Baptisms!

Baptisms are so exciting! On earth, and in Heaven, there is rejoicing that another soul has been won for God's Kingdom!! Recently in my church, New Life International Church, we had two young adults get baptized! Praise God, he is alive and at work in the hearts of Asian people!

The first to be baptized was Cho Kun.

"kun" is a Japanese term of endearment used for boys, like saying "little Cho." He came to Japan from China one year ago to attend Eiwa University, the same campus where our church meets. Adeng, my boyfriend, was and is instrumental in bringing Chinese students to church, and helping meet their needs as they arrive from China. Last year Adeng had a gyoza party, and invited many new Chinese students to attend. Many of these students also started coming to our church, and are still attending! Cho was the first to give his life to Christ, and we already see evidence of God's hand at work, helping others strenthen their faith too! Hallelujah!

This is Cho Kun and a friend making gyoza (Chinese dumplings) last year, upon arrival.

The second to be baptized was my dear friend Priscilla Chau.

She is from Hong Kong, and came to Japan one year ago to study Japanese at a language school. Priscilla has had God working in her heart for many years, but didn't commit her life to Christ until she started coming to church in Japan, and was encouraged to take the next step. Now Priscilla and I meet once a week for devotions and prayer, to help her build a stronger faith and get in the habit of reading God's word and praying. She is also a member of our Thursday night English Bible study group (which always ends up being bilingual= awesome!!)

Below, from right, Ewah, Priscilla, and me, at my apartment for Bible study!

Please join me in prayer for our new brother Cho Kun, and sister Priscilla, as they begin their new walk with Jesus.

Bible study girls below, from left, Ramona (Jamaica), Bethany (Washington state), Joy (Iowa), Ewah (Hong Kong), Chaung (S. Korea), Kari (Hong Kong).

*I mentioned our Thursday night Bible study. There are 6-8 girls who attend regularly, and we have a blast studying, praying, laughing, crying, and eating together. Our home countries include: Jamaica, Hong Kong, Mongolia, S. Korea, & America. This group has helped each one of us girls as we are all living in Japan, away from our families, and striving to survive in a foreign culture. God is working in each of our lives, and sharing his blessings has been powerful!

Recently, we Americans introduced Mexican tacos to our Hong Kong friends. They really liked them! What fun to share our cultures through food :)