Tonaki Island

Well, the Bible College Students and the youth were able to go to one of the island close to Okinawa called, Tonaki Island. We went over there for a Youth retreat for four days and three nights. The theme for the Retreat was "Search my Heart", out from Psalm 139. It was a blessed time as everyone who attended the retreat were able to hear from the Lord.

For me it was a huge blessing as my friends (who were the youths) were able to have more of the idea about having relationship with God. I was able to talk with the two of my friends concerning their life. One of the two shared about how they were struggling with their life with school and work and the future. He shared that he believes in God but doesn't want to accept Him as his Savior yet. But it was nice to see how God was speaking to his heart.

The other one is a Christian, but does not have a strong relationship with the Lord. He really does believe in God, but his idea is that "It's because God, that is normal" mind set. So in short, he accept God for who He is, but does not think deeply into it. But as I was talking to him, he told me that he really does not know why Christians read the Bible. So I had the opportunity to share with him about the importance of reading the Bible, and why it is a special part in the life of a Christian. Not only that, I was able to share about my life little bit more with him.

But I think, in general, that everyone of the people (youth, leaders, and even Bible College students) had a wonderful time just seeing the wonderful creation of the Lord, and how the Holy Spirit moved during those times. In many ways, God touched the heart of the people, through the sessions, afterglow, or even in time of fellowship.

for myself, God spoke to me about the surrendering of my life to Him. And during one of the sessions, I saw God as a doctor.

When we have diseases (sin) in our lives, we get sick and don't feel good. So we go to the doctor (God) and he examines us. After the doctor examines us (search us), he tells us the problem. Afterwards the doctor tells us how to get rid of the problem, and gives us medicine. But it is still up to our choices to accept that medicine, or to listen to the doctor of the solution to fix our sickness.

God leads us in to His everlasting ways, but He can't guide us if we are acting rebellious or stubborn. Once we let go of our pride and let God lead us, we are than able to walk in that everlasting way.

God is good, and I want my life to be lead by the Spirit of God rather than my own flesh.

If you are reading this blog, please pray for the youths who were able to go to this Youth Retreat, that they will be able to have that relationship with God.