Dear Praying Friends,
We are reminded daily of the task at hand as we inch toward our 30th anniversary of ministry in Japan. Excluding our nine months teaching in 1988, March 25th makes it an even 30 years, more than half of our lives here.
Kathryn was greeted recently by our neighbour who asked, “Do you work?”. Kath said “no”, but Mrs. S. responded with, “But every day you leave the house, and go somewhere”. Kath once again explained that she studies the Bible with ladies at a nearby coffee shop or at a park. Our curious friend said, “What a nice hobby”. Kath invited her to join her for a Bible Study, but she declined for now. Hobby or near vocation, please pray for the women who are discovering who Jesus is through Discovery Bible Studies. (DBS) It looks like work but is a labour of love. On a sadder note, a group of three ladies who have been meeting for DBS since 2021 told Kathryn that as much as they like her, they don’t like the Bible and don’t want to meet for study. However, they would like to meet for fun. The Bible, they said is “difficult, makes us feel uneasy and is not exciting.”
Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6
Rob continues to connect with and preach weekly at various churches and it is beginning to pay off in the way we have been praying. We think it is not coincidental that the two men he asked prayer for specifically during this past summer’s home assignment and in prayer letters are making changes in their lives. Muroga, the mechanic, and man with a dream to reach his extended family in a nearby city, began a DBS with Rob in January, and by February he was opening the Bible with his 17-year-old son, Akira. Muroga says they have never talked much, but his son likes this Jesus guy. Yuuta, a young Christian man, is making big changes in his life, and is studying with Rob. His goal is also to reach his own family and friends.
Thank you for praying for us. Recently, Kath made a quick two-week trip to help out her siblings with care for their parents who were in need of some extra assistance. What a joy when her sister Tracy, put on a surprise birthday party for Kath’s 58th and four generations were able to meet!
We are convinced of our need for your prayers, and ask again that you remember the 99.9% of Japanese in our Ibaraki countryside that still need Jesus. Some have committed to intercessory prayer and we know we are being carried and cared for.
Thank you! Rob & Kathryn