October Prayer Letter

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your prayers over the past month. Here are are couple of highlights:

This week I spent four days in Kobe at the 6th Japan Congress on Evangelism — a huge gathering of around 2000 pastors, missionaries and church leaders from various denominations and organizations gathered for learning, networking and encouragement. It was definitely a challenging and encouraging time for me, and it was great to see the unity represented there. So much potential!

Earlier in the month, at our English Cafe event, our conversation took a deeper turn than usual. Usually this event isn’t overtly spiritual, but more of a way to build relationships with students and give them a chance to practice their English. But the discussion questions I’d prepared this time naturally led in a spiritual direction, and and I even got to share the Gospel with the group.

Looking ahead, here are some things to pray with me about in the coming weeks:

  • The Church in Japan – for unity & cooperation
  • My English students (mostly non-Christians)
  • English Cafe – 10/7
  • Leading worship at prayer meeting – 10/12
  • English Bible study – 10/16
  • Another art exhibit I’m taking part in during the last 2 weeks of October.
  • Wisdom & direction as I look to start some new ministries in the near future — news soon, I hope!

Again, thank you for your continuing prayers and support for the mission, the Church and Japan! Have a great October!

– Robin

September Prayer Letter

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Hi everyone,

September is here! I hope you’ve had a good summer. Mine was super busy but lots of fun. As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, August’s big events were an artist exhibit and a trip to Hokkaido for some youth work. Both went really well. Thank you for praying! The photo above is from when some church friends came to the art show.

As my English classes are back on schedule now, I’d appreciate your continued prayer for my English ministry in particular, that relationships would grow deeper and hearts would become more open to the Gospel.

Here are some specific events and things you can be praying for as well:

  • 9/2 — English Cafe
  • 9/10 — Leading worship at Inspire Union (returnees ministry)
  • 9/14 — Leading worship at prayer meeting
  • 9/18-19 — Chukyo area holiness retreat
  • 9/27-30 — Japan Conference on Evangelism (an interdenominational gathering of pastors, missionaries and leaders in Kobe)

Thank you for being on my team!

– Robin

Summer Adventures Begin (June-July Prayer Letter)

Hi everyone,

As many of you know, I was back in North America for 3+ weeks recently. I was in upstate New York for a Global Partners retreat and conference, followed by a a couple of days at the Wesleyan Church General Conference. It was a great time of fellowship, team building, learning, equipping and worship.

After that I went to Canada for about 2 weeks of vacation time. I’m really thankful for the time I had to relax with my family and to catch up with friends. I’m thankful for safe travel too.

Now I’m back in Japan and gearing up for the summer. As usual, summer is going to be a very busy season of ministry, so I’d certainly appreciate your prayers. Here are some specific things you can be praying for:

July 7-25 I have a short-term missionary working with me. Pray for Drake, who is considering becoming a long-term missionary, as he explores what ministry in Japan looks like.

In late July and early August, I’ll be taking part in a art exhibit with some other Christian artists from the area. This is an outreach for a local church, and also the first event our newly formed Tokai Christian Artist Network. Pray that it will held build bridges with the community, and that these new partnerships will lead to bigger and better things.

Please pray too for this month’s English Cafe (July 1) and English Bible study (July 17). We also have a special kids’ event on July 18.

As always, thank you for your prayers and support! Hope you have a great summer.

– Robin

Tales from Kumamoto (May 2016 Prayer Letter)

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Hi everyone,

Thank you for your prayers this past week as I travelled to Kumamoto in southwestern Japan to participate in the earthquake relief efforts there. While it was sad to see the destruction in many places, it was really encouraging to see so many Christians from various backgrounds working together to share God’s love in practical ways to those who had been affected by the earthquakes. Times like this make us realize how little many of our differences matter and how much we can accomplish if we work together.

Doing relief work is, of course, a lot different from what I usually do. This past week I did lots of heavy lifting, digging and repair work, as well as carrying supplies, passing out fliers, playing with kids and barbecuing. It was tiring but rewarding. As a bonus, I got to see some beautiful scenery in the mountainous Aso area. Again, thank you for your prayers!

May is upon us, and I’m back in Nagoya, gearing up for a busy month. I’d appreciate your continuing prayers!

Prayer Points:

  • Next week (May 8-14) in particular is busier than usual, because I’ve got a meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, I’m leading worship Wednesday, and I’m substitute teaching an English Bible study on Thursday; all this in addition to my usual English classes.
  • My monthly English Bible study is on Sunday, May 15.
  • On May 26, I’ll be flying to the US, where I’ll be taking part in a GP retreat and conference, followed by a brief appearance at the Wesleyan Church General Conference. After that I’ve got 2 weeks vacation in Canada, and then I travel back to Japan on June 19-20.
  • While I’m away, other missionaries and friends will be covering my English classes. Please pray for them as well!
  • And of course, please pray for Japan! Especially pray for Kumamoto and the surrounding areas that have been affected by the recent earthquakes, and for those doing relief work, which will be continuing for a while.

Once again, thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement!

– Robin