Dear Beloved in Christ and Partner in the Gospel,
Here in Iowa, we are enjoying the shift from icy weather to warmer days of sunshine where the kids can once again play comfortably outdoors. Well, until it shifts back, and forth, and back again. These past couple of months have allowed us opportunities to be equipped with ministry tools, walk alongside our teammates, encourage future missionaries, and continue reaching out to families in our neighborhood.
Fun & Equipping w/Stateside Teammates in Florida
John and I (Jo Beth) have both been leading small groups of teammates through a study called Lessons on Assurance, a longstanding resource from Navigators that is also available in Japanese. Revisiting basic principles of our faith and practicing renewed discipline in scripture memory has begun to flow out of our teammates into others. A few weeks ago, our teammate and brother, Shige, had the joy of sharing the Gospel with his neighbor, Chris, on a flight. The young man chose to trust Jesus during that airplane ride and together they worked through the first lesson before landing! John has been using the same study as he meets regularly with our brother Ken and dear friend Shoki who are both in Japan. As we’ve shared how God has been working in our own lives through this study, some of our neighbors have shown interest as well. We recognize that it will not be the best tool in every situation, but we are grateful to have our team equipped with a go-to resource available in both English and Japanese.
We’re grateful to see God’s work in Shoki’s life! (2020 photo)
Since the start of the year, we have been on the road here and there. In January we were invited to share at a missions conference in LaCrosse, WI. It was a privilege to share our story and meet several young couples and individuals who have either committed to or are considering going into cross-cultural ministry. In February, the Asia Division hosted a gathering in Florida that provided great encouragement and allowed us to encourage our teammates face to face. At this gathering, we joined a Pathways workshop alongside some of our newer teammates. This is a Bible study training tool that has greatly influenced how our family reads and studies the Bible. John is eager to revisit this resource and reconsider with our teammates if this might be used to equip the Small Churches.
God has also provided many opportunities to serve while we remain in Iowa. This Sunday John has been asked to preach at Cumming Community Church. He plans to teach from Romans 6. John has enjoyed teaching Children’s Church each month with his invaluable helpers Roland and Abby. In our neighborhood, we continue to connect with two families, praying for one another, sharing about the Lord and helping one another in times of need. One of these families told us, “We’re coming to your church this Sunday!” Well, they still haven’t made it, but we continue to pray, gather, encourage and invite.
-John, Jo Beth, Brooke, Bonnie & Bella
Praises and Prayer Requests
Plans for Return to Tokyo: On March 1st the Japanese Consulate announced that they are beginning to issue long-term visas again! We are excited to submit our paperwork and see what happens next. At this point the Japanese government is limiting new entrants to 5,000 people per day, so it could still be some time before we are able to enter. Our first step is to re-apply for a screening certificate. After receiving the certificate we can then submit our visa application.
Kidney Donation: Over the course of the past year we’ve prayed as a family for our friend, Joanie B., to receive a much-needed kidney transplant. God has slowly but surely confirmed that we are to be a part of the process. Jo Beth has discovered that she is a match for Joanie and is waiting for the final go-ahead to schedule the transplant, hopefully in the month of March. The hospital asks us to allow 6 weeks post-operation for a final physical check before moving back to Tokyo. Please pray that final pieces will come together for this to happen! Also pray for a successful transplant and swift recovery for both Joanie and Jo Beth.
Happy Birthday Mommy!
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