Munakata Bethel Christian Center rejoiced last Sunday when Haruo Shimabukuro received water baptism on Mothers Day. Since our church baptistry will not be completely installed until the end of May, he decided that instead of waiting, or instead of going to the nearby still-too-cold Sea of Genkai, he opted to be baptized in the “furo” (bath) of his own home.
Brother Shimabukuro gave his heart to the Lord a couple of weeks ago. The change in his life has been very evident. There is a passionate glow on his face. He has a great desire to read the Word and vocally express his heart to God in prayer. In the picture to the right, Shimabukuro-san is seen receiving not only water baptism, but also the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Side note: The week before, a young lady received her prayer language in the entryway of the church just as she was leaving the building!).
When exciting things begin happening in local churches, you can bet “that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan,” will try slipping through the door.
“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil . . . walketh about, seeking whom he may devour . . .” 1 Peter 5:8
I will close this note with a scripture from Jude’s Letter, verse 20-21, first in King James, then from one of the most unusual Bible translations I own, Da Jesus Book in Hawaii Pidgin English. Please read through both, smile, and put what you have read into action.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
“My friends, you guys no make lidat. Make yoaself come strong inside, an trus God, cuz you guys trus da spesho stuff from God. Pray wit da power God’s Spesho Spirit give you guys. Wateva you guys do, rememba how plenny love an aloha God get fo you guys. Hang in dea an wait, cuz our Boss Jesus Christ give you guys chance. He goin take you guys all da way, so you guys can live to da max fovea.”