Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
PRAISE John has received many accolades on his final project on “the Japanese.” He is sharing this with key leaders and considering publishing it for wider impact. PRAY for energy and wisdom as we continue getting busier online with mentoring leaders, consulting missions, teaching the Bible, meeting with Japanese networks, and hanging out with potential new missionaries. PRAISE Thank God for the few days of vacation in June to celebrate our anniversary in Galena IL.…
FOCUS ON ASIA Our Asia Impact Team is unable to travel to any country in Asia at this time due to the pandemic. But we have not been waiting for the situation to change. First, developments in two countries closed to missionary visas could lead to working with leaders evangelizing many unreached people groups in more than 6 countries. For us this means a changing role, approach, and strategy to equip them. Second, we continue…
FOCUS ON JAPAN Always I am keeping my eyes on Japan. Over the last weeks I have been helping equip, mentor, and consult people working in Japan. The vision to reach the Japanese has not gotten cool in the chill of the pandemic. One group is using solely the internet and media to reach Japanese. Another group is gearing up several teams to enter Japan shortly. Another mission agency has asked me to join in…
FOCUS ON THE UNREACHED Our Converge mission is prioritizing Unreached People Groups (UPGs). These people groups (ethne) are under 2% evangelicals and less than 5% professing Christians. About 95% of the 6,642 UPGs are located in what is called the 10/40 window. You (and your church) may find this short video a good summary of UPGs. FOCUS ON ASIA And Asia is spiritually needy with most of the people groups that have yet to have…
Just completing the Perspectives course online with 120 people in Chicagoland area we are considering our next steps. For me, one next step is to conduct seminars, mentor people, and consult with churches in the US. I am also considering becoming a Perspective instructor. Now that I am in the US I can do more of this ministry with US churches. This month I am meeting a mission team in one of our partnering churches.…
Japan continues to struggle with Covid, having expanded and extended emergency measures to June 20th. Though the number of cases are not like numbers like we have seen in the US and elsewhere, the amount of Covid cases is overwhelming the health care system in Japan, especially in the Osaka area. Vaccinations are only at about 2%. We continue to meet discuss the situation with leaders throughout Japan. Please pray for gospel opportunities for every…
Elaine’s schedule is pretty full each month with at least 10 classes each month, mostly online. With the time zone differences, these get her up early some mornings or are held later in the evenings. This all while she is officially retired. Pray that God would strengthen her through all her responsibilities. Twice a month Bible Study with 6 Japanese ladies in Japan, only one is a Christian. Twice a month Bible Study with a…
PRAISE The Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course is completed. John just turned in the final project on “the Japanese” a few days ago. John is considering next steps in mobilizing others for mission, possibly teaching, and using what he learned in Asia. PRAY After a year of virtually visiting churches in our local village of Pecatonica, we have begun personal visits looking for a new church home. Please pray for God’s wisdom as…
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.…