I was worried how Alpha would go this past Friday as we discussed "Why and How Shall We Tell Others?" I wondered how it would be to discuss evangelism with people who don't yet believe. Especially the "really-early-level-seekers" of the afternoon course.
But we had some of the best discussion time yet. Guests are realizing we're serious when we tell them, "you're free to say anything." They're sharing more and more deeply -- including many things they know are very different from the message of the Bible.
Sachiko Yonekawa, for example, shared very clearly that she thinks it's important to look into many religions. She thinks it's dangerous and detrimental to focus on just one.
Noriyuki Shibuta, in the evening group, told us that he likes Christianity and wants to be a Christian. It's just the church he can't stand! And when Kazuaki, a church member, shared some of the barriers he faces to sharing his faith, Noriyuki scolded him, only half jokingly! "You're a baptized Christian; you should be telling others much more!"
What happened to Quiet Noriyuki, who wouldn't say ANYTHING!? Seems that Noriyuki is long gone!
Today Mrs. Ito, the friend who's dealing with a life threatening illness, came to church for the first time. Three other current and former Alpha guests came since they heard I'd be speaking. Please pray that many Alpha friends will come in December for our Christmas events, and will continue to grow closer to believing in Christ.
Just two weeks left to Alpha. Please pray for this week and next week's gatherings to be especially blessed by the Lord.
Thank you for your prayers.
Tim
Daily Prayer Requests:
Sunday: Pray for these non-Christians who came to church today, that each will soon believe in Christ. From this fall's Alpha: Mrs. Ito and Taeko Nitto (a non-Christian helper). >From previous courses: Mrs. Fujisawa (the 80 y/o aunt of a church member) and Mrs. Endo.
Monday: Pray for the two guests who are showing the most responsiveness to Christ: Mr. Kusano (who hasn't missed a single meeting) and Mrs. Sato (my neighbor who first came to church and quickly believed this spring, and is getting some of her "early foundation in faith" through Alpha.
Tuesday: Pray for church members to continue to grow in friendship with Alpha guests, and that these friendships will continue long after Alpha ends on November 26. Pray especially for Sachiko Yonekawa and her friend, Ms. Oshima, that they will have some lasting friendships with Christians.
Wednesday: Pray for Noriyuki, and any others who may share his perspective -- wanting to know Christ but not wanting to join the church. And pray the church can listen to and learn from these folks.
Thursday: In just 17 weeks my three years in Muroran will end. There's a strong commitment to continuing the Alpha ministry. Pray someone will sense God's call to be the Alpha Administrator to coordinate future courses and follow-up.
Friday: Pray for today's Alpha -- "Does God Heal Today?" Pray that today he will heal people.
Saturday: Pray for guests as they continue to think about the reality of God's healing, saving presence. Our seven regular guests are:
Afternoon "Dessert" Course:
Mrs. Ito
Ms. Oshima
Mr. Kusano
Sachiko Yonekawa
Toshiko Sato
Evening "Dinner" Course:
Noriyuki Shibuta
Hiromi Fukuoka
-- and the two helpers who are not church members are Michiko Iida (afternoon) and Taeko Nitto (evening).
Tim Clark