Recently, I joined a Hi.B.A camp (泊まり会), a Christian group with high school and university students. Most of the activities were suggested by them: a “Takoyaki Party” (participants grill balls of batter and octopus), devotion and Bible study time, inviting the famous Christian Hokkaido band “Naito de Raito” to hold a live worship session, sharing meals, and playing card games.
One standout activity was the Takoyaki Party. The room filled with laughter and the warm aroma of freshly cooked takoyaki balls. This became more than just a meal; it transformed into a celebration of our shared experiences. We cooked, ate, and enjoyed each other’s company, fostering a sense of community that made everyone feel included.
Another highlight was our devotion time, where we shared and prayed for one another. One girl, the only Christian youth in her church, expressed her joy in being able to share her struggles.
Although Naito de Raito （ナイトdeライト） couldn’t lead us in praise since they were performing elsewhere—by God’s grace, we enjoyed their performance through YouTube during the party.
One of the most surprising discoveries was that one of the young people was exceptionally skilled at playing Takeuma, a traditional Japanese game. Watching him play was captivating, and it made me appreciate the unique talents that each of us has. It also reminded me of the importance of sharing our skills and learning from one another. A few of us even tried our hand at it for the first time, and we had a lot of fun!
Two high school students spent over three hours on the train to join this two-day, one-night camp. I know they have very busy lives, yet they were still willing to come to join us. This dedication is truly commendable.
I loved the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level. We played and ate together, read the Bible and created bonds that will last beyond those two days. It was more than just a series of activities; it was a journey of discovery and connection.
Please pray for more opportunities for young Christians in Japan to gather together.
By Karis, an OMF missionary
