If you were to construct a building so that it would last a long period of time, what type of material would you use: sand and toothpicks or cement and cinder blocks? Why of course, you would choose cement and cinder blocks, so that the building would be strong and sturdy over the years to come.
Jesus talked about the “material” to be used in building of our spiritual lives in Matthew 7:24 – 27(NIV):
24Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Question: How can you build the body of Christ in Japan so that it will last through future generations?
Answer: Through the camping ministries of places like Okutama Bible Chalet(OBC). Bob McKemey, former director of OBC, wrote an article called “Church & Camp Cooperation”. “A pastor once told me that his young people experience more spiritual growth during a few days at camp than they do in a whole year of attendance at Sunday School. Please don’t misunderstand, I am not speaking against the value of the Sunday School. But few people would question the effectiveness of the camping ministry for evangelism and discipleship.”
OBC has been in existence since 1964. Since that time, thousands of Japanese have made personal decisions for Christ on the grounds of this facility. Many have grown to become leaders in the Japanese church today.
Next Generation for Christ, has been OBC’s object of prayer and preparation since 2007. Its aim is to evangelize and disciple the most responsive segment of the Japanese population, children and youth, in the comfortable setting of a beautiful camp. Next Generation for Christ compels Okutama Bible Chalet to have programs that are gospel-centered, discipleship-oriented and loads of fun. It requires that they have updated facilities that will house the growing number of campers. Some of the dorms date back to 1960’s military buildings. An upgrade is needed after over 45 years of use. Phase I consists of building a new 3 story housing facility. Construction is scheduled to start in the Fall of 2010, when they celebrate OBC’s 50th year of operation.
Check out this video that tells the story of the Next Generation for Christ.
Now, ask the Lord as to how you can participate financially in this new adventure of faith in Japan.
To Make a contribution to this important ministry where kids are coming to Christ: call us, contact us by email, send a cheque or donate on-line.
SEND International of Canada
1-22423 Jefferies Road, RR#5
Komoka, ON N0L 1R0
Phone: 519-657-6775
If you were to construct a building so that it would last a long period of time, what type of material would you use: sand and toothpicks or cement and cinder blocks? Why of course, you would choose cement and cinder blocks, so that the building would be strong and sturdy over the years to come.
Answer: Through the camping ministries of places like Okutama Bible Chalet(OBC). Bob McKemey, former director of OBC, wrote an article called “Church & Camp Cooperation”. “A pastor once told me that his young people experience more spiritual growth during a few days at camp than they do in a whole year of attendance at Sunday School. Please don’t misunderstand, I am not speaking against the value of the Sunday School. But few people would question the effectiveness of the camping ministry for evangelism and discipleship.”
