by Whitey | Apr 25, 2007 | Ministry News
Sorry for the lack of a Photo of the Week this week; I’m on the road and it’s been harder to upload pictures than usual. I’ll try to get back on a regular schedule when I’m home again.
I’m writing from Harrington, Delaware today. To those of you praying for my journey, thanks. It’s been going great. I’ve reconnected with some old friends. I’ve also connected with a couple of churches who are now a part of my support team, both in fairly significant ways. It’s definitely been worthwhile to come all this way, and the journey’s only about half over. I’ve got a combined service tonight in Bethel, and then it’s back to Keymar, Maryland, where I have a few days to relax before speaking in two services on Sunday morning.
I’m enjoying the journey…
by Whitey | May 24, 2006 | Ministry News
In May I had the priviledge of spending about two weeks in Japan. I am a part of Global Partners, the missions department of the Wesleyan Church. In Japan we partner with an indigenous denomination called Immanuel General Mission. My purpose in visiting Japan earlier this month was to meet IGM leaders and pastors in person so that we could get to know each other better, and so that we could get a clearer picture of how we might work together in the future.
To the left is a picture of the Immanuel Church in Nakameguro, Tokyo, where I spent my first couple of days. The pastor in Nakameguro is Isaac Saoshiro, who is also the president of IGM (regrettably I didn’t get a photo of him). I had a great time getting to know Dr. Saoshiro and his wife, who are former missionaries themselves. I also participated in their mid-week prayer meeting.
From Nakameguro, I moved on to Yokohama, with a brief stop in Funabashi along the way. In Funabashi I attended an Undokai (kids’ sports day) that the church was putting on. Many people from the church and community came out to participate; it was a fun time, and seems to be a great way for the church to connect with the community.
In Yokohama I stayed at our Wesleyan Mission House (pictured to the right), which is actually divided into two apartments: upstairs is home to fellow-GP-missionary Andrea Swarthout; downstairs (where I stayed) is home to our Asia Area Director, Paul Turner, and his wife.
In Yokohama I visited the local IGM Church, as well as the denomination’s Bible Training College. I had the opportunity to share my testimony in both settings.
Below is a photo of me with a few of the many people I met in Yokohama….
While in the area, I also hopped the train and visited with Kevin Zirkle, a WGM missionary to Japan. I took part in one of his weekly Bible studies at Rykyo University (see below). In addition, I had the opportunity to address a meeting of IGM’s district superintendents.
After my time in the Tokyo area, I rode the bullet train to Osaka, where I not only got to relax and visit with some old friends, but I also met with another IGM pastor — Benjamin Tsutada — whose church in Sakai is active in reaching young people through soccer.
Many details about my future appointment in Japan are still to be worked out. But this trip was definitely worth the time because of the relationships that have begun to be built between myself and our partners at IGM. Not only that, but I have also come away from the trip with a fresh perspective and new motivation to raise support and study Japanese.
After this trip to Japan I am more convinced than ever of both the greatness of the need and the greatness of the opportunity in Japan. For those of you who are helping me with your giving and your prayers… thank you. If you are not yet a part of this team, please consider joining me in this great adventure. Your giving and prayers are investments that help us to strengthen and expand the Church in Japan.
by Whitey | Apr 21, 2006 | Ministry News
I’m currently finalizing plans for a short-term trip to Japan from May 1-16. This trip is what I like to call my “vision tour”. In Japan, Global Partners works alongside an indigenous church denomination called Immanuel General Mission. The purpose of my visit is to meet with IGM leaders and pastors, and to visit some of their churches; this will help us get to know one another better. The ultimate goal is to find a specific church and ministry that is right for me.
Please pray…
– for God’s protection as I travel
– for God to give me a clear vision for my future ministry in Japan
– for God to lead the IGM leaders as they make decisions regarding our ministry together
– for God to prepare just the right ministry for me to be a part of
Please take a moment to praise God with me as well — thank Him for His provision so far: I have a job that is flexible enough to give me time off for this trip and to travel on weekends as well. I’m also encouraged by the people who have joined my team by committing to pray and to give. Praise the Lord!
