Dear Family and Friends,
Happy American Thanksgiving! Giving thanks in all circumstances is not easy, but it certainly helps us see things through a positive lens. It was a season of sorrow for my co-worker, Shan Reed, as she went back to say her final earthly goodbye to her wonderful Dad. I am thankful to have met Roger Reed and witness first-hand the love of Jesus pour out of his life. Shan’s mom, Joy, is also an amazing woman who is just as her name says…full of joy! I can tell that Shan is who she is because of the special people her parents are. Please pray for the Reed family as they continue to adjust to life without Roger.
I give thanks that when Shan had to leave, the extra responsibilities laid upon the missionary team (Ken and Rachelle Johnson and me) were managed by God’s grace. Many at the Komyo Christian church took this opportunity to offer their gifts and be used of the Lord. One of the ladies stepped up to play the piano and to lead worship. Another young man gave a short report and testimony about the Christian conference he attended. He was so excited to share about what he learned and it was so exciting to see him excited!! This is the Body of Christ at work and the members are using their spiritual gifts to bring glory to the Father. Hallelujah!
Please continue to keep Komyo Christian Church in your prayers as this church plant grows and matures to become a disciple-making church and as it reaches out to the community. Please also pray for Heijo and Kongo churches that continue without a pastor. With Christmas and New Year’s Day landing on a Sunday this year, these worship services will be special. Please pray for the preparations for these services and that they would be great opportunities for the gospel of salvation to be heard and accepted.
I am also thankful for how God worked at the JBC Youth gathering on October 10th. It is a highlight because we had a good turnout and the kids were really engaged. It was the first time that the youth gathered at the Heijo church where I am helping out. Sho, who recently got baptized, and his older sister came to the youth event for the first time too. Sho gave his testimony and his older sister brought a friend along with her. They both said that they enjoyed the event and look forward to another opportunity to join.
This upcoming season is Christmas, which is always a great time for the churches to do a lot of outreach activities. I have a new friend that will come with me to various Christmas events this year. I befriended “DUCKY” last spring after deciding to take some ventriloquism classes. I hope Ducky will help me spread the Good News of Jesus this year to the seniors in my community that I volunteer at, and to children of all ages in the various church Christmas events.
Upcoming events:
November 12-Bible Interpretation Seminar at Komyo
November 29-Ladies Christmas card-making at Komyo
December 10- Christmas caroling @senior nursing home/Christmas movie night at Komyo
December 15-Christmas Volunteer at Community Seniors
December 17-Live Gospel Café at Komyo
December 18-Christmas program at Heijo Christian Church
December 24-Christmas Eve service at Komyo
December 25-Christmas service/program at Kongo Bible church
Thank you for praying with me!
Blessings, Yuri