We are currently in the US and returning tomorrow to Japan. As we return we will hit the ground running. Please pray for us as we adjust to jetlag and the humid hot Tokyo summers. 15th arrive in Japan, 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II 16th Spend the day with Rob and Christine Wright our new missionaries that arrived the 11th. 17-18th Spend time with Tom and Mary Lou Ellison…
GOD ANSWERED Thank you for your prayers for the new home and guest house building project in Higashi Kurume. Planning and work is proceeding well. Pray for safety as the old house is torn down this month. Thanks for your prayers for our new missionary family the Rob Wrights. Their visa approvals came on time, they are at 100% support! Pray for their remaining outgoing expenses to come in and for their many preparations. John…
In Japan earthquakes and other disasters are a constant possibility (over 700 per year) and lead to much preparedness by the Japanese. For us, people from the Midwest, earthquake was a new concept when we arrived in Japan about 30 years ago. We cannot say we have gotten used to them but maybe we I have learned to live with earthquakes. Over the last several months there has been much seismic activity. We had a…
On June 30th, we along with Japan was shocked again about another tragedy in this technological savvy country. John was talking to a pastor by phone and was asked if he had heard the news from yesterday. A man from Tokyo committed suicide on the bullet train by dosing himself with a flammable liquid and set himself on fire. We both ride this same train many times as year making it hard to believe. This…
GOD ANSWERED 1. Elaine had a good trip to Kansai Christian School board meeting last month and helped Lori Harms pack up a bit for Home Assignment. 2. We are nearing the end of the planning phase for the new home and guest house in Higashi Kurume. Pray as these plans go to the city and the builder gears up to begin work in August. In preparation we are having a mission workday there on…
Ministry is vision directed but values driven. Vision is like the steering wheel, determining the direction. But our ministry values, what we believe strongly, passionately, and deeply, is the propulsion. Many ministries do not have much drive because they are not sure what is truly important to them and what is less important. Currently John has been mentoring several church planters who have been honing down their core value statements. The effect oozes out in…