CCSI Blog #3 - Daily Prayer

Hello brothers and sisters,

I am grateful to write another update about how I have been doing at CCSI in Japan and how the Lord has been working in me during my time here! As I have been spending a few days in Japan and at CCSI now, I can tell that the feeling of novelty that I had at the beginning of this trip is wearing off, and my days feel mundane now. I think I am starting to see a more realistic glimpse of what life is like in Japan and what teaching at CCSI every day looks like. Most times, I do not like it when that feeling of novelty passes, but God has been revealing how faithful and good He always is, so now, I can look forward to even these normal days with much joy. My day at CCSI started again with devotionals, worship, and prayer, which brought my heart so much renewal and joy, as it helped me reflect on the Lord’s never-changing goodness. However, something different that we did this morning, was praying for another country.

The country that was chosen for today was Honduras, so on a map, a student put a pin on Honduras, and the principal explained the background and condition of this country. This background included a lot of poverty and violence. Afterward, we split into groups to pray out loud for Honduras. While our hearts felt heavy for the people there, there was also much encouragement in praying for them and even seeing young CCSI students praying for the gospel to be brought to another country because God truly listens to and answers our prayers. When worship and devotionals were done, I mostly spent the rest of the day with the students. I first went to the 3 class periods that I have been subbing for and then went to a different class to make sure that the students were staying focused on their tasks. My day-to-day tasks remained the same but what has changed is my growing desire to pray for others.

If I am being completely honest, from time to time, I have been guilty of mostly praying for myself and forgetting to pray for others. I have genuinely had to repent of this. Here at CCSI, I have noticed the importance of prayer by seeing the teachers praying for their students before class starts so that the students can diligently study for the Lord and be strengthened while engaging in their studies. It has truly shown how we can lift up even the most basic and mundane parts of our lives to God. He works in everything: the big and small parts of our life. I mention all of this to say that I have been finding a lot of joy as the Lord has been leading me to pray for others more often and more intentionally. Before a class started today, I was able to pray for the students as a whole, and even as I saw the students studying, I was able to pray for them in my heart. There has been a growing joy in my heart when it comes to praying for those around me and those who I have met in the Lord. It is truly an encouragement to see that our Father has a plan and a purpose for these students, especially in a country where so much spiritual darkness exists. It has been a great day to spend time with such joyful and lively students, who I have the blessed opportunity to continue building genuine relationships with.

Before I end my blog update for today, I want to talk about another new experience that I had today, where I was observing a Korean lesson. I know 2 students who are currently studying the Korean language, and it was fun listening to their Korean lesson as they are preparing to eventually take a language exam. I have also not spoken Korean in several days, so it was fun speaking in Korean with the students and their Korean teacher. Looking back, it was encouraging to see these students support and help each other as they prepare for the exam. As I have been interacting with these students and teachers who are very sincere in their words and actions towards each other, I feel as if am part of a familiar community.

Jooeun