Dear Beloved in Christ and Partner in the Gospel,
Precious Fellowship with Amazing Grace Church in Cuba, MO
Wow, five months have already passed since our arrival back in the States for home-assignment! The time has been rich—catching up with family and reconnecting with many of you, our partners in ministry. We get a lot of questions about this season of stateside ministry we call Home Assignment. Among rest, renewal, training and family time, one of the biggest incentives is that Tokyo needs your partnership.
Mission Night and Other Fun with the Youth of Lakewood EFC
Over the past several months we’ve given numerous presentations, preached sermons, had countless conversations over the dinner table, talked and played with kids at youth ministries—and our hope in all of that is to connect with you in a common vision for God’s work in Japan. We want you know just how vital you and your church’s partnerships are for the God’s kingdom. The things we share as we travel from church to church are not just the fruit of our labor but God, in his sovereign way, wields our partnership with you so that peoples’ lives in Japan are changed. We’re here to celebrate with you! We’re here so that you know your support is not in vain—because of your partnership we’ve been able to both continue in ministry and also to embrace much-needed rest. This time is also an investment in mobilizing you, our partners, to pray for the work in Japan. Your prayers have carried us through many highs and lows over the years, as well as opened many doors for the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Date Night for Mom & Dad ~ Thanks to the Ritchie Family
We also marvel and give thanks for the ways you have served our family. You’ve treated us to some of the best foods we’ve had in years; you have cared for our kids so we could take dates and find refreshment in our marriage; you’ve given us the opportunity to get to know you more and be blessed to know how God is working in your lives. We know that your care and support doesn’t stop when we leave your towns but continues even though God carries us an ocean’s breadth away.
Soul Care & Catching Up at Elim Mission Church in Cokato, MN
‘Roughing It’ with the Younkers at ICC Church in MO
So, we give a hearty thanks for how God is deepening our partnership with you in each visit, and we thank you for making yourselves available to us. Please know that you are an essential part of team’s work in Tokyo, and we are grateful for every opportunity to connect with you. We are still looking forward to more visits through the Spring and are grateful for this rare opportunity, we call Home Assignment!
Road Trip Buddies
In His love,
John, Jo Beth, Brooke & Bonnie
Printing this newsletter? Click Here!
| Recent Events & PrayerThank you for your faithful prayer for the people of Tokyo, our team, the church and for our family. Praise God for many safe travels in all kinds of weather! We’ve had big trips to both Missouri and Minnesota, and both have gone great. Pray for our teammates in Japan-the Coronavirus has begun affecting daily life in Tokyo, as the government has temporarily closed all schools and recommended canceling group events (like church!).
Please lift up John’s father who recently suffered a stroke. He is back in his own home, but dealing with further issues with his heart. Please pray for healing, and praise that we can be nearby! We’re coming down to the final weeks of pregnancy! Praise for healthy reports so far, and please pray for a healthy delivery-due April 4th. When we return to Tokyo this summer, we are facing increases in our rent, health insurance and needs for a growing family. The Lord has already provided 40% of this outstanding need! Please pray for the Lord’s provision for the remaining $1500 of monthly support. |
| Travel Schedule | |
| 3/1 | Cumming EFC, Cumming, IA |
| 3/22 | Christ Community Church, Sioux Center |
| 3/29 | Faith Fellowship, Osceola, IA |
| 4/4 | Baby Lee’s Due Date! |
| Pending | Crossroads Community Church, Sheldon, IA |
| Rock Chapel, Lawrence, KS All Nations Church, Ames, IA |