Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
It was a bit weird. Last month John and Elaine had the privilege to visit Japan since we relocated to the US in 2020. The visit was marvelous, and it had not seemed so long since we had left. Clearly we were not used to the crowds and the pace of life in Tokyo. We did not return “home” but were visitors this time. We started off with meeting our supper club friends in Machida…
John left for Bangladesh via Singapore to take part in the Global Church Planting Network Global Facilitators meeting. This was full of key connections with leaders in Asia and great insight into the challenges of reaching Unreached People Groups throughout Asia. Many new opportunities we will share with you in the future. John was able to meet with the key leaders of our East Asia region leaders from Mongolia and South Korea. We are planning…
We are so grateful to you for your financial generosity that permits us serving in Japan and throughout Asia. John serves as a non-resident missionary living in Illinois to equip local Asian leaders to foster gospel movements among Unreached People Groups. Your financial gifts permits us to continue our ministries unhindered and generate into real ministry. We welcome your participation, communication, and questions. Thank you! New Converge Bank: Due to a changing business environment, we…
FOCUS ON PRAYER
Elaine and John head back to Japan this month. This will be Elaine’s first trip back since 2020 (John was in Japan briefly this May for about 1 week). This trip to Asia will be a full and busy schedule. Probably emotions may be the most difficult as we are going back not to our home of 35 years but to visit as mere tourists. Ask God to help us navigate the various feelings of…
Since we last wrote John was put under anesthesia and had his entire left knee replaced. In spite of this interruption and the recovery, both of us are accomplishing much for the King and his Kingdom. How’s Your Knee Doing? After three weeks John is able to walk around but still has 3 weeks of physical therapy. God has been so gracious, and it has not been so painful and difficult. John is able to…
Wow what a lot of changes since we last wrote. Last time we told you about John’s impending knee replacement surgery that upset our plans and schedule. This month brought clarity of where to follow God. Weeks of Writing – John has been working several days each week completing his third book, “Japanese as an Unreached People.” He has lined up several knowledgeable proofreaders who will get the draft copy by Wednesday September 14th. Then…
We had dropped in to see the orthopedic doctor for my next visit. He showed us the results of the MRI. The MRI was decisive. The doctor commented that he was surprised John was walking at all and not in much more pain. We had only one option, replace the knee joint. We were thankful to God that the decision was clear. We scheduled surgery as soon as possible and anticipated weeks of physical therapy. …
Get ready for bumper cars! Experts told us that after living in Japan for 35 years our transition back to the US from would not be easy and take at least 3 years for the adjustments. Imagine riding a bumper car ride for 3 years? Recently we concluded that we probably do not fit in everywhere. But gladly we are realizing that we do fit in the important places: like Converge – our ministry family,…
Well the road trips continue. Last month John visited Village Church Thornton and Conifer Community Church when he was in Colorado. Elaine came along via a video update. This month Elaine and John will be heading east on a road trip to visit two churches: July 24 – Calvary Baptist Church – Warren, Pennsylvania July 31 – Anchor Church – Avon Lake, Ohio. On this trip we will visit Elaine’s honorable older sister and do…