Apr 2008
The Breath of New Life
April/19/08 Filed in: Relationship Evangelism | Local Church Ministry | Leadership Coaching/Mentoring
The Breath of New Life
“…Prophesy to these bones, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!... I will make breath enter you and you will come to life.’” Ezekiel 37:4-5
Spring has come! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and there is a sense of anticipation as Tokyo welcomes the new season. Dark clouds, clothes, and faces are being traded for sunny days, bright colors and expectant smiles. LIFE is being breathed into a land that has been in hibernation.
As we listen in prayer, we sense the Lord saying that “spring” has also come to our ministry. I (Alice) am sometimes overwhelmed with the “flowers” that we see blooming in the lives of the families that we have been investing in. The levels of trust continue to deepen, and so do the questions they are asking. I sense the Lord saying to proclaim LIFE over the dry areas in their lives -- that His breath may enter them and they may TRULY live.
We’ve also been seeing the Lord breathe new life into the “dry bones” of our church. The Lord has transformed dry times of worship into sweet times of being refreshed in His presence. He is building a team of rotating worship leaders with a vision to see walls torn down as we praise. Also, a special team of intercessors has formed to pray together before each worship service and for special needs. It’s exciting to be a part of these two thriving ministries!
Sean is experiencing new life, both as CAJ’s soccer coach and as a coach to pastors. Opportunities are springing up everywhere for his expertise to be used.
For example, this spring we are traveling to Kansai for the Japan Cell Mission Network Summit. Over 100 pastors and leaders will gather together for prayer and encouragement. We are excited about opportunities to connect with, encourage, and pray for these leaders, and we know that Kadin and Rylee will melt some hearts too!
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
On a side note, I (Alice) would like to share a recent experience that made me even more proud of Sean, both as a husband and as a father.
Japanese fathers are not known for being affectionate towards their children. In fact, a mommy friend of mine told me that her little girl would cry when her daddy even called her name!
Sean is a WONDERFUL daddy. Recently, while having dinner with a Japanese family, the little girl ran and jumped on her father’s lap. The father seemed surprised. “A few weeks ago my daughter wouldn’t have come to me like this. But, I have been learning from you, Sean. I watch you, and want to be a good father like you.”
Lord, please continue to use not just our words, but also our very lives to be poured out as a testimony of Jesus! May YOUR LIFE be breathed out in Japan!
“…Prophesy to these bones, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!... I will make breath enter you and you will come to life.’” Ezekiel 37:4-5
Spring has come! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and there is a sense of anticipation as Tokyo welcomes the new season. Dark clouds, clothes, and faces are being traded for sunny days, bright colors and expectant smiles. LIFE is being breathed into a land that has been in hibernation.
As we listen in prayer, we sense the Lord saying that “spring” has also come to our ministry. I (Alice) am sometimes overwhelmed with the “flowers” that we see blooming in the lives of the families that we have been investing in. The levels of trust continue to deepen, and so do the questions they are asking. I sense the Lord saying to proclaim LIFE over the dry areas in their lives -- that His breath may enter them and they may TRULY live.
We’ve also been seeing the Lord breathe new life into the “dry bones” of our church. The Lord has transformed dry times of worship into sweet times of being refreshed in His presence. He is building a team of rotating worship leaders with a vision to see walls torn down as we praise. Also, a special team of intercessors has formed to pray together before each worship service and for special needs. It’s exciting to be a part of these two thriving ministries!
Sean is experiencing new life, both as CAJ’s soccer coach and as a coach to pastors. Opportunities are springing up everywhere for his expertise to be used.
For example, this spring we are traveling to Kansai for the Japan Cell Mission Network Summit. Over 100 pastors and leaders will gather together for prayer and encouragement. We are excited about opportunities to connect with, encourage, and pray for these leaders, and we know that Kadin and Rylee will melt some hearts too!
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
On a side note, I (Alice) would like to share a recent experience that made me even more proud of Sean, both as a husband and as a father.
Japanese fathers are not known for being affectionate towards their children. In fact, a mommy friend of mine told me that her little girl would cry when her daddy even called her name!
Sean is a WONDERFUL daddy. Recently, while having dinner with a Japanese family, the little girl ran and jumped on her father’s lap. The father seemed surprised. “A few weeks ago my daughter wouldn’t have come to me like this. But, I have been learning from you, Sean. I watch you, and want to be a good father like you.”
Lord, please continue to use not just our words, but also our very lives to be poured out as a testimony of Jesus! May YOUR LIFE be breathed out in Japan!
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