Japan Surprises Foreigners 4/4

Japan is mysterious and strange place for foreigners. Here are some examples of things that surprise foreigners. The first week’s list at: http://www.gospelrest.com/japan-surprises-foreigners/ The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on the highways There are hot springs just for your feet There are women-only cars on the trains It’s so safe you can go walking around in the middle of the night with no problem Japanese squat-style toilets The incredible variety of KitKat flavors There are…

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CT Studd Video

One of my missionary heroes is C.T. Studd. The other day I quoted him while sharing my call to missions with a church congregation. ” “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”  This video shows his manly heart for God and his Kingdom. Enjoy. Pray that we would all “be strong in the Lord.”

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Interceding Partners – SEP

Another way you can partner with us is interceding before God on our behalf.  Prayer requests: Ask God for strength in the personal and church visits throughout September especially September 30th at West Hills Community Church west of St. Louis. Continue to pray for our plans to return to Japan including our financial support (above). Besides normal ministries, there is much personal business and work projects to be completed. Ask God for a speedy processing…

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Generous Partners

We are very blessed to have many ministry partners, 36 local churches and over 20 individuals. One church member said, “We do not like our missionaries being held back from their ministry” and  then doubled their monthly giving to us. In the last three weeks, God has provided $340 in monthly support.  Today our need is $160 per month, and when achieved we are again off to Japan. Want to join this team that accelerates…

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MISSION PARTNERS

Elaine and I were honored to participate in the Second Quad Cities Missions Conference on Sunday August 12th.  This very unique network includes six local churches in Illinois and Iowa and extends into two Converge regions. These churches are locking arms and aligning their budgets with the vision to send more local people out as missionaries to the nations. The six pastors had a pulpit exchange all preaching from Psalm 67, a mission Psalm. At…

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Changing Japanese marriage patterns

Recently a pastor (with a doctorate) asked me a research question on marriage patterns in Japan. They quoted from Stephanie Coontz (Marriage, a History).  She asserts Japan is culturally promoting sex among it young population: “Japanese pundits lament the drop in business in Japan’s rent-by-the-hour ‘love hotels’ and some are calling for the youth to not hate sex.” Is this idiosyncratic or is she truly reflecting the culture? So I researched it a bit (the Dr. John in me).…

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