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Dear Family and Friends,
The past few months I was blessed with the privilege of spending time with fellow sisters in Christ to learn together and encourage one another to live more abundantly in Christ.
On July 4, we had a Women’s Seminar at the Komyo Church. Shan Reed and I led seminars on the topic of having our core thirst satisfied in Christ alone. Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37b-38).
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). This was the main theme of the Afternoon Women’s Prayer meeting on July 15, 2017. This was organized by a group of women who are involved in gospel choirs across the Kansai region. I praise God for the way God brought ladies from all over the Kansai area to gather to pray. I felt the prayers of many people and the Holy Spirit really helped me with the message about the importance of prayer. Many women came away encouraged by spending time in prayer with each other and fellowshipping with fellow sisters in Christ.
The Bible studies at both the Heijo Christian Church and Komyo Bible Church continue to be a joy to lead. We have many good discussions and have learned much. Recently we finished studying 1 and 2 Peter and Jude. Please continue to pray for these churches that do not have pastors leading them. Pray that they will not get discouraged but boldly and joyfully reach out to their friends, family and neighbors with the gospel and love of Christ. Recently a thirty-year-old man has started coming to the Komyo Bible Church after seeing a sign outside the church while on his lunch break and while we were studying the Bible on Wednesday afternoon. The church members are very much encouraged by his attendance.
Shan Reed and I were able to go to the Karuizawa Union Church Summer Conference to escape from the heat of Osaka and go to cooler temperatures and get some spiritual refreshment for a few days. It was refreshing to get Scripture teaching from the speaker, Rev. Wei-Han, and fellowship with other missionaries from all over Japan. The theme of the conference was “Passing the Flame” based on the letter of 2 Timothy.
Thank you for your partnership in the gospel via your prayers! Trusting that God’s Kingdom work is growing strong as we seek Him first in all things.
Blessings,
Yuri Nakano