Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
We are well and safe in Machida. But we are on schedule tomorrow to leave Tokyo for Chicago. We considered with our mission colleagues Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D but God had us continue for Plan A: leaving on our scheduled flight on April 9th. We will leave Japan about 10pm CDT on your 8th. We thank God for his help in the steps in our relocation. The house is empty, clean, and…
Hello from Tokyo Japan, As we write you we are both well. We are finishing our packing, enjoying our farewell parties, emptying our house, and keeping an eye on this world health crisis. We anticipated lots of change with this transition but this health crisis is magnifying change. Just a few quick comments because I am sure you have questions on your mind. Japan is doing better. As we wrote you before, Japan several weeks…
Today March 11th marks the 9th anniversary of the triple disaster, earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown in Northeast Japan (Tohoku). That disaster directly affected over 82 cities and towns in three Prefectures and affected the whole nation and still does today. That crisis transformed the church in Japan and mobilized Christians to be engaged in mission. Today everyone Japan battles against a possible epidemic of Covid-19. The nature of this current crisis is preventing the…
“Other Japanese leaders should hear these stories of God’s movements through church multiplication.” For each session of the Global Summit one national leader shared how God is multiplying disciples and churches through movements extending beyond 3 or 4 generations of disciples. These movements were from regions all over the world. Pastor Nobuyoshi Nagai, from Vision Festa, and I were those sent from Japan last month to this summit in Thailand and have been longing for…
First, we and everyone we know is well. Since the outbreak of Coronavirus in nearby China beginning in December, Japan has been monitoring the situation. In Japan a few infected individuals were identified quarantined and treated. The real problem developed when a cruise ship landed in Yokohama with infected on board. Since then most of those passengers have been released from the ship. That began a series of decisions that have affected life throughout Japan.…
Our States of Transition – Moving Thank you for your prayers, interest, and encouragments as we prepare for this major transition of relocating to the US and John assuming a new position on the Converge Asia Impact Team. GOD ANSWERED YOUR PRAYERS. Less than two weeks ago we heard that our shipment to the US must be moved up 3 weeks. We sent out a special prayer alert as we had less than 10 days…
John got back last night from attending the second Church Multiplication Vision Festival National Strategy meeting in Kobe, Japan. Eighteen leaders attended this year including Pastor Seima Aoyagi from our CPI Leadership team. We were all considering a national strategy for Japan, one that includes the vision of 50,000 churches (currently <8,000) and 2% of the population Christian (now <1%). Never in our careers has there been this faith, enthusiasm, and focus on saturating…
Thank you for your prayers, interest, and encouragements as we prepare for the major transition this year of relocating to the US and John assuming a new position on the Converge Asia Impact Team. Please pray for the ongoing physical preparations and also the changing feelings. Saying Goodbye (for a while) – We said goodbye to the Tokyo District churches of the Rengo on January 19th at the Nerima Baptist Church. This was a marvelous…
John leaves Monday for the Global Church Planting Network – Global Summit for Church & Disciple Multiplication in Thailand. Over 200 global leaders will be gathering to consider how to complete the Great Commission by saturating nations with churches and engaging all unengaged people groups by 2025. John will be the co-leader for the East Asia group of about 5-15 leaders. Pastor Nagai, from Vision Festa will also be attending from Japan. Pray as there…
We wish you a Happy New Year. We are excited for this New Year and a new decade. For us 2020 brings big transitions in our ministry and new opportunities. As we enter our 35th year of ministry in Japan we are also preparing for the major transition this year of relocating to the US and John assuming a new position on the Converge Asia Impact Team. Most everyone knows about these changes and now…