This is a ministry update that we sent out to a few people and I thought I would just post this here for you all to see what happened during the summer months. Most of the items are old news to some, but as we wrote this, we were reminded of the goodness of God in all that He has allowed us to do. You can also check out some pictures of the summer here!
Thank you for always caring and praying for us. Here are some of the things that happened over the summer here in Osaka, Japan.
1. We hosted two Short Term Teams from US (One from a church called Immanuel Bible Church in Santa Monica and the other from Grace Community Church). A team from IBC did a college outreach for 2 weeks, visiting several Universities and colleges around the area. We held several special meetings to share the gospel with the students at church on the weekends. Daisuke was a translator for the team and was able to share the gospel with the students in a couple of the meetings. A few students continue to come to church even after the team left. Please pray that we would be able to reach out to them. Another team from Grace Community was here in late July to early August, helping out a VBS like ministry called Joy Joy 5 Days to the children as well as Jr and Sr highers called Joy Joy 4 Nights. This is the 6th year of JJ5D and we hosted a total of 200+ children between 5yrs old to 6th graders over two weeks. Our two older boys participated in the second week of the JJ5D and enjoyed the time with their friends. We were praying that they'd see the time not only as a time to enjoy and have fun but also a time to minister to their friends and help the Short Term Missionaries. Later we heard that they were good helpers during the English time and were careful to be examples during JJ5D. Marcia also participated in JJ5D as a cook with her friends. There were several children who made serious commitment to Christ. However, there are various challenges for them to continue to come to church and be involved in the Sunday School Program due to family and social pressures. Please pray for the many children who heard the gospel presented to them clearly. Pray that they would respond to the good news of Jesus Christ and that they would be able to attend church and grow in their faith.
2. Our training center kicked off a seminar series called "Expositors' Seminar Series" through which we train expository preachers. The lecturer for the first seminar was Dr. Michael Grisanti, a professor of Old Testament at The Master's Seminary. He taught a 3 day seminar on the Book of Deuteronomy. About 30 people were in attendance for the seminar and Daisuke served as translator. Though it was intense, God used this time to challenge and encourage many of us. It was very good to see a huge smile on one of the students (who is a pastor of a small church) when Dr. Grisanti commended to him for his enthusiasm to study the Word.
3. Nicholas went to a Sunday School Camp for 3 days for the first time. He had a good time swimming and playing with his friends and teachers. He also was very attentive during the Bible time. He has begun to understand well what it means to hear the Word and learn from it. He seems to desire to learn about Christ and His Word. We are very thankful for that. While he was away, the rest of the family went to a church river outing with our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Sakai and their son Shodai (who is in the same class as Noah). We had a great time together. Marcia and Mrs. Sakai spends time together often and we have been trying to share the Gospel with them. Please pray for this family. [They have another son, Ryota who is same age as Nicki. He was also at Sunday School Camp with Nicki]
4. The summer break was rather short and both Nicki and Noah are back to school now. All of us weren't ready for them to go back, we were having such a good summer together. Please pray that we would be able to help our children as they re-adjust themselves to Japanese schools and pray that Marcia would be comfortable in helping them with the everyday stuff.
5. Before the summer break, Nicki's teacher approached us and asked us to teach her students about life in America. This will take place on 9/19. Marcia will be the main speaker and again Daisuke will be translating. We will talk about American school systems and family life as well as teaching some songs, etc. We believe this is a great way to be involved in our childrens education and to influence teachers as well as other kids. Please pray that this time will be beneficial for the students and teachers here and now, but also for their eternity.
6. Daisuke will be teaching the second installment of the Expositors' Seminar Series on 9/21-23. He will be teaching Hermeneutics. Please pray that he would be able to prepare the notes in due time and he would be able to teach clearly and impactfully.
7. Marcia's hands are really dry with exzema and the skin has peeled down multiple layers leaving open cuts which won't heal. Please pray that it won't get worse. Daisuke's body was acting up again a little recently. Please pray that he would be able to have strength to carry his duties as a pastor, a professor, a father and a husband. Nathan is doing well and trying to talk more. He really is showing his sinful nature more and more. We covet your prayers as we raise our boys.
Again we thank you so much for your prayers and support. We are blessed to have a church family who cares and prays for our family and the ministry.
In Christ.