Lib

This episode was originally a recording for a retreat on Vocations in Tokyo but I decided to share it on my podcast. This is the story of my journey as a missionary from South Africa to Japan, it is a testament of God's goodness and faithfulness and I hope it will give encourage each of you in your own journeys. God bless 🙏

グレイ賢人は日本の大学生で、アーティストでもあります。彼は日本人のクリスチャンで、プロテスタントからカトリックへの信仰の旅路を語ってくれます。このエピソードでは、聖体礼拝の中で体験した聖母マリアやイエス・キリストとの驚くべき出会いの物語が満載です。この感動的な証しをお見逃しなく！

Kento Gray is a college student in Japan and an artist. He is Japanese christian who shares his journey from Protestantism to Catholicism . This is episode is full of incredible stories of his encounter with Mother Mary and Jesus during eucharistic adoration. Don't miss out on this incredible testimony! If you have any questions or thoughts, drop a comment below.

Shiori Yamada is a catholic woman with a beautiful voice. She uses it on her youtube channel to praise God but also to teach young children about the faith in church. She shares about her faith journey; the challenges and beautiful moments. Have a listen to her testimony which has also been translated into English by Makoto Yamada. 山田しおりさんは、美しい歌声を持つカトリック信者の女性です。その声...

Declan Somers is a husband, father and the CEO of Mobell, a telecommunications service provider in the UK and Japan. He is a man of deep faith and he shares his story of doing business and encountering the living God. Declan's journey started in Ireland and has continued in many countries including Malawi and Japan. He now doesn't just do business but does business through doing charity. D...

In this episode, I speak with Sayaka Kojima who is a graduate from Sophia University in Tokyo. She and her husband, Yusuke, are teachers who started the Toka Free School which is an alternative way of studying in Japan. Here students choose their own subjects and pace of studying. Sayaka speaks about the school's beginnings and also that children are the hope of society. [Disclaimer: this epis...

Sister Maria Nguyen Thi Phuong Chi, also known as Sister Chi, belongs to the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus ACI. Sister Chi is originally from Vietnam and has been in Japan for the past 7 years as a missionary and teacher. Sister Chi speaks about her encounter with the love of Christ as a young woman and the importance of the role of love in building up the virtue of hope. She also shares...

In this episode, I speak with Michelle Karen D'Silva who shares her insights on hope through her testimonies and gives us practical advice on how to live out the virtue of hope practically. Michelle Karen D'Silva is a Catholic speaker, Youth Mentor and Women’s advocate who has spoken at multiple local and international conferences. Her conversion story from atheism to Catholicism has been...

In the Catholic Church 2025 is a Jubilee year and the theme is 'Pilgrim's of Hope'. In this episode, I will explore this theme and introduce a new series on this podcast, where we will be listening to various testimonies of hope from people around the world. To start off, listen to this episode to discover the meaning of the virtue of hope and how we, as Christian people, are called by God to brin...

In this episode, Dr Sunita Mascarenhas gives us insight into marriage as a woman who let the Lord lead her in discernment and as a married woman of 34 years. We speak about the imagery of marriage in the bible especially in this advent season. Dr. Sunita Mascarenhas , a dentist by profession, has served in various capacities such as teaching in RCIA , being involved in the liturgy ministry but mos...

In this episode, Fr Irinel Doboş, a Franciscan priest from Romania, speaks about his journey of discernment into the priesthood and his call to serve in Japan. Featured in this episode: - Faith Journey from Romania to Japan - Significance of the Priesthood in the lives of the Hidden Christians in Japan - Embracing religious life by overcoming fear and finding happiness in God This episode's in...

Makoto Yamada joins us on Lib to speak about his journey of discernment and his passion as director of NPO Seibo Japan. Featured in this episode: - Makoto's inspirtation, motivation and advice on dreams and purpose - Marian apparations -Tony Smith, Mobell -Seibo's beginnings -Japan's connection with Malawi -Charity -Opus Dei 'Sanctify the world through work' -Invitation from Se...

In this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Ilunga who is a dear friend of mine. She is a multi-talented women who is currently completing her PhD in Japan . Jessica will be sharing a poem she wrote about the intricacies of family relationships and the effects it has in our lives. We'll be sharing deeply about our lives and also on the very special relationship between mothers and daughters. Ch...

How do we live the Christian life in our society? This episode is a reflection on our walk with God. Are we walking for the sake of walking or are we walking because of who God is? Whatever the answer may be, know that the love of God is always ready to embrace you in your current season.

The word 'covenant' is not used much today, but in ancient times it was a commonly understood concept. In this reflection I will talk about the most important covenant in human history which has changed the world and humankind. This is the unbreakable covenant between God and humankind through Jesus Christ. 'If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and the...

It's week 3 of lent! Otsukaresama desu! This is Japanese for "thank you for working hard!". This week, I'll share with you the gospel, the good news, to remind you that Lent is about meeting Jesus and about His love and sacrifice.

Fasting is an important part of life especially during lent as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ with the worldwide church. Fasting is also a form of penance and in this episode, I'll be giving some tips on how to approach fasting during this lenten period.

It's lent and in this episode I'll be speaking about drawing closer to God intentionally through 3 steps. Reference scripture: Psalm 19:14

What do you do when you wait? On the edge of opportunity, in the ordinary time, the habits we cultivate determine our survival and success in suffering. In the times when life is going smooth, turning continuously to God will propel you through bad times.

Makoto Yamada is the director of an NPO called Seibo and Warm Hearts Coffee Club which does great work by feeding schoolchildren in Malawi by selling coffee. Makoto is also a Catholic who was part of the first International Youth Advisory Body which comprised of young people from all over the world. This body represented at the Vatican the voice of the youth. In this episode which we recorded in O...

In this episode, I speak with Yuri Osborne who is the manager of victim support services for Zoe Japan, an anti-human trafficking NGO. Yuri shares about her involvement in Zoe Japan and the activities they do locally, specifically prevention of child trafficking. This NGO's power is not only from the team's dedication to the cause but also their love of Jesus Christ and their calling. Chec...

In this episode, Joseph Dinesh speaks openly about his experience of being addicted to pornography and how he found the way out through discovering his calling. "The two most important days in your life are  the day you are born and the day you find out why ." – Mark Twain Joseph Dinesh also known as 'JD' is an Indian Catholic influencer on Youtube. His channel, Song on Fire, has...

In this episode, we speak about: - What is toxic masculinity? - Redeeming masculinity - Inequality in women's sports -How can a man embrace his masculinity? Check out this episode and drop your comments! Ayodeji Alaketu (known as Deji) is a medical doctor from America currently working in Japan. He also has his own blog, check it out:  Godishereblog.com

Ayodeji Alaketu (known as Deji) is a medical doctor from America currently working in Japan. He also has his own blog, check it out: Godishereblog.com In this episode we will be talking about seeking truth, gender identity and fluidity definitions as well as the biological, psychological and christian perspective on gender. We touch on the reality of sin and specifically sexual sin as well as huma...

Dominique Yon and I chat about: - WYD (World Youth Day) 2023 in Portugal - Dating online - Managing expectations - Chastity (no belts please) Let us know what you think about this episode: nicole.hartz.lib@gmail.com