New Lives Begin
July 19, 2022
We are so excited to share how two of our international students, Maina and Emiri, came to know Christ this year! During ISP Orientation, Mrs. Elker put a Bible verse up in the classroom that said, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the LORD and not men. (Colossians 3:23)” New ISP student, Maina asked what it means. ISP Coordinator Mrs. Doten read her the verse in Japanese. Maina and Emiri wanted to learn English, so I encouraged them to memorize the verse. Maina memorized quickly and wanted to memorize more verses. While with her host parents, Randy and Colleen Williams, Maina started to ask even more questions, which was a great place to pose questions as Randy taught Bible at SA. Randy and Colleen poured their love into her. One day, Maina came to Mrs. Doten and asked, “Please tell me more about Jesus and why are the SA teachers and students so nice, and my host family so kind.” Mrs. Doten shared, “It’s because they know Jesus’s love and Jesus wants you to know how much He loves you.” Maina decided to follow Jesus and plans to be baptized in Japan so she can invite her parents.
Emiri was a bit more hesitant, sharing earlier in the year that she thinks Jesus is a good person, but she didn’t want to change her religion. Mrs. Doten explained, “It’s not religion, it is a relationship with God. There are many religious leaders in the world, but none of them died for my sins and your sin, only Jesus died for us and saved us.” Emiri continued to say she didn’t want to believe in religion until one day she approached Mrs. Doten and said, “I told my mom that I want to follow Jesus.” Mrs. Doten was surprised and asked why she said that to her mother. Emiri responded, “I can’t deny anymore. Jesus is true. His love is true, and He is with me. The Bible says truth.” Emiri prayed and accepted Christ, and was concerned about the temptations in Japan and it being difficult to be baptized there. So with the help of her host family, Paul and Carol Weaver, on June 22, Emiri was baptized.
Our God provided perfect people and perfect timing for them. Praise God for the work He has done in their lives!