Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings from Japan! I want to begin by thanking you for your prayers and support for the ministry in Japan. We are blessed and encouraged by your faithfulness. Thank you for demonstrating your love for God in this way.
Christmas Celebrations: We had wonderful advent and Christmas celebrations at Komyo Christian Church. Several of our English conversation students joined in the activities. One student even brought his granddaughters! We enjoyed making cards with several ladies, a movie night and children’s event, another Live Gospel Café, and a lovely Christmas Eve Candle Service. Celebrating Christmas continues to open many doors to sharing the story of Jesus’ birth and the importance of His life.
Also in December, I was able to host my
English conversation class as well as Anointed Gospel Choir for Christmas parties in my home. At both parties we enjoyed chatting and eating! The idea of potluck parties is catching on!
Bible studies: I have been leading an English Bible study at church since last spring when Yuri left for home assignment. It is a fun time of learning new English vocabulary weekly as we study the Bible. Some students have lived overseas, some just enjoy speaking English, and some want to study the Bible in English. We have also started two other Bible studies recently. Melissa and I meet with Mrs. Hara, a young mom who has lived overseas, twice a month to study the Bible and learn about parenting, in English. A former AGC member who has become a Christian expressed her desire to study the Bible at our Christmas party. Since the church she attends is quite far away, she and I have been studying at Komyo Christian Church. The day we started, a young man dropped by the church looking for answers and meaning in life and decided to join us. We are learning new things about God and His love for us and we study and laugh together!