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Dear Family and Friends,
Spring is in full swing here in Japan. We are enjoying the warmer weather and flowers blooming everywhere. The past three months have been full of wonderful ministry opportunities at Komyo Christian Church, in the neighborhood, and within the Japan Baptist Conference (JBC). Here are a few highlights.
In February and April, our church hosted seminars for our church members, fellow JBC church members, and friends from the area. The seminar in February was a ladies’ seminar in which we talked about how we give love to and receive love from others and God. We enjoyed the time of study and fellowship! In April, we invited Daisuke Okada, our friend and seminary professor, to give a seminar on studying and understanding the Bible. This seminar was not for ladies only, but was open to everyone. It was well-received and encouraging to all of the attendees. They all responded that they are looking forward to the next seminar.
During spring break we had a youth overnight at the Tsu Christian Center, which included the new middle school students. (The school year starts in April here.) Thank you for praying for me as I prepared and shared the messages about David and Goliath. Our time together included making meals together, youth-led worship, and testimonies by two of the older youth.
We had a joyful Easter celebration at Komyo Christian Church with our largest group yet gathering for a traditional Easter meal of sushi. What a joy to celebrate our risen Savior together! It is exciting for us to see how God continues working in people’s hearts, drawing them to Himself.
In March we were able to host another Live Gospel Café at Komyo Church. Our guest, Kayo Kyusai, is a regular attender of our church. Her friends, Maki and Daisuke, came along to accompany her on keyboard and percussion. She also invited some other singers to be her back up on a couple of songs. We love these times of sharing God’s love through music and testimony. There was a packed house and several new guests, including Kayo’s daughter and her fiancé.
Another special event we hosted at Komyo Church in April was a ladies event taught by our friend Coco. She makes wooden cross necklaces and brought materials for each lady to paint and decorate her own necklace. God has given us some creative friends! One of the ladies who attended has been coming to Sunday worship services recently. She lives in the neighborhood and is going through treatment for cancer. When she was diagnosed she began seeking God. Although her husband does not want to attend church, he supports her. One of the ladies who has become a regular attendee and is a Christian invited her to come to the craft day and has since also invited her to Bible study. She has an open heart! Please pray for Mrs. Shukunami as she seeks God and the peace only He can provide.
A final, personal note. I was able to take vacation at the end of February into the beginning of March. It was wonderful to travel to South Dakota to see family and friends and to take a step back for a short time to rest and be refreshed. I also spent a few days in Haiti visiting my Compassion sponsor child. What an amazing experience that was!
Thank you for your faithful prayers! May God bless you as you continue serving Him where He has placed you.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shan in Japan