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basking in the
light |
feature
Chiaki was the first in the Takashimizu family to accept Christ. A life
of hopelessness and unanswered questions from other religions brought
her to church searching for “Truth,” and she accepted Jesus. Chiaki’s
father, then her mother-who were on the verge of divorce-came to Jesus.
What a powerful God we serve.
Miracle after miracle began happening in this family, as members were
released from habitual gambling and other vices. Chiaki also led others
to Christ. She works for Gideon Bibles, Japan, and her parents are
Gideons and leaders in Tama (Alliance) Church. For the past 20 years,
their commitment to Jesus has deepened.
Yoko and Naoko, two other members of the Takashimizu family, both in
their 40s, had been exposed to the faith of their parents and sister but
struggled to understand their need to believe in Jesus as their family
members had. However, through the power of prayer, both women bowed in
repentance last summer and accepted Jesus. They are basking in the light
of Christ, and their growth is evident.
Last summer, we were touched to meet Hikaru, a teenager in the Shibuya
(Alliance) Church’s worship team, who has used his musical talent for
God’s Kingdom. Giftedly strumming the guitar, he led Sunday worship in
July. He was also one of 11 young people who took a short-term missions
trip to the Philippines in August. Many were praying for this outreach.
God reached out His hand and used these young people who joined with
other believers in an evangelistic crusade. On their return to Japan,
the team reported that 2,000 came to Christ. Since then, Hikaru’s
testimony has touched many as he has asked God to use him to spread the
light of Jesus after returning to Japan.
contributed by Jane Landaw
3/16/2011
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