A trip down memory lane in Nagoya

We had the awesome opportunity to travel to the city Nagoya, where we previously lived this past weekend. Nagoya is where the first Mustard Seed Christian Church was planted, and we were there from the second month of that church. It's now going to be 4 years old!

When the church began it met in the most humble of beginnings- a small, dark, sports bar/ club that often had traces of the partying the previous night when we arrived Sunday morning. It was not a very "welcoming" atmosphere, but by God's grace it served its purpose for the first location for the church to gather! I remember one of Seth's tasks during set-up on Sunday mornings was to Febreeze the room to mask the smells from alcohol, cigarettes, etc.! 

This weekend was our first time seeing the newest location for the Nagoya church- it's not just a Sunday morning rental location as in times past. It's a full floor of a large building that they have to decorate, change, and use 24/7. It's beautiful! The church members put in hours of hard work to make the one large room into several useable rooms. For a church that originally had a one-room church location, they now have room for over 100 people to worship PLUS kids room, nursing room, bathrooms, small kitchen, office space, and lots of storage! I was blown away.

It has been so refreshing for me to see the church's meeting place and to hear story upon story of new people and their lives being impacted by hearing about God at MSCC.  I love that when I hear about the people at the church, I hardly know any names because there are so many new people. Of course its really encouraging to hear about those who became Christians when we were in Nagoya and hear of their growth in faith as well.

Some days I feel down about living apart from family or missing the blessings of life near friends in the States. But my heart is strengthened by the reminders of Gods work. To see that the first guy baptized at MSCC Nagoya is baptizing others now! To hear about a young Christian couple getting married in the new building. To hear about the friendships being built. To see kids learning God loves them from such a young age.  To see a space where people can gather that is friendly, safe, comfortable, with lots of room to grow.

God loves Japan, and so do I.  By his grace I have see him move in BIG ways here. I need to keep my eyes on Christ and remember his ways. He is our strength and joy!

Waking with friends- Micaiah was great at pushing the stroller!

Asher playing in the lobby of the church building!