Monday, November 12, 2007

CPI


Last week I atended the Church Planting Institute in Shizuoka. From our hotel we should have been able to see Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, we really only saw it as we drove in on Tuesday. The rest of the week she stayed cloaked in fog and clouds.

I rode with 4 Japanese pastors and two missionaries in a van that had an amazing amount of leg room in the back seat, which was great for me!
The conference gave me lots to think about as we look to starting church planting next year. The core training I attended was led by Scotty Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman's pastor. He talked about living in the Gospel every day. Remembering where we came from, the Garden, what God did for us, the cross, and where we are going, the new heaven and the new earth. Being a rather big Steven Curtis fan, I'd say that he actually listens to his pastor's sermons and applies them to his life-writing songs!
I also made several new friends and renewed old friendships. What great fun to talk about what God is doing around Japan in people's hearts, families, ministries and churches.
Overall, a great week!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What a great place to have a conference! It appears to be windy, I thought that only happened in South Dakota. thought a lot of room in a car in Japan was an oxymoron but I guess it does happen.
I assume, like your mother you took a lot of notes that will be extremely helpful as you plan for the church Paul and you will plant. May God grant you and Paul many blessing as you plan for ways to further God's kingdom in Japan.
dad