Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
REPORT ON CHURCHES I received a report from the Rengo that all of their churches, pastors, members, and members’ homes are fine. Of course the few churches in Iba1raki and Chiba need a bit of cleaning up from fallen items off shelves and a bit of broken glass. News is still spotty about churches and denominations in the affected area. There are many pastors that people have been unable to reach. So far I have…
SUNDAY AM, March 13 update This will be a short update as we have to get moving. Look for a longer update later today. All updates will be posted at www.gospelrest.com. Please read previous ones for more information. 1. Japanese churches are in worship today. Pray they would hear words of comfort from God and that people would find hope in Christ. 2. Pray that the situation on the ground would improve. Miyagi ken authorities…
Update from Japan – Saturday 3/12/12. Thank you to so many for your kind thoughts, prayers, and concerns for Elaine and I, our Converge Worldwide Japan team, and Christ’s Kingdom efforts in Japan. Currently over 1,100 are killed or missing and the extent of the damage is still not known. In our area it seems that things are returning to semi-normal. Public transportation is now working in most areas of Tokyo but not on the…
The areas affected by the earthquake and tsunamis of Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki are some of the most spiritually needy places in Japan. With over 4.9 million people yet only about 9,000 active Christians (about 0.15%). Fukushima has the lowest average worship attendance with only 19 per church. There are one city and 44 towns with no church. There are 86 missionaries assigned to these prefectures. One town in Ibaraki has over 46,000 people with…
The Retool Kit Pathway, developed my Pinnacle Ministries and Converge Worldwide Mobilization, is a road to more church health and vitality for all churches, especially churches that have declined or plateaued.Ray Swatkowski and Gary Harrison have traveled to Japan to present the Retool Kit Pathway at the Rengo Pastor’s Conference in Hamamatsu, Feb 28-Mar 2. They also preached at four churches in two regions. For the past couple of years leaders of the Rengo have…
Right now our home is being remodeled for soundproofing and also painted. They took over 3 of our six rooms. Pray that stability would be in the home as this goes on even though we still have ministry here and guests visiting. It appears today that the workers will be done with the interior work in the kitchen and living room which means Elaine will not have to cancel her cooking, Bible studies and other…
1. Valentine’s Party busts out talking about love. John was sharing from I Corinthians 13 and 1John4 about the Biblical view of love and how God loves us unconditionally with agape love. One Japanese wanted to hear the Bible passage again. Another said she received an e-card with the same 1John4 passage. The discussion is continuing. Keep praying for these Japanese who, like us, want the love only God can offer us. 2. Elaine is…
1. Elaine has a LEADnet meeting on February 4th. Ask God that this would be a time of encouragement for these pastor’s wives and that they may have courage to share with each other. 2. On 2/13 we are having a Valentine’s party outreach event with the batch of couples we are sharing Jesus with. Ask God that this would be a great fun time but also a night where we are each surprised by…
WOW! We have a potential career missionary couple visiting the Japan field Feb 4-16. They ask prayer for their travel and for wisdom and discernment as to God’s leading for them in Japan. Ask God for discernment as they visit with the mission, the Rengo, and view ministries in Japan. Maybe some of you would like to join this couple in considering Japan for your place to serve God, believe me we are short-handed. COME…
We had great vacation time in the US and arrived back safely last month. But we both feel like we have been thrown on a fast moving treadmill since we returned to Tokyo. This spring the speed will pick up even more with visitors coming, ministries continuing, new ministries beginning, and remodeling on our house and ministry center. PTL! Meetings with Japanese leaders have been excellent last month. Thanks for praying. John has begun sharing…