Grace Centre Church

 

My review of the sleeping pod……. it was unexpectedly a huge surprise (in a good way) it was funny asking the locals and church members if they have done it before and not one responded with a yes. As I still reminisce about the hotel and procedure of instructions to follow.  Firstly, you enter a locker room where you drop your luggage, then you enter another room with segregated toilets and showers to do your business. Thirdly, you immediately walk into your isolated pods. The procedures of what is needed just to be in our pod, reminded me of a prison cell block from the walking dead. That being said, I give the experience of the sleeping pods 7/10 (would I do it again, probably not)..

Moving into the morning we walked to the church which was located on a busy street and we worshiped in one of the building room. The space was quite spacious for 30 people but anymore it would of been quiet tight. By the start of the service the room was packed out and noted we had around 7 different nations gathered that morning. 

We were invited over for church lunch- and I’m thinking for around 30 people where could we go. The park? Restaurant? No… obviously to someone home. I’m thinking we had 8 people at the missionaries home last night and the space was so tight that I was touching toes. 30 people in someone home, they better own a penthouse. I was amazed by not only the hospitality by one of the member who opened his own, but in Japanese culture it would be unusual to have people over to your home. Later that afternoon the vision team were asked some questions to the congregation. What stood me the most and really felt heart break was when they were asked and answered this question. 

What makes you want to continue Christianity in Japan? (It was a double barrel question- this was the second question)

A. Being a Christian is who and where I belong to, I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t a Christian. 

A2. It’s means everything to me. 

The pastor highlighted to us the meaning of ‘Zokusuru’ which translate ‘to belong to’ and deep down all these testimonies I heard this morning was that all these people wanted to belong. Whether to a community, to repent to God for my sin or just a longing to receive peace. I was captivated by their honest and genuine response and really felt for them because as Christians we can really take community and fellowship for granted. 

We sadly said our farewells and continued with our journey. We are now heading back to Tokyo where we’ll spend the next 2 nights- resting and meeting a few more missionaries.