I’d just like to share how God is blessing us, the JLM Thursday Prayer members.

Each of the members have gone through hard times these past few years. We believe these trials are from God, from the small ones to the very big ones. We know we should solve these problems through God and His knowledge because they are all like assignments from our Lord.

Once when one of us faced what seemed like an insurmountable problem, we thought she couldn’t handle it, but another of us suggested a Bible verse, Mark 11:23 and followed it, “if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

There was nothing we could do about the problem, but to kneel down and ask God for His help. At that moment, the mountain of assignment looked so high and difficult to be solved. But we prayed to our Lord together with one heart without doubt. Then…that very night, our wonderful Lord answered our prayer and solved the first step of the mountain.

I couldn’t believe God answered so quickly, but it happened for real. One week later, another solution came (to us, it was a miracle). Then one week after that, a third miracle happened. Then another week later that, a fourth miracle did happen… God is so amazing…

This mountain of assignment is so high and still on the way to the final solution. But we know our Lord is with us and provides us with the best.

I was encouraged by her testimony in facing this mountain (trial). She said she had pride so God had to let her realize it and crush it, that’s why she said she needs to go through this difficult period. I was impressed with her confession and strong faith trained by God. I believe God knows everything she needs and that we need.

“ We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Romans 5:3-4)

“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

This is only part of our Thursday Prayer Meeting.  We are struggling with some problems and still learning how to trust in God even when we are facing trials. And we believe there are reasons why God provides us with these difficulties. As Paul tells us in the book of 1 Corinthians, I believe God wants us to find joy in the sufferings and hope at the end. It is not easy, I know. But Paul was changed spiritually into the Lord’s image through many sufferings.  We are the same children of God and need to be changed into the Lord’s image.

Yes again, we are still struggling with our own difficulties, but God has given us each other to comfort each other, to cry with each other and laugh with each other. We believe each of the members are given by our Lord so that we are being changed into His image.

My wonderful husband Yoshi always teaches us at the Saturday Prayer Meeting (once a month) that having difficulties means that we are in the process of sanctification (trained by God) for glorification (will be changed into Jesus image).

Lastly, we are very happy even in hard times, because we are confident that we are in His hand with the Holy Spirit.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ ( Romans 8:28 )

* JLM Thursday prayer meeting group meets every Thursday, 10:30am-1:00pm at FBC for a time of Bible study, prayer and refreshments. If you are interested in joining, please contact Yasuko.

Transcript — NHK Japan TV interview with Kent Colson, 2018 Nigatsu, Episode 17 of What Is Your Superpower?

NHK: Kent, thank you for joining us today for this NHK episode of “What is your superpower?” But before we address your superpower, please begin by telling us a little about yourself.

KC: Thank you for the opportunity to tell your viewers something about myself, and of course, my superpower. As some may know, I have a condition known as Down Syndrome which affects some aspects of my life, such as somewhat reducing my learning and speech capabilities. Other than that, I am just an average guy who is loved by God and blessed by God with a superpower.

NHK: And your work?

KC: Ahhhh yes, my work. I love my work! My team and I clean the FBC CE building once a week.

NHK: Your team?

KC: Yes, I lead a cleaning team that includes my primary assistant and best worker, my Mom, and our deputy assistant of cleaning engineering, my Dad. I am actually not sure about “cleaning engineering”, but it appears to sometimes involve chit-chat with the Pastors while my Mom and I clean.

NHK: I assume you do a good job?

KC: Yes, I hope so. Clean is good. We all like cleaning. We enjoy cleaning the church as a family. And we all like working together and then, as a treat, eating out fast food afterwards.

NHK: Have you always enjoyed cleaning?

KC: Yes, from an early age. I received a toy vacuum as a Christmas gift from my Mom and Dad when I was very young. I really liked that toy vacuum. (My sister Kimi was not so interested.). And then, later, I received a real vacuum. How cool is that! And now, I personally own three vacuums, which I daily use all over the house. I am thinking of starting a vacuum collection. It is so cool to see those little specks on the carpet disappear into the vacuum. My sister (and her husband Armand) says that I am welcome to vacuum their home any time I like. She is not interested in vacuums or the process of vacuuming. Soooo strange. I really like vacuums (how do you say in Nihongo, “soojiki”). And I really like to clean things. I often clean my room for fun. Of course, doesn’t everyone?

NHK: Are there other teams which clean FBC?

KC: Yes, there is Team Whalen, who cleans the entirety of the main building, led by the Grand Master of cleaning, Steve. And, of course, there are many others who keep the kitchen area always clean, and others who help in many ways.

NHK: Thank you, Kent. And now, our viewers would be disappointed if I did not ask the most important question …. “What is your superpower?”

KC: My superpower is work-thankfulness. I am so thankful that I have a good job, and that it benefits the church and myself and my family. I look forward to church cleaning and am always ready to go when that day of the week arrives. It is great exercise for my whole team. Did I mention we enjoy working as a family? I am thankful to God for this work He has provided just especially for me. This work fits me perfectly, and hence my work-thankfulness. Thank you, Heavenly Father for the blessing of my work. Thank you, God for giving me my work-thankfulness superpower.

NHK: Thank you Kent. And that is all the time we have for this week’s episode.

KC: Thank you.

NHK: Reporting from Japan, Kuloodo and Atsuko Koolsonn, NHK-FBC special correspondents

* Note from Lois, Office Manager:  Having Kent and his team arrive at the office to clean has been the highlight of my week for several years.  Not only do they keep everything immaculate, but the entire team consistently bring with them the joy of the Lord, grateful hearts, and encouraging words of wisdom. Kent is so friendly, polite, considerate, patient, kind and loving.  There have been many times I have cried tears of joy because of the healing Kent brings to my soul with his gentle spirit.  He is truly inspirational.  I pray that I can continue to learn from him and that the fruit of the Spirit will be as evident in me someday as they are in his life.

*Note from Pastor Mike: In Luke 22, Jesus tells Peter and John to “go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat together.” The disciples were told they would meet a man upon entering Jerusalem who would take them to a home whereupon the owner would take them “upstairs to a large room that is already set up.” Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the disciples found the room just as Jesus had described. What made this room so significant? This was none other than the famous upper room where Jesus’ would share his last meal with the disciples before his tragic crucifixion. The only thing we know about the owner of this famous room is that he was responsible for setting it up. The room had to be cleaned, arranged, and stocked for the Passover meal. This was no small undertaking on the owner’s part. His service to the Savior was quiet, but oh so important.

There are many people in our church family who serve just like the owner of that house. They work behind-the-scenes to help make ministry happen. Claude, Atsuko, and Kent Colson are one of those families. They faithfully clean offices, bathrooms, and classrooms to give each week a fresh start. I sometimes see them come by the church on an “off day” to pick up trash around the buildings and pull weeds. They bring in the recycle bins from the street. They ALWAYS have an encouraging word or two with the staff each week. I always look forward to Kent coming into my office and shaking my hand with a big smile on his face. The Colsons have big servant hearts, and we are so blessed and thankful for them.

When Kenji returned home after our Elder Retreat, he was greeted by his son, Buddy, who asked, “did you have fun with your… bro’s?”  He subsequently burst into laughter.  It is unclear what Buddy was envisioning in his mind and it may be unclear to the reader who tries to envision what goes on at an “Elder Retreat.”  Therefore, in the spirit of transparency and curiosity satisfaction, the following quiz has been assembled.

1. The Elder Retreat was held at:
   A. The Kurtz’s lovely home in Bellevue, WA
   B. The Otsu’s lovely home in Federal Way, WA
   C. The Emerald Queen Casino
   D. The Swanson’s lovely cabin in Leavenworth, WA
2. The location of the retreat had a definite ________ theme.
   A. Nautical
   B. Gambling
   C. Moose
   D. Modern Architectural
3. Upon arrival, the Elders were each greeted with a choice of ______ and a slip of paper with ________.
   A. beverage, their bed assignment
   B. slippers, the Wi-Fi password
   C. soup or salad, their secret prayer partner’s name
   D. drinking mugs, a fruit of the Spirit that they had to act out in Charades
4. Our time together included all of the following, EXCEPT:
   A. Sharing with one another & praying for one another
   B. Praying for the needs of the church
   C. Planning for the future of the church
   D.Engaging in a shoulder massage circle
5. We enjoyed good coffee, cider, and food, including:
   A. chicken katsu/curry, pie, pastries from 85C
   B. Pizza, doughnuts, chips
   C. Costco hot dogs, tater tots, Caesar salad
   D. Fried tilapia, kale salad, quinoa

TRUE or FALSE:

6. Despite the fact that so many men were sleeping in the same room, there was no snoring.
7. During our recreation time, we played Bunco!
8. We meditated on Hebrews 10:19-25 and how to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”
9. We came away encouraged and refreshed.
10. We had fun with our “bro’s.”

Correct Answers:  1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-D, 5-A (Thank you, Lois & Lisa!), 6-FALSE, 7-FALSE, 8-TRUE, 9-TRUE, 10-TRUE.

New Book for March

Unimaginable by Jeremiah J. Johnston

Christopher Hitchens, one of the so-called New Atheists, wrote a book in 2007 entitled, God is Not Great with the subtitle, “How Religion Poisons Everything.”  The Christian worldview has been under attack in our culture for many years and it is no secret that our country has become increasing secular in its thinking and practice.  The Christian faith is seen as irrelevant, obstructive to real meaningful progress, and even damaging to society.  What positive contributions has Christianity made to our country and the world?

In this book, the author (Associate Professor of Early Christianity at Houston Baptist University and president of the Christian Thinkers Society) has written an interesting and informative look at the impact of Christianity upon civilization and our culture.  Subtitled, “What Our World Would Be Like Without Christianity,” he shows how Christianity has made a profound impact upon our world in many positive ways.  In Part I, he discusses The World Before Christianity; Part II, The World Without Christianity; and Part III, The World With Christianity.

“Showing how the world without Christianity would be a dark place, Unimaginable guides you through the halls of history to see how Jesus’ teaching dramatically changed our world and continues to be the most powerful force for good today.  Learn…
*How Christianity has stood against the evils of slavery (more than once), racism, eugenics, and injustices toward women and children
*Why democracy, freedom as a universal value, and modern education and legal systems owe much to Christianity
*How Christians throughout the ages have demonstrated the value of human life by sacrificially caring for the sick, handicapped, marginalized, and dying
*How people of faith are extending God’s kingdom through charities, social justice efforts, mental health initiatives, and other profound ways”

This just released book will help believers realize the vital importance of the Christian faith in our culture and in the world, not just in the past but also the present and for the future.  Highly recommended by many Christian leaders, this book provides a great apologetic for the Christian faith.

A Valentine’s Day for the BHIS Staff

Valentine’s Day is a day we show a little more appreciation for the people we love in our lives. This year, to share a small message of love to the staff at Beacon Hill Elementary School, Reiko Aramaki thought it would be nice to provide some sweet treats for them. We were blessed to have Taeko Fujii donate some beautiful and delicious cupcakes for the occasion.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love…” (Eph. 5:1)