Author name: Editor

Participants: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari
Time: 10:30-11:05am

Today, we read from Job chapter 15. I started with prayer.
Ko: He learned that it’s necessary to be able to discern words from others. It seems like Job was in part of test that his friend uses words to bring down Job. Verse 17 is clue that Job should be listening from God. He can apply to himself by really know God and come close to him, with just the way we are.

From this week, he had finals test week for his classes.

Hiyori: I shared about how I need to know scriptures with what it actually means truly. Since like how Job and his friends was, they accused Job with words that seemed right, but they didn’t use words with true sense.

From this week, I shared that I had classes, and I’m writing an essay on a project from kinesiology class.

Akari: From reading this chapters, she said she doesn’t agree with friends are saying. They say things like humans are born evil but we are actually born good in the beginning, since human spirit comes from God. So by asking to your conscience is necessary, because in college, people saying you should do this or that. So it’s important to distinguishing what’s good and bad.

This week, she is doing hack-a-thon, which is to work on project to solve problems/work on different challenges for a week.

Seiyu: He shared that as a Christian, there will be time that people will persecute you, so you need to be ready to keep your faith strong.

He had nothing to share from what he did this week.

Kana: She shared that she can see how friend he used his own experience and from what he see and not from God’s view. Important to be able to see from what God wants you to do/will and what he did for you and not what you think. Have more experience and realize that God is with you.

She didn’t have anything to share for what she did this week.

Ko prayed at the end for up coming Easter evangelical meeting, for use to have unity and do best, and we stand on Colossians 3:23.

This morning, starting at 11:00-11:40, we read Job chapter 13 & 14.

Participants were Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari & Kanami.

Ko shared and connected with what he learned from yesterday’s service that the knowledge of God is knowing God and having a personal intimate relationship with Him, which is different from the worldly knowledge. In Job 13, Job responds to his friends and shows that he does not rely on their opinions, but instead wants to seek answers directly from God. From this, he learned that a stronger relationship with God is built by continually seeking Him and asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
From his week, he enjoyed playing soccer with Kazuki-san and everybody who joined on Saturday.

Hiyori learned from Job chapters 13 and 14 that it is important not to be swayed by other people’s opinions and to keep her own mind focused on God’s will. From Job’s perspective, she saw the importance of standing firm in what is right. At the same time, when helping friends or classmates, she learned that she should choose her words carefully, not judge them, but gently help them realize what they may be doing wrong.
From her week, she enjoyed the time when I went to their house to practice guitar yesterday. We practiced the Glorious day by casting crown for the Easter.

Akari shared that when speaking to others, it is important not to judge them but to speak with love. During the service, she learned that everything we do should come out of love. She also noticed that Job’s friends seemed hypocritical, trying to make themselves look right while judging Job, which did not produce anything good. From this, she learned that even if what we say is correct, it should still be said with love, because love gives meaning to our words rather than simply judging others.
She also shared that it was fun practicing guitar together with me since it had been a while.

From this passage, I see that Job still had hope in God, which is why he was able to ask God questions and even argue in a good sense about why these things were happening to him. This showed that Job had a very strong relationship with God. From this, I learned that having that kind of relationship with God is important. I also realized that since I am someone who does not easily ask for help or speak out, building a stronger relationship with God can help me honestly bring my weaknesses to Him.
From this week, I also shared how it was a good time practicing guitar with Hiyori and Akari and I was able to get to know the praise song more than last time.

Seiyu didn’t had anything to share from this chapter and his week.

Lastly, Hiyori suggested and we prayed about the spring break/junior’s birthday event so that especially the juniors can enjoy their birthday and for their growth. We stood on Psalm 133:1

Job 12

Attendees: Hiyori, Akari, Seiyu, Kana, Ko

I learned that God is the one who gives/takes away. It’s important that I constantly remind myself that everything that has happened in my life is under God’s hand—the good and bad. He blesses but he also allows bad things to happen in order to teach me. Yet, he will never do/allow anything to happen that will destroy me.

Hiyori learned that only by coming to understand that you’re forgiven, will you come to have the heart to repent.

Akari learned that everything comes from God. She applied this specifically in terms of asking for wisdom and the salvation of souls. We, humans, do not have wisdom, thus, we must always ask God for it. In the same way, for salvation, we aren’t the ones that save people, it is God only.
For her week, she shared that she had a lot of online classes that week. Since they were in between her in-person classes, she just chose to attend them (virtually) at school.

Kanami and Seiyu did not have anything to share about the chapter or their weeks.

*we also didn’t have anything to pray about so we just closed after sharing.

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ヨブ記 12章

出席者： ひより、あかり、聖句（せいゆ）、香奈、昂（こう）

分かち合いの内容

私は神様は与え、そして奪う方であることを学びました。自分の人生に起きたすべてのこと——良いことも悪いことも——は神様の手の中にあるということを、常に自分に言い聞かせることが大切だと感じています。神様は祝福をくださいますが、私を教え導くために、悪いことが起きるのも許されます。しかし、神様は私を滅ぼすようなことは決してなさらないし、許されもしません。

ひより：自分が赦されているということを理解して初めて、悔い改める心が生まれるのだということを学びました。

あかり：すべてのものは神様から来るということを学びました。彼女はこれを、特に知恵を求めることと、魂の救いという点に当てはめて考えました。私たち人間には知恵がないので、常に神様に知恵を求めなければなりません。同様に、救いに関しても、人を救うのは私たちではなく、神様だけなのです。

今週の近況報告として、オンライン授業がたくさんあったと話してくれました。対面授業の合間にあったので、学校から（オンラインで）出席することにしたそうです。

かなみとせいゆは、今週の章や近況について、特に共有することはありませんでした。

備考: 特に祈祷課題がなかったので、分かち合いの後はそのままお祈りをして終了しました。

We started at 11:00 AM and ended at 11:40 AM.

The participants were Kanami, Hiyori, Akari, Ko, and Seiyu.

Ko learned that God’s thoughts are always higher than human understanding and noted that it was good for Job to cry out to God. He shared that his week was the same as usual.

Hiyori shared that because Jesus had not yet come to Earth during Job’s time, Job didn’t have the same assurance of forgiveness that we have today. She also feels grateful knowing her sins are forgiven because of Jesus’ sacrifice. She shared about working on a group project yesterday regarding communication among children.

Kanami reflected on the importance of thinking deeply about why suffering happens and why God allows it. She shared that her restaurant celebrated its two-year anniversary last week.

Akari shared that the way Job’s friend accused him in Chapter 11 was unhelpful. She learned that accusing friends doesn’t provide comfort and realized the importance of choosing words carefully. She also enjoyed making madeleines yesterday with Emiri.

I learned that suffering and hardships are a necessary part of life, as God uses them to help us grow.

Ended with a prayer by Ko, who prayed that God would give the youth the heart to make a comfortable environment where the juniors could speak their minds freely.

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午前11時に始まり、午前11時40分に終了しました。

参加者は、かなみ、ひより、あかり、こう、そしてせいゆでした。

こうは、神の思いは常に人間の理解を超えていることを学び、ヨブが神に叫んだことは良いことだったと指摘しました。彼は、ヨブの週はいつもと変わらない様子だったと話しました。

ひよりは、ヨブの時代にはイエスはまだ地上に来られていなかったため、ヨブは現代の私たちが持っているような赦しの確信を持っていなかったと話しました。また、イエスの犠牲によって自分の罪が赦されたことを知り、感謝の気持ちを抱いています。彼女は昨日、子どもたちのコミュニケーションに関するグループプロジェクトに取り組んだことを話しました。

かなみは、なぜ苦しみが起こるのか、そしてなぜ神はそれを許すのかを深く考えることの大切さについて振り返りました。彼女は、自分のレストランが先週開店2周年を迎えたことについて話しました。

あかりは、第11章でヨブの友人がヨブを非難した方法は役に立たなかったと話しました。友人を非難しても慰めにはならないことを学び、言葉を慎重に選ぶことの大切さに気づいたと話しました。昨日はえみりとマドレーヌ作りも楽しんでいました。

苦しみや困難は人生に必要なものだと学びました。神様はそれらを通して私たちを成長させてくださるからです。

最後に、こうが祈りを捧げました。神様が若者たちに、後輩たちが自由に意見を言えるような居心地の良い環境を作る心を与えてくださるようにと。

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 10:30am – 11am

Job 9

Ko said he shared that he can relate to Job trying to get approval from God. He learned that he shouldn’t try to prove his worth to God but instead know that he was saved through God’s grace and love. Ko also shared about his class in contemporary social theory.

Hiyori said she learned to keep having hope in God no matter what is happening because God is always guiding you. Hiyori said her favorite class this semester is human anthropology.

Seiyu didn’t share anything from the chapter this time. He said that he enjoys his anatomy class.

Kana learned that if you don’t know why something is happening, you should seek answers from God and know that he is always there.

I learned about how great and important it is to have a personal relationship with God, knowing that God knows you individually. I also shared that I enjoy my user interface design class the most.

At the end, we prayed so that, at each of our schools and workplaces, God will be with us and that his kingdom will spread there.

This morning, starting at 11:00-11:40, we read Job chapter 7 & 8.

Participants were Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari & Kanami.

First, I started with prayer.

Akari learned from Job when he described that life on earth is short like an instant knowing that is important because it reminded her to live meaningfully according to God’s will and to not waste time doing nothing.

Not just her week but during the February month, she spent a lot of time crocheting which she enjoyed like when she made the sheep for the Valentine’s Day shop and also she made gift for Nao-chan & Chris.

Hiyori learned that when you face harsh training where you are unsure with your future or don’t know what to do, in those moment it’s important to return to trusting God. Holding onto faith and continuing to believe that God will help her give her strength and renewed hope.From her week, she did her proposal project and do some of her homework.

Ko learned that crying out to God is not wrong because it shows the relationship he has with Him. He thought it wasn’t right to cry out to God because it looks like you are talking back to Him. But it actually shows that you are seeking God and wanting to understand His will. From his personal experience, he learned how important to confess positively, no matter how you’re feeling that moment and if you continue to confess positively he sees how it build his faith.From his week, he enjoyed the wedding on Saturday and was fun to serve others.

I learned from Job that even when he did not fully understand why he is suffering, he continued to seek God. This taught me to keep trusting God and not lose faith, even when I don’t understand my circumstances.

From this week, it was usual week just working and I missed out the wedding, but I was able to hear from others how it went.

Seiyu didn’t had anything to share on these chapters.His week was also the same as usual going to the school and to the gym. He said it was interesting learning about human body in his class.

Lastly, Hiyori prayed about Kazuki, believing that he will accept God and thanking God that he will be saved. She stood on Acts 2:21.

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko (Akari couldn’t join due to work)
Time: 10:30-11:00am

Today, I prayed in the beginning and we read from Job chapter 6.

Ko: He learned about standing strong on what he believe, in God’s word. Job also needed to do this because of friend’s word, which God is looking at Job’s faith. So when encouraging friend, ask God first, and choose the right word and action. From this week, he shared that he went to college for classes.

Kanami: She shared that she was able to see how Job knew that his friend was not helping truthfully, and saying you’ve done wrong. But Job knew God was with him, but in this chapter, he is trying to find what’s right in God’s sight. So even if your friend says somethings wrong, be able to know that you need to stand on truth.

Seiyu: In this chapter, he learned about not to give criticism but give word with compassion. Also doing with right motivation when you talk to friend or people you are close with. For his week, he said he went to college and gym.

Hiyori: What I learned is that from Verse 13 it mentions how Job thought about why all this situations are bad, even though he thought he tried his best. So in your life, or if friend told you about they are feeling lost, it’s important to share that there’s God’s word. And that God is always there to help you when you need and ask him.
From the week, I shared that I will be having midterm this week.

At the end, Ko prayed about how praise/guitar and newspaper leaders could do things in God’s will, and that other people will also be together and have unity. We stand on these scripture Colossians 3:17 and Philippians 2:3.

Attendees: Kanami, Akari, Hiyori, Seiyu, Ko

I learned how I should be careful who I listen to. I should always ask God for his discernment.

Hiyori shared how she should read the Bible more in order to know God’s voice and what is right and wrong.

Kanami shared how she should always be careful in what she says when it comes to trying to help/encourage someone.

Akari shared that it’s important to have a deep relationship with God so that you will be able to know what the right thing is not bc someone said so but bc God’s word says so.

Seiyu did not have anything to share

After this, Akari prayed about the newcomer that came yesterday. She stood on Acts 2:47.

We then discussed how we can all send him an email.

Before ending, we discussed the permanent leaders for the newsletter and Guitar.

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参加者 (Attendees)

奏美 (Kanami)、朱里 (Akari)、日和 (Hiyori)、聖有 (Seiyu)、航 (Ko)

分かち合い (Sharing)

• 自分自身: 誰の言葉に耳を傾けるか、注意深くあるべきだと学びました。常に神様に識別力を求める必要があります。

• 日和: 神様の声を知り、何が正しくて何が間違っているかを判断するために、もっと聖書を読むべきだと分かち合いました。

• 奏美: 誰かを助けたり励ましたりする際、自分の発言には常に気を付けるべきだと分かち合いました。

• 朱里: 誰かが言ったからではなく、神様の御言葉がそう言っているからという理由で「何が正しいか」を知ることができるよう、神様と深い関係を築くことが重要だと分かち合いました。

• 聖有: 特に分かち合いはありませんでした。

祈りと話し合い (Prayer & Discussion)

その後、朱里が昨日来た新入会者のために祈りました。彼女は使徒言行録 2章47節を握って祈りました。

次に、全員で彼にどのようにメールを送るべきかについて話し合いました。

最後に、ニュースレターとギターの固定リーダー（担当者）について話し合い、終了しました。

参加者：ひより、あかり、こう、かな、せいゆ

今朝は10時半からヨブ記1章から3章を読みました。昨日は集まれなかったので、今日は3章を取り上げ、読書の進捗状況を把握しました。

ひより：人生には信仰が揺らぐ時があることを学びました。教会に通い、聖書を読むことが大切だと言いました。また、今朝早くに中間試験が終わったことも話してくれました。

こう：彼は、神は決して私たちを見捨てず、自分の状況ばかりに目を向けてはいけないこと、神は常に私たちを助けてくださることを学びました。今週の出来事としては、昨日の科学館への遠足、特にバスケットボールとサッカーをしたスポーツの展示が楽しかったそうです。

あかり：これらの章を読むと詩篇23篇を思い出しました。ヨブはダビデのような神との個人的な関係を欠いているように思えたと彼女は指摘しました。ヨブの物語は神を畏れることを思い出させてくれましたが、ダビデの物語は神は常に善良であることを思い出させてくれました。彼女はまた、昨日は大雨にもかかわらず学校に通ったと話してくれました。

カナ：ヨブの義について触れつつも、3章の終わり頃にヨブの口調がなぜあんなに否定的になったのか疑問に思いました。否定的になることは結局無意味であり、信仰と義を保つことの方が大切だと結論づけました。コウと同じように、彼女も昨日の活動、特に運動会を楽しみました。

神様はすべての人の人生に計画を持っておられ、困難には理由があることを学びました。今週の出来事については、特に話すことはありませんでした。

私たちはナオの結婚式のために祈り、すべてが神さまの計画通りに進むようにと願いました。その後、数分間、異言で祈りました。

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Participants: Hiyori, Akari, Ko, Kana, Seiyu

This morning, starting at 10:30 AM, we read Job chapters 1–3. Since we were unable to meet yesterday, we covered three chapters today to stay on track with our reading.

Hiyori: She learned that there will be times in life when faith may waver. She said that it is important for her to consistently attend church and read the Bible. She also shared that she completed a midterm exam earlier this morning.

Ko: He learned that God will never forsake us and that we should not focus solely on our circumstances, as God will always help you. Regarding his week, he enjoyed yesterday’s trip to the Science Center, specifically the sports exhibition where he played basketball and soccer.

Akari: The chapters reminded her of Psalm 23. She noted that Job seemed to lack the same personal relationship with God that David possessed. While Job’s story reminded her to fear the Lord, David reminded her that God is always good. She also shared that she attended school yesterday despite the heavy rain.

Kana: She noted Job’s righteousness but wondered why his tone became so negative by the end of chapter 3. She concluded that being negative is ultimately pointless and that maintaining faith and righteousness is more important. Like Ko, she enjoyed yesterday’s activity, particularly the sports exhibition.

l learned that God has a plan for everyone’s life and that hardships happen for a reason. I didn’t have anything to share about my week.

We prayed for Nao’s wedding, asking that everything goes according to God’s plan. Afterward, we spent a few minutes praying in tongues.

This morning, starting at 10 am, we read Esther chapter 5 & 6.
Participants were Hiyori and Akari.

Hiyori saw two things, one that Mordecai had humble heart by protecting the king without seeking credit. Even though he could have told the king what he did, he remained faithful. Another thing is to be careful about who you surround yourself with because like Haman’s case, Satan uses people surrounding to encourage into wrong ways.

Akari learned that it’s not up to you to get reward or punishment, God sees everything and will do it. This is clear in both Haman and Mordecai’s case. Haman boast and punish those he dislike, but Mordecai continued to do what was right. In the end, God honored Mordecai, showing that doing the right thing consistently matters.

In another perspective, I see that Mordecai had forgiving heart where he never took revenge on Haman, even though Haman hated him and plan to kill him and all the Jews. The part where he step backwards and let God handle everything was the right thing which is important.

We didn’t share what had happened this week because our week just started.
In the end, I prayed for upcoming president day events, to go smoothly with the planning and preparation.

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Akari

Time: 10am – 10:40am

Hiyori learned from Esther that when you are being trained, you are put in a place to make a decision. She said that she wants to be able to choose Gods will in those situations rather than saving myself. She also shared that this week she was able to get into a class she was waitlisted for.

Seiyu shared that how Esther fasted for three days and she got boldness from God stood out to him the most. Throughout this week he said that he’s been trying to recover from the cough.

Kana said that it was interesting that Mordecai asked Esther for help, and that she should also ask for help when she needs and God will help her. Kana shared that she went to Korean BBQ for her birthday on Monday.

I learned that God has a plan for each person and puts people in certain circumstances because he has plans for you there like Esther and that I also want to fulfill my purpose. I shared that my family ate karaage and purin that my mom made for my birthday.

In the end Seiyu prayed for safety during his family’s and Junko sans trip to Japan.

Esther 3-4
*Tomas’s violin practice was suddenly moved to around 3:45pm, so he wasn’t able to join the Bible Reading. However, after the Bible Reading, we (Emiri, Tomas, and I) discussed the newsletter for next week as we are the leaders and he was able to join for that.

Ko:
I learned once again about being able act within just my relationship between me and God (idk if I’m phrasing that properly).
*I didn’t have anything to share about my week so far

Emiri:
Referencing ch. 4:14, she learned that everything happens within God’s plan/knowing. God’s ways are always more than what we expect so we shouldn’t limit him according to our imagination. He has a purpose for us so we should always strive to do his will.
Week:
She watched a video for her internship.

Timothy:
Didn’t have anything to share from the chapter. He just mentioned how he had a lot to do and was very tired (no energy).

Prayer:
Emiri wanted to pray for all the people that have gotten sick.
Scripture: Exodus 15:26

After the Bible reading, Emiri, Tomas, and I discussed what we should do for next month’s newsletter. Here’s what we came up with: *this is not final

1) Main Heading: God’s Love (since it’s the month of valentine)
Everyone will write a brief 2-3 sentence testimony of their experience of God’s Love/grace and how it differs from human love
We will have a drawing for this portion.

2) Subsection: President’s Day
Images/vids
Reflection of how the day went from 2-3 people

3) And a Junior Section

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エステル記 3-4章
*トーマスのバイオリンの練習時間が急遽午後3時45分頃に変更になったため、聖書朗読会には参加できませんでした。しかし、聖書朗読会の後、私たち（エミリ、トーマス、私）はリーダーとして来週のニュースレターについて話し合ったのですが、その話し合いにはトーマスも参加できました。

コウ：
神様との関係の中で、自分自身がどのように行動すべきかについて、改めて学びました（適切な表現になっているか分かりませんが）。
*今週は特に分かち合うことはありませんでした。

エミリ：
4章14節を引用して、すべてのことは神様の計画と知恵の中で起こることを学びました。神様の御業は常に私たちの想像を超えるものなので、私たちの想像力で神様を制限してはいけません。神様は私たち一人ひとりに目的を与えてくださっているので、私たちは常に神様の御心を行うよう努めるべきです。
今週：
インターンシップのためにビデオを視聴しました。

ティモシー：
章の内容について分かち合うことはありませんでした。ただ、やることがたくさんあってとても疲れている（元気がない）と話していました。

祈り：
エミリは、病気になったすべての人々のために祈りたいと言いました。
聖句：出エジプト記 15:26

聖書朗読の後、エミリ、トーマス、そして私は来月のニュースレターについて話し合いました。以下は話し合いの結果です（最終決定ではありません）。

1) メイン見出し：神の愛（バレンタインデーの月なので）
全員が、神の愛／恵みについての経験と、それが人間の愛とどのように違うかについて、2～3文の短い証しを書きます。
この部分にはイラストを掲載します。

2) サブセクション：プレジデントデー
画像／動画
2～3人による、その日の感想

3) ジュニアセクション

*Today, we ended up starting a lot later because Timothy was unable to join at the scheduled time as he was with his friends. Thus, we ended up starting at 5:45pm instead of 4:30pm. However, Tomas was no longer able to join at that point because he needed to clean his house.

It was already late, so we decided we would read only one chapter today and do 2 on Thursday.

Esther 2
Emiri:
Esther didn’t ask for anything for herself, because of that, God was able to lift her up and use her. She shared that she could apply this to what she’s been learning about having not just thinking/desiring for things for herself.
Week:
She had a debate in English class about whether college athletes should get paid.

Ko:
Reading this chapter, I could see how God was at work guiding and ordaining certain events to happen so that Esther would eventually become Queen. I applied this to my life about how I believe God is guiding me and transforming me so that I will eventually reach the goal/purpose he has set for me.
Week:
I shared that today I decided to treat myself for lunch instead of making it. I went to about 3 different stores to buy all kinds of foods that I wanted.

Timothy:
He learned that obedience is important. Esther was more obedient in comparison to Vashti. He believes that obedience and respect for God is important for him right now. He compared Mordecai to people like Masami-san and Pastor; vessels of God that are wise and will give you Godly advice. Thus, it is in his best interest that he follows what they say. He also mentioned how God is not specifically mentioned in the book of Esther. This makes it more applicable of him as he has never heard directly from God.

He had a lot of tests and projects during this week and so he doesn’t like this week at all and wants it to be over. He also cleaned his room. While at In-N-Out, he saw Yuka-chan. Hanna was the one that spotted him and he was surprised because he didn’t know Hanna knew him. On the way back from In-n-out, his friends visited his house to see his cat.

Prayer:
I prayed about the upcoming newsletter and the president’s day event. During the youth meeting on Sunday, we decided the next leaders for the February Newsletter: Emiri, Tomas, and I. We’ve also been discussing what we can do for the next day we’re off, which happens to be President’s Day, at least for some of us. I prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide us in determining what’s best for everyone.
Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24

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今日は、ティモシーが友達と一緒にいたため、予定していた時間に合流できず、開始時間が大幅に遅れてしまいました。そのため、4時30分ではなく5時45分に開始することになりました。しかし、その時間にはトーマスが家の掃除をしなければならなかったため、参加できなくなってしまいました。

もう遅い時間だったので、今日は1章だけ読んで、木曜日に2章読むことにしました。

エステル記2章
エミリ：
エステルは自分のために何も求めませんでした。そのため、神は彼女を高め、彼女を用いることができたのです。彼女は、自分のためだけに物事を考えたり望んだりしないことについて学んでいることと、このことを結びつけて考えることができると話しました。
今週：
英語の授業で、大学生アスリートは給料をもらうべきかどうかについてディベートをしました。

コウ：
この章を読んで、神がエステルが最終的に女王になるように、特定の出来事を導き、定められた通りに起こさせていることが分かりました。私はこれを自分の人生に当てはめて考えました。神が私を導き、変えてくださっているのは、私が最終的に神が定めてくださった目標や目的に到達するためだと信じています。
今週：
今日は自分で昼食を作る代わりに、外食することにしたと話しました。欲しいものを買うために、3軒ほどお店を回りました。

ティモシー：
彼は従順さが重要であることを学びました。エステルはワシュティと比べて従順でした。彼は今、神への従順と敬意が自分にとって重要だと考えています。彼はモルデカイをマサミさんや牧師先生のような人々と比較しました。彼らは神の器であり、賢明で、神の教えに基づいたアドバイスを与えてくれる人たちです。ですから、彼らの言うことに従うことが自分にとって最善だと考えています。彼はまた、エステル記には神の名前が具体的に記されていないことにも言及しました。これは、彼が神から直接声を聞いたことがないため、より自分に当てはまることだと感じています。

今週はテストや課題がたくさんあったので、彼は今週が全く好きではなく、早く終わってほしいと思っています。彼は部屋の掃除もしました。イン・アンド・アウト・バーガーで、ユカちゃんに会いました。ハンナが彼を見つけたのですが、ハンナが自分のことを知っているとは思っていなかったので、彼は驚きました。イン・アンド・アウトからの帰り道、友達が彼の家に猫を見に来ました。

祈り：
今後のニュースレターと大統領記念日のイベントについて祈りました。日曜日の青年会で、2月号のニュースレターの担当リーダーを決めました。エミリ、トーマス、そして私です。また、次の祝日、つまり私たちの一部にとっては大統領記念日であるその日に、何ができるかについても話し合っています。聖霊が私たちを導き、皆にとって最善の選択ができるように祈りました。
聖句：コロサイ人への手紙 3章23-24節

This morning, starting at 10 am, we read Esther chapter 1 & 2.
Participants were Seiyu and Hiyori. Akari was on call with Masami-sensei, but after she sent what she learned.

Hiyori learned it’s important to be humble in God sight. In the worldly way, humbleness is more like taking credit to yourself, but in opposite Esther were humble and give credit to Mordecai which she wants to have the same humbleness that Esther had.
In her week, she said she will start her Monday class from today.

Seiyu saw in these chapters how God was working behind all the scenes and he had a plan so these events happened. In his life a lot of things happened and might questioned him, but God has a plan and let those things happen for a reason.
He didn’t had much to do this week, but I asked him if he’s going to the gym and said he will go today.

I saw that Esther was chosen as a queen not just because of her look, but because she had humbleness and had a right heart. She also followed Mordecai diligently which I thought it represent following God. I also want to follow the right heart and follow God diligently.
For my week, at my work I’m going to think some of the appetizer for special Valentine day omakase which it’s challenging but it’s going to be a good experience.

Akari noticed that Esther had a humble and obedient character. Because of this she was chosen by the king and spiritually by God for his plan to save the Israelites. And she kept obeying Mordecai even after she becomes queen, which shows her character did not change. She can learn from her example, being humble to God, no matter what position she is in.

Lastly, we prayed for the healing who are getting sick and also for Timothy, so that his sickness is healed and God to guide him during the time Otsu-san is absent.

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今朝10時から、エステル記第1章と第2章を読みました。

参加者はせいゆとひより。あかりはまさみ先生と電話中でしたが、学んだことを後に送ってくれました。

ひよりは神様の御前で謙遜であることの大切さを学びました。世的には謙遜は自己顕示に近いが、エステルは逆に謙遜でモルデカイに栄誉を帰しました。彼女もエステルのような謙遜さを持つことが大切だと知りました。

今週の出来ことは今日から月曜日のクラスが始めるそうです。

せいゆは聖書を通して、神が全ての出来事の裏で働かれ、計画を持ってこれらの出来事を起こされたことを学びました。彼の人生にも多くの試練があったが、神には理由があってそれらを許されたことを知りました。

今週は特に予定がなかったが、ジムに行くか尋ねると「今日は行く」と答えました。

私はエステルが女王に選ばれたのは、外見だけでなく謙虚さと正しい心を持っていたからだと知りました。また、彼女はモルデカイを忠実に従ったのですが、それは神に従う姿勢を表していると思いました。私も正しい心を持って、神に忠実に従います。

今週の仕事では、特別なバレンタインデーのおまかせ料理の前菜を考案します。挑戦的ことだけど、良い経験になると思いました。

あかりは、エステルが謙虚で従順な性格だったことに気づきました。このため彼女は王に選ばれ、霊的には神によってイスラエル人を救う計画のために選ばれました。そして女王になった後もモルデカイに従い続けたことは、彼女の性格が変わらなかったことを示しています。彼女はエステルの例から、どんな立場にあっても神に対して謙虚であるべきことを学びました。

最後に、風邪を引いている人の癒しと、テモテの風邪が癒され、神さまに導かれることを祈りました。

Esther 1 (*we finished Nehemiah and will be moving onto Esther)

*Tomas had viola practice so he was unable to attend.

Ko
I shared that Vashti was not grateful for the position she was given. She was the king’s wife, which is probably like the second highest position in the kingdom. Thus, it was taken away from her. In the same way, I learned that I should be grateful with what God has given me—the blessings and the talents—and put it to use. Because if I don’t, then it can be taken from me and given to someone who will make better use of it.
Week:
I shared how I watched a crime-thriller called “The Rip.” It was interesting and had an unexacting plot-twist at the end. I also watched the 3rd and 4th episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. They were both good, especially the 4th episode. There is this character called Maki, she goes absolutely crazy in the 4th episode. Finally, I shared how I went to visit a park near my house where I used to play basketball. It has a little neighborhood trail that I walked. It took a lot longer than I thought, over 2 hours. However, it was very nice. If the youth come by my area some time in the future, I think it’s a nice park where everyone can play. They have a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball field, soccer field, trails, workout stations, a place for horse riding/training, and a playground for children.

Emiri:
Queen Vashti set was an example for all the women in the kingdom. In the same way, we are examples of Christ as Christians, so all our words/actions are being judged by non-christians. Thus, what we do impacts howitzer people perceive God.
Week:
She’s been watching the Australian Open—international tennis tournament. She’s amazed by how well the professionals have mastered their techniques.

Timothy:
He felt that Vashti wasn’t exactly in the wrong. The king overreacted and got unnecessarily angry. Moreover, Vashti was objectified for her beauty. In response to this, Emiri and I shared how we’ve learned from the sermons that we shouldn’t always look too intently at the exact context of the story, but rather, what God is trying to say through the story. There are many Biblical stories that do not make sense by just looking at it from a narrative standpoint such as the story in 1 Kings about the man of God being mauled by a lion. After hearing this, Timothy stated that if Xerxes represents God, and we are Vashti, then we should be mindful of how we set ourselves in front of others.
Week:
A new game called Arknights: Endfield came out and he played it for 5 hours with his friends yesterday. He was out of red bull, so he just drank coffee and 2 cherry cokes to help him stay awake. He planned to do the same today, but realized he may not be able to due to the amount of hw he has.

Prayer:
Timothy wanted to pray for his junior year as he realizes it’s an important year which will determine where he goes next in college. He prayed that God will guide him to help him find something that he wants to do. He prayed on behalf of all of us, since we all our juniors at our schools.
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

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エステル記 1章（ネヘミヤ記を終え、エステル記に入ります）

*トマスはヴィオラの練習があったため、参加できませんでした。

コウ：
私は、ワシュティが与えられた地位に感謝していなかったことを話しました。彼女は王妃であり、おそらく王国で2番目に高い地位にありました。そのため、その地位は彼女から奪われました。同じように、私も神が与えてくださったもの、祝福や才能に感謝し、それを活用しなければならないことを学びました。もしそうしなければ、それは私から奪われ、より有効に活用できる人に与えられる可能性があるからです。
今週：
私は「ザ・リップ」という犯罪スリラー映画を見たことを話しました。面白くて、最後には意外な展開がありました。呪術廻戦シーズン3の第3話と第4話も観ました。どちらも良かったですが、特に第4話が良かったです。マキというキャラクターが出てくるのですが、第4話では彼女がものすごく活躍します。それから、以前よくバスケットボールをしていた近所の公園に行った話もしました。公園には小さな遊歩道があって、そこを歩きました。思ったより時間がかかって、2時間以上かかりました。でも、とても気持ちよかったです。もし将来、若い人たちが私の住んでいる地域に来ることがあれば、みんなが楽しめる素敵な公園なのでぜひ行ってみてほしいです。バスケットボールコート、テニスコート、野球場、サッカー場、遊歩道、トレーニング施設、乗馬・調教場、子供向けの遊び場などがあります。

エミリ：
ヴァシュティ女王は王国中の女性たちの模範でした。同じように、私たちクリスチャンはキリストの模範となるべき存在なので、私たちの言葉や行動はすべて、クリスチャンではない人たちによって判断されているのです。
今週：
彼女は全豪オープンテニス選手権を観戦しています。プロ選手たちがどれほど見事に技術を習得しているかに感銘を受けています。

ティモシー：
彼は、ヴァシュティが必ずしも間違っていたわけではないと感じていました。王は過剰反応し、不必要に怒ったのです。さらに、ヴァシュティは美しさゆえに物として扱われていました。これに対し、エミリと私は、説教を通して学んだこと、つまり、物語の正確な文脈ばかりに目を向けるのではなく、神がその物語を通して何を伝えようとしているのかを考えるべきだということを話しました。列王記上にある、神の人がライオンに襲われる話のように、物語の視点からだけ見ると理解できない聖書の物語はたくさんあります。これを聞いて、ティモシーは、もしクセルクセス王が神を表し、私たちがヴァシュティだとすれば、私たちは人前でどのように振る舞うべきかを意識しなければならない、と述べました。
今週：
「アークナイツ：エンドフィールド」という新しいゲームが発売され、彼は昨日友達と5時間プレイしました。レッドブルが切れていたので、眠気を覚ますためにコーヒーとチェリーコークを2本飲みました。今日も同じようにしようと思っていましたが、宿題の量が多いので無理かもしれないと気づきました。

祈り：
ティモシーは、大学進学先を決める重要な年である3年生について祈りたいと思っていました。神が彼を導き、自分が本当にやりたいことを見つけられるように祈りました。私たち全員が学校で3年生なので、彼は私たち全員のために祈ってくれました。
聖句：フィリピ人への手紙 4:6-7