April Prayer Letter

by | Apr 3, 2012 | Ministry News

Hi everyone,

March was a pretty busy month, including a trip to Tokyo for the Immanuel Church’s national annual conference. It was great to get to connect with pastors, fellow-missionaries and friends from around Japan.

Meanwhile, our new kids’ English class has gotten off to a good start, adding to a growing ministry here in Nagoya.  I now teach 3 adult classes and 2 kids classes per week, with a total of 43 students — most of whom are from outside the church. It’s been encouraging to see so many connect with a local church for the first time. Some of these non-Christian  students have also started attending other church events where the love of Jesus is shared more openly. Pray that God keeps making these connections stronger, and that He will be these seeds of His love to fruition in the form of changed lives.

Thank you for your prayers and support! I would not have the opportunity to build these spiritual bridges with you.

This Month’s Prayer Points:

• English Cafe — this Friday night.
• Cherry Blossom Picnic with English students — this Saturday.
• Worship leading at prayer meeting — Wed, Apr. 11.
• Kids/English ministry at Shizuoka Church — Sun, Apr. 22.
• Youth ministry at Nagoya-Higashi Church — Sat, Apr. 28.
• My regular English classes & Japanese studies. 

Blessings,

– Robin

Luke 22:39-53

by | Apr 2, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (v. 46)

We all face temptation every day, some days more than others. But the Bible promises that God always provides a way out. And I wonder if sometimes it’s as simple as Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in this passage…

“Get up and pray.”

Jesus’ temptation was to flee from or resist the coming storm, His crucifixion. It was a trial He did not want to go through. But it was part of the Father’s plan. Jesus sets an example for us here when He faces the temptation to disobey. He prays. 

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (v. 42)

He prays. He’s honest about how He feels, but He submits to the Father’s will. He chooses to obey. And when the time comes for His arrest, Jesus does not resist, because He’s already settled the issue with His Father in prayer. He does the right thing, for us. 

Meanwhile, the disciples — who slept instead of praying — are overcome by fear when the storm arrives. When temptation comes, they flee, betray and deny. 

Whose example do we follow? How often does something as simple as fatigue or laziness win out over prayer in our lives? How often is defeating temptation as simple as getting up and praying?

Get up and pray!

Two rare sights in one

by | Mar 22, 2012 | Uncategorized

P376

1. Me in a suit. 2. Me holding a baby.

This was shot at Immanuel Church’s national annual conference. I got to re-connect with a lot of people, including a good friend (a Japanese pastor) whose wife had a baby since the last time we saw each other.