October 2014 – Looking Back, Looking Forward

Praying over the “great city” of Tokyo from within–near Ikebukuro Station

Dear Family, Friends and Partners in the Gospel,

Sometimes ministering in Tokyo feels like being overwhelmed in a sea of opportunities—there is no lack of opportunities to meet new people and begin relationships for disciple-making.  Praise God for the privilege of being used to meet these needs!  However, it can become tricky to see the big picture of what God is doing in the midst of daily life and personal ministry.   So, we were glad that our team took two full days in October to look back at what God has done over that past ten months and look ahead to how He may be leading in the future.

Getting to know new friends–Miwa and Daii

Looking back at what God has done in and through our team this year tuned our hearts to a tone of encouragement and praise.  It is a grace-filled miracle how God grows each of us by using the unique gifts of each team member while uniting us in spirit to work together as a team.  When our team began, God led them to pursue a high standard of serving as a healthy team, and only God’s grace has kept us together!

Fellowship and discipleship with ladies from our local church.

Looking forward, we begin to see pieces falling into place that might lead to a new ministry in central Tokyo.  Many of our activities this past year have been aimed toward getting to know other ministries as we look for partnerships in church planting.  God has led us toward a potential location and potential ministry partner, but we are determined to continue seeking discernment according to His will each step of the way.  As we consider these opportunities, we realize all the more how vital your prayers are as we continue to follow God’s leading.  Thank you for your prayers—for the sake of His glory, keep praying!

As John and I look forward to the coming year, we are considering many questions that will help us focus our time and energy according to our team’s direction and the Lord’s leading.  Alongside these questions, we are also considering the possibility of continuing as long-term missionaries.  Please pray for us as we seek His will in planning.

Thank you so much for your loving support of this ministry!  Praise God for all He has done and will do to make His name known among the Japanese…and all people!

In His love,

John & Jo Beth