GospelRest

We had four Japanese couples over to celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day last week.  Of the group only one is a Christian, though 3 are in our Bible studies.  These are the same couples we had over for a Christmas Dinner party last year.  God is really working in their hearts.  Yesterday at Bible study Mr. F. told me the entire gospel story which was extremely exciting seeing he is not yet a Christian.  Elaine said he has been talking to his wife, also a pre-Christian studying the Bible with Elaine.

So many cool things going on.  I was at a Cell Church Summit conference last week which was attended by over 200 people.  Over half were young people!  2/3rds of the group were lay people are excited about growing and multiplying churches.  One church shared their vision of starting 40 churches in 10 years.  Even they admit it is impossible without God’s help.  I think they will do it, of course, with his help.  At this conference I talked with some key Japanese church leaders about raising the vision for multiplying churches.  They share with my vision that this is now the opportunity to make a difference in Japan.  Thanks for praying for us and for Japan.

Coming up later this month.  1) JEMA and CPI Meetings 2/22-23.  Pray for wisdom and new visions!

2) Dan and Sandi Peterson, District Executive Minister from Converge MidAtlantic, will be staying with us, meeting some key people, and seeing what God is doing in Japan 2/25-28.  Pray for a good visit, warm and refreshing times.

WAYS YOU CAN PRAY FOR US AND OUR MINISTRY

1. Thanks for praying for us throughout all the activities and events of two busy schedules each month. Ask God to grant wisdom and focus as there are key mission and Rengo meetings this month.
2. CPI joins the cell church summit this year.  Pray for the growth of old and new relationships at this Feb 10-12 event.
3. Praise God that Hamamatsu Megumi Church will be getting a pastor beginning in April.  John preaches at the Hamamatsu church on 2/21.
4. Pray that John can be a big encouragement to many leaders at the JEMA meetings Feb. 22-23 as we discuss national strategy together.
5. Dan and Sandi Peterson, district executive minister from Converge Midatlantic, will be visiting us and Japan 2/25-28.  Ask God to grant them a clear vision for Japan.
6. In January, Elaine started an English Bible Study at the Crossroad church which is off to a great start.  Pray for the next meeting on 2/28.
7. Ask God to grant focus, energy, and time discipline for John to complete the next steps of his research project.

HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING ST. VALENTINE’S DAY?

We have also been striving in local outreach and evangelism to the 99% of Japanese who do not know Christ.  At the end of last year, we had a Christmas Dinner Party for 14 people mostly pre-Christians.  Some short term workers from one of our partnering churches were able to join us.  We are planning a Saint Valentine’s Party with about 5 Japanese couples to celebrate St. Valentine’s day on 2/14. Please pray that God would use this outreach to move people closer to the savior.