Takayama (高山) Training

Thank you for your prayers for this past Sunday's training. The Lord had prepared much in advance of my arrival and it was so wonderful to be a part of what God was doing in these people!!  As review, Makiko, who went to one of the disciple trainings that our partners did in Tokyo, wanted someone to come and train her family as well (she is not confident yet to train by herself). Also, by training I mean, training how to share one's testimony/gospel and how to turn around and train the next person to do the same.  This was in Takayama city (about a 2 hour drive north of where we live). Below are some of the highlights from the training:

• I asked Rin (one of the young men I've been discipling) to come along with me and he agreed without hesitation! As an English major he was a great to help me when I got stuck in Japanese and a blessing is so many other ways.  It was also a great opportunity for him to grow in his leadership skills.
• In addition to Makiko's family (father, mother, and two sisters), there were also a man from their church, a young mother (less than a year old in Christ), a young Chinese Christian lady, and a not-yet-Christian friend who stayed for nearly the whole time! (which was from 3:30 until about 8:30, with breaks and dinner) A total of 9 adults and 2 kids (not counting Rin and myself)!
• Everyone responded positively and were excited by the vision and passion of the Father's heart
• During one of our break times several were talking about wanting the rest of the church to hear this as well!
• Afterwards, Miho (Makiko's younger sister) asked many questions in regards to sharing the good news of Jesus with her friends
• Also, Miho and Aika (the youngest sister) help lead the youth (20's and 30's) group of the church and plan to train them how to share their faith and be disciple makers! This is exactly what we want to see happen!y!
• At their request, I will be going back next Sunday to continue training them and also to help Miho & Aika to prepare for training the youth group
• On the 2 hour trip up and back, Rin and I had great fellowship and further discipleship time and he wants to come back with me on Sunday!

We are excited to see what God will do in Takayama and praising Him for increasing the laborers in the harvest there! 

• Please pray for those trained to have the boldness to share with their friends, family, co-workers, etc.
• Pray for Miho and Aika to effectively train the youth group to become harvest workers and disciple-makers
• Pray that the pastor agrees for the rest of the church to hear and be trained as well

rejoicing in Jesus,

Caleb

(a few people had already left when we took these pictures)