by Whitey | Dec 1, 2010 | Ministry News
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you so much for your prayers over the past month! I have been busy, but really enjoying life and ministry in Japan.
In November we launched our new English ministries at the Nagoya Church. I’m currently teaching two weekly classes. Both classes started out so small, I was tempted to combine the two into one. But at the last minute we had a couple of new sign-ups, so I decided to keep them separate. Then, over the weeks, the numbers have continued to grow. Now we have 12 people coming regularly, 7 of whom are non-Christians from outside the church! I’m thankful for the bridges that are beginning to be built through these classes.
Our first monthly English Club event was held this Sunday and was well-attended, with over 20 people. Most were regular attenders of the church, but I’m confident that as this ministry grows we will see more of our non-Christian friends taking part. Please pray that both the weekly classes and these monthly events will be used to sew seeds of God’s love in people’s hearts.
Other highlights this month included leading worship at prayer meeting on the 17th, here in Nagoya; at that time I also gave a short message in Japanese. On Sunday the 21st, I preached at the Hikone Immanuel Church (in English with an interpreter). Both opportunities went well, so thanks for praying.
Here are some specific things you can pray about in December:
1. This Saturday (the 4th) I’m taking part in a youth group meeting at the Nagoya-Higashi Immanuel Church. The pastor tells me there will be about 10-13 students, ALL of whom are non-church kids. Pray for me as I minister through song and testimony, and pray that I make a good connection with them for the sake of future ministry there.
2. On December 19, my own church will be holding its Christmas celebrations. Pray that many of our non-Christian friends will come and be drawn to the Lord through this event.
3. On December 23, I’m ministering through music and testimony at another Christmas event in Shizuoka, at the Immanuel Numazu Church. Pray for God to use me there as well.
4. Please also be in prayer for my Japanese studies. I’m finishing up another term at the YWCA and have already reached the highest level offered at this school. I’m currently considering other options for continuing my studies: A different school? Private or group lessons? Etc.
Again, thank you for praying for and supporting me as I work with the Church to build spiritual bridges in Japan! Have a great December!
– robin
by Whitey | Dec 1, 2010 | Ministry News
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you so much for your prayers over the past month! I have been busy, but really enjoying life and ministry in Japan.
In November we launched our new English ministries at the Nagoya Church. I’m currently teaching two weekly classes. Both classes started out so small, I was tempted to combine the two into one. But at the last minute we had a couple of new sign-ups, so I decided to keep them separate. Then, over the weeks, the numbers have continued to grow. Now we have 12 people coming regularly, 7 of whom are non-Christians from outside the church! I’m thankful for the bridges that are beginning to be built through these classes.
Our first monthly English Club event was held this Sunday and was well-attended, with over 20 people. Most were regular attenders of the church, but I’m confident that as this ministry grows we will see more of our non-Christian friends taking part. Please pray that both the weekly classes and these monthly events will be used to sew seeds of God’s love in people’s hearts.
Other highlights this month included leading worship at prayer meeting on the 17th, here in Nagoya; at that time I also gave a short message in Japanese. On Sunday the 21st, I preached at the Hikone Immanuel Church (in English with an interpreter). Both opportunities went well, so thanks for praying.
Here are some specific things you can pray about in December:
1. This Saturday (the 4th) I’m taking part in a youth group meeting at the Nagoya-Higashi Immanuel Church. The pastor tells me there will be about 10-13 students, ALL of whom are non-church kids. Pray for me as I minister through song and testimony, and pray that I make a good connection with them for the sake of future ministry there.
2. On December 19, my own church will be holding its Christmas celebrations. Pray that many of our non-Christian friends will come and be drawn to the Lord through this event.
3. On December 23, I’m ministering through music and testimony at another Christmas event in Shizuoka, at the Immanuel Numazu Church. Pray for God to use me there as well.
4. Please also be in prayer for my Japanese studies. I’m finishing up another term at the YWCA and have already reached the highest level offered at this school. I’m currently considering other options for continuing my studies: A different school? Private or group lessons? Etc.
Again, thank you for praying for and supporting me as I work with the Church to build spiritual bridges in Japan! Have a great December!
– robin
by Whitey | Nov 1, 2010 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
This past weekend our church held a youth rally featuring games, times of worship, testimonies and messages. Several teens from our church and some others in the area attended. The coolest part was that this event was dreamed up, planned and put on completely by our teens themselves. It is truly great to see them developing a passion for sharing God’s love, and taking the lead in putting it into action! Praise the Lord.
This coming Saturday, November 6th, my first new English class of the term begins here at the Nagoya Church. Currently about half the people signed up are from our church, while the other half are new people. Please pray for this new ministry as it gets under way.
Later in the month, on Nov. 28, we’ll be hosting our first English Club event as well. This is a monthly, all-ages event that is designed to give people a chance to learn and practice English in a fun environment. It will also include a short Biblical message. Like the weekly classes, the main purpose is to reach out to the un-churched; so please pray that plenty of people will come and invite their friends too.
Other things you can be praying for: Safe travel and productive meetings with other members of our mission in Tokyo and Yokohama (Nov. 15-16). Also, I’m leading worship with my friend Kubota at our church’s prayer meeting on the 17th. Pray that God will lead us and use us to draw people into His presence.
Thanks as always for your prayers and support!
– robin
(posted Mon. Nov. 1 ‘10)
by Whitey | Sep 15, 2010 | Ministry News, Uncategorized
Because it’s been over a week since my arrival, I thought I should post a quick update. First of all, for those of you who don’t follow my Twitter for Facebook: Yes, I’ve safely arrived in Japan.
I arrived back in Nagoya on Saturday night, September 4. Since then I’ve been getting over jet lag, having many happy reunions, unpacking and settling into my new apartment. I really like the new apartment my church has provided for me in our building here. But of course, all the un-boxing and arranging and shopping involved in moving in kept me pretty busy for the first week. Thankful for my church’s generosity and help.
Of course the other major task has been getting back into Japanese studies. Being re-immersed in the language has helped me get motivated; it shows me both how far I’ve come and how far I’ve still to go. My first language class was yesterday; I’ll be going twice a week at the same YWCA school as I did before.
As for ministry: I’ll be taking part in a retreat this weekend, playing in the band and helping lead the youth session. I’m also on tap to play guitar in the AM service at my church on Sunday.
As I’m back in Japan and getting back into the swing of things, I’m reminded afresh of my need for prayer. There are some new ministries I’m working towards starting, and I really need God’s guidance. I’ve got a head full of ideas, and it would be easy to just dive in. But God seems to be telling me to slow down, pray and listen for His guidance. It could be that He’s got something in mind I haven’t even dreamed of, and it would be a shame to miss it. I’d appreciate you praying with me…
Meanwhile, it’s good to be home.
As I said when I started this new blog, I don’t plan follow any particular updating schedule. But now that I’m actually in Japan I think I’ll try to post something at least once a week. So follow the RSS, Twitter or Facebook feed if you don’t want to miss anything. Or just check back here once a week or so.
(posted Wed. Sept. 15 2010)
by Whitey | Sep 1, 2010 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Good news! My visa has been approved and my plane ticket purchased. I am scheduled to return to Japan this Friday, September 3. Please pray with me for the last minute details, goodbyes, and a safe trip back to Japan.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. I look forward to sending you my next update from Japan!
robin
(posted Sept. 1 2010)
by Whitey | Aug 25, 2010 | Ministry News
Today I recieved my Certificate of Eligibility — that all-important document I have been waiting for, that I can apply for my visa. So tomorrow I’m off to Ottawa (11-12 hour drive) to apply for my visa in person at the Japanese embassy. After that it should be about a week till I get my visa, meaning I should be able to fly to Japan the next weeked or a few days after that.
If you are the praying type, please keep me in mind for safe travel and a quick, smooth visa process. I would also appreciate your prayers for safe trip to Japan and a smooth transition back to “normal” life there.
Thanks!
(posted Wed, Aug. 25 2010)
