by Whitey | Aug 6, 2012 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re all having a great summer. I know I am! August started out with a week’s vacation, thus the lateness of this prayer letter. I had a great time in Aomori, and now am getting back into the swing of things in Nagoya.
A lot has been going on! Here are some highlights…
On July 15, I was at Immanuel Shizuoka Church, where we held a kids’ outreach event, and 16 kids showed up. We played games, sang songs, and ate ice cream, and I had the chance to share a short message about God’s love. These are all kids who don’t normally come to the church, so I’m thankful that so many showed up. Pray that we can continue to build good relationships with them in the months to come.
On July 22, we held a slightly late Canada Day party at my church in Nagoya, as our summer English Club event. We had a guest Canadian musician and lots of Canada-themed fun. There was great turn-out: about 40 people total, 14 of whom were from guests who don’t normally attend the church. This included a few of my English students. Praise God that spiritual bridges are being built in Nagoya!
On July 29 and 30, I ministered at Immanuel Toyota Church’s two-day VBS for kids. This event had a smaller attendance, only 5 kids. But I got to teach 3 messages them and really interact with them and share God’s love. It was a great two days.
Tomorrow I leave for youth camp in Nagano, where I’ll be playing on the worship team. Please pray for this week’s youth camp, as teens from all over Japan gather together; and for next week’s Youth Station — an event aimed at young adults taking place in Tokyo — which I’m also taking part in.
As always, thanks for your prayers and support! I really couldn’t do all this without all of you in my corner!
– Robin
by Whitey | Jul 3, 2012 | Ministry News, Uncategorized
Hi everyone,
I hope you are having a great summer! Here in Japan we’re coming to the end of the rainy season and entering the super hot and humid mid-summer. July and August are once again going to be my busiest time of year, so I’d really appreciate your prayers! Please pray for safe travels, good health and effective ministry!
Here are some praise and prayer notes…
Praise Notes:
• Four people were baptised at my church on Sunday!
• Our monthly English Cafe has grown to the point where I’ve had to ask for help. Fortunately I found a fellow-Canadian English teach willing to pitch in.
Prayer Requests:
• English Cafe this Friday night, July 6.
• Worship leading at prayer meeting, July 11.
• My ministry in Shizuoka, July 15.
• English Club “Canada Day” event on July 22.
• Youth group at Nagoya-Higashi Church, July 28.
• Kids’ Day Camp in Toyota July 29 & 30.
• July 31 – Aug. 6 — A much-needed vacation!
• Youth & young adult events in August.
Thank you so much for praying and giving, so that I can be in Japan to be a part of what God is doing here!
– Robin
by Whitey | Jun 1, 2012 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Thank you for your prayers this past month!
Earlier in the month, I took my second monthly trip to Shizuoka to do kids’ ministry with the Immanuel Church there. We had fewer kids over all this time, but we also had 5 new faces, so I was thankful for that. Please pray that some of these kids will begin to come to the church more consistently (not just at our monthly special events) so that the pastors and church members can build good relationships with them and disciple them for Jesus.
My next trip to Shizuoka is the weekend of June 9. Please pray for my continuing ministry there.
Back in Nagoya, this past Sunday, we had another English Club event. To be honest, I was a little disappointed that there were so few of my regular students there, or other guests from outside the church. But we did have some people show up who are new to the church and not-yet Christians.
Pray that some of the seeds sown through the message, music and fellowship will take root.
Tonight I am hosting our monthly English Cafe, a casual time of conversation practice. At May’s Cafe, we had a new couple show up, which I was glad to see. They really seemed to connect well and be interested in coming back. Please pray for this monthly outreach — that good relationships will be built and that conversations will turn to Christ.
Thanks again for being a part of my ministry here in Japan! I couldn’t do this without you all your prayers and financial support.
Hugs,
– Robin
by Whitey | Apr 3, 2012 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
March was a pretty busy month, including a trip to Tokyo for the Immanuel Church’s national annual conference. It was great to get to connect with pastors, fellow-missionaries and friends from around Japan.
Meanwhile, our new kids’ English class has gotten off to a good start, adding to a growing ministry here in Nagoya. I now teach 3 adult classes and 2 kids classes per week, with a total of 43 students — most of whom are from outside the church. It’s been encouraging to see so many connect with a local church for the first time. Some of these non-Christian students have also started attending other church events where the love of Jesus is shared more openly. Pray that God keeps making these connections stronger, and that He will be these seeds of His love to fruition in the form of changed lives.
Thank you for your prayers and support! I would not have the opportunity to build these spiritual bridges with you.
This Month’s Prayer Points:
• English Cafe — this Friday night.
• Cherry Blossom Picnic with English students — this Saturday.
• Worship leading at prayer meeting — Wed, Apr. 11.
• Kids/English ministry at Shizuoka Church — Sun, Apr. 22.
• Youth ministry at Nagoya-Higashi Church — Sat, Apr. 28.
• My regular English classes & Japanese studies.
Blessings,
– Robin
by Whitey | Apr 2, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (v. 46)
We all face temptation every day, some days more than others. But the Bible promises that God always provides a way out. And I wonder if sometimes it’s as simple as Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in this passage…
“Get up and pray.”
Jesus’ temptation was to flee from or resist the coming storm, His crucifixion. It was a trial He did not want to go through. But it was part of the Father’s plan. Jesus sets an example for us here when He faces the temptation to disobey. He prays.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (v. 42)
He prays. He’s honest about how He feels, but He submits to the Father’s will. He chooses to obey. And when the time comes for His arrest, Jesus does not resist, because He’s already settled the issue with His Father in prayer. He does the right thing, for us.
Meanwhile, the disciples — who slept instead of praying — are overcome by fear when the storm arrives. When temptation comes, they flee, betray and deny.
Whose example do we follow? How often does something as simple as fatigue or laziness win out over prayer in our lives? How often is defeating temptation as simple as getting up and praying?
Get up and pray!
