Hi everyone,

Thank you for your prayers over the past month! Unfortunately I’ve been sick with the flu this week.  But God has been at work in my ministry anyway.

I had to skip English Club this Sunday, but fortunately I have a good group of volunteers who proved their worth by taking over for me at the last minute. An American friend was helping out this time, too, and I had her on deck to do a testimony instead of my usual devotional. So that was well timed. I’d also sent not only a schedule for the event, but detailed instructions for the games, so they could lead those without me.  

It feels like God knew I was gonna get sick and led our plans accordingly.  And it turns out we had the biggest crowd yet, with 35 people, 17 of whom were guests. I’m so thankful for the ministry team I’ve got at my church, and that this ministry is bigger than me. And best of all, spiritual seeds were planted in the hearts of 17 guests!

I’d still have rather not gotten sick, but it’s been a good reminder that it’s not about me. God is at work in Japan, and sometimes He works through me… but sometimes in spite of me.  

Here are some things you can be praying for this month:

1. The Immanuel Church (the denomination GP partners with in Japan) is having their General Conference this month, where they’ll be choosing a new Superintendant and making other important descisions about the future of the denomination. Please pray that they’ll know and follow God’s heart in these meetings.

2. Please pray for this Friday’s English Cafe. Pray that I’ll be feeling better, for a good turn-out, and for good conversations that point to Jesus.

3. Pray for me as I lead worship on Feb. 8 during at my church’s prayer meeting.

4. Please pray for my ministry with Nagoya-Higashi Church youth group on Feb. 11.

5. We’re preparing to start a new kids’ English class in March, and will be doing a demo lesson / Q&A time for parents on Feb. 14. Please pray for new students.

Thank you for partnering with me in building spiritual bridges in Japan!

– Robin