Greetings from Japan.
Spring is when we plant those veggie seeds. We did that in March (Sorry, Canada!) and now we are enjoying watching everything grow. Weeding with anticipation of the harvest soon to be on the table. We are especially thankful for the beets we grow but cannot find in the grocery store! What a great reminder to us to continue to be part of what God is doing here in Japan. God is the true Gardener and Jesus is the true Vine. The past 2 months have been fun!
In February Kathryn had the privilege of spending two weeks caring for her dad and mom in Canada. In March, at 92, Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep. His faith was firmly rooted in Jesus Christ!
As empty nesters our home has extra rooms, so hosting 5 missionary families for a night or two each in last 2 months has been a delight. We hope all were encouraged and left refreshed to continue their journeys. In June, we get to host a missionary family (Grady, Britt and Mia Fleming) on their way to the Philippines to continue their teaching and coaching ministry at Faith Academy.
Rob has been keeping up a weekly preaching schedule in Japanese churches and Kath with regular Discovery Bible Studies. After preaching “Jesus as a Boy”, Rob got some feedback; “I need to talk to my son about Jesus”. After a DBS about the death of Jesus, Kath’s friend said, “This is not academic. The meaning is easy”. She simply needs to believe but doesn’t want that yet. Others have said, “It is important to continue and not give up?” and “I am learning so much”! A Japanese woman in ministry Kath knows has started a Discovery Bible Study with six ladies (a mix of Christians and Seekers) and said, “It was a perfect time, with good questions and honest life stories.” Our prayer is to see more Japanese led Discovery Bible Studies.
In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation garden of your life. James 1:21 MSG
We are coming to Canada for about a month, from late July to late August.
July 28 Faith Baptist, Echo Bay
August 4 First Baptist, Timmins
August 11 Village Green, London
August 25 Bramalea Baptist, Brampton
Normally, this is the part where we appeal for the use of a car. Thankfully, friends have afforded us a nice Ford already! Thank you for your sacrificial prayers for the Japanese, and for the financial support that keeps us here in Japan.
With gratitude!
Rob and Kathryn
