Hiyori Nishimura
WIT20 was our first WIT done completely online. Though we were unable to physically be in the same place, we were able to read the Bible, pray, and share the blessings of God together. It was a time where we were able to witness the presence of God, and we were filled with the Holy Spirit.
There are many things I would like to be thankful for, but a big one was that I was able to learn about and hear the testimony of many campus ministries. Where I live on the East Coast, regardless of the large number of Japanese people, there are not too many ministries aimed at the Japanese living there. Fortunately, I myself have been able to regularly participate in a Bible study and a small group for Japanese young people in their 20s , and have been encouraged by the brothers and sisters and community I have in the Lord. Praying together with these brothers and sisters, the Lord has put on our hearts a desire to begin a ministry aimed at Japanese students in New York. I had been praying that I might be able to gain information from fellow young Christians at WIT, and learn about how things are done on the West Coast.
When sharing our testimony of salvation after the main meeting, I was surprised at the number of people who were saved though campus ministries, and was strengthened in my desire to pursue this East Coast ministry as well. Additionally, there I was able to learn about “ISI”, a ministry aimed toward students from overseas. Right after WIT20, I made contact with the New York branch leader, and found out that they were acquainted with one of my fellow sisters in the Lord who had been praying with me on this! Thanks to that, I was able to make contact very smoothly and easily, and have been able to receive the backing of ISI.
“He sends his word and melts them; He stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.”(Psalms 147:18)
Like God’s breeze that makes the waters flow in the land, I pray that we will be able to facilitate the quenching of the thirsty souls here.
Additionally, the theme of WIT20’s “Surrender” is certainly a theme for me. God is my Creator and Heavenly Father, so He knows what is best for me; even better than I do. However, it is my nature to try and “work out what’s best and greatest” by myself. It was revealed to me that I should surrender all sovereignty to Him. As a weak, fallen human, I will probably continue to struggle against Him and His Will. Still, I would like to surrender what I hold in my own hands so that I may receive all His blessings with both hands, outstretched to Him. God is always good, and has good plans for me; I pray that I may continue to trust in His plan for me daily!
I am thankful for my small group members, those who served for WIT, and for God Himself who has guided it all together.