Power of Presence and Power of Observation
08/09/2010 4:06 pm
Tyndale Gospel Choir - By Jaclyn Van Laar
Power of Presence (POP) and Power of Observation (POO) was practiced throughout our mission trip to Japan. God really spoke to me about how powerful it is to just share space with an individual. And by just observing behavior, mannerisms, and cultural actions, God gave me the ability to see how to interact with people on their level rather than using my own techniques (1 Cor. 9:22). This didn’t just change my mission concept while I was in Japan, but also changed my interactions here in Canada. God showed me what a “mission” looks like and how my “mission” should be to live my whole life, everyday, for Him. He also taught me how to give all my energy each day, waking up like I had another concert to do in Japan, and living each day with the same enthusiasm as I had each day in Japan. At our last concert in Japan the kids had so much enthusiasm and energy, that my heart longed for them to know the Saviour we were singing about. That was an incredible feeling. We also left the Japanese worship team in Itayanagi with a greater ability to lead worship. Christianity in Japan is very fragile. Although there are very few chances to see an individual come to know Christ, when they do, they don’t hide how they feel. The Churches, even with their difficulties, seem united. The 3 churches we went to had fellowship times after every service, sharing a lunch or dinner. At one of these a boy my age showed how much he gave up to become a Christian 3 years ago, but had such enthusiasm about his faith in Christ. This resulted in being an example to his own parents! Martin and Ruth Mae were very hospitable, and allowed us to find our own techniques in serving and leading. I would describe them as a father and mother bird, letting their young ones (the team) jump off the highest branch of the tree, knowing that we will make mistakes along the way, but God will help us to fly and take us safely to the ground. I really felt trusted and felt their confidence in my ability to reach the people there.
Back