Click here to view this newsletter as a PDF.
Dear Friends and Family,
Missional Seminar with Cam Roxburgh
Sightseeing with the Becks.
Seasons come and seasons go as the flow of life changes day to day. We are thankful for a season of fellowship. We were honored to host Mr. and Mrs. Beck from Sioux Falls, SD, and Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Cam Roxburgh from Vancouver, BC. The separate times of fellowship brought us encouragement and love that has helped to give us an extra layer to sustain us during the current season. We feel blessed that Cam was able to speak with the JBC leaders and the folks at our church about missional living, and ponder on the thought that our God, who loves us deeply, is a missional God. He is on mission that all will come to believe in Him and understand the mystery of His love, leading to a desire to have a relationship with Him and spread that love and mission to others.
Ladies Seminar
As the many Bible studies continue at church, it is a great blessing to see people grow in their faith and understanding of God. It is such a privilege to encourage someone as they strive to live each day for God, letting His peace and the joy of knowing the mystery of the faith wash over them. The second Ladies Seminar was well attended as Shan and Yuri shared their stories and encouraged the women that God is on mission and wants them to share His word with other women. We have been filled with joy as the Komyo Christian Church supports our brothers and sisters of the Kongo Baptist Church by partnering with them for a Christmas event to shine the light of Christ in the area.
Even with all the blessings and assurances that God is working and has a plan, the brokenness of this world continues to attack and challenge us. Despite there being much to be thankful for during this season, we have been overwhelmed by the needs of those around us who are fighting spiritual battles. As we seek God’s wisdom how to help, counsel and walk alongside these individuals, we are also on our knees praying for battles that are happening state-side that we are unable to walk along with physcially. We are waiting upon the Lord and holding to the promise that He is in all things as we seek Him for wisdom and direction.
We are gearing up for the Christmas season just as many of you are, so please keep our Christmas schedule in prayer along with yours.
- December 05: Komyo movie night and Kids’ event
- December 08: Ladies Tea
- December 12: Christmas event at the nursing home
- December 18: KCS Christmas program
- December 19: Gospel Café
- December 23: Joyful Christmas (Collaboration with Kongo Christian Church)
- December 24: Christmas Eve service
- January 1: New Year’s Worship service
Please also join us in prayer as we seek God’s wisdom and provision for Shan,Yuri, and the Komyo Church while we are on home assignment; 2016-2017. We are seeking an adventerous couple who have ministry experience and would be willing and able to help pastor the Komyo Church for a year. The responsibilites would include preaching and leading times of Bible study. Of course, having a handle on the Japanese language would be preferred but not required. If you or someone you know is interested please contact us at pemedicus@yahoo.com.
We appreciate your prayer and financial support. Knowing that we have a family of believers supporting us and holding us up in prayer brings us great encouragement. We thank the many who remember us in special ways. We also want to let you know that if someone wants to send something over and above, my mom, Linda Hanes, still handles our state-side affairs. Her address is: 680 Heim Road, Getzville, NY 14068 USA
Blessings for a beautiful and wonderful Christmas season,
Paul and Melissa