In the midst of some discouragements last week, Elaine and I were very encouraged. Drew Robertson was appointed a missionary to the Middle East by Converge Worldwide. He told us a story that surprised us. When he was a little boy he remembers meeting us at his home church of Monmouth Baptist Church, one of our smallest partnering churches. As part of a kids’ club assignment, he also remembers writing us when we were in…
Elaine and I have been associated with Converge Worldwide (formerly Baptist General Conference) since 1973. This video will introduce you to our values and vision of working together. Enjoy! Converge Identity from Converge Worldwide on Vimeo.
Our US tour is extended. We heard last week that due to a deficit in our support we will have to delay our departure to Japan until probably October. Pray for opportunities to increase our partnership base. Praise to God for many encouragements while at the Converge Worldwide Biennial meeting June 27-30. John’s mother’s house went on sale a few weeks ago. Pray that it sells quickly. Pray as we continue our “Eastern Trip” and…
In Japan nearly 100 people commit suicide everyday. This has been continuing at this pace for over 14 years. After the 3.11. disasters there were reports of suicide doubling among disaster victims. Fortunately in May that number dipped. Pray for each Christian and every church to be available to share with hurting people the hope and compassion of Christ.
A government survey showed Thursday that 52.6% of Japanese people responding to a survey said it is easy for them to have and raise children in their home country, up 5 percentage points from the previous poll in 2005 but considerably lower than the United States and European countries. According to the five-nation survey by the Cabinet Office on a society with fewer children, the figure stood at 97.1% in Sweden, 75.5% in the United…
We have been encouraged by new partnering churches and individuals joining our financial support team. Many churches and individuals have increased their support. However, we are still about $300 per month behind in our needed support. Even though we are so close, without a miracle it looks like we will be delayed in departing on schedule in early August. We will have to delay returning to Japan for our leadership training, church planting mobilization, spiritual…