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It is exciting to witness God drawing people to Himself. I praise God that I was able to witness Yoko’s baptism soon after arriving in Japan in May. Her mother, along with many others, had been praying faithfully for this day to come. It was a joyful celebration, especially for the members of Kongo Bible Church.
I have had many visitors stay with me since I moved into my new apartment, one of them being Lindsey Gelinas, the new missionary appointee to Japan through the NAB and in partnership with TEAM. She came on a short vision trip, and I was able to introduce her to the pastors and churches within the Japan Baptist Conference located in Mie prefecture. I am excited for her to come to Japan next year to join in ministry. Please pray that her support will be reached so she can come to Japan sooner than later. The photo is of us visiting Rev. Furukawa and his wife at Matsusaka Community Church.
I am also encouraged to see God drawing Mr. I to Tsu Baptist Church, where he has become a regular attendee. After each worship service, he meets with Pastor Higashi for additional Bible lessons to learn more about Jesus. Please pray that he will come to accept Jesus as his Savior and Lord.
I was also delighted to discover that the woman who helped arrange the storage of my belongings during my year-long home assignment was someone God wanted me to know better. I was surprised to learn that she belongs to the GRANTS Gospel Choir in Tsu, which I recently joined! I told her that our meeting was clearly God-directed. Although she has been singing Gospel songs that praise Jesus for many years, she is not yet a believer. I sense that God is at work in her life and that our meeting was no coincidence. Please pray with me that the approximately 30 members of this choir will each come to have a personal relationship with the Jesus they sing about and praise.
Chloe, a young lady from my home church, stayed with me for a few days and helped me prepare an Anne of Green Gables–themed afternoon tea. Many older Japanese ladies love Anne of Green Gables, so I invited several of my older pre-Christian friends. Unfortunately, they had to cancel because of the extreme heat and concerns about heatstroke. I found myself asking, “Who else could I invite?” The Lord prompted me to invite my next-door neighbor. I prayed before ringing her doorbell, and she happened to be free and willing to come over. We enjoyed a wonderful time getting to know one another, and I believe she is another person whom God is drawing to Himself. Please pray that I will have more opportunities to share Christ with her.
The young adults who attended this year’s POST YOUTH Camp were blessed with an excellent speaker who encouraged them to develop the habit of daily devotions as a way to spend time with and enjoy the Lord. The youth will also have a three-day, two-night summer camp August 10–12. I am praying for a good turnout and that the youth will enjoy spending time together while growing closer to the Lord.
Giving my ministry report at Annual Conference.
Finally, I enjoyed attending my first TEAM Annual Conference, where I joined the other TEAM missionaries for four days of fellowship and ministry updates. There are currently 81 TEAM missionaries serving in Japan. I was encouraged to hear how God is working in so many different parts of the country through a wide variety of ministries. It is evident that God is continuing to draw more and more people to Himself. Thanks for partnering with me in prayer. They are making a difference.