December Prayer Letter

by | Dec 1, 2010 | Ministry News

Dear Prayer Partners,

Thank you so much for your prayers over the past month! I have been busy, but really enjoying life and ministry in Japan.

In November we launched our new English ministries at the Nagoya Church. I’m currently teaching two weekly classes. Both classes started out so small, I was tempted to combine the two into one. But at the last minute we had a couple of new sign-ups, so I decided to keep them separate. Then, over the weeks, the numbers have continued to grow. Now we have 12 people coming regularly, 7 of whom are non-Christians from outside the church! I’m thankful for the bridges that are beginning to be built through these classes.

Our first monthly English Club event was held this Sunday and was well-attended, with over 20 people. Most were regular attenders of the church, but I’m confident that as this ministry grows we will see more of our non-Christian friends taking part. Please pray that both the weekly classes and these monthly events will be used to sew seeds of God’s love in people’s hearts.

Other highlights this month included leading worship at prayer meeting on the 17th, here in Nagoya; at that time I also gave a short message in Japanese. On Sunday the 21st, I preached at the Hikone Immanuel Church (in English with an interpreter). Both opportunities went well, so thanks for praying.

Here are some specific things you can pray about in December:

1. This Saturday (the 4th) I’m taking part in a youth group meeting at the Nagoya-Higashi Immanuel Church. The pastor tells me there will be about 10-13 students, ALL of whom are non-church kids. Pray for me as I minister through song and testimony, and pray that I make a good connection with them for the sake of future ministry there.

2. On December 19, my own church will be holding its Christmas celebrations. Pray that many of our non-Christian friends will come and be drawn to the Lord through this event.

3. On December 23, I’m ministering through music and testimony at another Christmas event in Shizuoka, at the Immanuel Numazu Church. Pray for God to use me there as well.

4. Please also be in prayer for my Japanese studies. I’m finishing up another term at the YWCA and have already reached the highest level offered at this school. I’m currently considering other options for continuing my studies: A different school? Private or group lessons? Etc.

Again, thank you for praying for and supporting me as I work with the Church to build spiritual bridges in Japan! Have a great December!

– robin

Weekly Re-Cap

by | Oct 19, 2007 | Weekly Re-Cap

Here’s a random re-cap of the past week, and a look at the weekend to come:

1. This week I’ve gotten most of Module 1 of my TESL course finished. I have one more assignment left, which I hope to get done today.

2. One of the assignments was to interview a non-native English speaker about his/her experience in learning the language. I interviewed Haruka, my Japanese tutor. We talked about cultural differences between Japan and Canada, as well as the assigned stuff, because I was recording it for the podcast. So I’ve got the next episode lined up and should have it edited and posted soon (maybe next week). Should be a good one, too.

3. Last weekend and this week I’ve had some unexpected additions to my support, so things are continuing to progress nicely. Still waiting on a lot of “maybes”, too.

4. I received an email this week from the pastor I’m going to be working with in Nagoya. I was pretty excited about that because up until now my only communication with him has been through others.

5. Realistically, it looks like it will probably be the new year before I get to Japan. But I’m praying for miracles so I can get there sooner! It would be great to be on my way in late November. Let’s pray that my support comes in on time. Pray, too, for my visa application, that it doesn’t take too long — or finish too soon (if I get it and can’t go within 3 months, it expires and I have to start over).

6. I’ve been having a good week with my Japanese studies. I feel motivated and like I’m actually getting somewhere (this is not always the case).

7. It seems like I’m coming to the end of my church contacts. Seems like I’ve been everywhere that’ll have me, and I’m not sure where to look for future bookings. The next couple of weekends are booked but after the second week of November thing’s are looking pretty quiet. I’m praying that some new doors will open — or that I won’t need them to!

8. This weekend I’m in Nova Scotia, where I’m visiting a couple of churches and sharing my vision for ministry in Japan. Let’s pray for a safe and productive journey.

Thanks for stopping by. That’s a wrap for this week.