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)
by Whitey | Aug 2, 2010 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
My home ministries for this term have come to an end after several months of busy travel, ministry and support raising. I’ve lost track of just how many places I’ve been and churches I’ve connected with since January, but I’m thankful to say I’ve had safe travel and good experiences everywhere I’ve gone. I’m sure your prayers have played a big part in that — so THANK YOU!
I had been hoping to be back in Japan within the first couple of weeks of August. But it looks like it will be mid-to-late-August before I have my work visa. Please PRAY for the visa application process to go quickly and smoothly, and that God will bless this extra few weeks at home.
Meanwhile, in early August the Immanuel Church of Japan is holding couple of big events: Youth Station (Aug. 10-13) is a youth/young adults rally being held in Yokohama. Tonicam (Aug. 17-20) is our summer teen camp. People from all over Japan will be coming to these events. Please PRAY for safe travel, open hearts and changed lives.
Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support!
– robin
(posted August 2 2010)
by Whitey | Jul 30, 2010 | Ministry News
The good news: I’m back safely from my trip to the US — all the way to Delaware and back. This brings an end to my home ministries for the year. I have had a good time catching up with many friends and supporters over the past several months. But am glad to be done, too, as it can get quite tiring traveling that much. Living out of a suitcase gets old.
The bad news: I probably won’t be able to go back to Japan for another month. I was hoping to be there in early August, in time for a couple of summer youth events. But it looks like I won’t have my visa until mid-to-late-August. It is my own fault, really, for not starting the process sooner.
At any rate, I am planning to make the most of this time of waiting — working ahead on some stuff, studying Japanese and giving God time and space to spiritually prepare me for this next chapter of my life and ministry.
(posted July 30, 2010)
