After a Retreat

So I was in a place called Karuizawa from the 7-9 meeting with other Tokyo Ms and regional leadership. It was a really good time for me. Away from the busy city, near the mountains, surrounded by snow, and retreating to be with God. My mind was crystal clear, I was eager to tackle the challenge of sharing the good news. I didn't realize how much of a good time it was to be away from Tokyo like this, in the midst of many Christians. Even the retreat center was a Japanese Christian place.

It was when on the ride home we entered the big city's premises, that I was so surprised to find that I had really let my guard down the past couple of days. And I was even more surprised to realize that while in Tokyo I usually had my guard up! As we drove to get deeper into the city, I felt like I had momentarily lost my balance, and I was scrambling to get my gear and put my game face on. For what you wonder? Yea for spiritual warfare. I was personally reminded of how real it is on the drive back and today, the first day since I've returned back. I've been a mess. There is no reason for it, but my mind has been foggy all day until after meeting for church earlier tonight, and I've been really dragging and accosted with temptations right after my return. I don't understand it. I was SO good in Karuizawa. But then I lost my balance and I've been having a hard time trying to regain it. It's great to be in my bed, but being here is real heavy, hard to get up and do all those things I was so eager to do only a couple of days ago.

So prayer requests:

- please keep this in mind and pray for all the Ms here in Tokyo that they will be diligent and eager to face the challenge, to fix their eyes on Jesus

- please also keep H-san in mind. She came out to church today for the 2nd time. I am so thankful for her, but I challenged her to read her Bible on her own time starting from Matthew. So please pray for her that she would read her Bible and that she would seek God every day :)