Love East Japan (photo)
At JIFH HQ in Sendai. Had a surprisingly quiet first day here, as the long-term volunteers and staff we’re off today, giving us short-termers a day off by default.
Praise and Prayer
I have a couple of things to share today. First a praise report and then a prayer request.
1. Our anniversary event on Sunday was a huge success! It was basically an open house, come-and-go event, so we don’t have an exact attendance number, but based on the amount of cookies and coffee given away, it looks like we had about 100 guests stop by throughout the afternoon! Praise God that we were able to connect with so many people in our community! Let’s keep praying for these relationships to deepen and for God to use them to connect people with Jesus!
2. As I mentioned in my previous email, I’m heading to Sendai next week to do some relief work. I’ve connected with an organization called JIFH (Japan International Food for the Hungry). As you might guess by the name, their usual ministry is to those in poorer countries. But since March, they’ve been helping provide aid and hope to those in the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. I’m looking forward to partnering with them next week, from November 20-25, and would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and that God will use me.
As always, thanks for your prayers and support!
Ezekiel 13:1-16
"… Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Lord." (v. 8)
This is a convicting passage for those of us involved in ministry, especially those of us who teach and preach the Word of God. We need to be prayerfully prepared before we speak, making sure we're sharing the truth — and that it's the right truth for that moment. We need to choose our words carefully, making a clear distinction between God's Word and our own opinions.
But maybe that's just my opinion.
Busy Week Brain Dump
Here’s what going on:
1. I had a cold last week and ended up taking the night off from leading worship Wednesday night at prayer meeting. So I’m doing it this week instead. Basically me and my pastor swapped spots.
2. I’m going to Sendai next week to volunteer with a group doing relief work there. I’ll post more details later in the week.
3. Because I’m going to Sendai next week, next week’s work needs to get done this week. Mainly getting ready for English Club at the end of the month, especially the message.
4. Still doing regular English classes this week too.
So it’s a full week. But not too much for me and Jesus. Prayers appreciated though, of you’re so inclined.
Nagoya Castle
Got a friend who’s new in the area so I got to pay yet another visit to the local castle. Shot this on the phone while there.
Prepping for Next Sunday
As I mentioned in my prayer letter, we’re having a 60th anniversary outreach event at my church next Sunday. As part of the event, guests will be able to check out the various ministries we have here, including my English ministry. I’ll be doing a demo of our kids’ program, and we’ll have a booth set up where people can get more info. I spent some time yesterday afternoon working on this poster with these two assistants. Thanks for the help, girls!
今度の日曜日、名古屋教会での感謝祭が行います。そのイベントには、子供の英会話クラスのデモクラスをする予定です。そして、英会話ミニストリーについてティスプレーもあるので、昨日このポスターを作りました。
Video : Nagoya Station
[wpvideo Gvc6Ft9D]
Ezekiel 3
“But look, I have made you as obstinate and hard-hearted as they are. I have made your forehead as hard as the hardest rock! So don’t be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels.” (Ezekiel 3:8, 9 NLT)
And now we see why Ezekiel need not be afraid. God gives him what he needs; or rather He makes him what he needs to be. And God can do the same for us. He calls us to be holy; He can make us holy. He leads us to a certain ministry; He can enable us to do it. He’s given us Himself, in the Holy Spirit.Ezekiel 2
When Ezekiel receives his call from God, the Lord warns him that the people He is sending him to are stubborn, and may not listen. But Ezekiel must go anyway. God’s call on Ezekiel — and us — is not to success, but to faithfulness. And thankfully, it is paired with an encouragement, repeated multiple times in this chapter: “Do not be afraid.” God doesn’t send us out alone. He goes with us.
November News & Prayer Requests
Hi everyone,
Thank you for your prayers for me and my ministry this past month! In early October we held our first English Cafe, and a few foreign friends came to help out, along with several English students and other Japanese friends. The total was about 15 people, over half non-Christian. Praise God that one of our missionary guests got to share her testimony with the others in her group.
In October I also started teaching a new English class on Tuesday evenings. There are 8 students in this class now, and 7 of them are from outside the church. This includes two ladies I met at a coffee shop randomly the day before our first class.
This past Sunday, the Nagoya church celebrated our 60th anniversary. It was a great day of celebration, especially since it also included the baptisms of two of our young people.
I’ve been really impressed that our pastors and leaders have been using this 60th anniversary season as a time not only to remember and give thanks for things in the past, but also to cast a vision for the future. In addition, we are holding an outreach event on November 13 related to our anniversary, as a way of saying thanks to the community and welcoming them to come and check out our church. Please pray for this special event.
Please be in prayer for these things as well:
- English Cafe – 11/04
- Leading worship at prayer meeting – 11/9
- Helping with Nagoya-Higashi Youth – 11/12
- Relief work trip to Sendai – 11/20-25
- English Club (now every other month) – 11/27
- My weekly English classes & Japanese studies
Thanks again for all your prayers, encouragement and support!
– Robin