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Dear Friends and Family,
We are entrusted with accepting the Gospel and then sharing it no matter where we are placed. While studying the Apostle Paul and Timothy, I have been encouraged that we live in a paradoxical tension of “already but not yet” (1 Corinthians 4:8-13). Living in the “already,” knowing we are weak and despised yet made strong and in victory with Christ. We hold this tension knowing the “not yet” of our reward will be in Heaven. It is in that tension that we live daily, which can be compounded by the tension of two cultures living within us. As we view the world through the cross of Christ, we have multiple cultures pulling at us and fighting for our attention. We pray that we continue to run this race well, living through struggles and triumphs all to the glory of our Father.
The boys continue to work through their faith in light of the culture shift they are experiencing. As they, at times, struggle with the viewpoints around them, Paul and I strive to continuously point them to the Gospel and the calling that we all have on our lives. All three boys are also honing their skills in basketball. Coming from soccer, they have the speed and endurance but need to learn the plays and coordination of all that is involved. It has been an adventure having three different practice and game schedules, which would not be navigated well without the help of my mom. They have reached out to make the most of their educational experience and we continue to be blessed by their attitudes and perseverance as they adjust and learn new thoughts and ideas.
Paul continues to have a heavy travel schedule. We are thankful for safe travels, mild weather, and the blessings of those that have opened their hearts and homes for him to stay.
Thankful and blessed by the church visits of:
1/08–Faith Baptist, Minneapolis, MN
1/15–West Center Baptist, Madison, SD
1/17–Mrs. Kris (Berndt) Heeren’s funeral, Sioux Falls, SD
1/22–Central Valley Community, Hartford, SD
1/24–27–MAT and strategy team meetings, International Office, CA
1/29–Cascade Park Baptist, Vancouver, WA
2/05–Woodland Shores Baptist, Bridgman, MI
We celebrated the life of Paul’s cousin Kris (Berndt) Heeren. After three years of battling colon cancer, she left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father. We miss her but find peace knowing she is with Jesus, receiving her reward and is praising our Father and no longer in pain. Please keep her family in your prayers as they live with this new reality.
Continue to pray for future Church visits: good fellowship and communications along with travel safety.
Paul and I will also be traveling to Japan February 12-21 for team meetings. We would ask that you faithfully pray over these meetings and this time. Pray we would respond with open hearts and be ready to move to His direction, as the Spirit moves and speaks to us. Also, pray for my mom, Linda Hanes, as she takes care of the boys and their schedules.
As the year progresses we begin to look to August when more changes will come. We will be preparing and leaving Noah at a college and the rest of us will be making the trek back to Japan, adjusting once again to ministry and culture in that context. With the time we have left, it is our heart’s desire to visit each of our supporting churches to express face to face our love and thankful heart for your support of love, prayer, and financial support. We understand that some Sundays are better than others and at times scheduling can be a challenge. Please be in prayer for us as we strive to make these visits happen and ask for patience, understanding, and cooperation as we seek to find a Sunday that would work for each of our churches. Please contact Paul at pemedicus@yahoo.com.
Please continue to pray for Shan Reed, Yuri Nakano, and Ken and Rachelle Johnson as they minister in their ministry contexts and communities. Pray for the people of Komyo Christian Church. Many are young Christians still learning about their relationship with Jesus. Pray that they will be spiritually protected and that they will continue to seek Jesus and work out their faith.
Blessings,
Paul and Melissa