Practical Intensive Course on Gifts
At the Hakuba Synerugoi Camp, there is a “Practical Intensive Course on Gifts” where you can learn and practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Even those who are completely new can participate, so please feel free to join.
General Seminar
2 days on February 28th (Wednesday) morning and February 29th (Thursday) morning.
● General Seminar on The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Pastor Paul Akimoto
● General Seminar on Prophecy: Pastor Akimoto and Evangelist Fushigi (only on February 28th)
Specific Practical Training on the Gifts
2 days on February 28th (Wednesday) morning and February 29th (Thursday) morning, after the General Seminar.
Please choose the class you would like to participate in:
You can attend the same class on both days. (Single-day participation is also allowed)
● Beginners Class on the Gifts and Prophecy (Praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit) In charge: Pastor Paul Yumino
In charge: Pastor Ezekiel Kitajima
Prophecy is a significant ministry at the end of times. It is not only a grace to hear and receive, but for every Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is a guidance to actively express prophecy under the guidance of church leadership.
Following the Word of the Lord and seeking to use prophecy is the will of the Lord. As a gift given to the church, let us approach the practice of prophecy at each stage in accordance with its authority and order, always discerning carefully.
Textbook: Bible, Pastor Paulo Akimoto’s “Prophecy”
● Prophet Basic/Intermediate Class
In charge: Pastor Ezekiel Kitajima
Prophecy is a significant ministry at the end of times. It is not only a grace to hear and receive, but for every Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is a guidance to actively express prophecy under the guidance of church leadership.
Following the Word of the Lord and seeking to use prophecy is the will of the Lord. As a gift given to the church, let us approach the practice of prophecy at each stage in accordance with its authority and order, always discerning carefully.
Textbook: Bible, Pastor Paulo Akimoto’s “Prophecy”
● Prophet Advanced Class
In charge: Pastor Paul Kitano
The textbook used is “Prophecy: Its reality and use” The content of the seminar will focus on seeking to speak the word of the Lord more deeply and accurately through the practice of prophecy.
● Prophet Graduates Class
In charge: Pastor Jerusalem Sugisawa
We will review basic topics, clarify individual tasks, and engage in prophetic utterances.
● The Gift of Healing (Including Deliverance from Evil Spirits)
In charge: Pastor Peter Nagato
This class will be focused on practical activities. We will pray for those seeking healing in small groups, followed by sharing with the entire group.
● The Gift of Discerning Spiritual
In charge: Pastor Peter Kubota
In 1 Corinthians 12:10, the Bible mentions “discerning spirits” as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Among you, there are undoubtedly those who have been endowed with the gift of “discerning spirits” as a functioning aspect of the church’s ministry. Unfortunately,it might not be opened up or utilized. On the other hand, the end times are characterized by the rise of the Antichrist and a period of strong deception. God repeatedly commands us to “discern.” In fulfilling His will, discernment becomes increasingly crucial.
Now, in this class:
1. We will delve into the “discerning spirits” and the concept of “discernment” as written in the Bible.
2. Understanding the working of the Holy Spirit in “discerning” within the context of “congregational worship” as a foundation to distinguish between what is from God and what is not is an important step. Therefore, we would like to discern together, using examples such as the congregation worship from Pastor Leon’s meeting on September 22, 2023 (where Pastor Leon mentioned getting goosebumps), Pastor John Wesley’s crusade with 1.5 million people in 2024, the Hollywood team in 2024, the ongoing revival at Asbury University since February 2023, worship in Czech Republic on Charles Bridge, and the worship when the “worship team” stood on Mount Sinai, utilizing visuals and photos.
3. We will examine past cases, including the ministry of Sal Brutus in the Philippines, to practice discernment.
4. We will contemplate how the gift of the “discerning spirits” can be opened and offer prayers towards that end. Additionally, we will consider how to elevate “discernment” and pray for guidance.
5. We will refer to the Bible and “Charisma Declaration” to support our discussions.
● Faith by the Spirit
In charge: Pastor Israel Kosuda
We will learn and practice one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gift of faith.
1. Basic Learning of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Gifts received from God, given to the church. Discernment and the need for scrutiny, etc.
The biblical use of spiritual gifts.
2. Gift of Faith
The difference between the faith that all Christians have and the gift of faith.
The impact and role of using the gift of faith.
Examples of the use of the gift of faith in TLEA (possibly an organization or context).
The significance of this gift, particularly for the Japanese people.
3. Practice of the Gift of Faith
Initially, we will have a brief time for speaking prophecy, followed by the practical application of the gift of faith.
Speak about what has been revealed to oneself or what has been revealed in the practice. Those who have not experienced it yet should speak about what God promises in the Bible.
(After the actual practice)
Reflect on the differences before and after speaking, etc.
Those who have witnessed the actual use of the gift of faith will share their testimonies.
● Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge
In charge: Pastor Timothy Kobayashi
1. Looking at several Bible passages about the words of wisdom and knowledge, please share explanations and some specific testimonies that have been manifested through these gifts. Through this, share your faith regarding the use of these gifts, citing clear examples like the testimony of the monthyly magazine, “the Rainbow in the Clouds.”
2. For the purpose of healing prayers, try using words of wisdom and knowledge. Alternatively, engage in the practical application of speaking words of wisdom and knowledge, such as praying and using the word of knowledge to find lost items.
● Power to Perform Miracles
In charge: Pastor Elijah Urushima
We will study references to miracles in the Bible.
We will conduct practical training in performing miracles.
● All Nine Gifts
In charge: Pastor Isaiah Kihara
We will briefly learn about the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit from the Bible and then put them into practice.
Please bring: Bible, “Charisma Declaration”
● Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues
In charge: Pastor Paul Mori Keiichi
Basic learning:
The foundation of the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the initial phenomenon of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is no manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What happens when one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit:
Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Through receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, one receives the power of the Holy Spirit, and this power is the power of being a witness.
Tongues as the gateway to the works of the gifts from the Holy Spirit:
Acts 2:1-4 describes the disciples speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost after being filled with the Holy Spirit. The first manifestation of the gifts after the baptism of the Holy Spirit was the gift of tongues.
Two aspects of tongues:
Messages in Tongues:
Tongues are messages. This can occur when speaking directly or when there is a need for interpretation since there may be no one who understands the words spoken. The passage mentioned earlier in Acts 2:1-4, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues during Pentecost, reveals that this speaking in tongues was a message, as indicated in verse 11: “we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”
For example,
When I encountered a group of Gypsies in Europe, communication was challenging due to the language barrier. However, when I spoke in tongues, they started listening, and after a while, several of them believed in Jesus and were saved. At that moment, the tongues spoken matched their language.
During a mission trip to Tom Hess’s House of Prayer in Jerusalem, while praying on the rooftop, I heard someone speaking in tongues. It felt similar to how I pray in tongues. Upon approaching, I discovered the person was not praying but reading the Bible aloud. Since he was Arabic, I speculate that the tongues I used in prayer at that time might have been in the Arabic language.
Our pastor once prayed in tongues during a charismatic meeting. A Japanese-Brazilian Christian who understood Spanish was present and troubled about acceptance at his workplace. He was encouraged and went back strengthened after hearing the pastor’s tongues prayer, which repeated in Spanish, “I delight in you.” The pastor did not know Spanish, confirming that tongues were indeed used as a message.
Unlike these cases, there are tongues that are messages, but no one understands them. This requires the gift of interpretation. Just as we need interpreters to translate preaching and testimonies into the language of the country when serving abroad, interpretation is necessary for these messages.
Therefore, like the gifts of wisdom and knowledge, the gifts of tongues and interpretation are often used together.
Tongues as Prayer:
As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:14, “For if I pray in a tongue…”, tongues have an aspect of prayer. This kind of praying in tongues contributes to personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4). It supplements verbal prayers, enhancing the overall strength of prayer. The biblical exhortations to pray continually and by the Spirit become possible through the use of praying in tongues (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Moreover, praying in tongues opens up the spiritual realm. Through this form of prayer, one receives more communication from God, as the fellowship with God is strengthened and deepened. This leads to spiritual insights, including awareness of the presence of Satan and spiritual workings. Pastor Paul Akimoto has cited instances where tongues played a powerful role in casting out evil spirits, reinforcing the idea that praying in tongues is a key to unlocking the operation of the gifts of the Spirit.
It is crucial to note that the baptism of the Holy Spirit serves as the foundation for the operation of the gifts of the Spirit. Without experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit, these gifts cannot function. Praying in tongues, in particular, acts as the gateway to the operation of the gifts. Often, without passing through this gift, one may not access the workings of other gifts.
Following the seminar, there will be a practical session where participants will either speak in tongues or interpret tongues. Additionally, in a worship setting, after praising and singing hymns, participants will speak in tongues, and then the interpretation will follow.