Wow, words of wisdom from Him, regarding ministries, reaching/sharing with others, karate, etc…written by the messenger, Sensei Trisha (I always tell her, she’s my favorite daughter…she always responds, “Right, I’m your only daughter.”)
It was since June of last year (2004) that God had spoken to me about this journey. I was quite hesitant to take the leap and begin a Karate Ministry, so I procrastinated. I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested, much less, actually learn something from me. Yet, who am I to know what the outcome would be?
After a year of wrestling, I finally gave in. I began the process, all the while, in denial. The timeslot was booked for the gym, flyers were posted, and I spread the word. To my surprise people seemed interested; to my demise, no one really committed. I had to keep focus. Shotokan Karate is an art focused on character building. I had to “seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor …” if it truly was God’s leading. Like any ministry, we can only give what we have. If I don’t have these traits, how would I expect anyone else to?
My walk to the gym felt like hours on the first day of training (although it literally takes two minutes). I had my gi bottom on and had known that everyone recognized me and what I was about to do. No one was there. The entire gym was mine. I then put on my top and belt on in faith. It was slightly embarrassing since the workout room overlooks the gym. Fifteen minutes later, I had a total of six students. As soon as we began, it felt like teaching came so naturally (we know this to be the Holy Spirit). The next day, I was approached by all sorts of people who had heard good things about the class. More of an interest arose.
Out of the original six people, only three stayed, although, they were slowly replaced by seven others, totaling the regulars to about eleven students. As of last week, we currently have three blue belts who are definitely up to par with other dojos. The others will hopefully try for their blue belt next semester. I have heard of about five more that desire to jump in next semester, and more that are fishing to see if the times will fit in their schedule.
I was amazed to see how God worked. More than half of my current students have expressed their long-time desire to train; some since they were children. Their faces light up every class. They ask questions. They practice at home … well, not ALL of them … but many of them. There was much unseen hunger for this art, although God knew. We have all grown deeper in knowledge and in fellowship with one another. I can honestly say that it is for this ministry that I will be terribly sad to leave California. I would have loved to see them all blossom to their full potential and begin to learn the “fun stuff”, advance techniques. I am leaving in May and new students are on the way. Still, even with such a short period of time, they gain a new perspective on body movement, on life, and love for one another, as we have seen in the past 3 months already.
Karate is used as an opportunity to learn how to incorporate God into another aspect of life, then hopefully in every aspect. Through the intricacies of movement and analyzing our thought processes, we learn much about God and our relationship with Him. This is what the students will take with them. I am simply the messenger.
His servant …
“Sensei” Trisha