2020 – May & June Update

Posted on by johnlee84

Dear Beloved in Christ and Partner in the Gospel,


Family Time!

How are you doing?  I feel like we can’t ask that question enough these days!  We hope and pray that you are well, both in body and in spirit.  As for us, we are continuing to walk through the early caring for little Bella (already 2 months old!) and try to shepherd Brooke (4) and Bonnie (1 ½) through some lonely days of Covid-19 distancing.  In addition, we’re doing our best to co-lead from a distance, meeting regularly with teammates on and off the field to keep them encouraged, and also staying in touch with a few of the families from our neighborhood in Tokyo (*see prayer requests below for current updates).  To be honest, it’s tempting to stop there—caring for our own family and ministry responsibilities is a lot of work!  Yet God calls us to be faithful in sharing His light and partaking in fellowship however we are able.  

 
Fishing w/Dad and the Boys!

We are so blessed during quarantine to have a spacious yard where the girls can run and play freely.  As we spend time outside, God brings us into natural contact with surrounding families: A young single girl is expecting a baby, others suffer from loneliness or boredom, and still others are hungry for Christian fellowship that is difficult to seek out these days.  Some of the ways we have been able to reach out to people in the neighborhood have been dropping off homemade cookies, gathering maternity clothes for the single girl, and taking some precious middle-school boys fishing (no problem fishing from 6 feet apart, right? J ).  We’re surprised how Satan seems to deluge us with opposition on the specific days we set out to follow Christ in these simple ways—often working through additional fatigue or quarrels between us.  However, by God’s grace we’re also able to see fruits of the Holy Spirit at work!  We’re hopeful for the opportunity to start having simple outdoor-devotions with one of the families, and excited to see several other relationships open up as well. 

 

Quarantine Buddies

Though at this point we are unable to continue traveling to visit you, our partners in this journey, we are glad to be able to speak with some of you over the phone and stay in contact through email.  This has been refreshing to our hearts, and we hope encouraging on both sides.  It’s been a good time to slow down and learn some of the ways we can pray for you.  Please let us know how we can lift you up!  The battle is real, and we’re reminded that God tells us to not give up meeting together.  It may be from a physical distance for now, but please know that our hearts are right there together with you. May His grace and peace rest on you each day.


Sending our Love!


New Quilts!  Many Thanks to Liberty Love Ladies in Pella, IA


In His love,

John, Jo Beth, Brooke & Bonnie

Recent Events & Prayer

Thank you for your faithful prayer for the people of Tokyo,
our team, the church and for our family.  

Japan is still denying entry to travelers from the US so we cannot be sure when we will be able to return to Tokyo. We are aiming toward September but trying to hold it loosely. Please pray for discernment to follow God’s perfect timing. Also pray that He will go ahead of us and prepare housing for our family.

Pray for our teammates, the Nakazawa family and Michiyo Ishida, who continue in ministry onsite in Tokyo. They arealso practicing social distancing, so church meetings are being held over the internet at this point.  Pray for their daily encouragement and inspiration for ministry.
Please lift up our teammates and two new staff who are currently Stateside raising support and praying for the open door to join the team on the field: Adam Bailey, Melanie Brunel, Kevin Moore and Sarah Roberts.

Please continue to pray for John’s father who is expecting to have open-heart surgery in the coming weeks. Pray that we will know how best to support him during preparation and recovery.
Praise God that Bella is finally starting to sleep longer stretches at night!

Please continue to pray for good rest, especially for Jo Beth.

When we return to Tokyo, we are facing increases in our rent, health insurance and needs for a growing family. We are currently at about 35% of our outstanding need.  Please pray for the Lord’s provision for the remaining $1600 of monthly support.

Tired but Blessed

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