I participated in BBWIT20
Fusae Yajima
I received so much blessing and encouragement from participating in BBWIT20. Although we gathered online and only saw each other via the computer screen, I still felt connected, although I was somewhat nervous whether I could participate properly. However God was not limited by the situation or environment, and learned that God will work no matter what situation.
I grew up in a family where one of my parents is a Christian, so I had believed in Jesus since childhood, but it was a very half-hearted belief. When I attended the Equipper Conference in Seattle, USA in 2000, I opened up my life more fully to Christ and decided to clearly follow Him. Through the two-day BBWIT20, I was very grateful that I was able to reflect on my journey thus far and realize that the Lord has always protected and guided me, and I look forward to the future.
The BBWIT20 theme was “Knit Together in His Love;” through our studies I became strongly aware we bring together various gifts, joined by Christ, and work in unison to accomplish the wonderful work of the Lord. Rev. Okada’s message, he showed us the vision of the last days of worshiping and worshiping the Lord from all peoples, tribes, peoples, and languages from chapter 7 of Revelation.
In the present COVID-19 situation, I feel like I could see more clearly a vision that more than ever the Spirit of the Lord is working, people all over the world gathering to praise the Lord, and work together to accomplish His will.
Particularly, this time I enjoyed hearing directly from a local ministry about the latest situation in the COVID-19 of Japanese living in the U.S. For Japanese international students remaining to study in America, even those who returned to Japan and are studying online with their U.S. school. The influence of COVID-19 and the visa suspensions and other restrictions that have forced students to return to Japan and their hardships and their discouragements. There are a lot of ideal things about being in Japan, but the sudden return to Japan and their need for salvation. I have the feeling to pray earnestly, and think more seriously about JCFN and the North American campus ministries. I remember the groups that cared for me as an international student. And now I have the strong desire to pray for them from Japan.
Through BBWIT20, a lot of people were encouraged, who are creatively working in their respective areas, facing difficult situations that have never before existed, and sharing with each other. I was blessed. I look to the Lord, as we seek to help in one another and worship together with people from all over the world while seeking His will.
I feel this year’s BBWIT20 committee members worked hard. I want to take this time to express my appreciation, I was able to talk to people via the computer screen and look forward to the chance of meeting them in person in the future.