Hallelujah! Praise the name of the Lord.
First of all, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for being able to participate in GRC25. This was my very first GRC experience. At this conference, held under the theme of “Connect,” I received a great blessing from God, which I would like to share as my testimony.
The greatest blessing I received at GRC was this:
I was able to receive the peace that comes from abiding in Jesus.
The theme of “Connect” is one I’ve heard countless times in my more than ten years of Christian life. I thought I understood well how important it is to stay connected to Jesus.
But what I received this time was far beyond just understanding—it was God’s deep, abiding peace.
It has been nine months since I returned to Japan from the U.S. Living in Japan has brought many challenges for me—especially regarding my family and my church. These two areas have been major burdens in my life, making me feel as if I am walking through a spiritual wilderness. In the midst of that, choosing God daily and staying connected to Jesus has been incredibly hard.
Even though I know in my mind that Jesus should be my priority, the harsh reality around me often pushes Him to second place. And then I begin to blame myself for my weakness.
I often found myself caught in this spiral.
But through those daily struggles, I came to realize something important:
No matter what, staying in Jesus is essential.
Doing that temporarily is not so hard—but doing it always is extremely difficult.
When I first heard this year’s GRC theme, “Connect,” part of me agreed: “Yes, it’s true.”
But at the same time, I sighed inwardly: “Still… that’s easier said than done.”
I knew in my head that staying connected to Jesus is important, but in reality, it’s not always easy to choose that daily.
Then God gave me an unexpected opportunity:
I was asked to compose the theme song for GRC25.
As I began working on the song, I took time to slowly read and meditate on the theme Bible verse, and to pray.
What does it really mean to be connected to God?
What does it mean to abide in the vine?
Am I truly connected to that vine right now?
As I reflected and prayed, God showed me one clear truth:
“I love you.”
That was it—so simple, yet exactly what I needed.
To be loved by Jesus is an unchanging truth, no matter what.
Circumstances around me may shift. My faith may sometimes waver.
But one thing never changes: Jesus loves me.
He demonstrated that love by giving His life 2,000 years ago.
That love will never, ever change—and I received that truth again, afresh.
And when I received that, I simply thought:
I want to respond to that love.
I want to live loved by the Lord, and loving the Lord.
I want to treasure that intimate love relationship.
Day and night—even in this wilderness season of my life—I want to love the Lord.
As I prayed and worshiped with that heart, I felt a deep and overwhelming sense of peace enveloping me.
It made me realize again:
“Staying connected to Jesus is such a beautiful and peaceful thing.”
Up until now, I’ve often approached it with a sense of duty—“I have to stay connected, no matter how hard it is.”
But it’s not about forcing myself.
When I enter into a love relationship with God, that’s where I find healing and peace.
Apart from Jesus, I truly can do nothing.
I was able to receive that truth simply and fully.
And God gave me a song of praise:
🎵 “Connected to You”
Living, abiding in Christ Jesus
Apart from You, I can do nothing
You are the vine; I am the branch
Whoever abides in You will bear much fruit
Loved by the Lord, I live to love You
By Your side, day and night
Even in the wilderness
I will stay connected to You
On the day of the conference, I had the joy of singing this praise song, given by God, together with everyone gathered at the venue.
It was truly a time full of grace.
As I served in worship, and as I fellowshipped with many members of God’s family, I received even more encouragement and peace from the Lord.
I know I will continue walking through many different circumstances in my daily faith life.
But in the midst of it all, I want to walk closely with the Lord—loved by Him and loving Him—cherishing this intimate relationship of love with Him.
I am so grateful I was able to attend GRC25.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
The Lord is good! I give thanks to Him!
—
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Believe it or not, our solar panels at home were out of commission for nearly two years. Right in the middle of trying to get them repaired, the company we were leasing them from went bankrupt! That meant all repairs were put on hold. For the past two summers, we went without air conditioning, enduring the heat with lots of groans and sweat.
Let’s talk about people! Takako Narcissa, our North America Office Staff Candidate—what an incredible worker she is. Watching her move through tasks quickly and cheerfully is so refreshing. Honestly, if she hadn’t been there at the end of last year, I don’t know what would’ve happened to EC!
This hasn’t changed. It’s a constant reminder to carve out space in a busy schedule. Just stepping outside, walking or running on the grass with my dog—it’s enough to refresh me.
