach is what happened in the hearts of the volunteers. Through fellowship with one another, times of worship and prayer at the NLC, and actively participating in Christ’s Commission, the believers were changed and built up in their faith.
Leaders of the Japan Alliance national church who served as camp volunteers, including President Dr. Shinobu Tanaka, were encouraged to see Christians from around the world working side-by-side to communicate Christ’s love and truth to camp participants. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new partnership in gospel ministry in Japan, expressed one pastor.
Thanks to all who prayed for this event! We praise the Lord for this opportunity to share Christ’s love and truth and that believers were strengthened and engaged in gospel ministry.
Pray
Join the Alliance family in praying for our Alliance workers in Japan and worldwide, who are taking the good news to some of the most spiritually dark places on earth. Use the Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.