Sunshine, Tim Tam Slams & Gospel Contextualisation

Day 4 & 5
Kanazawa

Friday was full of sunshine and adventure, both literally and figuratively. We’ve been taking turns leading a morning devotion and prayer. Robin and Yoko were wonderful tour guides as we explored Kanazawa’s beautiful gardens and castle. 

That evening, we joined Hope House church for an English cafe outreach they run on Friday nights. Kanazawa is a student town, and this cafe attracts local students who are eager to practice their English. It was a real multicultural evening with people from Japan, Zambia, Germany, Bulgaria, the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand all in the room. Clint taught everyone the Tim Tam slam. This cafe was a real highlight for our team, with each of us having significant spiritual conversations with both locals and expats. A common theme among the expats was the challenge of building meaningful community in Japanese culture, where it can be hard to feel deeply connected. Finn noted the unique opportunity for ministry to expats in Japan. A few locals also shared how foreign and unfamiliar Jesus feels within Japanese culture. It’s clear that contextualising the gospel is a significant and ongoing work in this place.

Saturday was rainy and relaxed. After our morning devotion, we followed the example in Luke 10 and went out prayer walking in twos. This was a powerful morning interceding for this city and nation, with many fun interactions and conversations along the way. We then spent the afternoon with Robin and Yoko discussing and discerning what a partnership with The Well could look like. Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s clear leading as we all discern, and for a shared vision of a thriving Japanese Church.