Click here to view this newsletter as a PDF.
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings from Japan! Here are a few highlights of life and ministry since my last newsletter…
Study in Thailand
Yuri Nakano and I traveled to Thailand in November to take a course called “Developing a Discerning Heart.” It was the second in a series of four courses designed for equipping leaders. The five ladies pictured here and our two leaders spent ten days together studying God’s Word, sharing, laughing, and growing in our relationships with God. Although it was a busy time of study, it was also a time of renewal and refreshment in a beautiful settting.
Working together
In November and December we had many events preparing for and celebrating Christ’s birth. Along with many of you, and others around the world, our church packed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. It was exciting to see ladies from our church, from other churches, and from our English classes come together to share God’s love through giving. Our little group packed 49 boxes!
Our main collaborative event in December was “Joyful Christmas,” an outreach event with Kongo Bible Church. I loved 
watching the church members plan, prepare, and lead the event. One lady’s granddaughter was so excited about the event that she invited many of her friends! Our musical guests were Becky (Lengefeld) and Eliya Kato. One of the first-time guests has been attending church at Kongo Church for the past few weeks.
Thank you for your prayers for these and our other Christmas events. New people attended the events as well as some people we haven’t seen for a while. The true meaning of Christmas was shared and the church members and attendees were blessed and challenged as they helped plan the events.
Studying God’s Word
Facilitating Bible studies has become a favorite part of my week. I love the way the Holy Spirit guides us and teaches us as we learn together. Each person has become willing to share thoughts and questions as we read and study. Pictured is our Japanese Bible study at our Christmas potluck party. God is using His Word and these ladies to speak into each other’s lives as well as answer questions and encourage Okuda san as he seeks Truth.
Youth
The challenge of getting started at our winter youth gathering was a wonderful problem. 
It means the students are getting to know each other and fellowshipping together. As the youth leadership team, this has been one of our prayers! The day we met was a national holiday for coming of age day, a day to celebrate all those who will turn 20 years old during the year. After a time of worship led by the students, we studied about what it means to become an adult who loves Jesus. In the afternoon we went to the nursing home/day service next door to the Matsusaka church where we shared a couple of songs and then asked questions of the residents to find out what it was like for them growing up in Japan during and after the war. What a blessing and learning experience!
Pray!
Thank you for praying for me, our team, Komyo Christian Church, and the ministry in Japan. This final prayer request is taken directly from our website and is an urgent need!
Komyo Christian Church Workers (Home Assignment support)
A couple with pastoral experience, strong leadership ability and a heart for cross-cultural ministry are needed to serve at the Komyo Christian Church while Paul and Melissa Ewing are on home assignment. The requested term is from July 2016–September 2017, and Japanese ability is preferred but not a requirement. (While coming with children is acceptable, having a child during this term is strongly discouraged.)
May God bless you as you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shan in Japan