‘Free prayer’ and freedom in Christ

SEND worker Kevin Cochrane and another missionary stood in downtown Tokyo, holding up a sign that said “free prayer.” They had many conversations and prayed for several people. One man, Ryo, struck up a conversation, and after they talked for a few hours, he prayed to receive Christ! He left asking to know more and to learn how to study the Bible. Kevin’s friend is following up with him.

Kevin and others taken to the streets of Tokyo for this outreach several times now. Recently, they were able to pray for a Muslim man from Indonesia. Also through this ministry, some Japanese people have experienced a hug for the first time, including a 35-year-old man who stopped by the group a few weeks ago.

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Bought with a price

Hui was the second child in her family. In her country, that meant her father had to pay $130 to make her birth legal.

Hui had a sister who became deathly ill. Her parents called the village elder who happened to be a follower of Jesus. The elder prayed, and the sister was healed. As a result, Hui’s mother and grandmother became believers.

But Hui herself was still convinced by evolution, and was not a believer. Then God sent her to Japan, of all places — a country of 127 million people, of which fewer than 1 percent are evangelical Christians.

In Tokyo, which boasts a daytime population of 35 million, she somehow found her way to Carol Suzuki’s English Bible class for Japanese moms. With the help of some friends who speak her language, Hui accepted Jesus as her Savior. She is one who understands what it means to be bought with a price.

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The joy of humble service

Nobumi serves on the staff at Okutama Bible Chalet. The Lord has used his experiences at camp to change his heart. Here’s his story:

“My father led me to Christ when I was 6 years old. I am glad that I came to Christ early in life, but I actually thought I was an ‘elite’ Christian. Then, some of my younger Christian friends decided to serve at camp for a summer. I was shocked because I thought I was more qualified.

“That summer was awful. When I returned home, my father advised me, ‘Serve as if you are washing Jesus’ back.’ (This is a customary way of showing affection and respect to your father in traditional Japanese-style baths.)

“I realized that all I had been aware of during my service was the dirty things and smelly things — like the toilets — at camp.

“So, I served again the next summer. Looking to God and working together with the other summer workers was a joy that summer. It was by God’s strength, not mine.

“I still make lots of mistakes. However, when I humble myself before God, He teaches me what not to do and how to walk in a good way. When I look back, I think of how proud I was, but I also cannot stop giving thanks for the grace of God in my life.”

Get involved: Okutama Bible Chalet is recruiting for open camp worker positions. Click here to explore the opportunities.