God Planned a Blessing though BBWIT20
Ayako Seto
If it’s a regular year, BBWIT is held in person for three days & two nights. This year BBWIT20 was postponed and then rescheduled to be held online for less days with a smaller program. From our perspective that flow might seem like a “bummer,” the Lord’s plan is larger than our tiny ideas, and in a good way gave us an unexpected blessed time.
It was my first time to try this online. From two weeks before the event the connections started from introducing myself in the event Facebook group. I was excited about everyone’s self-introductions as they were slowly added every day. In the two days of the event everything was online, entire lessons, small groups, panel discussions, devotional times, messages. Not just learning, but also games too. Wow!
Chiba・Tokyo・Saitama・Kanagawa・Aichi・Hyogo・Tottori・Okinawa・even overcoming the time difference we had with someone who attended from California. Brothers and sisters gathering together, in an environment where we could only be together online, I enjoyed the blessing of learning together.
The main theme was “Self Care”
While working as a leader, I tend to forget about myself because I’m a leader, I learned how to focus on self care.
I think that there are lots of people who are in the position of leaders and serve others even if they are not assigned that role. I think that such people may prefer to use their time for serving rather than caring for their own state of mind and not preserving their own time. Also, saying, “I have to be strong” why do you have to be strong?.
What I personally thought while learning at BBWIT was that, even though I grow up as a Christian, I’ll always be “God’s child.”
It’s also important to protect personal time with God and rest in the peace that God is with us. I remembered that I’m a human being created by God, acknowledging that I have limitations; I also learned the importance of knowing that God is always present.
As the BBWIT20 theme verse Ephesians 4:16 says, our path on earth is not alone, but “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.” with our brothers and sisters. I want to encourage each other, rely upon each other, and support each other.
I’m glad I participated. I’m grateful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity.
I’m presently in uncharted waters, but no matter what happens, it’s okay because the Lord is with me. Whatever happens on this earth, Christian brothers and sisters can be connected because God prepares the way. I saw this on a small scale at BBWIT20.
“I’ve had a special time.” I think I will look back with a smile.
“I finally met you!” I look forward to the joy of being able to meet face to face.
I’d also like to thank all the committee members who planned, prepared and ran everything with flexibility and creativity.
