Ministry Updates and News from the Mehns
FOCUS ON THE UNREACHED Our Converge mission is prioritizing Unreached People Groups (UPGs). These people groups (ethne) are under 2% evangelicals and less than 5% professing Christians. About 95% of the 6,642 UPGs are located in what is called the 10/40 window. You (and your church) may find this short video a good summary of UPGs. FOCUS ON ASIA And Asia is spiritually needy with most of the people groups that have yet to have…
Just completing the Perspectives course online with 120 people in Chicagoland area we are considering our next steps. For me, one next step is to conduct seminars, mentor people, and consult with churches in the US. I am also considering becoming a Perspective instructor. Now that I am in the US I can do more of this ministry with US churches. This month I am meeting a mission team in one of our partnering churches.…
Japan continues to struggle with Covid, having expanded and extended emergency measures to June 20th. Though the number of cases are not like numbers like we have seen in the US and elsewhere, the amount of Covid cases is overwhelming the health care system in Japan, especially in the Osaka area. Vaccinations are only at about 2%. We continue to meet discuss the situation with leaders throughout Japan. Please pray for gospel opportunities for every…
Elaine’s schedule is pretty full each month with at least 10 classes each month, mostly online. With the time zone differences, these get her up early some mornings or are held later in the evenings. This all while she is officially retired. Pray that God would strengthen her through all her responsibilities. Twice a month Bible Study with 6 Japanese ladies in Japan, only one is a Christian. Twice a month Bible Study with a…
PRAISE The Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course is completed. John just turned in the final project on “the Japanese” a few days ago. John is considering next steps in mobilizing others for mission, possibly teaching, and using what he learned in Asia. PRAY After a year of virtually visiting churches in our local village of Pecatonica, we have begun personal visits looking for a new church home. Please pray for God’s wisdom as…
We continue to be safe and well amidst the global pandemic. We are so grateful to God for his wisdom and protection of our Team in Isolation, our QuaranTEAM which has protected us, and others involved in 2 open school districts, and one major grocery store. Now that our family has been vaccinated, we continue to cautiously plan minimal travel. Last month John had a road trip to Ohio and this month there are a…
On his road trip, John was able to visit 4 partnering churches in northeastern Ohio. The visits came at many different levels and groups of people. All came with challenges and concerns for Covid. Lead Pastor Mark Butler and Assoc. Pastor Brian Morris from Anchor Church, Avon Lake, Ohio. Church pastoral staff and our entire Asia Impact Team with Old North Church, Canfield Ohio. The Missions team and interested people from Evangel Baptist, Boardman Ohio.…
Japan continues to struggle with Covid cases having to declare a third emergency. Though the total number of cases compared to other countries is relatively low, they have just started vaccinations. Plans are to go ahead with the Olympics beginning July 23rd possibly without any spectators. This will be challenging for those preparing evangelistic outreaches. I just heard that my trip in July has again been postponed possibly to September. Thanks for praying for the…
PRAISE John’s course with Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is nearly over. Continue to pray for the final assignments to be completed this month. PRAY We both have several online meetings with people interested in missions, Japan, and some preparing to serve in Japan and Asia. Mentoring is also ongoing. PRAISE The final day of school is May 28th. PTL they have had in person school the entire year! After this we will…
Your April 2021 Update from John and Elaine. Happy Easter. Jesus Lives and is Victorious. The pandemic is not yet over but developments have allowed us to start recovering this Spring. Because of the decline of cases in our area, our vaccinations, and Spring weather we are cautiously planning minimal travel. This month John will have a road trip to Ohio (see below) and he anticipates being in Japan and Asia possibly in July…