Below is a testimony by one of the campers who attended BBWIT18 (Bridge Builders’ Whatever It Takes Leadership Camp) held on July 15th and 16th in Machida. BBWIT is the camp for those who are involved in welcoming returnees in regions.
Please read Megumix’s article to understand more about BBWIT as well!
Testimony from BBWIT18
Takuma Kobayashi
“Wow, I guess we can do it. I want to do it.” That was my feeling on the second day of BBWIT, at the session on “How to Welcome Returnees.“ We were discussing the needs of those that are on the receiving end of Christian returnees. During BBWIT, participants were divided into three teams, and actually had to lead a seminar on “How to Welcome Returnees.” Each team was responsible for planning the entire seminar, which included coming up with the scenario, theme, title, approach, and the setting.
Initially, I felt that we didn’t have enough time, and therefore won’t be able to come up with much substance. We had one hour to prepare. Some group members had just met each other. Will we be able to do this? I was worried.
However, my concern turned out to be completely unnecessary. Our group had amazing teamwork. We had a very administrative person. Another person was gifted in facilitating the discussion. Someone was a creative thinker. One person turned out to have a lot of statistical data that no one knew of. Someone was great at bringing the group back to track when we got sidetracked. We had a great MC. I experienced God powerfully at work among us.
Our presentation was a success. We came up with a scenario of a non-denominational gathering for Christian students. We were able to pull off a fun mock seminar. All the group members shared something at the microphone instead of delegating to one speaker. I was also impressed by the presentations done by the other two teams. It was hard to believe that such productions could be prepared in just an hour.
I understand that preparing a real seminar requires a much longer and thorough preparation. A lot of data needs to be gathered to back the talks that are given. However, this experience gave me confidence. “Wow, I guess I can do it. I want to do it.” I honestly felt this way.
At the same time, I was reminded of the importance and the need for supporting and welcoming Christian returnees. I feel that instead of being caught up in internal affairs, Japanese churches should overcome their pride and jealousy and pour their energy into supporting newborn Christian returnees. By doing so, Japanese churches will be blessed by new life and ministry potentials.
But the field must first be tilled. I don’t’ want to just be a bystander, but be the one who cultivates the field with a hoe in my hand. I realized that just by having 2-3 other like-minded people, we could organize a seminar. Doing this seminar at WWBIT gave me a motivation to want to act as soon as possible. Moreover, the joy and the power of the body of Christ I experienced through teamwork have driven me to deepen my trust in God.
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16