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)
by Whitey | Jun 30, 2011 | Ministry News
Dear praying friends,
March’s natural disaster has brought a lot of attention to Japan. The current deathtoll is over 20,000 people. However, there is another statistic that many people don’t know: Over 30,000 commit suicide in Japan every year. And now, this year’s natural disaster is just adding to the ongoing tragedy of hopelessness; there were 20% more suicides reported this May compared to the same period last year.
All of this just emphasizes the truth that Japan is a nation in desperate need of hope. If this was true before March 11, how much more obvious is it now?
Please continue to pray for the continuing relief efforts in north-eastern Japan. Pray that God will use this disaster to draw people to Himself. Pray that the Church will be effective in reaching out to lost people with the love of Jesus. Pray for hope.
My July Prayer Needs:
While you are praying for Japan, here are some specific things you can pray about on my behalf:
– My English students.
– My Japanese studies.
– Youth ministry at Nagoya-Higashi Church on 7/9.
– Music & testimony at Nagoya-Higashi on 7/10.
– English Club event on 7/24.
– Kids’ Camp at the Toyota Church on 7/31 & 8/1.
Thank you for your continuing partnership with me in Japan!
Blessings,
Robin
—————————————————————————————
Earthquake Relief
Click here for info on how you can help: http://www.crashjapan.com
Related News Articles:
Re: Suicides
Re: Deathtoll
(posted June 30 2011)
by Whitey | Jun 3, 2011 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Reflecting back on the past few months, and looking ahead to the summer, it really seems like this year is moving way too quickly! I’m thankful for the many opportunities God is giving me here, and for your partnership in my ministry through prayers and giving.
God is continuing to bless my English ministry, and spiritual bridges are being built. For May’s English Club event, attendance was down a little bit, but I was really thankful to see one of my Wednesday English class students show up. I really believe God is working my students’ lives, drawing them to Himself! Please keep praying for my English sudents.
Here are some prayer requests for June:
• This weekend (June 4-6) I’m scheduled to minister through preaching and music at the Yamaguchi Immanuel Church.
• Wednesday, June 8: Worship leading at prayer meeting here in Nagoya.
• Saturday, June 11: Youth ministry at Nagoya-Higashi Immanuel Church.
• June 13-17: GP Asia Area Missionary Retreat.
Thanks again, and God bless!
– Robin (June 3, 2011)
