Every Good Thing: March 2007

God has used many experiences over the past two months to show me that a ministry philosophy, just like an understanding of and relationship with God, should be dynamic. As we grow and are molded by different people and experiences, so God grows our faith and strategies for sharing that faith with others.

God is working in Japan, friends! Thank you for taking time to read about them and pray.

Hokkaido: Upon my return to Japan on December 26th, the team traveled together to Nisseko and Sapporo in the northern island of Hokkaido. Michiko's family hosted us and it was a joy to

get to know them and see Michiko, Jon, and Hijiri together with family and friends. We were able to do many things while we were there: celebrates birthdays (Joel's 29th and Hijiri's 1st), ski, play games together, worship together, greet the new year and enjoy much time eating and fellowshipping with each other. This picture is from a concert at maternity clinic/hospital owned by friends of the Umeharas who attend the same church. We were able to meet many people there, experience how the facility ministers to families, and even sing for a family welcoming a brand new baby into their love. A beautiful experience!

Osaka: After a couple days of unpacking and repacking following our return from Hokkaido, Ben, Joel, Erica and I left Sendai again to meet Judith and Gae (missionaries working in Ibaraki, Japan) in Osaka. For about a week, the six of us were able to talk with, pray with, and observe missionaries Chad and Jennifer Huddleston and meet the team they work with to plant churches in that area. After being a part of that house church environment and experiencing active and intense moments in prayer, our team came away with a renewed perspective on and vision for ministry in Japan. Prayer is so much a part of what that team does. The experience reminded us all in a powerful way how important and integral prayer is in ministry. My love for Japanese people and awareness of their need for faith grew. Japan needs more missionaries! When you have a moment, will you please pray from Luke 10:2? "He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Kojima: It was such a joy to be able to go to Kojima in Okayama prefecture with Erica for a couple of days during the Osaka visit. Erica interned for Brent and Sandy Rogers, the missionaries there, for several months last year and it was a rich blessing to see her reconnect with her friends. We helped the team prepare for a Christmas party and got to meet many new readers. Would you please pray for the ministries in Kojima? Pictured here are Miho, Kumi, and Miao san. Each of these three ladies are studying English with a mission team from Chico, California.

Back in Sendai: It's good to be home! Upon beginning our second quarter, Erica and I have seen God working in the hearts of the people we read and discuss the Bible with. Here are some of the questions our Gospel Singing Class talked about last time after we sang "The Greatest Commands" together:

How do you love God? Is it the same as loving your parents?
What happens if a person does not love God?
Why do I have to love God?
If God loves everyone, why do some people go to hell?
Are there people who believe in God out of fear?
Why did God create people?
Why did God become a man?

Lord, we ask for Your wisdom in answering questions about our faith. We want others to feel the love that we have experienced and come to faith because of that love.

Thank you so much for your prayers!