Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
We continue to be safe and well amidst the global pandemic. We are so grateful to God for his wisdom and protection of our Team in Isolation, our QuaranTEAM which has protected us, and others involved in 2 open school districts, and one major grocery store. Now that our family has been vaccinated, we continue to cautiously plan minimal travel. Last month John had a road trip to Ohio and this month there are a…
On his road trip, John was able to visit 4 partnering churches in northeastern Ohio. The visits came at many different levels and groups of people. All came with challenges and concerns for Covid. Lead Pastor Mark Butler and Assoc. Pastor Brian Morris from Anchor Church, Avon Lake, Ohio. Church pastoral staff and our entire Asia Impact Team with Old North Church, Canfield Ohio. The Missions team and interested people from Evangel Baptist, Boardman Ohio.…
Japan continues to struggle with Covid cases having to declare a third emergency. Though the total number of cases compared to other countries is relatively low, they have just started vaccinations. Plans are to go ahead with the Olympics beginning July 23rd possibly without any spectators. This will be challenging for those preparing evangelistic outreaches. I just heard that my trip in July has again been postponed possibly to September. Thanks for praying for the…
PRAISE John’s course with Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is nearly over. Continue to pray for the final assignments to be completed this month. PRAY We both have several online meetings with people interested in missions, Japan, and some preparing to serve in Japan and Asia. Mentoring is also ongoing. PRAISE The final day of school is May 28th. PTL they have had in person school the entire year! After this we will…
Your April 2021 Update from John and Elaine. Happy Easter. Jesus Lives and is Victorious. The pandemic is not yet over but developments have allowed us to start recovering this Spring. Because of the decline of cases in our area, our vaccinations, and Spring weather we are cautiously planning minimal travel. This month John will have a road trip to Ohio (see below) and he anticipates being in Japan and Asia possibly in July…
PRAISE John’s three roundtable discussions at the Reaching Japanese for Christ (RJC) conference in early March were remarkably effective. At that time, there were over 800 people online for the various roundtables. PRAY John’s Asia Impact Team is searching for a new leader as our previous leader took another position in Converge. PRAY Elaine and John will be starting another round of spiritual renewal mentoring with a couple in Japan. Pray for us as…
We had not been “in church’ since July. But last month we headed to Elk Grove Village, IL to speak for their missions Sunday. The Covid risk has declined much and we felt lead to go. God really blessed us to safely be with so many people. We shared about God’s mission to bless all the peoples of the world and how he has blessed us and Japan. Maybe you want to view John &…
BLESSING TO JAPAN Just a few days ago the Japan Church Multiplication Vision Festa gathered online for a national strategy meeting. Many key leaders came together from many locations and church groups to believe God for a national strategy of 50,000 churches (currently less than 8,000). Reports were extremely exciting as one network has already trained 400 churches in multiplying disciples. That is 5% of all churches in Japan! We also heard several people…
John is preparing for three roundtable discussions at the Reaching Japanese for Christ (RJC) online conference March 5-6. John’s discussion will focus on Japanese beliefs and evangelism. We both will be starting another round of spiritual renewal mentoring with a couple in Japan. Pray for us as we start a curriculum that is new to us. We both anticipate getting vaccinated against Covid this month. As an essential worker, Tim has already booked his appointment…
Your February 2021 Update from John and Elaine. How are you doing? We both continue to be safe and healthy. Lots of snow here which we are actually enjoying. We went so many years without it and our grandkids love it with sledding and snowmobiling. Again thank you for your prayers, generous giving, encouragement and your interest in our lives and ministries. We hear from many of you often on Facebook and email. We…