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Dear Family and Friends,
Spring greetings from Japan! My “family” of puppets is growing! I am also getting busier with requests to come and share at children’s events and mom and tot’s outreach events at the various JBC churches. This new avenue of ministry has been quite a surprise to myself as I had not really imagined that this new ventriloquism “hobby” could be used so powerfully to share the message of Christ. I am being challenged with coming up with new ideas as I get more invitations to speak. I truly am thankful for these new opportunities.
On May 2, around 135 members of the Japan Baptist Conference churches gathered together for the annual Deeper Life Conference for a one-day worship, fellowship, and learning time. I participated in the youth program, giving a short message on the importance of fellowship and gathering together for spiritual encouragement based on Hebrews 10:24-25. The youth decided some time ago that they would like to make t-shirts for the group and they came up with two different designs. They were so excited to get their t-shirts and wear them that day. A highlight was also the testimony of one of the youth who recently got baptized at Easter. She had shared her excitement at spending time in devotions with God everyday. How encouraging it was to hear her passion for Jesus!
I also spent two days on a personal retreat with God. As a mission family, we write up goals every year and we made a point of putting a personal retreat day in our goals. I am glad that I could schedule this and intentionally set aside time to talk to no one but God. I was encouraged and refreshed to spend time in His Word and listening to Him without distractions. I needed this time to fill up on the reservoirs of His love and hopefully better able to pour out His love to others in the coming days.
Thank you for partnering with me in prayer for me and for Japan.
With much gratitude,
Yuri Nakano