Hello all! We have passed the halfway point for this trip, and it is definitely hard to believe. Today marked the second of three Sundays the team will be at Hamadera Bible Church. It was a blessing again to be worshiping our great God with this loving group of believers. During service, Korinn, Esther and Priscilla were able to share their testimonies of salvation, and Eric and Ed gave life updates to the church.
One thing that was particularly encouraging was the fact that one of our students, Ryuta, came to Sunday service today. It was amazing to see that he would come to an unfamiliar place in spite of the pouring rain. That was pretty awesome. The team is praying that what he witnessed this morning would prick his interest and desire to know more about the gospel of Christ. Please pray for him as well!
Today was also the Okadas’ last Sunday at HBC after 12 years of faithful ministry. Even though I have only been with the church for about a week, the mighty impact of his ministry there was evident through the sharing. Amid the joy of looking back were many tears from church members anticipating the family’s departure. The Okadas will fly out to Tokyo tomorrow before going to the U.S. Here are some ways to be praying for them:
The rest of the early afternoon, the team spent hanging out with the church and preparing for the night’s activities: American Day!!!
Today was also the Okadas’ last Sunday at HBC after 12 years of faithful ministry. Even though I have only been with the church for about a week, the mighty impact of his ministry there was evident through the sharing. Amid the joy of looking back were many tears from church members anticipating the family’s departure. The Okadas will fly out to Tokyo tomorrow before going to the U.S. Here are some ways to be praying for them:
- For a smooth transition to the states, and that God leads them to serve in the way more glorifying to Him there.
- For Okada-sensei’s long-term stay visa, which has not been signed yet. He is hoping that it is signed before he heads to California.
- For the rest of their moving and packing – it is tiring and there is still work to do!
The rest of the early afternoon, the team spent hanging out with the church and preparing for the night’s activities: American Day!!!
In addition to the Okada’s requests, here are some things you can be praying for:
-Shoshee
- My host and church member Oumi-san is getting bypass surgery Monday. Please pray God gives peace to his anxious heart, that he and his wife trust in the Lord through this trial and for a safe operation and speedy recovery.
- Please pray for energy, both physically and spiritually, for the team.
- We only have one more day with Nara and one more day with Osaka University planned for this trip, so please pray for intentional conversations and gospel opportunities.
- Please pray for the students who have heard the gospel, that they may be curious to know more. Please pray that God works in their hearts to desire Him and to seek a satisfaction beyond what the world can offer.
-Shoshee