Groundbreaking ceremony

In September 2016, I was asked to conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building. The Church’s ongoing role is to help people live by the Word of God. Accordingly, during a groundbreaking ceremony, we pray for the safety of people involved in the construction, for God’s Word to be shared, and for God to use the building for His purposes. As a symbol of Christ’s redemption, we pour wine on the four corners and pray for Christ’s redemptive work to protect the land. At times, a Bible is wrapped up and buried in the foundation as well. (Pastor Shoichi Ino, IBF)

What God has laid upon my heart

Some of these messages still echo clearly in my heart. The first was from the time Pastor Shunichi Miyamoto visited our Friday worship service and shared about the work of evangelism he was doing in Detroit. About 20 volunteer staff from Faith Covenant Church are involved in this ministry to the Japanese people. Some time ago, a Japanese housewife left all alone at home – and living not far from the church – suffered a nervous breakdown and committed suicide. After hearing about this tragic incident, the church opened its doors wide through English classes, cooking lessons, and a gym for housewives, to try and prevent such a tragedy from

Era of the Holy Spirit

We live in the era of the Holy Spirit. In all things, the Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of everything Jesus has said (John 14:26). Also, it is written that he will prove the world to be in error concerning sin and judgment (16:8). Let us be led forward by the Spirit. Let us walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). My hope is that we will do both these things. Human relationships can sometimes be difficult. We have all surely experienced this in the workplace or home, in church or at school. As we attempt to correct others, let us also have meek hearts and be careful not