GDOP日本

The Second was like it -- only Better!

When? May 31, 2009, from 2:30 to 4 pm

Where? Kaganoi Christ Church, Kochi

This time, it was our second Global Day of Prayer in Kochi. Last year, God blessed as two churches were the main group when we met in Susaki, an hour's drive west of Kochi City. This year, tho, we moved the venue to Kochi City and God blessed us again! Isn't He a gracious, wonderful God?!

Numerically speaking, we had 30, which was 1.5 times the 20 we had last year. But more than the numbers, I think God is creating a a much better base on which to build for next year (or even for another event this year). 3 pastors were actually involved in the meeting itself, on-stage (last year, there were 2). 4 pastors attended (last year, it was 2) and five churches were represented (last year, there were 3). And since the church where the meeting was held can hold up to 100, we still have room to grow. We look forward to His continued work in Kochi.

The meeting itself was a Spirit-filled time. The singing and prayers were great. There was one time when 'repentance broke out'--an unplanned time when God spoke about denominational 'discrimination' and the effect it caused and led us to ask for and demonstrate forgiveness. Of course, GDOP is not just a day of prayer, but also of repentance, too, so it worked out just great! We confirmed that there is only one church in Kochi--God's Church! What a privilege to be a part of that! We had a lady share two special songs with us. She accompanied herself on the piano. It was very good, as well, and helped us to see God's heart for unity in His Church.

Though it had started out sunny that morning, and temperatures were up to 29 degrees, just as we were starting the Prayer for the World, the sky darkened and it began to rain heavily (actually, it sounded more like hail, but since none of us were outside, we couldn't confirm that). One of the pastors said that this must be what the first Pentecost was like--a violent, rushing wind that resounded thru the whole house!

One of the women attending was surprised to realize that she had been involved with GDOP (or something connected to it) when she was on the M.V. Doulos with OM in South Africa in 2000! She had come last year, too, but looking at Graham Power's welcome this year, she realized that that was what it was! Talk about a small world!?!

After the meeting, we had refreshments in the church fellowship room. All in all, I think it went very well. We are glad to be in Kochi city itself, since that is where the growth will come from. We rejoice in what He is doing in Kochi now, and look forward to what He will continue to do as we follow Him. Only He is worthy!