Ministry Spotlight - Stephen Barrett Missionary to Japan

Momentum for the Gospel: An Interview with Missionary Steve Barrett

As a believer passionate about spreading the Good News, I'm always excited to connect with fellow Christians who are on the frontlines of ministry. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Steve Barrett, a missionary serving in Japan with Holy Fire Japan and Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI). Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the importance of missions and the incredible work God is doing in Japan.

The Spiritual Landscape of Japan

One of the first things Steve shared was the unique spiritual climate of Japan. Contrary to what many Westerners might assume, Buddhism and Shintoism, while culturally influential, aren't as deeply rooted in daily practice as we might think. Steve explained:

"I'd say most people are agnostic... Buddhism is widely culturally taught, a lot of principles from Buddhism, and there's also Shintoism... but whether people really hold true to those beliefs is very... it's kind of a cultural thing."

This insight highlights the need for a fresh approach to sharing the Gospel in Japan. With only about 1% of the population identifying as Christian, Japan represents a vast mission field ripe for harvest.

Innovative Approaches to Sharing the Gospel

What struck me most about Stephen's ministry was his creative approach to evangelism. He hosts weekly English classes called "His Word," using the Bible as the primary text. This ingenious method allows him to introduce non-Christians to the teachings of Jesus in a non-threatening way.

"People are reading the Word of God together, and for the first time, they're hearing about things that Jesus actually did," Stephen shared enthusiastically. "They're like, 'Whoa!'"

This approach has been incredibly fruitful, with about 88 people attending regularly. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most effective way to share our faith is by offering something of value to others.

The Power of New Believers

Stephen's face lit up as he recounted the story of a recent convert he's been discipling. It was a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel:

"It's very encouraging for me to see when the Spirit is with someone, that they're just hungry for the Word, hungry to know more about Jesus and to kind of develop the relationship with Him."

This young believer's excitement about prayer and his newfound ability to connect with God anytime, anywhere, was infectious. It served as a powerful reminder of the joy and freedom we have in Christ – something we can sometimes take for granted as long-time believers.

Challenges and Opportunities in Japanese Ministry

While the work is challenging, Stephen sees tremendous potential for growth. He's particularly excited about the momentum building through DCPI's church planting training events:

"We've already had two training events where pastors have come and been trained on how to start churches... I think that the key to expanding [Christianity in Japan] is more churches, people stepping out in faith, seeing God give them a vision, God providing for that vision, God starting new things."

This focus on equipping local leaders is crucial. As Stephen pointed out, while his role as a foreign missionary is important, it's the Japanese Christians who will ultimately have the most significant impact in reaching their own people.

A Call to Action

As I reflected on my conversation with Stephen, I was deeply moved by his passion and commitment to seeing the Gospel spread in Japan. It's a powerful reminder that God is at work all around the world, often in ways we don't see or hear about in our daily lives.

I want to challenge you, dear reader, to consider how you might get involved in supporting global missions. Whether it's through prayer, financial giving, or even exploring a call to missions yourself, we all have a part to play in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Let's pray for Stephen and his family, for the believers in Japan, and for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in that nation. May we see a day when the 1% becomes 2%, then 10%, and beyond – all for the glory of God!

Remember, as believers, we're all called to be witnesses for Christ wherever we are. Let Stephen's story inspire you to step out in faith, share the Gospel, and be a light in your own community.

Support Stephen via Paypal 

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From Evangelical Atheist to On Fire Christian!

Kim Endraske's Journey to Jesus

I'm excited to share a powerful testimony from Kim Endraske, who went from being an Evangelical atheist to a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Kim and I met through the Exalt Jesus Memphis group on Facebook, and I was moved by her testimony during the event. She graciously agreed to share her story with the Conrad Rocks audience.

Introduction

Kim Endraske's journey to faith is a compelling testimony of God's transformative power. Raised without any spiritual or religious influence, Kim's life took a dramatic turn when she encountered the Gospel for the first time at the age of 21. Her story is a testament to the power of Jesus Christ and the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

 A Life Without God

Kim's early years were spent in a moral, law-abiding family, but devoid of any spiritual presence. Her parents had walked away from the church before she was born, and as a result, Kim never attended church, heard prayers, or saw her parents read the Bible. This spiritual void left a profound fear of death in her heart, influencing many of her life choices.

Throughout middle school, high school, and college, Kim made moral choices not out of faith, but out of fear. She prided herself on being more moral than many professing Christians she knew, abstaining from drinking, maintaining purity, and following rules meticulously. However, this was driven by pride and fear, not a relationship with God.

 The Debating Atheist

In college, Kim became an outspoken atheist, using her skills as a national debate champion to argue against Christianity. She was offensive and angry, viewing the Bible and the concept of God as foolish. Her debates were fueled by a desire to prove her intellectual superiority and reject any higher power.

 A Divine Appointment

After graduating college and moving to St. Louis for student teaching, Kim's life took an unexpected turn. She attended a friend's wedding in St. Louis, where she met a young man named Bill. Their conversations quickly turned into debates about faith, and despite Kim's relentless attacks, Bill patiently engaged with her.

For weeks, Kim and Bill debated the existence of God, the validity of the Bible, and the claims of Jesus. One night, during one of their conversations, Bill mentioned being "saved." To Kim's surprise, she realized she had no idea what he meant, despite all her debates against Christianity.

Hearing the Gospel

That night, for the first time in her life, Kim heard the Gospel message: Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to Earth, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. By putting her faith in Him, she could be saved and have eternal life. This message hit Kim like a ton of bricks, and she prayed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

A New Creation

After accepting Jesus, Kim's life began to change. The Bible, which had once seemed foolish, now came alive. She couldn't get enough of God's Word and was hungry to learn more about Jesus and His teachings. However, she quickly realized how little she knew about the faith she had embraced.

Despite her lack of knowledge, Kim was on fire for Jesus and eager to share her newfound faith with others. Her sister, who called herself an agnostic, began reading "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell, a Christian apologetics book, which helped her come to faith in Christ.

Witnessing God's Power

A few years into her walk with Christ, Kim's faith was put to the test when her sister experienced a devastating loss. Her one-year-old son, Brady, passed away in a tragic accident. This heartbreaking event became a pivotal moment in both Kim's and her sister's faith journeys.

Through this tragedy, Kim witnessed God's hand at work in miraculous ways. From the pastor who had experienced a similar loss ministering to her sister, to the comfort found in Scripture, God's presence was undeniable. This experience taught Kim to watch for "God sightings" in everyday life, reinforcing the reality of His love and care.

Personal Reflections and Biblical Teachings

Kim's journey from atheist to believer is a powerful reminder of God's patience and persistence. Certain Bible verses have become particularly meaningful to her:

- Acts 26:16-18 - This passage reminds Kim of her calling to be a witness to God's work in her life.

- Job 42:5 - "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." This verse encapsulates Kim's transition from knowing about God to truly knowing Him.

- Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." This verse brought immense comfort during a time of family tragedy.

Conclusion 

Kim Endraske's testimony is a powerful reminder of the transformative love of Jesus Christ. If you're reading this and are skeptical about God or Christianity, I encourage you to seek the truth with an open heart. Don't be afraid to ask questions and engage in respectful debates. God is big enough to handle your doubts and loving enough to meet you where you are.

For those who already believe, I challenge you to be ready to give an answer for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15). Study God's Word, learn about apologetics, and be prepared to share your faith with gentleness and respect.

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, remember that God is real, He is active, and He loves you more than you can imagine. If He could transform a hardened atheist like Kim into a passionate follower of Christ, imagine what He can do in your life!

Will you take the next step in your faith journey today? Whether it's saying yes to Jesus for the first time, recommitting your life to Him, or deciding to dig deeper into apologetics, I encourage you to take action. Leave a comment below sharing your decision, or reach out if you have any questions about faith. Let's continue this conversation and grow together in Christ!

 Watch Kim's Testimony

To watch Kim Endraske's testimony at the Exalt Jesus Memphis event, check out the YouTube video

Connect with Kim

Kim also has a blog where she shares more about her journey and faith. Be sure to visit her blog and listen to her audio testimony.

Thank you for being a part of Conrad Rocks, and remember, we need to know Jesus and make Jesus known. God bless you!

Unveiling the Prophetic: Mary's Dream and the Coming Revival

Unveiling Mary Pretty's Prophetic Dream

I've got something incredible to share with you today. Recently, I came across a powerful prophetic dream from Mary Pretty that resonated deeply with my spirit. As someone who's been immersed in the prophetic and supernatural realms of our faith, I couldn't help but see the profound connections between Mary's dream and the stirrings of revival I've been sensing. Join me as we dive into this spiritual revelation and explore what God might be saying to His church in this season.

The Prophetic Dream Unveiled

Let me start by sharing Mary's dream with you. In her vision, she saw a pregnant woman surrounded by wolves, ready to devour her. Suddenly, a bright light shone, and the wolves vanished, replaced by lilies. Then, God's voice spoke:

"My bride, my bride, do not back down in fear that the evil snares of the enemy will overtake you. Listen, listen with your spirit, and you will hear the birthing pains of freedom coming forth. You are about to bring forth a mighty wind of change, a mighty fire of love that is going to sweep over the land where once hatred had overcome. I will bring forth love. The evildoers will be humbled to their knees and will cry out to me, and I will save them. The darkness will disappear when the glory light and those who were hidden in fear will come forth mighty and brave. Lilies, beautiful lilies of the valley, will come forth, and this will signify I'm with you."

Wow! There's so much prophetic symbolism packed into this dream. Let's break it down and see how it aligns with Scripture and what God has been revealing to me.

The Pregnant Woman and the Wolves

The image of the pregnant woman immediately reminded me of Revelation 12:1-5, where John describes a woman clothed with the sun, about to give birth. In both visions, there's a sense of imminent birth and the threat of evil forces trying to prevent it.

In Mary's dream, the wolves represent false prophets, as Jesus warned us about in Matthew 7:15-16: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." These spiritual predators seek to devour the coming revival before it can be birthed.

The Bright Light and the Lilies

The sudden appearance of bright light dispelling the darkness is a powerful symbol of Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12). This divine intervention transforms the scene, replacing danger with beauty – the lilies. It's a reminder that when we invite God's presence into our situations, He can turn our valleys of trouble into places of hope and new life.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

This dream resonates deeply with a vision I had during worship a few weeks ago. I saw clouds on the screen that transformed into a sonogram image – a baby in the womb. The Lord revealed to me that if we press in and diligently seek Him, revival will be birthed. It's as if God is showing us the same message through different people and experiences!

I've been receiving numerous dreams and visions from others lately, all pointing to this coming move of God. It's exciting to see how the Holy Spirit is speaking consistently across the body of Christ.

Biblical References and Teachings

The dream is rich with biblical allusions and teachings. Let's explore a few key ones:

1. The Bride of Christ: God addresses His people as "My bride," emphasizing our intimate relationship with Him (Ephesians 5:25-27).

2. Birthing Revival: The imagery of birth pains reminds us of Romans 8:22-23, where creation groans for redemption. Similarly, the church is in labor, bringing forth a new move of God.

3. The Mighty Wind: This recalls the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:2, where a mighty rushing wind filled the house as the Holy Spirit was poured out.

4. Fire of Love: Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). This fire purifies and ignites passion for God.

5. Healing the Land: The promise to "sweep over the land" echoes 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal the land if His people humble themselves and pray.

The Call to Action

Friends, I believe we're on the cusp of something extraordinary. But as Mary's dream and Scripture remind us, we have a part to play. Here's what we need to do:

1. Press In: Let's seek God with renewed passion and desperation.

2. Listen with Our Spirits: Move beyond intellectual understanding to spiritual discernment.

3. Stand Firm: Don't back down in the face of opposition or fear.

4. Humble Ourselves: Pride has no place in this coming revival.

5. Pray Fervently: Let's cry out to God for our nation and communities.

Conclusion

I'm convinced that God is preparing to pour out His Spirit in unprecedented ways. The birthing pains we're experiencing – the challenges, the spiritual warfare – are signs that something amazing is about to break forth.

Will you join me in preparing the way for revival? Let's be the bride that says "yes" to God's invitation, pressing in until we see His glory sweep across our land.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How is God speaking to you about revival? Let's encourage one another and fan the flames of anticipation for what God is about to do!

Until next time, keep digging deeper and reaching higher. God bless you all!