English Club Group Photo

by | Sep 24, 2013 | Ministry News, Photos

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This pic is from Sunday’s English Club event with Kat McDowell. Total attendance was over 70, including a BUNCH of guests (both English students and first-time visitors).

(Correction 9/26: The original version of this post said the total was 72, but I’ve since learned it was more like.)

Surprise, Surprise (September 2013 Prayer Letter)

by | Sep 3, 2013 | Ministry News, Photos

Hi everyone,

This month I’ve been busy entertaining some unexpected guests — my parents!  My pastors and some others were in on the plan, but I had no idea they were coming. I was graciously given permission to take a few days off to travel with my parents, so over the past week we took a trip to Osaka, Nara and Kyoto to see the sights and visit with some of my friends. The photo above is of me and my folks with my “Japanese parents” at Nara Park.

Thank you for your continuing  prayers and support! In August, we finished the English translation of Manga Genesis, Book 1, and sent it off to the publishers. I played on the worship team at youth camp, where it was great to see God working in teens’ lives. I also had the opportunity to preach at my church in Nagoya.  I was preaching in Japanese in front of my parents, so I felt more nervous than usual. But I did OK, and more importantly I felt that God spoke through me. Also, one of my English students attended church for the first time that day! PTL!

This month, I’d ask you to pray specifically for our big English Club event on September 22. We have a special guest musician (Kat McDowell) coming and are hoping for a big turn-out. Pray that God will use this event to draw people to Jesus!

I’m planning to send a full newsletter next month with more details and photos from my summer adventures.  Until then, thanks again, and keep praying for Japan!

Hugs,

– Robin

August 2013 Prayer Letter

by | Aug 6, 2013 | Ministry News

Hi everyone!

I just returned from a few day’s vacation in my Japanese “hometown,” Sayama City, Osaka.  I had a great time of catching up with old friends — some of whom I hadn’t seen since I left Sayama TEN YEARS ago!

Thank you for your prayers for my ministry over the past month.  On July 15, in Nagoya, we hosted a special “Summer Festival” event for our kids English students and their families.  We had a great turn-out, and everyone had a good time. It was a good chance to build stronger relationships between our church and our students. I even got to share a short Bible message, and I’m thankful that these super-energetic little kids actually listened! Please pray for God to keep working in the lives of my students and their families.

On July 21, I visited Shizuoka Immanuel Church, where, in addition to preaching the morning message, I helped put on another kids event.  I think there were close to 20 guests, all non-Christians, including a number of new faces. I’m thankful for God’s blessing on this spiritual bridge-building event!  I’m also thankful for God’s wisdom and energy during a very busy day of ministry! Please pray that Shizuoka Church can build on these relationships and share God’s love with their community.

Meanwhile, I’ve been continuing to work as an assistant for Kelly Shinozawa’s manga ministry.  Just yesterday, I put in a VERY long day doing final edits on the English translation of Manga Genesis, Book 1.  Please pray for this project to give people a greater understanding and appreciation for God’s Word, and a hunger to know more!

In addition to my regular needs, I’d really appreciate your prayers for a couple of specific things in August: Next week is the Immanuel Church’s annual teen camp, “Tonican.”  I’m going to be playing guitar on the worship team, giving a testimony, and helping out however else I’m needed. Please pray for lives to be changed at Tonican this year!

Also, I’m scheduled to preach in Nagoya on August 25. Please pray for me to be able to communicate God’s word clearly in Japanese.

As always, your prayers and support are greatly appreciated!  Thank you for being a part of the team,

– Robin

Robin White — Global Partners, Japan
www.robinwhiteonline.com

July 2013 Prayer Letter

by | Jul 2, 2013 | Ministry News

Hi everyone!

Thank you for your prayers for me, my ministry and Japan.  Here’s the latest:

1. Our English ministry in Nagoya is still growing, in spite of not doing any promotion recently.  In June, 3 new people joined my adult classes, and now both the Wednesday and Saturday classes are full — 11 or 12 people! And I’ve been told that 2 new people are coming to check out my Tuesday night class tonight, as well.  Please pray for God’s wisdom and direction as I teach and as I lead this growing ministry.

2. Our monthly English Cafe is this Friday, July 5. Please pray for good conversations and relationship-building.

3. On July 15, we’re hosting a “summer festival” event for our kids’ English class students and their families, and also inviting the kids who attend our Sunday school.  Pray that this lead to deeper relationships between our unchurched students and our church, and that some of those students will start attending our Sunday school.

4. On July 21, I’m scheduled to be in Shizuoka to preach in the morning service and lead a kids’ outreach event.  Pray for God’s help as I prepare and preach my message in Japanese. Pray for the kids’ event to be a good bridge-building event with families in the community.

Again, thanks for your prayers and support!

– Robin

Robin White — Global Partners, Japan
www.robinwhiteonline.com

“Out of Control” — Robin’s June Prayer Letter

by | Jun 1, 2013 | Ministry News

Hi everyone,

Thank as always for your continuing prayers. My English ministry in Nagoya is continuing to grow — almost to the point where I almost can’t handle it anymore! A good problem…

In May I started my English Bible study class, and it’s going really well so far. I’ve got 4 students, and we meet twice a month, studying the book of Mark using some ESL Bible study curriculum. 3 of the 4 students are not Christians, and they are really eager to learn! They keep me on my toe with all their unexpected questions.

Meanwhile, my Saturday English class is full! Literally just today, two new students joined us, making it 12 in total, and bringing my total number (all five classes combined) to almost 50 people! I’m thankful for all this growth and interest, but don’t really have time to start any new classes.

Please pray for God to provide the help I need, and the wisdom to lead. And pray that He’ll use this ministry to draw more people to Jesus. Please pray, too, that June will be a really productive month for me. July and August are going to be super busy again, so I want to make sure I’m ready.

Thanks, and God bless!

– Robin