GospelRest

Even though Japan is an advanced and prosperous nation there are the hidden human costs of progress.  The image of Japan, and one that the Japanese would love to project, is that this is a society with everything put together right.  One area that has been growing since the 1980’s is the number of people who are working but are just above the poverty line.  An article with a good example can be found in a Yahoo News article http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081026/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_working_poor_1/print;_ylt=Av.GTib1YUH7w5dh9iDkbzj9xg8F

One good friend of mine is a social worker in one large ward of Tokyo.  He has told me on and off over the last 20 years that the growing numbers of people on the financial ropes has been growing.  This is causing social and political problems.

Amazed by the expected and surprised by the unexpected. That describes our last 2 ½ year adventure. We returned to Japan, packed our belongings and moved to the other side of Tokyo.

In a 6 month period, we sold our condo in the States, bought a house, moved into it, moved back to Japan, and moved to the other side of Tokyo. We said good-bye to our kids who stayed behind in the U.S., said good-bye to our Japanese friends and neighbors of 15 years, moved to a new neighborhood, and had it rain for the first week. No wonder Elaine began to wonder what we had done and why.

This whole adventure started just before our last Home Assignment. We were discussing what we would do when we returned to Japan. It was one of those moments when the words come out of my mouth before the thought is in your head. Elaine said, “Why don’t we move to Machida.” John who hates change said, “Yes, why don’t we?” We looked at each other and thought what has just happened. It was God leading us to pack up and move so we moved! Following God is not always easy or comfortable but it is always the best.

Tokyo is still the largest city in the world and our new neighborhood still speaks Japanese but what an amazing difference. The community welcomed us not just to live among them but to live with them. Elaine started cooking and craft classes as an outreach ministry. Her one Read the rest of this entry »

INTENSIVE PRAYER TEAM - Electronic Updates and Items for Intensive Prayer

1.      Thanks for your prayers for John’s mother who still is recovering in a rehab facility.  They suspect another fracture or disc problem.  Pray for wisdom into her condition and healing.  Continue to pray that she maybe able to go home this month and also really celebrate her birthday.

2.      Thank God that our schedule for Home Assignment next Jan to June 09 is nearly filled in.  Pray that God would prepare our hearts and minds for these visits with our partners in ministry.

3.      Ask God to send his Holy Spirit for a special Thanksgiving meal for some couples we have contacted for evangelism.

4.      PTL! Elaine’s trip to Toyohashi was incredibly productive.  They laid plans to meet while Elaine is gone!

5.      John’s research has just entered the final phase (update below).  Pray for sensitivity and divine insight as he meets to interview many leaders of reproducing churches this month.  Already the interviews have been proving to be extremely valuable.

6.      Ask God for his wisdom as John leads 5 people from the Hamamatsu church in a very short preaching for lay people training, this month and next.

7.      As always John is in some key meetings this month with various leaders.  JEMA 11/5, Japan Mission 11/6, CPI 11/18, Rengo 11/24-25.  Ask God for energy, insight, teachable spirit, faith and boldness.

8.      As John picked up ice skating again last month, pray for contacts for evangelism among other skaters.