Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 If I am dependent on making my own heart pure, I am doomed. Even my best efforts are tainted with sin. This pure is not like Ivory Soap 99% pure. It is to be 100% to meet God’s standard. This I cannot do. But Christ died for my sins and for my self-generated good deeds as well. I need to run to…
Ever see a dream come true? Well last week I (John) did. For decades the Church Planting Institute (CPI) has been casting vision for church multiplication. Many training events have seen growing vision for new churches. But as of yet most of what we have done, even though many Japanese have been crucial part, there has been little Japanese leadership. The Vision Festa on October 29-30 changed the playing field entirely. Last week 65 key…
Some of you may be considering year-end charitable gifts. Consider giving to these needy projects. Give online at http://www.convergeworldwide.org/give John and Elaine Mehn, general fund. We still have a slight deficit for the current year. #49651. CPI special fund #31256 for helping Japanese attend church planting training and for developing online resources.
GOD ANSWERED Thank you for your special prayers for the Church Multiplication Vision Festa (above). Last month’s Love Japan meetings with John Piper and Donald Carson went very well in spite a Super Typhoon coming through at the same time. One friend was very moved by John Piper’s message and could not believe God’s power. PRAYER PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS November 3 and 4 are the Rengo national meetings followed by a one-day Church Planters Summit. John…
Today on my day off I watched an old Japanese classic movie Tokyo Story by Yasujirō Ozu. This film was made before I was born in 1953 but it one of the greats. It has received the highest reviews. Not sure how I found out about it but probably reading about Japanese cinema and directors. Yes, it is plodding but that is the point. About an older couple from the country visiting their grown kids…
Two new workers arrived a few weeks ago to join the Japan team. One came for 6 weeks; one for a career. We are excited to have a new career missionary, one who felt the call to be sent, Ian Smith. Ian has a great passion for planting multiplying churches in Japan. Right now he is in full-time Japanese language studies, essential for in-depth ministry in Japan. Pray as he builds relationships with Japanese and…