Christmas Greetings from Japan!
2024 has been a little different for us. We said goodbye to our remaining three parents this year: Kath’s dad in February, Kath’s mom in July, and Rob’s mom, who died in mid-November. Rob is thankful he went home to Timmins for a week this past August. Apart from fishing and picking wild blueberries with Timmins friends, the week was mostly spent eating those fish and blueberries with mom! Now we are the grandparents and are getting to know two toddler grandkids, mostly by screen time, as they are in Toronto and Manila.
Mia in Manila holding picture of her and Nana. A new way to put a baby to sleep from afar!
We also have a God-given opportunity to share Jesus’ message of salvation and eternal hope with one of the least Christian populations on earth. This past Sunday, Rob preached in three churches of 25 believers that share one very tired Japanese pastor. Pastor Ohashi appreciates the monthly break, and Rob loves the 90-minute drive over the coastal mountains to get there, and preaching chances. Please pray especially for Pastor Ohashi’s eyesight to improve after Glaucoma surgery. Kathryn continues to spend much time with neighbours. You can often spot her at a nearby coffee shop doing Discovery Bible Studies with ladies or out for a walk or bike ride with others. God is allowing her to creatively share the gospel. What a privilege. Pray for more and more opportunities and a huge harvest!
Rob enjoying his peanut harvest! Imagine a harvest of souls!
Thank you for your continued prayers for the Japanese. Less than 1% of people in Japan are believers in Jesus’ Good News. Half of those are foreigners living in Japan! Please pray that the expat Christians working in Japan, mostly Southeast Asians, would hear the call and take the opportunity at Christmas and the Japanese New Year holidays to share Christ with their neighbours and coworkers. These foreigners far outnumber missionaries and have a special chance to impact Japan.
We will be spending Christmas in Canada this year! Pray for special times with family!
Gratefully,
Rob & Kathryn.
