Prayer Letter (May 2014)

by | May 2, 2014 | Ministry News

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a happy Easter! Here are a couple of highlights from Easter in Japan:

On Easter Sunday, we celebrated two baptisms at Nagoya Immanuel Church. One of these new Christians is a young lady who started coming to our church less than 2 years ago through the witness of a co-worker. The other is an older gentleman who has been coming for almost 20 years along with his wife, who is a member of our church! Everyone’s story is different, but thankfully God doesn’t give up on us! Praise God for these new additions to our Church family!

baptism copy

Last week we held an English Club event at our church. In addition to games, music and snacks, a taught a short Easter message, sharing about the hope we have as Christians because of Jesus’ resurrection. I’m thankful that among the 30-odd people who attended, there were at least 5 non-Christian guests who got to hear the Gospel!

band copy

Now it’s May and I’ve only got about six weeks left before the end of my term and my return to Canada. Thankfully, we have found someone to cover most of my English classes in my absence, but we are still looking for at least one more teacher to take the rest. Please keep praying for this need. Pray, too, for the rest of the preparations I have to make over the next month. And pray for my students and friends who don’t know Jesus.

Thank you as always for your prayers and support!

– Robin

March Prayer Letter

by | Mar 4, 2014 | Ministry News

Kids Brown English!

Hi everyone!

The above picture is from my Thursday afternoon kids English class, who have just finished their third year together! It’s hard to believe it’s been that long, but I’m super thankful for the good relationships that have been built through this and my other English classes. In addition to finishing another year of kids classes, in February we also hosted an English Club event. These all-ages events are held from time-to-time as a “next step” in building spiritual bridges between our students and the church. February’s was an Olympic themed event, and we had about 30 people take part, including a good handful of non-Christians. Thank you for your continuing prayers for these ministries!

Please be praying for the following things in March:

1. English Cafe (a casual time of English conversation practice) is this Friday night (3/7).

2. The Immanuel Church’s annual national conference (3/11-13) with guest speaker Dr. Joanne Lyon. This is a time of worship and learning for the pastors of Immanuel churches, along with business meetings. It’s also when pastors receive their appointments and church transitions begin.

3. Leading worship at prayer meeting here in Nagoya (3/23).

4. Partnership Development. I’ve started planning my schedule for my time back in North America starting in late June. Please pray for this planning and prep time. Pray, too, that we can find someone to cover my English classes during my absence; there are some possibilities but nothing definite yet.

Thank you for being a part of our ministry here in Japan!

– Robin

February Prayer Letter

by | Feb 2, 2014 | Ministry News

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a happy New Year! Here’s what’s happening with our ministry in Japan:

1. English Bible Study — After a short holiday break, we’re back to meeting every other week, with two new people joining us in January. Please pray that those taking part (mostly non-Christians) will understand and believe God’s Word.

2. Manga Ministry — The end of January was the deadline for Kelly Shinozawa’s Manga Genesis Book 2, so I was busy helping translate and correct the English version of the comic. Please pray that this series will connect with people who wouldn’t normally read the Bible or attend church.

3. February English Ministries — Please pray for this month’s English Cafe (2/7) and English Club event (2/23).

4. Transitions — As I mentioned last month, this term with GP is coming to an end this summer. Please pray with me for direction about the next steps for my ministry here. I need to start planning and preparing soon, so pray that I have a clear sense of God’s leading.
Thanks as always for your prayers and support! They are much-needed and appreciated!

– Robin

December Prayer Letter

by | Dec 3, 2013 | Ministry News

Hi everyone!

I just got back from a week away at a missionary conference. This year the GP Asia and Turkic/Arabic area M’s joined together with Nazarene M’s from Europe, so it turned out to be a rather large gathering! It was great re-connecting with the GP tribe, talking missions, and worshiping together.

Meanwhile, December has arrived! December is always a busy month, and this year is no exception. Please pray for me about the following this month:

  • English Cafe at my church this Friday, December 6.
  • Worship leading at prayer meeting next Wednesday, December 11.
  • Church Christmas events on the 18th and 22nd in Nagoya.
  • Preaching at Immanuel Hirakata Church on Christmas Eve.
  • Christmas party for my kids English classes on December 26.

Phew! As you can see, I have a full schedule this month! This is on top of my weekly English classes. Please pray with me for energy, wisdom and anointing to minister effectively throughout the month. As always, your prayers, financial support and encouragement are much, much appreciated!

Thanks, merry Christmas, and happy New Year!

– Robin

Robin White — Global Partners, Japan