PARTNERSHIP March 2013 – Ministry Updates and Prayer JOHN John departs for Tohoku tomorrow. The Church Planting Institute (CPI) is endorsing a seminar March 4-5 in Sendai. This could be the largest seminar on Rural Church Planting with 24 workers gathering! There are still 1,500 towns and villages and 36 cities in Japan still without churches. Please pray that more churches will be started in these towns and villages! At the seminar, John will be…
People of Hope February 2013 – Updates for Prayer At the Ishinomaki church one woman came up me after the sermon and said, “Sensei, I suffer from depression.” I was a bit shocked by her directness but said in at least six unique ways that “Jesus loves you.” She began to smile and tears ran down her cheek. There is much power in the Name of Jesus and in His Gospel! DISASTER AREA IN JANUARY…
1. Ask God for good weather and good opportunities as John takes a trip to Ishinomaki from January 4-13 with a member of Bethel Moline IL. We hope to begin introducing Bible studies to our many contacts. 2. Ask God for wisdom at key CPI meetings in January as we set the pace for the year, prepare for the national conference in November, and beyond. 3. Continue to pray for effectiveness as Elaine expands here…
John and Elaine had a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas. There were several key events to end the year. CHRISTMAS TEA – For Elaine’s Christmas tea 20 women came to celebrate Christmas together. John shared about one disaster victim’s family that was helped and ended up having a Christmas music concert in their home. God is able to change disaster to celebration. Many women commented on the story and how it parallels the first Christmas story. CHRISTMAS…
My granddaughter, Molly, just turned 2 years old. Before we returned to Japan, I spent a lot of time with her from age one to two. I have learned many lessons from her. Pray for both of us that we may honor Christ. – Smiles change atmosphere. – Long attention spans are over rated. The big world is so very interesting. – Everyone needs hugs. – There is something always to explore and learn, even…
Today at 17:18, as people were heading home from work and preparing for dinner, a strong earthquake hit along the same fault that caused the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and large tsunami last 3.11.11. This earthquake was 7.3 and prompted tsunami warnings throughout the area. It is believed that this earthquake is another of thousands of aftershocks from last year’s major earthquake. Most of our friends headed to higher ground and were all reported safe. All…