Interesting facts and information about Japan and ministry in Japan.
1. Ask God for good weather and good opportunities as John takes a trip to Ishinomaki from January 4-13 with a member of Bethel Moline IL. We hope to begin introducing Bible studies to our many contacts. 2. Ask God for wisdom at key CPI meetings in January as we set the pace for the year, prepare for the national conference in November, and beyond. 3. Continue to pray for effectiveness as Elaine expands here…
John and Elaine had a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas. There were several key events to end the year. CHRISTMAS TEA – For Elaine’s Christmas tea 20 women came to celebrate Christmas together. John shared about one disaster victim’s family that was helped and ended up having a Christmas music concert in their home. God is able to change disaster to celebration. Many women commented on the story and how it parallels the first Christmas story. CHRISTMAS…
Today at 17:18, as people were heading home from work and preparing for dinner, a strong earthquake hit along the same fault that caused the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and large tsunami last 3.11.11. This earthquake was 7.3 and prompted tsunami warnings throughout the area. It is believed that this earthquake is another of thousands of aftershocks from last year’s major earthquake. Most of our friends headed to higher ground and were all reported safe. All…
Our Compassion for Japan Tour is over. This has been our longest Home Assignment in ten years. We have enjoyed visiting our 35 churches and seeing 25 individual supporters. We have been amazed and grateful for the reception this time, many are so concerned about Japan and were very receptive to our presentations and challenge to be more compassionate wherever God places us. We are excited that Japan is on many people’s hearts and prayers.…
Due to our delay in returning to Japan on time a November normally full of activity is even more so. Please Pray! Elaine is launching all her cooking, craft, and Bible classes immediately. They need to rev up because it is only a few weeks before the Christmas Tea. Pray for good communication and preparation. There is a Church Planting Institute (CPI) BootCamp Nov 5-6. There are record numbers planning to attend! John besides directing…
Dawson Melancen, our second grandchild was born on September 19th. Elaine has been busy helping out Beth with the two kids. We visited two churches in Hawaii for a few days in October. Both churches have sent two teams each to help in Disaster Response ministry. We met with one pastor and then all the team members that served in Japan. We also gave presentations at Calvary of the Pacific church a Converge Church where…
You have been faithful in praying. God has opened the gates of blessings on our lives in September. There are so many blessings we have to stop and think about how many. We also are not sure which was a greater miracle. Tim got a tremendous job working as an interpreter in the welding department of a Japanese firm building passenger train cars. He is doing extremely well. We got the green light from the…
Japan is mysterious and strange place for foreigners. Here are some examples of things that surprise foreigners. The first week’s list at: http://www.gospelrest.com/japan-surprises-foreigners/ The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on the highways There are hot springs just for your feet There are women-only cars on the trains It’s so safe you can go walking around in the middle of the night with no problem Japanese squat-style toilets The incredible variety of KitKat flavors There are…
One of my missionary heroes is C.T. Studd. The other day I quoted him while sharing my call to missions with a church congregation. ” “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” This video shows his manly heart for God and his Kingdom. Enjoy. Pray that we would all “be strong in the Lord.”
Another way you can partner with us is interceding before God on our behalf. Prayer requests: Ask God for strength in the personal and church visits throughout September especially September 30th at West Hills Community Church west of St. Louis. Continue to pray for our plans to return to Japan including our financial support (above). Besides normal ministries, there is much personal business and work projects to be completed. Ask God for a speedy processing…