PARTNERSHIP
March 2013 – Ministry Updates and Prayer
JOHN
John departs for Tohoku tomorrow. The Church Planting Institute (CPI) is endorsing a seminar March 4-5 in Sendai. This could be the largest seminar on Rural Church Planting with 24 workers gathering! There are still 1,500 towns and villages and 36 cities in Japan still without churches. Please pray that more churches will be started in these towns and villages! At the seminar, John will be facilitating two training sessions and sharing the Word in one worship session.
John continues from the seminar by car to Ishinomaki. PTL, in February our ministry partners, Dean and Linda Bengtson, moved into the Urayashiki neighborhood of Ishinomaki; the area where we have been providing relief and also sharing the gospel. Now more deliberate development of churches can take place. Last month more relief came to people living in temporary housing through Mr. Abe and his church. As we approach the 2 year mark after the triple disaster on March 11th, pray for those affected. John will be sharing with the Rengo Tokyo pastors that day about a two year reflection on the disaster and ministry to victims.
The CPI National Conference planning is well underway. Already we can feel the enthusiasm. Pray for decisions about the speaker line up and team building. We have already received great interest on having a CPI Church Planters’ BootCamp in another region next spring!
John just had key meetings with some Rengo pastors about training lay people in their churches for small groups. Pray as these plans unfold.
ELAINE
Elaine’s many ministries are primarily focused on women. Through our home she has weekly Western cooking classes, needlepoint classes, and Bible studies. Continue to pray for the spiritual impact and discussions with these women. Pray that God would send more students to one Monday cooking class.
On March 25th Mrs. Saito will be coming to our home to host a English Tea Ceremony. Mrs. Saito is a certified Tea Master. Pray for chances to gossip the gospel at this event.
Last month Elaine was asked to speak to a luncheon of about 40 women at a local church. Even weeks later some ladies were sharing how they were impacted by what Elaine said about our relationships with our Heavenly Father. Thanks for praying.
Elaine also mentors missionary and pastor’s wives in spiritual renewal. Pray for opportunities.
Elaine had a great celebration for her 60th birthday on February 19th.
PARTNERSHIP
John and Elaine do a lot of ministry together.
Pray for preparations this month as in April, both Elaine and John are non-stop with ministry and key events.
Thank you for your partnership with us in Japan.