2017 – February Update

Dear Partners in the Gospel,

As we settle into our new home and neighborhood, God gently but surely begins to stir our hearts for the people around us.  We recognize more than ever that our ability to love and care for others comes only by God’s grace, especially as we ourselves still feel somewhat new and vulnerable in this great city. 

In the past weeks we prepared small gifts of cookies for our neighbors and went to ring their doorbells.  They met us with kindness and care!  We’ve met three families on our floor so far and feel blessed by their openness to us.  One woman later stopped by to introduce her English-speaking daughter, and the woman next door continues to shower Brooke with little gifts.  Praise God for these growing relationships!  Pray that He might provide opportunities to get to know these ladies better and share of His goodness and grace. 

As John carries on with Japanese classes, he also carries with him a growing heart to share Christ with his fellow classmates who come from all over Asia—Philippines, Korea, Vietnam and other countries.  We’ve hosted a few of them for meals in our home, and God continues to provide ways to minister to their hearts.

Another person God has brought into our life is a young Japanese woman named Saki, who I, Jo Beth, first met a few years ago.  Saki has always shown general interest in spiritual things, whether Christian, Buddhist, Shinto or other religions.  Lately she has joined us for a couple of family dinners, and as discussion turns to Christ her heart seems drawn to know more about God on an intimate level.  On her last visit she brought her Bible along and wanted to read Psalm 139 together.  She was enchanted by this passage: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”  John shared with her how God created us in His own image, and formed our hearts to know Him. Please pray that God will teach truth to Saki’s own dear heart!  May He protect her from the enemy’s schemes and show her that He is the one true God. 

Thank you for your prayers and care for our family!  May God bless and keep you.

John, Jo Beth & Brooke Lee

Prayer Requests

Pray for our steady walk with Christ.  It is a busy season and so easy to overlook our everyday spiritual health.

Pray for wisdom to be salt and light to the people God puts in our path.  Pray also for energy and wisdom in scheduling time with people. 

We are recently dividing our time between our beloved home church in Japan and our team’s wonderful new start-up worship gatherings. Pray for wisdom as we consider a healthy balance between old relationships and new. 

John’s language term is ending soon; please pray for a refreshing break.  Pray also as we prepare for both of us to begin the next language term in April while balancing Brooke’s care at the same time.   

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