(Photo of H, F, M, and J as we met for our study time…the photo is also the “wallpaper” on our cell phones, to remind us to pray for each other.)
Dear Prayer Partners,
Greetings once again from Japan. We’ll try to be brief this month…
MEN’S DISCIPLING GROUP
Now that we LIVE in Tokyo but continue to SERVE primarily in Gunma (90 minutes away) we’ve been praying for God to really show us what our daily schedules and ministry should look like. What things need to be cut, what items need to be added, where should we put our priorities, what adjustments need to be made?? We’ve asked you to pray with us about these matters as well.
Three weeks ago it felt like one of those new adjustments just sort of fell into our lap, and we feel really happy about it. Following Mr. Fujikura’s baptism on December 19th he and Tim had agreed to continue for several months in a discipling / study course. At Mr. Fujikura’s suggestion we invited H to join us. Then we thought, why not invite M and J as well? With Tim leading the group, it represents the core group of men who have all confessed their faith in Christ and been part of our Isesaki Church. We are now meeting right after worship on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. We’re building new bonds, enjoying God’s Word together, promising to pray for each other, and keeping in touch by email and other means. Is this completely new? No, of course not, but each of them have confirmed with us independently that it is JUST WHAT THEY NEEDED NOW in their lives. How excellent is that? Sure, the focus changed a bit when we went from one-on-one to a small group dynamic…. but again, it’s just so clear that God is giving us some new energy and focus as we meet in this way. So, thanks for praying!
A FEW OTHER ITEMS TO PRAY ABOUT…
- Akagi Bible Camp – An important Skype planning session coming up on the morning of Wednesday, February 2, from 11 a.m. Three of our board members will be covering a number of important topics.
- Gunma Prefectural Women’s University – Andrea will be finishing the school year at the university in just about 10 more days. Thanks for praying for special strength for her as she gives finals, grades tons of papers, and then turns in all the grades.
- Isesaki Church / Men’s Group – Wow! We’ve been asking you to remember this dear congregation in almost every prayer bulletin since we started sending them out in 1995! This month, remember this great group of men mentioned above. Our next gathering is set for Sunday, Feb. 6.
- The Japan Covenant Church – On February 11 (a national holiday) we have the annual meeting of the Japan Covenant Church, including a time of worship and communion, business decisions, elections, and all that good stuff. Thanks for praying for a good spirit of unity and excitement.
Feel free to check out Andrea’s blog – particularly the testimony by Mr. Fujikura – that was recently translated and posted.
Your partners in prayer and mission,
Tim & Andrea Johnson
Sam, Lilla & Sky
