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Ladies’ Seminar at Komyo Christian Church
The first missionaries sent to Japan from the North American Baptist Conference arrived in Japan November 21, 1951. After language school, scouting trips, and various trials, the first church was established in Ise, Japan. Since that time, many missionaries have come and gone, but the church remains. In 1978, the Japan Baptist Conference was organized, and our partnership strengthened as we have worked together to share the love of Jesus and build his church in Japan. Although the partnership between the NAB and JBC will change, we desire to continue working together for the Kingdom of God. It has been an incredible honor to work with the pastors and churches of the JBC throughout my time in Japan. God continues to be at work in his people, his church, here in Japan. Please pray with us for these brothers and sisters as they walk with Jesus and shine his light in this dark country.
In October, the autumn youth gathering was held in Suzuka. The theme was eating! The speaker shared from Matthew 4 about Jesus’s temptation, especially focusing on Jesus’s words that humans do not live on bread alone but on the words of God. She encouraged us to remember that the Bible is our spiritual nutrition and we cannot live on one meal a week. Following our morning of praise and study, we spent the afternoon outside enjoying the beautiful weather as we made pizza in the pizza oven made by one of the university students from the Suzuka church. Even though it was a hot afternoon, and it took a long time to bake pizzas for thirty people, the students enjoyed hanging out and creating pizzas without complaining. Pray with us for the students to learn what it truly means to be fed by the Word of God.
There are many steps in the process of preparing to return to the US next spring. Some were sped up by the Christmas fire last year – getting rid of things I do not need! Other steps include filling out paperwork for the process of closing the legal entity – which is mostly done by Yuri and our legal advisor. Then there are the steps of saying goodbye, the ‘lasts.’ In October, I was able to go to Karuizawa, where I attended language school November 2001–March 2004. What a joy to visit with friends from that season of my life. Playing basketball once a week at the community gym during those years helped me build relationships with people that continue to this day. It was fun to have dinner with some of them and their children. I also stopped in a few of my favorite shops to greet the owners and say goodbye. During those years, I also hosted a Bible study in my apartment, which Melissa Ewing helped me lead. It did my soul good to spend time with two of those ladies who have encouraged me over the years as sisters in Christ. Along with spending time with these friends, I spent time with Jesus enjoying his creation and reminiscing about my years there while walking around town.
I am grateful for another year of life! Through all the surprises and twists and turns of life over the past year, God has remained faithful and present. He continues walking with me each day, each moment, encouraging me, guiding me, protecting me, and laughing with me. What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!
