Yoshi

His name is Yoshi.  He’s a young Japanese man enrolled in our BOOST Bible/agricultural training.  Last week we had a record 17 students begin a 3 month training with the goal of each one eventually returning to their home place to start house churches and assist their communities in agricultural development.

Yoshi’s father is Japanese and his mother is Filipina.  The family lives in Japan.  But recently Yoshi’s mother returned home for a few months, bringing Yoshi with her.  The mother saw our sign advertising the BOOST training and inquired about Yoshi signing up.  She and her husband own a farm in Austraila which they hope Yoshi can help develop.

The problem with Yoshi is that he can’t speak Ilonggo – the local dialect and the mode of instruction at our BOOST training.  His second problem is his limited knowledge of English.  Still, he was eager to learn.  The idea of leading Yoshi to Christ and seeing him carry his faith to Japan and Austraila was enough reason for us to sign him up.

During the first day of orientation, I took Yoshi aside and talked to him in simple English.  I learned his father was Buddhist and his mother Catholic.  Early next year he plans to return to Japan and then eventually transfer to their farm in Australia.  For about 2 hours, I went through the Scriptures, explaining the way of salvation.  Then Yoshi closed his eyes, said a prayer, and put his faith in Christ.

Yesterday, our project manager gave a good report about Yoshi.  Several hours each morning, every trainee works on developing his own vegetable garden, utilizing the techniques they learn in class.  Yoshi was one of the hardest workers, sometimes staying longer in the field than the other students.  In the afternoon and evenings he learns the Bible lessons in English, then sits attentively in class as he tries to understand as much as he can.

Please pray for Yoshi and the other students that they will encounter God during their 3 month training.  Interceded in their behalf that they will be protected from the evil one, and that God’s Spirit will have total freedom to convict, encourage, and lead them toward spiritual maturity.  Imagine the influence each of these trainees can have in their home communities.  Imagine the influence Yoshi could have in Japan and Australia.  But most of all, imagine the glory God will have when each one seeks to please Him in all that they do.