Spring! (April 2015 Prayer Letter)

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Hi everyone,

Here in Nagoya the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom, which means that spring is here! Thank you for your prayers over the past month.

The photo above is from an early Easter tea party hosted by Denise, who leads one of our English Bible classes at the church. Denise continues to do a great job teaching this group.

Meanwhile, I started a new English Bible study in March, which will be meeting once a month. We only had 3 students the first time, but several others have expressed interest. Please pray that this important part of my ministry will grow and bear fruit!

Our monthly English Cafe re-launched in March as well and 8 people took part. Not a bad start…

This past weekend, I attended the Immanuel Church’s annual conference. This year marks their 70th anniversary, so the schedule was a little different than usual. One major highlight was a big youth event on Saturday. It’s good to see the denomination make our youth and young adults a priority. Please continue to pray for the Japanese church!

Please pray with me for the following as well:

1. English Cafe this Friday, April 3.
2. Leading worship at Inspa (returnees ministry) this Saturday.
3. Leading worship at prayer meeting next Wednesday, April 8.
4. English Bible class on April 19.

As always, thank you so much for your partnership in our mission to Japan!

Happy Easter!

– Robin

Endings and Beginnings: March 2015 Prayer Letter

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Hi everyone,

Even though I’ve been back in Japan for over two months, and I’ve settled in pretty nicely, in some ways it seems like I’m still just getting started. This month brings a lot of new beginnings, even as other things come to an end.

The photo above is from our final class with the first kids class we started at my church 4 years ago. It’s a 4-year program and this is the first group we’ve graduated. It’s sad to see them go, but exciting to see how they’ve grown. Please pray that as they move on from this class we won’t lose our connection with them and their families.

As one class ends, a new one is beginning — this Thursday! Also this week, our monthly English Cafe is re-launching. In addition, later this month I’m starting a new, monthly English Bible study.

Please Pray For:

  • Our new kids class starting Thursday
  • English Cafe this Friday
  • Our new monthly English Bible study
  • The Immanuel Church 70th anniversary celebrations and annual conference in Tokyo (March 27-29)

Thank you for your continuing prayers and support!

– Robin

Happy New Year from Japan! (January 2015 prayer letter)

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Hi everyone,

Well, as you can see, I’ve arrived safely back in Japan. I got here on December 28, and have been enjoyed getting caught up with friends and celebrating the New Year. Thank you for your prayers during my time in North America and my travels to Japan!

This week I’m taking time to get organized and prepared for the year’s ministries. I’d appreciate your prayers during this time; please pray that God will give me vision and direction as I plan and set goals for the coming months, so that I can have an effective and fruitful ministry this year.

Thank you and God bless!

– Robin

New Years in Japan

This video is about 4 years old now, but I thought I’d re-post it now because it’ll give you a look at what New Years is like in Japan.