by Whitey | Dec 2, 2011 | Ministry News
Thank you for your prayers over the past month.
In November I took a trip to Northeast Japan, where I worked for a few days with a group doing relief and rebuilding work for those affected by the March 11 disasters. While it was heartbreaking to see so much devastation, and that there is still so much work to do, I was encouraged by the full-timers I met there, and the good work they are doing. For more on my trip, please see the the previous post on this blog.
With Christmas time fast approching, there is a lot going on in December. Please be praying with me for the following:
1. Leading worship at prayer meeting — Dec. 14
2. Speaking at Youth Christmas event at Nagoya-Higashi Church — Dec. 17
3. Our annual Christmas celebration / outreach event at Nagoya Church — Dec. 18
4. Traveling to Canada for Christmas! (Dec. 23-Jan. 4)
Thank you for your partnership with me, building spiritual bridges in Japan! I hope you have a great December and a marry Christmas!
– Robin
by Whitey | Nov 1, 2011 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Thank you for your prayers for me and my ministry this past month! In early October we held our first English Cafe, and a few foreign friends came to help out, along with several English students and other Japanese friends. The total was about 15 people, over half non-Christian. Praise God that one of our missionary guests got to share her testimony with the others in her group.
In October I also started teaching a new English class on Tuesday evenings. There are 8 students in this class now, and 7 of them are from outside the church. This includes two ladies I met at a coffee shop randomly the day before our first class.
This past Sunday, the Nagoya church celebrated our 60th anniversary. It was a great day of celebration, especially since it also included the baptisms of two of our young people.
I’ve been really impressed that our pastors and leaders have been using this 60th anniversary season as a time not only to remember and give thanks for things in the past, but also to cast a vision for the future. In addition, we are holding an outreach event on November 13 related to our anniversary, as a way of saying thanks to the community and welcoming them to come and check out our church. Please pray for this special event.
Please be in prayer for these things as well:
- English Cafe – 11/04
- Leading worship at prayer meeting – 11/9
- Helping with Nagoya-Higashi Youth – 11/12
- Relief work trip to Sendai – 11/20-25
- English Club (now every other month) – 11/27
- My weekly English classes & Japanese studies
Thanks again for all your prayers, encouragement and support!
– Robin
by Whitey | Sep 27, 2011 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
I’m sending my October prayer letter a little early, as you can see. This is because there are some new ministries starting in early October that need your prayers. Please read and pray! But first, some things to be thankful for…
This month I’m thankful because:
• 2 new (non-Christian) students joined my Saturday English class this past week. We now have 30 students — over 1/3 of whom are from outside the church!
• One of my non-Christian students came to prayer meeting for the first time last week.
• I had the opportunity to minister through testimony and music to the youth at our area reatreat a couple of weeks ago. It was a fun and encouraging time for all!
• One of the guys from Nagoya-Higashi Church youth group recently gave his heart to the Lord! You may remember me telling you about this group of about 10 teens, all from non-Christian backgrounds. This is the first to make a profession of faith. PTL!
Please pray for:
• 2 new English programs we’re starting at the Nagoya church: a weekly class for beginners (starting Oct. 4) and a monthly “English Cafe” (starting Oct. 7). The Cafe is an informal time of practicing English over coffee, snacks and games, and is aimed at people of a slightly higher level English abililty. Please pray that conversations turn naturally to spiritual things.
• I’ve been invited to another church in Shizuoka to do some kids ministry the weekend of Oct. 15-16. Pray for safe travel and effective ministry.
• Please keep praying for my regular English classes, worship leading, and Japanese studies as well.
Thank you for partnering with me in this ministry. Spiritual bridges are being built in Japan, and you are helping to build them!
– Robin (2011/09/27)
by Whitey | Sep 17, 2011 | Ministry News
The Good News: I got my visa extension, and it’s good for 3 more years! Thanks for praying!
The Prayer Request: Tomorrow and Monday is Chukyo Seikai — an annual retreat for the Immanuel Churches in our area. I am helping out with the youth programs with music and a testimony. Please pray for my ministry and for all involved in this event; for safe travel and changed lives.
Thanks!
(Posted on Sat. Sept. 17 2011)
by Whitey | Aug 30, 2011 | Ministry News
Hey everyone,
Here’s my latest newsletter. Please download, read and pray! Also, I am in the middle of applying for my visa extension (my current one being for one year only and running out soon) so I would appreciate your prayers for that over the next week or so.
PRINTABLE VERSION:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12247320/015-print.pdf
LOW-RESOLUTION FOR VIEWING ON YOUR COMPUTER:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12247320/015-web.pdf
Thanks!
– robin
(Aug. 30 2011)
by Whitey | Aug 3, 2011 | Ministry News
Prayer Letter, August 2011
Last night as I took in a Japanese festival and fireworks in nearby Toyota city, I was reminded of how much I love summer in Japan. In spite of the sometime-unbearable heat, I love the sights, sounds and events that summer brings. It’s also one of the busiest times of year for ministry.
The past month has definitely been pretty busy. Last Sunday we held our monthly English Club outreach event, where we enjoyed some outdoor fun, including a huge water fight and some “Suikawari”. Suikawarah is Japanese game that’s a lot like pinata-smashing but played with watermelons. The watermelons were delicious, by the way.
More imporantly, we had a few guests come out to the event, including a non-Christian who’s been coming to my English class since November, but never connected with the church outside of class until now. As part of the event, I shared a short devotional message about knowing God. Over all, a great event.
In addtion to English Club and my usual English classes, I also took part in two different kids’ day camps, one in Numazu, Shizuoka, and the other in Toyota. This was a small milestone for me, as it was my first time doing kids’ ministry in Japanese. As part of my ministry, I gave a short message, aiding by some drawing and discussion. About half of the kids were from un-churched backgrounds, so it was a great opportunity to share the Gospel, and I’m thankful the Lord helped me communicate His love.
Yes, I love summer; it’s a great time to share God’s love.
This month, please pray for:
1. My week off in Osaka (Aug. 2-8)
2. Tonican — our denomination’s annual youth camp (Aug. 16-19), where I’ll be playing on the worship team and helping out however else I can.
3. August’s English Club (Aug. 28) & my English students.
4. My monthly worship leading gig (Aug. 24).
5. God’s direction for the second year of my current term with GP.
As always, thanks for partnering with me in prayer!
Hugs,
– Robin (Aug. 1, 2011)
