by Whitey | Jun 1, 2013 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Thank as always for your continuing prayers. My English ministry in Nagoya is continuing to grow — almost to the point where I almost can’t handle it anymore! A good problem…
In May I started my English Bible study class, and it’s going really well so far. I’ve got 4 students, and we meet twice a month, studying the book of Mark using some ESL Bible study curriculum. 3 of the 4 students are not Christians, and they are really eager to learn! They keep me on my toe with all their unexpected questions.
Meanwhile, my Saturday English class is full! Literally just today, two new students joined us, making it 12 in total, and bringing my total number (all five classes combined) to almost 50 people! I’m thankful for all this growth and interest, but don’t really have time to start any new classes.
Please pray for God to provide the help I need, and the wisdom to lead. And pray that He’ll use this ministry to draw more people to Jesus. Please pray, too, that June will be a really productive month for me. July and August are going to be super busy again, so I want to make sure I’m ready.
Thanks, and God bless!
– Robin
by Whitey | May 21, 2013 | Thoughts on Missions
“Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power; then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O Lord, are God.” (Isaiah 37:20 NLT)
No matter what fear, temptation or challenge you are facing today, God is bigger. God is stronger. He alone is God, and He gets the final word.
by Whitey | May 1, 2013 | Ministry News
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by Whitey | Apr 3, 2013 | Photos
by Whitey | Apr 2, 2013 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
I hope you had a great Easter! Thank you for your prayers over the past month.
I had a great time celebrating Easter in Nagoya. In the morning we had Easter worship followed by a baptism. And in the afternooon, I hosted a special English Club event. HAPPY Around 40 people attended, and we had a great time playing games, singing songs and eating delicious sweets. Special guest Zach Motts (WGM missionary) gave us a short Easter message and performed an Easter skit with me. And we had seven guests from outside the church! I’m thankful for God’s blessing on this spiritual bridge-building event!
Please pray with me this month about the following:
1. Japanese studies — I’m starting to take private lessons again, twice a month, starting this week.
2. English Cafe — This Friday, April 5th. Please pray for good conversations and relationship-building.
3. Youth ministry — On Saturday, April 13th I’m speaking at a youth event here at the Nagoya Church.
4. English Bible study — This isn’t starting until May, but please pray for us as we prepare and promote it.
Thank you for your continuing prayers and support of our ministry in Japan!
– Robin
by Whitey | Mar 15, 2013 | Uncategorized
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
Jesus didn’t promise His followers an easy life, free from pain. He didn’t promises riches or comfort. But He did promise something better, something that this world can’t give: peace of mind and heart.
There are a lot of things I don’t have. But really, I know I don’t need them as long as I have Jesus. To be honest, I don’t always feel that way. But I’m thankful for this reminder, and that it’s true.
Lord, please give me a real sense of Your peace today, and let that determine how I think, how I talk and how I live.
by Whitey | Mar 9, 2013 | Thoughts
John 12:42-43: “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”
This a danger for all of us who follow Christ. I see it especially here in Japan where there is so much pressure to conform and to please others. This fear of what others’ think leads to compromise, and even to denying Christ.
But it’s not just a Japanese thing. I too am tempted to keep quiet, to conform, to blend in. I don’t want to stand out or offend.
But isn’t God’s approval more important than man’s? Isn’t praise from God more desirable than praise from others? I want to live in a way that pleases God, that makes Him smile, that brings me His approval, no matter what others may think.
Lord, please give me the grace I need to stand up for — and stand out for — You today.
by Whitey | Mar 8, 2013 | Thoughts
John 12:25: “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those
who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.”
This is hard. There’s so much I still want to see and do and experience.
What about my needs? What about my desires? What about… ME?
Yet this the call of Christ. As He says elsewhere, “deny yourself, take up
your cross daily, and follow.” It’s a high calling. It’s not always easy.
It’s not always safe. And there’s no guarantee that you’ll have everything
you want.
But it’s good. Because He is good. And though the way may seem narrow and
hard at times, on this path is joy and peace and purpose.
On days when I feel weak or alone, on days when my list of unanswered
prayers seems too long to bear, it’s good to remember that Jesus didn’t
call me to an easy life, but to a good life.
And life is good. Because He is good. And He is with me.
by Whitey | Mar 5, 2013 | Uncategorized
Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (John 11:40 NLT)
Like Martha, sometimes I doubt. Sometimes Jesus needs to remind me that His grace is enough. That if I believe, trust and obey Him I’ll see prayers answered, lives changed, His Kingdom come. And through it all, He’s my constant companion.
Jesus, help me to believe.
by Whitey | Mar 2, 2013 | Ministry News
Thursday’s kids’ class — 2 year finale.
Hi everyone,
The photo at the top of this letter is of the Thursday afternoon kids English class I teach at my church. This past week, we finished our second year together, and most of these kids have been coming since the first day. It’s been fun seeing them grow and learn over the past 2 years. I’m thankful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of these kids, most of whom come from non-Christian homes. Thank you for your investment in this bridge-building ministry!
This is a season of re-focusing for me. The past year I’ve done a lot of traveling, and various opportunities have opened up. Now I’m trying to cut back on monthly commitments elsewhere so that I can give my best to my 40+ English students in Nagoya, while still being available for occasional special events and speaking engagements.
Please Pray With Me About the Following:
1. I’m preaching at the Immanuel Shizuoka Church on March 10. It’s the last Sunday of my monthly commitment there, and as usual I’ll be teaching the youth Sunday school class as well.
2. As part of our English ministry in Nagoya, we’re holding a special English Club event on Easter Sunday, March 31st.
3. March 12-14 is the Immanuel Church’s national annual conference. Please pray for the pastors and leaders taking part in these important meetings. Also, as this is when new appointments are announced, please pray for those who will be going through transitions in the coming months.
4. I’m hoping to start an English Bible study for any of my adult English students who may be interested. Please pray for direction about the details, and for a good group to join.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
– Robin
PS — For more of my recent photos, please check out the previous post!
