Japan Journal 2007

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:30-21

 
There’s not much to write about today, but regardless, here it is. We had a lot of time this morning to reflect on the trip. Most of us went out to the park or to the roof to enjoy our last morning in this beautiful place. After lunch, we met with our small groups to discuss what we reflected on. Later in the afternoon, we headed out for some shopping and sightseeing in Sapporo. We had fun spending the last of our money and getting a last look at the city. For dinner, the church members took us out to a delicious ramen store. Now everyone is packing and preparing for our early morning departure. We leave the church at 5 am for our first flight.

 
Prayer requests
Please pray for safe flights as we head home. We have 2 layovers that are nearly five hours each. Pray that we will remain united through the end of this trip! Pray also for Steve, Ben, and Katrina. I know that they are excited to begin their work.

Thank you for your support and prayers for us. We appreciate all that you have done.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Today has been a long day. We had two church services again this morning. In the first service, Troy preached a message of encouragement for our Japanese brothers and sisters. The second service featured music by Ryan, Erica, and Steve Dick. After the services, we enjoyed lunch with the church members.

Our final concert of the trip was today. We had around 10-15 visitors again, which was awesome. The concert itself went smoothly…music, gospel, juggling, skit, presentation of the gospel. A bit of finality set in as the show finished. Although we have concluded the outreach part of our trip, we know that there were seeds planted by the fliers we passed out and the concerts. These seeds will grow with time, and we know that Grace Church will be ready to teach and disciple them when the time comes.

Prayer requests
Please continue to pray for the requests I wrote yesterday. In addition please pray for us as we wrap up our trip. There are many details that need to fall into place as we depart. In addition, Katrina Helmer, Steve Dick, and Ben Sargent are about to begin their yearlong ministry here. Please pray for them to get off to a good start. Pray against a letdown or homesickness when the rest of the team departs. Thank you so much for your prayers. Please know that you at home have been a big part of our trip.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:28-29

 
First, I have some exciting new to share with you all. Last night after the fireworks, David Rawlins proposed to Naomi Kamidate! We had a big celebration for them here at the church. Congratulations David and Naomi!!! 

Today was our first concert at Grace Church. We spent most of the morning resting, and then we did a quick, last minute haifu after lunch. The concert began at three, and we were excited to have around 15 visitors. Some of the youth from Asahikawa Bible Baptist Church came as well. Everything went very smoothly, and a church member named Keisuke (KAY-skay) gave a short presentation of the gospel directly afterwards. Several of the visitors stayed behind to talk more about what they just heard. No one prayed to receive Christ at the time, but there are a few who are very interested and hope to know more. One visitor said that she plans to come to tomorrow’s concert as well. The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent fellowshipping with our Japanese brothers and sisters.

 
Prayer requests

1. Luke and Mayah are both doing better today. Luke has been able to breathe and rest a little better. Mayah’s hand is swollen and purple, but the pain appears to be abating slowly. Please to pray for continued healing for both of them.
2. Please pray for tomorrow’s church services and concert. It’s the final push to complete our outreach ministry, so pray that we will stay strong and not grow weary.
3. As always, please continue to pray for unity, protection, and safety.