July 2014 – prayYamanote, 4th of July, and Discipleship

Dear Family, Friends and Partners in the Gospel,

Praying on the Yamanote Tuesday morning with Terry (third from the left, back row) and other brothers & sisters in Christ!

What a full month it has been, in life and ministry. One of the big projects we’ve helped with since arriving in January has been encouraging and inviting people to pray for the city of Tokyo. This has become fleshed out in the prayYamanote project, which includes interceding for the millions around us as we ride on the Yamanote train line. We pray with our team, together as a couple each week, with other believers here in Tokyo on Tuesday mornings, and on Facebook with God’s people throughout the world. It has been encouraging to our faith to use simple skills of photography, writing, editing, formatting and design to help get the word out and then see how God is using it all to gather prayer for this city and glory for His name.

BBQ and Fireworks with the Fukudas

Other activities have also been a rich part of these first six months. Relationship-building opportunities to share Christ have been slowly deepening and steadily broadening. Our team is also making foundational plans for future church-planting in central Tokyo, a calling for which we are excited to be used by God. Alongside these team projects, we have also been blessed to invest time in encouraging other believers here in Tokyo. God has led John into mentoring-type relationships with several young men we’ve met through our church and network of believers.

Thank you Lord for the blessing and privilege of discipleship across generations.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25)

One of these men is Terry, a young missionary here in Tokyo (see the first photo). John and Terry get together about once a week to study the Bible together, fellowship, and pray for each other. Recently Terry’s church leadership has charged him with the responsibility of pastoring young-adults in his church. He told John, “Right now, learning to study scripture is my top priority.” To this, John replied, “Well, there’s this thing called Pathways…” So together, they are using those simple methods that teach you to study and equip you to teach others.

It’s not out of confidence in feeling like an expert or authority, but in simple obedience to God’s Word, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2). God is so gracious to use us together with you for His Kingdom.

We’re so thankful for your partnership, love and encouragement!

In His love,

John & Jo Beth Lee

prayYamanote Facebook Group

prayYamanote Web Page & Printable Resources

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