Category Archives: Outreach

“If I want to understand Western economics I have to study the Bible”

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by Manuel, BSN Madison Director
Tokyo, Japan 

YWAM Madison visits Chi Alpha University of Tokyo

The team introduces themselves at the Chi Alpha Student Center, Tokyo Japan.

We were full of expectation as we entered through the old gate of the University of Tokyo. What an honor it was to teach a Bible study in partnership with Chi Alpha at the most influential university on the Pacific Rim. Students enrolled at the University of Tokyo have prepared all their lives to be at this school. Even as young kids they had to be in the right school to have a shot at studying at the University of Tokyo. This is the school that produces the leaders of Asian society.

God had led our team to prepare a teaching series on “Identity in Christ.” Today, Mark L. was going to teach on the value and purpose of people. People were visibly challenged by the message and almost everyone stayed after the Bible study to have lunch with us.

During lunch, I spoke with Makiko who is getting her PhD in Economics to be an economics professor. She is writing her dissertation on the economic relationship between China and Japan. To me that is one of the most interesting topics anyone could research as this is not just about economics and business but also how to deal with a strained relationship, deep seated hatred, and mistrust in a business climate.

As we talked about what she was finding I asked her how long she had been a Christian. I was surprised when she responded: “Oh, I am not a Christian yet but I have been studying the Bible for over a year. My professor told me that if I want to understand Western economics I have to study the Bible.”

I asked her if she had come across anything about economics in the Bible yet and she said that she had not. We talked a bit more about morality in the West and its biblical roots. But what really caught her interest was when I told her about the economic principles that God gave his people in Deuteronomy such as the limiting of debt, interest rates, how to love the poor of the nation, and how to empower them to get out of poverty. We exchanged info and I told her that I would send her more material on economics in the Bible.

What a privilege it was to talk to Makiko about the things that the God of Creation had to say about her field of study. May she come to know this wonderful God and may her work help break down the walls of animosity between China and Japan.

Saying Nice Things — Allied Drive Kids’ Ministry

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by Breana, YWAM Madison Staff

Bre and her Special Little Friend -- YWAM Madison Allied Drive Outreach

Bre and her Special Little Friend -- YWAM Madison Allied Drive Outreach

On Tuesdays, I take a few DTS students to the Allied Drive area in Madison where we, along with the Bible School for the Nations students, run a Bible study for the kids. (Allied Dr. is one of Madison’s more challenging neighborhoods, known for poverty and crime.)

I made a special friend–she is eight years old and her sense of humor reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age. Her laugh is contagious, and, like many little girls, she loves hugs and telling me about her day.

Last Tuesday, this eight-year-old girl said she was stupid.

Naturally, I could not let her say this and then not say something nice and true about herself. So we started the “say two nice things about yourself” game. After a couple minutes of me trying to convince her to say two nice things about herself, she still refused!

“You’re really good at swimming!” her little sister piped up.

“She is?” I said. “Hey, I’m not good a swimming so that is really cool that you are.”

“Now YOU have to say two nice things about yourself because you said you weren’t good at swimming!” the girl said.

Wow, she got me on that one!

We then continued saying nice things about ourselves the rest of the evening. Later, I walked her and her sister home. Right before we got to their apartment door, I felt I was supposed to give her one of my bracelets.

“Every time you look at this bracelet,” I said, tying it onto her slender wrist, “remember that you are not stupid and you are loved so much by God!”

Our Last Days in Japan

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by Nicole M., Japan outreach participant
A couple days before we left Japan we met with two influential people here in Tokyo. Our first meeting was with the director of Second Harvest Japan (2hj.org). Second Harvest is an organization that distributes surplus food to orphanages, women’s shelters, community centers, and soup kitchens. It was exciting to hear the changes that they are making not only in the community but also in the country of Japan.
After meeting with the director of Second Harvest, we had the chance to sit down with the director of Not for Sale Japan (notforsalecampaign.org). Not for Sale Japan seeks to mobilize all of Japan, starting with Tokyo, to do their part in stopping human trafficking and modern day slavery. It was especially eye-opening to learn more about the specifics of human trafficking, both around the world and in Japan. The work against human trafficking is just starting here in Japan, but because of the amount of gangs and violence surrounding the issue there is not much action that can be directly taken. The focus right now is raising awareness of the dangers that lead to human trafficking such as pornography, which is highly prevalent in Tokyo and Japan.
Tuesday was filled with preparing for an international party, which we held in the evening at a local community center. We collaborated with some of the friends we had made there and were able to represent a variety of nations (America, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Fiji and Japan). The people from each nation created an exhibit using pictures, facts, items, etc. from their country as well as preparing a dish from their country. Others decided to participate by performing songs and dances from their native cultures. A favored attraction among everyone was the piñata, which we had as the closing activity. It was fun to see people’s faces light up as they hit the piñata and candy fell out! Those who attended the event really enjoyed learning from others cultures and being in community with one another. It was a unique and fun way to reach out to the neighborhood and also to experience different nationalities!
Our last day in Japan was spent sightseeing and shopping at Asakusa, a region in Tokyo which is the site of a famous temple and a street full of souvenir shops. In the evening we went out to a sushi restaurant, then took a walk to the edge of a river. From the slope bordering the river we could see the illuminated skyline of Tokyo, and there we prayed over the city. We prayed that God would bless this nation, and that He would continue to work in and through the people we met here! 

Displaced Survivors

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by Nicole M. (with Monika A.),  Japan outreach participant

Visiting the temporary housing communities in Iwaki, Japan

Visiting the temporary housing communities in Iwaki, Japan

Small, boxy, metal houses stood out in rows along the flat blacktop. The summer sun glared hot and harsh. Pots of flowers and vegetables decorated the doorsteps–the residents’ personal touch to make their temporary houses in Iwaki, Japan feel more like home. They had lost their own homes in last year’s tsunami.

Some of these temporary communities feel gentler — like the one we visited yesterday the was made up of wooden box-houses, situated near trees and greenery.

But in many of these temporary communities, something was lacking — real community and vibrant life.

The Global Mission Center, one of the ministries we worked with, offers activities to residents to help promote community life. Activities like Tai Chi classes, handicraft classes, and cafe hours combat loneliness and isolation.

YWAM Madison Outreach team Japan 2012

YWAM Madison outreach team Japan 2012

One of my favorite activities to help with was the cafe. While some of us set out beverages and snacks at the central community building, the rest of the team ventured into the community to invite people to the cafe (that is, the volunteers who spoke Japanese invited them!). Once people arrived, we mingled, sharing interpreters and doing our best to overcome the language barrier. Sharing photos of our families was a big hit! It brought such joy to see people sharing life together.

Not everyone we invited to the cafe would come, though.

VIsiting with an elderly couple in Iwaki

Fearful their radiation exposure could harm their neighbors, an elderly couple refused to leave their home. We shared coffee, refreshments, and friendship with them in their home.

We had gone down several rows of houses, knocking on each door and inviting people. We stopped at the home of an elderly couple and invited them to the cafe. The volunteers had a long conversation with them, but it was clear this couple didn’t want to join us.

“They lived near the nuclear plant when it exploded,” one of the volunteers translated. “They are afraid they are infected. They said they don’t want to spread radiation to anyone else.”

“I wish they knew this wasn’t true, but they won’t believe otherwise,” our friend said.

It was so sad to see that this couple would only stay in their home, imprisoned by the fear of causing harm to others. We stayed with them while one of the volunteers hurried to the cafe to bring them some refreshments. Another volunteer, an artist, painted a bag for the couple. We visited for a time and then prayed with them before we left.

I was glad that even though we could not convince them to leave their home, we could provide them with some socialization and encouragement.

It has been a year since the tsunami devastated this area — I am still moved by how profoundly it continues to impact the lives of so many people, especially this couple who have made such sacrifice to keep their neighbors safe.

Thailand’s Treasure

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by Jillian L, DTS graduate, outreach team leader

After a long day of ministry teaching English to women from the bar and leading a program for kids in the slums, our team headed to the Pattaya House of Prayer (PHOP) for a time of rejuvenation with the Holy Spirit. About 30 people from ministries all over Pattaya joined together to praise God and speak truth over the city. We then broke into groups for a “treasure hunt” in the red light district.

A “treasure hunt” is a special time of searching out God’s treasures — individuals — and sharing an encouraging message with them.

Before we set out to find our “treasure,” we asked God for clues about who we should look for.

A picture came to my mind of an Asian man wearing a collared, yellow shirt. We combined our list of “clues” and headed towards the beach. We couldn’t wait to share a special message of God’s love with this individual.

Right after we arrived on “Beach Road,” we spotted a man in a yellow collared shirt! Before we could reach him, he jumped on his bicycle and rode away. I couldn’t believe we were so close and yet missed our chance to talk with him.

Then, as others in the group were talking to someone else, the man rode past us again, got off his bike, and sat down. We felt confident this was the man the Lord wanted us to talk to, but we had no idea what to say to him! One of the guys in our group encouraged us not to miss this second chance, but to be bold.  So Catherine, Eric, Pang, and I began walking toward him.

“Excuse me, may we interrupt?” I said.

The man looked excited to speak with us and moved over to make room for us to sit next to him.

“This may seem very unusual,” I said. “But I feel as though the Lord wants to tell you He loves you.”

The man’s eyes lit up as Pang translated what I said.

“God showed me a picture of you in my mind. He wants you to know that He sees you and He loves you”

“Oh thank you!” he said.

While I was talking to the man, Eric and Catherine were silently praying and asking God what else we should tell him.

Eric said, “God sees your intelligence and loves your persistence in learning. Jesus wants you to use this gift he has given you to learn truth.”

“Oh wow!” he responded. “Do you have a word from the Bible for me?”

It was then that Catherine shared Psalm 139:17-18. “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.”

“I would like to read more of the Bible,” the man in yellow said. “And I’d like to learn some English.”

Eric made plans to meet him the following day to give him a Thai Bible and teach him English!

Our tag-team evangelism was a lot of fun as we got to meet more people to tell them they are treasured by God.

Sturgeon Bay Youth Group Impacts Madison for Jesus

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Sturgeon Bay Youth Group & MadReach 2012 Staff

We write a lot on our blog about “going to the nations” because on any given month, our students or staff are sharing God’s love somewhere else in the world.

But did you know we are also training and sending people into our own community?

That’s what I love about MadReach! MadReach helps people make a difference where they live. It’s like an “appetizer” for world mission, too!

Last week, a youth group from Sturgeon Bay, WI came to serve Madison. During the day they played team building games and heard teachings on things like “Destiny” and “The Nature & Character of God.” Teens finally saw a loving friend and father in place of a scary, intimidating God.

“This week will forever be imprinted in my mind as one of intense growth,” one of the participants said. “It will be forever cherished.”

Sidewalk chalking on the UW-Madison Campus. "Purposefully going out and being Christ's disciple by action is something my group and I want to continue to do in our own community." -- Abby

In the afternoons, the group hit the streets of Madison, refreshed in their relationships with God and ready to share His love.

“Boldness entered into me during the various outreaches that we did,” said one. “I got to apply what I was learning. I’m probably going to suggest that our youth group tries this. Not only might it bring our members closer to God, it could also help to make our little town a better place.”

One day, the Sturgeon Bay youth group literally went to the streets and sidewalks of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus with chalk and prayer. They asked God to give them His heart for the university students and staff. Then, they wrote on the campus sidewalks in great big chalk letters the promises and love of God.

Another night, the team went to State Street’s Peace Park, where many of Madison’s homeless population congregate. The students struck up conversations with them and listened to their stories. Three shared their personal testimonies of God’s work in their lives.

“Did you hear what those kids had to say?” one of the homeless men was overheard saying to his friend.

“Yeah, that was good stuff!” his friend said.

Kevin, MadReach coordinator, said he was inspired by the Sturgeon Bay group’s “on-going passion to bring the same kinds of outreaches into their own community!”

Andrew summed up the week: “I knew God performs miracles, loves us, that we are His children and He talks to us (I thought it was rare), but never took the time to see it or experience it. Now I have, and it’s awesome!…coming to YWAM, it changed my life!”

If your church group would like to join us for a MadReach week this summer, contact us at ywam@ywammadison.org. You can learn more about MadReach here: http://www.ywammadison.org/outreach/madreach/

Hospitality in a Japanese Buddhist Temple

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by Nicole, Japan outreach participant

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

On Tuesday morning, we took a walk right after breakfast to see a nearby Buddhist temple. On our way, we crossed a red bridge that spanned a creek, where numerous koi fish live. We threw food into the water, and the koi came in swarms, attempting to catch the food with their large, ugly-looking (sorry, koi!) mouths.

The koi is an important fish in Japanese culture, our guide explained to us, since they are a strong, hardy fish. They are featured on flags which are flown on Children’s Day, because parents want their children to be strong like the koi.

After our fish-feeding adventure, we made our way to the temple, climbing up a couple rows of stone steps to the top of an incline. At the top was an old-looking temple, and beside that was the priest’s house. We stood looking over the city, and admiring the architecture of the building.

Before long, the priest’s wife appeared. Our guide explained that we were out walking and looking around. She seemed to be all right with us being there; in fact, after a few minutes, she asked us in for tea. So all eight of us entered their house into a traditional tatami (straw mat) room, and sat around the table. She poured green tea for all of us, and passed around Japanese sweets called okashi – a slightly sweet, powdery-tasting morsel.

Then, the priest led us into the interior of the temple. It was amazing – gold fixtures, including an elaborate chandelier, filled the room, centered around a Buddha situated against the back wall. A couple of small tables were set up for incense burning. The priest talked about praying (I believe he asked if we wanted to pray, though my Japanese skills are minimal at best!) and our guide explained that we were Christians. The priest allowed us to take pictures and also kindly took a picture of us together.

We were all grateful for the opportunity of visiting the temple, and getting a glimpse of the Buddhist religion. It was even more special to be able to see the inside, and to share tea with the priest and his wife. Their kindness and politeness were incomparable, and we were so grateful for their hospitality.

Our prayer is that God would reveal to these wonderful people the light and joy of the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

On Site of the 2011 Japan Tsunami

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by Nicole, Japan outreach participant (photo by Flickr CC likeablerodent)

On Sunday, our outreach team arrived in Iwaki to stay and help out for a week. Iwaki is a city in Fukushima Prefecture, one of the regions where the tsunami caused significant damage.

Iwaki BeachOn Monday we drove to the shore to see one of the devastated villages. It was a magnificent place: the flat, sandy beach stretched out wide in both directions, bounded by the sea that reached out to touch the horizon. To one side, a rocky cliff was topped by a lighthouse. Behind this beautiful beach, however, lay the destroyed village. Some of the buildings stood standing, though they were somewhat damaged. But in between the standing houses was empty space, with nothing left but the houses’ foundations. Most of the rubble had been cleaned up, and placed in a large pile.

It was stunning to think that this empty place had once been the hometown of numerous families and individuals. However, there were still signs of life. Several of the houses, especially the ones farther back from the waterfront, were occupied, and people still eked out a living in this desolate place. The cement wall bordering the beach was painted with hundreds of brightly colored flowers and other images, as though people were trying to bring joy and color back to the lonely town.

Except for the abandoned houses and the trash heap, there was no evidence of the storm that had caused so much devastation a year ago. Looking out across the ocean, it was hard to believe that such a beautiful, peaceful-looking place had been the site of such damaging waves. It is truly hard to fathom that we actually stood in the very place where the tsunami had wielded its fatal power.

I’m so thankful that our God is a God of rebirth and restoration!

An Introduction to Japan

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by Nicole M., Japan outreach participant

Japan cityscapeOne of our first experiences in Japan was visiting a Japanese school. On our second day in Japan, four of us went with an English teacher from Mongolia to the school where she works. The school is an all-boys high school, a strict one that prepares its students for a well-known university here in Japan. We were all a little nervous about the experience, but also interested to see what a Japanese school was like.

After we met with a teacher and the school principal, we went to our first class. Our job would be to introduce ourselves to the class one at a time, and then split up to lead an English discussion with a small group of students.

The boys were nearly all 16. Some were outgoing, some shy. They all seemed a little intimidated about having strangers in their class, yet we were also told that they were excited to have four girls in their school!

It was interesting to see the structure in the school. The students all had the same outfits, the same shoes, even the same schoolbags. Several of the boys were very good at English and seemed able to understand most of what we were saying.

After following our routine in three classes, the Japanese teacher we were working with treated us to a traditional Japanese box lunch from the cafeteria. We tried seaweed, Japanese radish, miso soup, and a variety of other foods. For some of us, it was our first taste of real Japanese food! Of course some of the foods were pretty different from what we’re used to, but we all found some things that we enjoyed!

Being able to see a Japanese school was a fascinating experience. We were blown away by the hospitality and the generosity of the Japanese toward foreign guests. We came away from the school with a greater knowledge of the Japanese mindset, their impeccable manners, and their unique culture.