Sapporo Short-term Mission

A group of 11 of us participated in the Sapporo short-term mission trip in mid-July. Let me share four highlights.

First, we experienced prayers in the spiritual realm quickly fulfilled in the physical world. On the first night of our arrival, Teacher Raymond gave thanks for the goodness of Sapporo. We invited Pastor Eiji, as the local pastor on behalf of Sapporo, in confessing its sins, repent and return to God, and made a covenant with God.

Incredible things happened in following days. We sensed in the Spirit that the heavens opened in Sapporo. On the second day of evangelism at Hokkaido University, two persons received Christ, and on the fourth day at Odori Park, eight persons received Christ. I had never experienced this when sharing the gospel with the Japanese. It was the work of the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the people.

Pastor Eiji confessed sins for the rampant sex industry in Susukino. Then a former top earner in the sex industry, who left church for five years, suddenly contacted Yasuko C-Mo, expressing her desire to return to church. She attended Morning Devotion the day we departed.

Our prayers in the spiritual realm were swiftly fulfilled by God in the physical world.

Second, God moved powerfully as we conducted the deep healing session “Burning the Poisonous root”. Nine persons joined the healing session. Over half opened up past hurts, proclaimed forgiveness, and prayed to cut off ties of bitterness and strongholds. They were set free and experienced great joy. I believe this will propel Hesed 611, the tree of life Church to grow even faster and stronger.

Third, we experienced wonderful team unity and a deeper connection with Hesed 611 Church. Our team of eleven embraced our unique being without envy or competition, serving in unity and harmony. We also had plenty of fun together. We went shopping and to a hot spring together. We enjoyed cherry picking and the lavender fields in Furano.

Fourth, I personally felt the Holy Spirit’s grace so strongly as the team interpreter. I am a bit clumsy with words. But in the presence of the Holy Spirit, my words flowed freely—that’s the Spirit’s work, not mine. In this the Holy Spirit has confirmed the direction of my future ministry.

I’ve come to realise a spiritual truth: Prayer is more important than busy ministry work. And I am incredibly grateful for the trip. I connected more deeply with the pastors and core members of the church, and I truly felt the power of the Tree of Life Big family. The trip was filled with joy, and we served effortlessly, achieving fruitful results.

Sharon Wong
serves as a co-worker who is bivocational