I have been a Christian for over 20 years and have been trained at a Bible school in Singapore in 2007.  In Japan, I was a cell group leader and have served in children church as a teacher for many years, but my knowledge of the Bible was very shallow and I felt limited in how I cared for people. I joined Hesed 611 Sapporo Christian Church about two years ago.  Actually I’ve known my pastor and C-mo for about 20 years.  Seeing the changes in their lives through discipleship from Pastor Joshua and C-mo Delphine made me want to study at the 611 Bible school and I decided to enroll in January 2024.

In Bible school, instead of just listening to the teacher’s lectures, we have time to discuss what we have learned with classmates and teachers. Listening to the opinions of people of different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds helps me to broaden my perspective. Morning devotion is also a good opportunity to share the revelations we have received from the Bible with classmates and teacher.  I began to seriously seek how the Word of God can be applied to my daily life.  611 Bible school not only teaches deep Bible knowledge, but also how to love God and people and build good relationships in various places such as at home, church, work, and school.  I especially enjoy the class of the breath of the Tree of Life because it is a very practical lesson that teaches us how to solve interpersonal problems seen in the church. I have never taken such a class before, and I look forward to it every time.

In the past, I was a very performance-oriented and critical person. I set high standards for myself and those who around me, both in church and at work.  I always criticized those who did not meet my standards. Because of my critical and performance-oriented mindset, I was afraid of failure and being criticized.  Besides I had become a person who could not accept myself when I made a mistake. However, through my studies at 611 Bible School and serving in the church, I am learning to try to understand the people around me more, and to forgive and accept them even if there are disagreements and conflicts.  I am very grateful to many pastors, teachers and classmates who have shown me their love and support as I have adjusted to Bible school and life in Hong Kong.  I’m going back to Japan after finishing the study in the Bible school.  Just as many lives have been changed by learning the Word of God and having a deep connection with spiritual authorities at 611 Church, I pray and hope that many lives shall be transformed by God in churches in Japan!