One of the participants, Brother Xu from Tokyo, attended a Christmas retreat for the first time since coming to Japan. Although he has not been studying the Word for long, he carries a deep spiritual hunger. Through the teachings at the retreat, he gained a clearer understanding that welcoming Jesus Christ requires an attitude of obedience and a humble heart—truly waiting for Christ to enter one’s life. The gathering also allowed him to experience a sense of church life that he had long missed. It is our prayer that this retreat will serve as an opportunity for him to become more engaged in church life and to continue seeking growth in his faith.

As YD Japan moves forward, we pray that the Lord will continue to guide the lambs to remain rooted in His Word in their daily studies and lives, to be built up in love, and to grow steadily into mature disciples.

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In the sermon, P. Edward addressed the challenge believers face as a “creative minority” striving to remain faithful in a world marked by pain and spiritual darkness. Drawing from Zechariah’s prophecy in Luke 1, he emphasized that Christ came as the rising sun, bringing forgiveness, mercy, and light to those living in darkness and under the shadow of death. From John 1:1-18, the sermon affirmed that Jesus is the eternal Word and the true Light who existed from the beginning.

Though sin brought darkness into the world, the light of Christ cannot be overcome. As the second Adam, Christ restores what was broken and reconciles humanity to God, guiding believers to walk confidently with Him. The message concluded with a call to faithful obedience-seeking God’s Kingdom first, persevering on the narrow path, and living out Christ’s teachings in love. Though the journey of faith is challenging, Christ’s light leads believers on the path of peace and toward eternal hope. 

Following the service, the retreat community shared a time of testimonies and reflections. Bror said, “Each time I come to YD HQ, I witness so many developments that open my eyes to see the Work of God.” Pan shared how God had transformed him from someone who could not speak in front of others into someone now able to preach the Word. “I am determined to sharpen the sword of God’s Word and feed the Lord’s sheep,” he said. Marcus added, “I feel a strong sense of belonging here, and I look forward to experiencing God’s work during the SLT Christmas Retreat.” Faith Young was inspired by seeing new leaders carry on the fire of the Gospel. 

Later, all the retreat participants came together to prepare lunch, understanding the love they had received. There was also a time of gift-giving, celebrating the bonds formed throughout the retreat.

As the YD HQ Christmas Retreat came to a close, participants departed encouraged and strengthened, ready to continue walking in the light of Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. 

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The post The Conclusion of the Young Disciples Christmas Retreat: Walking in the Light of Christ  appeared first on Young Disciples.

The day began with a morning devotional led by Brother Pan, based on John 15:1-8, where Jesus teaches that He is the true vine and we are the branches. The message emphasized the importance of abiding in Christ, reminding the group that only by remaining connected to Him can we bear lasting fruit in our lives. 

Following the devotional, Brother Ekdahl drove the retreat participants to Denver for a one-day trip. The first stop was the Christmas Christkindl Market, where members enjoyed the festive atmosphere, explored local Christmas traditions, and experienced the joy of the season together. The group then traveled to Red Rocks Park, one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, members were reminded of the beauty and majesty of God’s creation, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude for His handiwork. 

The day concluded with dinner at Hong Kong Station, where everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and meaningful table fellowship. Conversations, laughter, and shared reflections made for a warm and joyful end. 

The experiences of worship, fellowship, and shared joy throughout the day strengthened their unity and deepened their faith. 

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The first for the day was given by Bror Ekdahl, who led a study on Matthew 6:19-34, covering treasures in heaven and worry. In his study, he covered how Jesus instructed those listening to have their priorities straight, putting God and His Kingdom first and allowing all other things, including the basic necessities of life, to follow. The group took a break to break bread and share about the message, and also to enjoy lunch together.

Bible studies resumed in the afternoon, first led by Pastor Faith Young, covering Matthew 7:1-20. In this passage, Jesus taught that judgment and condemnation are never the end goal of admonishing someone, but instead, loving and building others up is what we are called to do. He also taught that our faith should be one of asking God, one that embraces all of God’s Word, the easy and difficult parts to follow, as well as bearing fruit in our lives. The last Bible study of the day and the retreat was given by Ekdahl, who covered the final words of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:21-29. In this passage, Jesus pointed out that those who are true disciples live with a change enacted by the Holy Spirit, and furthermore, the people who put His Words into practice build upon the Rock, who is the Lord God. 

The group reflected upon the messages delivered between Thursday and Friday and then visited the nearby Riverside Park to enjoy a brief stroll and the landscape of the Eastern Colorado plains. Attention to his humble beginnings, making the comparison between his humility and low position, and encouraging those present to view the position God has given each of them as a place where God can work in each of their lives.

The remaining agenda for the retreat includes a visit to Denver for Christmas festivities, including a German-themed Christmas market, a meal at the popular Hong Kong Station restaurant, and viewing the Mile High Tree in Downtown Denver. 

If you are reading this while the weekend is still going on, we ask for prayer that the remainder of this retreat may be blessed and enriching for all who are joining. 

Join Our Fellowship Community:
This Advent season, find deeper joy in fellowship with like-minded students who are also walking in faith. Join us in our weekly online Bible study fellowship.

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Participants have been arriving since Wednesday afternoon. Those present on Wednesday evening enjoyed dinner together and attended the Wednesday service at Immanuel Church in Fort Morgan. On Thursday morning, the first of the Bible studies began. Pastor Edward Shih kicked off the studies by looking at the Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). He walked through each of the blessings which Jesus spoke of and explained how these blessings ultimately come to be by allowing the work of Jesus in our lives, and how they reveal a portion of God’s Heavenly Kingdom in our lives. Shih also led the second study, covering the passages on the Salt and Light and the Fulfillment of the Law, which Jesus brought. The salt and light are allegories for those who follow Jesus, who commended His followers to live with distinction– keeping a firm identity as followers to preserve the true meaning and purpose of life and so bless the rest of the world. This study also covered how, with the completion of the Law brought by Jesus, believers are still to follow the law God gives, but with a motive of love. 

The participants present took a break for a wonderful taco lunch prepared by YD staff. Following lunch, the next Bible study commenced, led again by Shih. In this third study, he covered Matthew 5:21-48, exploring six separate laws that Jesus used as tools to reveal how the Gospel completes the law. These laws concern murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, vengeance, and dealing with enemies. Each of these has a corresponding core issue that the Gospel addresses through a greater standard. These core issues are anger, lust, hardness of heart, keeping up appearances before others, feeling wronged, and being selective in love, respectively. Each of these exists primarily as an issue in the heart, unseen by others, but must be addressed in that place so that none grow into a bigger problem.

The final study for the day was given by Siheng Pan, on Matthew 6:1-18, covering Jesus’ teachings on giving, prayer, and fasting. Central to each of these is the heart behind the action; each one of these things can easily be maligned into actions that are done before others, expressly for receiving praise from others. However, Jesus taught that these things are only a blessing when done with the motivation for God to see them. Following this Bible study, those participating gathered in the gymnasium at the YD headquarters to cut loose for some physical activity.

The lineup included table tennis, badminton, and basketball. A Japanese curry dinner followed. The day ended with a praise and prayer session, both to sing worship songs and to pray for the needs of YD. 

It was a blessed beginning to the retreat, filled with the Holy Spirit and the love of God. Members gave thanks for the Word that renews hearts and prayed that the following days would bring even deeper encounters with Christ and greater devotion to His mission. 

Join Our Fellowship Community:
This Advent season, find deeper joy in fellowship with like-minded students who are also walking in faith. Join us in our weekly online Bible study fellowship.

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