Dear Praying Friends
Japan is living proof of a great spiritual truth that we cannot ignore. It is that only God can open blind eyes. Are 127 million Japanese spiritually blind? Yes! That is why after 120 years of evangelisation the percentage of Christians is still only 0.25. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ…". It is a call to pray. And it is also a call to be faithful to the gospel and to renounce the gimmicks and human ideas, touted as the latest 'key' to mission success, that cycle through the world of mission every 5 years. Charismatic personalities, expensive programmes, great spiritual gifts and hard work avail nothing. 'Let there be light!'
Joel in Sendai said that, in a beautiful example of unselfish Kingdom thinking, some new people were encouraged to attend our church by US Presbyterian missionaries who work nearby. We also have several longterm inquirers who attend almost every meeting but still do not believe. Pray for God not to harden them as he could justly do but graciously bring 'sight to the inly blind' through his almighty word. Pray for the church to become independent so we can partner with them to plant another one!
Hear us, we humbly pray,
And, where the Gospel's day
Sheds not its glorious ray,
Let there be light!
We have learned a lot these past 5 months as we have engaged with UK churches and we are very thankful for that. We arrive in South Africa on 4th Nov. During November, ministry will be in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Kenilworth, Bellville, and Paarl. Thankfully too our supporters have pulled out all the stops and very kindly provided us with accommodation and transport. We are moving a lot so please use this postal address: Rod and Glenda Thomas c/o St James Church PO Box 2180 Clareinch 7740 South Africa. Christine goes back to India tomorrow (23rd Oct).
OMF has asked us to include these sentences about finance. "The overall income for the last 12 months for OMF workers in East Asia and the UK is 82% of our estimated needs. This has necessarily significantly limited some aspects of our ministry. The Thomases personal support income for the last 10 months is 66% of estimated needs". And will need to increase before we are allowed to return to Japan.
Yours in Jesus, the sun of righteousness risen with healing in his wings,
Rod and Glenda Thomas
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Prayer Partner Letter Sept 2010
Thank you for your prayers. October is our last month in UK. It has been good to have this break from ministry in Japan. It widens our perspective and we meet lots of 'normal' people. At the same time speaking at churches on the reason for the mission to Japan has strengthened our resolve to continue it. We seen have how a variety of churches work, attended some great conferences and met our precious prayer partners and the prayer groups who pray for us OMFers. Of course we have seen my dear parents and our children and many other relatives for which we are very grateful. We have a full month with ministry in Berks, Hants and Sussex.
Please pray for Christine who travels back for half-term 10th-23rd Oct.
We have just updated our website,
http://rodthomas.drivehq.com/mission/welcome.html
take a look!
Joel in Sendai writes that some of the young people are not able to attend services because of school clubs that are on Sundays. The church has a guitar concert with testimony by Yoneda-sensei on 15th. Church members Mr TS and Mr TN ask for prayer for career decisions. Keep praying for Mrs RA who is depressed and staying away from church. Keep praying for Joel's ministry. And for revival in Japan
On 4th Nov we arrive in Cape Town, please pray for those looking for accommodation and transport for us to have success soon!
I heard an Indian preacher recently say that Japan is the world's largest unreached group.
If we are unconcerned with the evangelisation of Japan we have wrong Kingdom priorities. If we think it is unnecessary we have denied the evangelical faith.
Please pray for Christine who travels back for half-term 10th-23rd Oct.
We have just updated our website,
http://rodthomas.drivehq.com/mission/welcome.html
take a look!
Joel in Sendai writes that some of the young people are not able to attend services because of school clubs that are on Sundays. The church has a guitar concert with testimony by Yoneda-sensei on 15th. Church members Mr TS and Mr TN ask for prayer for career decisions. Keep praying for Mrs RA who is depressed and staying away from church. Keep praying for Joel's ministry. And for revival in Japan
On 4th Nov we arrive in Cape Town, please pray for those looking for accommodation and transport for us to have success soon!
I heard an Indian preacher recently say that Japan is the world's largest unreached group.
If we are unconcerned with the evangelisation of Japan we have wrong Kingdom priorities. If we think it is unnecessary we have denied the evangelical faith.
Monday, 6 September 2010
August 2010
"Japan... has more than 120 million people, who cannot tell their right hand from their left... Should I not be concerned about that great country?" adapted from God's words to Jonah (4:11). Japan has mostly fallen off the missions' map in many UK churches. Missions' interest is mostly absorbed in Africa or confused with poverty and disaster relief. The reason for this is that Eternity has faded from view and the Bible teaching that those without Christ are lost forever is not the over-riding concern that it should be. This is a generalisation and there are some bright points of light but "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul" is a perspective that is as difficult for us all to keep now as it was in Mark 8. We have a busy schedule in Sept but mostly all local in Hampshire.
News from Sendai Church, Japan: There is Chilean lady who occasionally attends services and has been having severe emotional and mental problems. Her Japanese husband is a man I have known for 5 years as a friendly honest mechanic who has fixed our cars and has started coming to church to try to help her. Please pray both Mr and Mrs A into the Kingdom.
Next week is Obon, the Buddhist festival of worshipping the dead. It is a national holiday when many go back to their homes. Pray that the believers will not fall into idolatry.
Pray too for our co-workers, Joel and Seiko Lovestrand, that they will have grace and strength for every pastoral challenge they meet.
Finally, pray for the church to become strong, independent and fruitful, and for us to have financial support to continue in ministry.
Christine returns to Hebron, India unaccompanied 16-17th Aug. Please pray for a safe trip. We thank God for a great couple of days with Amy in Scotland and Andrew has spent much of his leave with us which has been a blessing. Keswick Convention and EMA were spiritual feasts. Esther comes with us in Nov to RSA to work with Justice Acts, a Christian group that works to stop human trafficking.
Thank you for your prayers
News from Sendai Church, Japan: There is Chilean lady who occasionally attends services and has been having severe emotional and mental problems. Her Japanese husband is a man I have known for 5 years as a friendly honest mechanic who has fixed our cars and has started coming to church to try to help her. Please pray both Mr and Mrs A into the Kingdom.
Next week is Obon, the Buddhist festival of worshipping the dead. It is a national holiday when many go back to their homes. Pray that the believers will not fall into idolatry.
Pray too for our co-workers, Joel and Seiko Lovestrand, that they will have grace and strength for every pastoral challenge they meet.
Finally, pray for the church to become strong, independent and fruitful, and for us to have financial support to continue in ministry.
Christine returns to Hebron, India unaccompanied 16-17th Aug. Please pray for a safe trip. We thank God for a great couple of days with Amy in Scotland and Andrew has spent much of his leave with us which has been a blessing. Keswick Convention and EMA were spiritual feasts. Esther comes with us in Nov to RSA to work with Justice Acts, a Christian group that works to stop human trafficking.
Thank you for your prayers
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Prayer Partner Letter July 2010
Dear faithful pray-ers
It has been great to meet some of you (in UK at least) and we are so grateful for your prayers.
Our co-worker in Sendai, Joel Lovestrand, writes that he has opportunities to speak at schools which is an open door to tell the gospel to many children. Pray also for the pastoral work he must do and for the regular preaching and teaching ministry which is always a challenge. Continue to pray for the Lord to raise up national workers and leaders, and for the church to become independent, fruitful and strong.
Tadamitsu Nishimura who was converted and baptised in Sendai in 2003 will return to Japan later this year after 3 years of theological study and youth work in New Zealand. Pray for guidance and blessing on his future ministry.
Home assignment ministry in UK in August will take us to Birmingham, Southsea, Titchfield, Havant etc. We hope to be used in the calling of new missionaries and those who pray and support.
Financial Information (for those who would like it)
In the past the UK side of OMF would 'top' up each member's support to 80-100% to enable them to continue. In the last 2 years however giving has decreased so that general donations to OMF now go mostly towards costs within UK. So if you would like to support us please make your cheque payable to OMF International but specify in a covering letter that it should go to the support of the Thomases in Japan. At present on an annual basis we receive about 60% individualised support. If this doesn't increase we may not be allowed to return to Japan, but if 20 people pledged to give 50 pounds/month we would be OK. The address is OMF International (UK), Station Approach, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8BG, Kent. 01732-887299
God's richest blessings
Rod and Glenda Thomas
It has been great to meet some of you (in UK at least) and we are so grateful for your prayers.
Our co-worker in Sendai, Joel Lovestrand, writes that he has opportunities to speak at schools which is an open door to tell the gospel to many children. Pray also for the pastoral work he must do and for the regular preaching and teaching ministry which is always a challenge. Continue to pray for the Lord to raise up national workers and leaders, and for the church to become independent, fruitful and strong.
Tadamitsu Nishimura who was converted and baptised in Sendai in 2003 will return to Japan later this year after 3 years of theological study and youth work in New Zealand. Pray for guidance and blessing on his future ministry.
Home assignment ministry in UK in August will take us to Birmingham, Southsea, Titchfield, Havant etc. We hope to be used in the calling of new missionaries and those who pray and support.
Financial Information (for those who would like it)
In the past the UK side of OMF would 'top' up each member's support to 80-100% to enable them to continue. In the last 2 years however giving has decreased so that general donations to OMF now go mostly towards costs within UK. So if you would like to support us please make your cheque payable to OMF International but specify in a covering letter that it should go to the support of the Thomases in Japan. At present on an annual basis we receive about 60% individualised support. If this doesn't increase we may not be allowed to return to Japan, but if 20 people pledged to give 50 pounds/month we would be OK. The address is OMF International (UK), Station Approach, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, TN15 8BG, Kent. 01732-887299
God's richest blessings
Rod and Glenda Thomas
Monday, 5 July 2010
Up-to-date at last!
Dear Patient Prayers
At last I have uploaded the prayer partner letters for the last 8 months. I shall try to keep them up-to-date from now on...
God bless
Rod
16th June 2010
Dear Praying Friends
Why is a missionary flying back on home assignment like toothpaste? Because he leaves his life, contacts, stuff and work in one part of the world, goes through a narrow metal tube and emerges into a new and different world to live and work! So we feel a bit like toothpaste but are enjoying ourselves, meeting family and are settled in a nice little flat.
1. We thank God that Glenda got her visa and we evaded the BA strike. So now we are in UK at the below address, close to St Judes Church. Please pray for an effective and blessed ministry in UK. We attend EMA next week 23-25 June and Keswick 17-24 July. Ministry in June and July will be in Southsea, Eastney, Alverstoke, Birmingham etc.
2. Please keep praying for the church in Sendai, for conversions, for God to raise up national workers and for the church to grow towards independence. Pray too for the nation of Japan: that God will have mercy on the 127 million people there. In particular please pray for Mrs RA who told us just before she had left that she had tried to commit suicide several times: she used to come to church but has stopped. Pray for Mr K, our almost-resident schizophrenic who attends every meeting and has changed so much in the past 2 years but still hasn't come to faith.
3. We have just heard that Amy has passed her medicine finals so she is now Dr Amy Thompson. We are so grateful to God as she has been working for this since was 12! She and husband Sam leave for Scotland in July. Christine is still writing her GCSE exams in India and returns to UK 1st July. Esther is with us in UK trying hard to get a job until she comes with us to RSA in Nov to work with Justice Acts, a Christian group that works to stop human trafficking.
Thank you for your prayers
love from Rod and Glenda
Why is a missionary flying back on home assignment like toothpaste? Because he leaves his life, contacts, stuff and work in one part of the world, goes through a narrow metal tube and emerges into a new and different world to live and work! So we feel a bit like toothpaste but are enjoying ourselves, meeting family and are settled in a nice little flat.
1. We thank God that Glenda got her visa and we evaded the BA strike. So now we are in UK at the below address, close to St Judes Church. Please pray for an effective and blessed ministry in UK. We attend EMA next week 23-25 June and Keswick 17-24 July. Ministry in June and July will be in Southsea, Eastney, Alverstoke, Birmingham etc.
2. Please keep praying for the church in Sendai, for conversions, for God to raise up national workers and for the church to grow towards independence. Pray too for the nation of Japan: that God will have mercy on the 127 million people there. In particular please pray for Mrs RA who told us just before she had left that she had tried to commit suicide several times: she used to come to church but has stopped. Pray for Mr K, our almost-resident schizophrenic who attends every meeting and has changed so much in the past 2 years but still hasn't come to faith.
3. We have just heard that Amy has passed her medicine finals so she is now Dr Amy Thompson. We are so grateful to God as she has been working for this since was 12! She and husband Sam leave for Scotland in July. Christine is still writing her GCSE exams in India and returns to UK 1st July. Esther is with us in UK trying hard to get a job until she comes with us to RSA in Nov to work with Justice Acts, a Christian group that works to stop human trafficking.
Thank you for your prayers
love from Rod and Glenda
11th May 2010
Dear Praying Friends
Greetings from Japan! Thank you for your prayers.
1. We have booked a flight from Tokyo to UK on 31st May to return for our home assignment. But we have hit a snag in that Glenda has found she needs a visa to enter UK. This is a new rule for S Africans from 2009. It is not a simple matter and the documentation we had to provide was enormous. So please pray that it is granted.
2. Last Sunday we had 40 adults in church which is encouraging. Please pray that growth continues, that we will be able to accommodate the congregation, and that new inquirers will feel free to attend and stay. Joel Lovestrand and his Japanese wife Seiko will be taking over leadership so please pray for wisdom and strength for them to 'make many disciples' Acts 14:21. When a missionary leaves there is often an interesting dynamic as long-term inquirers (ie non-Christians who attend) start to seek the Lord with a strong mix of sadness & human dependence etc. Please pray for conversions and revival in the whole city.
3. Esther has joined us from Australia and will come back with us to UK. Andrew has paid us a surprise visit for 2 weeks. Both are a great blessing to have here. Christine is writing her GCSE exams in India and Amy starts her final medicine exams on 1 June. Both value your prayers.
Thanks again!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
Greetings from Japan! Thank you for your prayers.
1. We have booked a flight from Tokyo to UK on 31st May to return for our home assignment. But we have hit a snag in that Glenda has found she needs a visa to enter UK. This is a new rule for S Africans from 2009. It is not a simple matter and the documentation we had to provide was enormous. So please pray that it is granted.
2. Last Sunday we had 40 adults in church which is encouraging. Please pray that growth continues, that we will be able to accommodate the congregation, and that new inquirers will feel free to attend and stay. Joel Lovestrand and his Japanese wife Seiko will be taking over leadership so please pray for wisdom and strength for them to 'make many disciples' Acts 14:21. When a missionary leaves there is often an interesting dynamic as long-term inquirers (ie non-Christians who attend) start to seek the Lord with a strong mix of sadness & human dependence etc. Please pray for conversions and revival in the whole city.
3. Esther has joined us from Australia and will come back with us to UK. Andrew has paid us a surprise visit for 2 weeks. Both are a great blessing to have here. Christine is writing her GCSE exams in India and Amy starts her final medicine exams on 1 June. Both value your prayers.
Thanks again!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
30th Mar 2010
Dear Praying Friends
1. Next Sunday of course is Easter and we always try to do something special. This time we will be having a Family Service and message for children. The same day Glenda goes off to India to Christine's halfterm. Please pray for travelling mercies and a good break for them both.
2. Please pray again for Mrs Temple-field who is now facing various unforeseen problems. I think it is obvious that God is working in her life and answering your prayers and I had a chance to go through the 'Two Ways to Live' booklet with her. Pray her and others into the Kingdom!
3. In the English Cafe we will be continuing the Creation vs Evolution theme and do the 'Origin of Man' on 17 April.
4. Most importantly, pray for God to pour out his Spirit and many to be brought to faith, for all the churches in Miyagi Ken to be revived as per Acts 9:31 'So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. '
5. Esther is on a working holiday visa in Australia but hasn't found work! Please pray something opens up soon or she will come back here.
6. We are due back in UK on 31 May and RSA on 3 Nov for home assignment until 26 Feb. Please pray for a smooth handover to the our coworkers, Lovestrands and that we don't forget anything!
Thank you for your prayers!
Yours in His service
love from Rod and Glenda
1. Next Sunday of course is Easter and we always try to do something special. This time we will be having a Family Service and message for children. The same day Glenda goes off to India to Christine's halfterm. Please pray for travelling mercies and a good break for them both.
2. Please pray again for Mrs Temple-field who is now facing various unforeseen problems. I think it is obvious that God is working in her life and answering your prayers and I had a chance to go through the 'Two Ways to Live' booklet with her. Pray her and others into the Kingdom!
3. In the English Cafe we will be continuing the Creation vs Evolution theme and do the 'Origin of Man' on 17 April.
4. Most importantly, pray for God to pour out his Spirit and many to be brought to faith, for all the churches in Miyagi Ken to be revived as per Acts 9:31 'So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. '
5. Esther is on a working holiday visa in Australia but hasn't found work! Please pray something opens up soon or she will come back here.
6. We are due back in UK on 31 May and RSA on 3 Nov for home assignment until 26 Feb. Please pray for a smooth handover to the our coworkers, Lovestrands and that we don't forget anything!
Thank you for your prayers!
Yours in His service
love from Rod and Glenda
25th Feb 2010
Dear Praying Friends
Thank you again for your prayers which are so valuable to us.
1. We have been encouraged by a change in the tone of the some of the prayers we hear prayed in the church. Many of the women now are praying for the conversion of their husbands and children instead of just their health etc. It maybe that this shift will be a sign that God will soon do great things.
2. Please pray for Mrs Temple-field who came to our English classes and has been asking all sorts of interested questions. She had no previous knowledge of Christianity at all. Pray her into the kingdom before she grows hardened! (What a privilege it is to be a missionary in a place like this!)
3. Last week's English Cafe was on Creation vs Evolution. We had a number of inquirers. Please pray for them! On March 19 we will do 'Fossils, Dinosaurs and the Flood'.
4. We always have a few foreigners in our Japanese service. A few weeks ago though it was extreme - we had 19 foreigners from 13 nationalities and only 11 Japanese! We of course are here to plant a Japanese church so please pray the core of Japanese increases. Positively most of the foreigners are embedded in Japanese society and act as lay-missionaries to their Japanese contacts. For example 7 were wives married to Japanese.
5. Esther is back in Australia adjusting to civilian life after an intense short-term mission trip to Cambodia - please pray for her future. Christine is preparing for her IGCSE exams soon. Pray for her to maintain a composure and walk with the Lord. Glenda's hand is slowly healing. Andrew is witnessing for the Lord in a difficult situation in Scotland. Amy has her scarey finals after 5 years of medicine. (I, Rod, am fine)....
6. We are due back in UK in 1 June and RSA on 3 Nov for home assignment until Feb.
Thanks again!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
Thank you again for your prayers which are so valuable to us.
1. We have been encouraged by a change in the tone of the some of the prayers we hear prayed in the church. Many of the women now are praying for the conversion of their husbands and children instead of just their health etc. It maybe that this shift will be a sign that God will soon do great things.
2. Please pray for Mrs Temple-field who came to our English classes and has been asking all sorts of interested questions. She had no previous knowledge of Christianity at all. Pray her into the kingdom before she grows hardened! (What a privilege it is to be a missionary in a place like this!)
3. Last week's English Cafe was on Creation vs Evolution. We had a number of inquirers. Please pray for them! On March 19 we will do 'Fossils, Dinosaurs and the Flood'.
4. We always have a few foreigners in our Japanese service. A few weeks ago though it was extreme - we had 19 foreigners from 13 nationalities and only 11 Japanese! We of course are here to plant a Japanese church so please pray the core of Japanese increases. Positively most of the foreigners are embedded in Japanese society and act as lay-missionaries to their Japanese contacts. For example 7 were wives married to Japanese.
5. Esther is back in Australia adjusting to civilian life after an intense short-term mission trip to Cambodia - please pray for her future. Christine is preparing for her IGCSE exams soon. Pray for her to maintain a composure and walk with the Lord. Glenda's hand is slowly healing. Andrew is witnessing for the Lord in a difficult situation in Scotland. Amy has her scarey finals after 5 years of medicine. (I, Rod, am fine)....
6. We are due back in UK in 1 June and RSA on 3 Nov for home assignment until Feb.
Thanks again!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
9th Jan 2010
Dear Praying Friends
Simeon said that Jesus Christ is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel". Another reminder that it is God's will that the gospel must be spread as far and wide as possible.
Thank you for your prayers for us in December. We had good meetings with many new faces which we now need to follow up but no clear conversions, though we are hopeful some may come through for the Lord later.
After Christmas most midweek church meetings were cancelled so we were able to spend a quiet couple of weeks with all our children except Esther. Amy and husband Sam came out from UK. Amy writes her finals in June but has been told that she must do her 2-year junior-doctor training in Scotland. So Sam must look for another job there. Christine is having her winter holidays from Hebron and studying hard for her IGCSEs. Esther is in Cambodia with YWAM reaching out to street women and homeless children. She finds it hard and challenging but loves it.
In the church, Mrs Great Friend has the sadness and trial of her father's death. It is a trial because he wasn't a Christian and is having a Buddhist funeral which she is compelled to be involved in. He died on New Years Day but the funeral can only be held after 15th because that is when the Shinto decorations are removed. Christians always find these events repugnant as well as hard to deal with because of the constant danger of idolatry and family pressure. So please pray for her and others in the same position that they'll be a good witness.
Glenda is having a long overdue carpal-tunnel syndrome operation on her wrist this Wednesday (13th). Please pray that the Lord uses this to heal her.
Bible studies, Alpha course, Ladies meetings, etc re-start this week and English classes next. Please pray for us that we will be effective in ministry to all in our care.
Events this month are Men's Breakfast (23rd), Christine's returns to Hebron (25th) and English Cafe (29th).
Thank you for your prayers!
love from Rod and Glenda
Simeon said that Jesus Christ is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel". Another reminder that it is God's will that the gospel must be spread as far and wide as possible.
Thank you for your prayers for us in December. We had good meetings with many new faces which we now need to follow up but no clear conversions, though we are hopeful some may come through for the Lord later.
After Christmas most midweek church meetings were cancelled so we were able to spend a quiet couple of weeks with all our children except Esther. Amy and husband Sam came out from UK. Amy writes her finals in June but has been told that she must do her 2-year junior-doctor training in Scotland. So Sam must look for another job there. Christine is having her winter holidays from Hebron and studying hard for her IGCSEs. Esther is in Cambodia with YWAM reaching out to street women and homeless children. She finds it hard and challenging but loves it.
In the church, Mrs Great Friend has the sadness and trial of her father's death. It is a trial because he wasn't a Christian and is having a Buddhist funeral which she is compelled to be involved in. He died on New Years Day but the funeral can only be held after 15th because that is when the Shinto decorations are removed. Christians always find these events repugnant as well as hard to deal with because of the constant danger of idolatry and family pressure. So please pray for her and others in the same position that they'll be a good witness.
Glenda is having a long overdue carpal-tunnel syndrome operation on her wrist this Wednesday (13th). Please pray that the Lord uses this to heal her.
Bible studies, Alpha course, Ladies meetings, etc re-start this week and English classes next. Please pray for us that we will be effective in ministry to all in our care.
Events this month are Men's Breakfast (23rd), Christine's returns to Hebron (25th) and English Cafe (29th).
Thank you for your prayers!
love from Rod and Glenda
5th Dec 2009
Dear Praying Friends
Mary said "For the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name." We can all say the same. The real 'Christmas spirit' is thankfulness for all God has done for us in Christ.
Thank you for your endurance when we mostly repeat the same prayer requests each time. We have a busy month coming up with a 13-member team from New Zealand coming to help us with evangelism from 11-13th and our main Christmas service on 20th. We are also moving house.
As we think on the past year we thought it would be good to review.
1. Church attendance is fairly steady. Most of the believers are very faithful and we have a steady stream of visitors. But some others have stopped attending.
2. We have put on hold the appointment of a church council because all the believers felt strongly that they didn't want decision-making put in the hands of a few. So we will continue with monthly congregational meetings for the moment.
3. We seem no closer to getting our own land and church building.
4. Mr Long Life has stopped coming to church and cut off all contact. Various others are suffering from sickness or depression and are out of regular contact.
5. Tadamitsu our Bible college student in New Zealand is applying to spend one more year there.
6. We are halfway through the Alpha course and the 3 inquirers we started with are still attending.
7. This year to date we are 58% supported.
So we have much to give thanks for and much still to pray for!
Esther leaves Australia for Cambodia tomorrow (6th) for the YWAM short-term mission trip. Christine travels alone from India on 18th, Andrew arrives on 19th and Amy with husband Sam on 20th.
May you have a really Happy Christmas!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
Mary said "For the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name." We can all say the same. The real 'Christmas spirit' is thankfulness for all God has done for us in Christ.
Thank you for your endurance when we mostly repeat the same prayer requests each time. We have a busy month coming up with a 13-member team from New Zealand coming to help us with evangelism from 11-13th and our main Christmas service on 20th. We are also moving house.
As we think on the past year we thought it would be good to review.
1. Church attendance is fairly steady. Most of the believers are very faithful and we have a steady stream of visitors. But some others have stopped attending.
2. We have put on hold the appointment of a church council because all the believers felt strongly that they didn't want decision-making put in the hands of a few. So we will continue with monthly congregational meetings for the moment.
3. We seem no closer to getting our own land and church building.
4. Mr Long Life has stopped coming to church and cut off all contact. Various others are suffering from sickness or depression and are out of regular contact.
5. Tadamitsu our Bible college student in New Zealand is applying to spend one more year there.
6. We are halfway through the Alpha course and the 3 inquirers we started with are still attending.
7. This year to date we are 58% supported.
So we have much to give thanks for and much still to pray for!
Esther leaves Australia for Cambodia tomorrow (6th) for the YWAM short-term mission trip. Christine travels alone from India on 18th, Andrew arrives on 19th and Amy with husband Sam on 20th.
May you have a really Happy Christmas!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
7th Nov 2009
Dear Praying Friends
We hope you are all cheerful, and well in body and soul. Thank you for your prayers.
October was busy. We started our first Alpha course which is being attended by 2 men and a woman and we are hoping 2 more women who have expressed interest will join in. We have had 3 sessions so far. Please pray them into the Kingdom. "And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase".
Our dates this month are Tract distribution 8th, Men's Breakfast 14th, Children's Blessing Service 15th, Thanksgiving Meal 23rd, English Cafe 27th and Girls Fellowship 28th. The Children's Blessing Service is held on the same date as the 357 festival when children of those ages are taken to Shinto shrines and offerings made for them. In our service we pray for them, explain the 5th commandment and give the parents a good talking-to about bringing up their children in the Lord! More generally, please pray for the spiritual vitality of each member that they will really understand the gospel and live suitably.
Glenda also visited Christine in India who is now in the throes of GCSE exams which will continue on and off until June 2010.
Our home assignment dates have been provisionally decided as May 2010 to Feb 2011 - we would aim to spend the first 5-6 months in UK and the last 2-3 months in SA.
Thanks again!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
PS Esther has asked us to append this paragraph for your prayers; we would only add God's guidance for her future after DTS.
I am doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with YWAM in Wollongong, Australia. It has been running for nearly 2 months now, and I feel like I have already learned so much about God, and gotten to know Him more personally too. This school has been a completely new and challenging experience and I'm sure it will become more and more like that as we get closer to the time of outreach, which is now 6 December. Our DTS of 19 people has been divided for outreach; one is going to Cambodia and the other Thailand. As the time for booking plane tickets is now approaching very fast, it would be wonderful if you could pray that God provides the appropriate finances for each and every person. I found out that I am going to Cambodia (which is where I genuinely feel called to go) and am extremely excited about it. Another girl and I are planning to make an illustrated gospel in Cambodian style art to try and reach the people who cannot speak English. Please pray that this works out well, and that God will provide the necessary resources. As most of you know, Cambodia is a country of a very oppressive and traumatic history, and many still suffer the effects of the landmines etc. We really want this outreach to be a success and for it to bring many Cambodians to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, so that they can find healing and belonging in Him. Please pray for God's guidance and wisdom in how we go about ministering to these people. Thanks for all your prayers!! God bless,
Esther
We hope you are all cheerful, and well in body and soul. Thank you for your prayers.
October was busy. We started our first Alpha course which is being attended by 2 men and a woman and we are hoping 2 more women who have expressed interest will join in. We have had 3 sessions so far. Please pray them into the Kingdom. "And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase".
Our dates this month are Tract distribution 8th, Men's Breakfast 14th, Children's Blessing Service 15th, Thanksgiving Meal 23rd, English Cafe 27th and Girls Fellowship 28th. The Children's Blessing Service is held on the same date as the 357 festival when children of those ages are taken to Shinto shrines and offerings made for them. In our service we pray for them, explain the 5th commandment and give the parents a good talking-to about bringing up their children in the Lord! More generally, please pray for the spiritual vitality of each member that they will really understand the gospel and live suitably.
Glenda also visited Christine in India who is now in the throes of GCSE exams which will continue on and off until June 2010.
Our home assignment dates have been provisionally decided as May 2010 to Feb 2011 - we would aim to spend the first 5-6 months in UK and the last 2-3 months in SA.
Thanks again!
Yours in the grace and grip of the Gospel
love from Rod and Glenda
PS Esther has asked us to append this paragraph for your prayers; we would only add God's guidance for her future after DTS.
I am doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with YWAM in Wollongong, Australia. It has been running for nearly 2 months now, and I feel like I have already learned so much about God, and gotten to know Him more personally too. This school has been a completely new and challenging experience and I'm sure it will become more and more like that as we get closer to the time of outreach, which is now 6 December. Our DTS of 19 people has been divided for outreach; one is going to Cambodia and the other Thailand. As the time for booking plane tickets is now approaching very fast, it would be wonderful if you could pray that God provides the appropriate finances for each and every person. I found out that I am going to Cambodia (which is where I genuinely feel called to go) and am extremely excited about it. Another girl and I are planning to make an illustrated gospel in Cambodian style art to try and reach the people who cannot speak English. Please pray that this works out well, and that God will provide the necessary resources. As most of you know, Cambodia is a country of a very oppressive and traumatic history, and many still suffer the effects of the landmines etc. We really want this outreach to be a success and for it to bring many Cambodians to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, so that they can find healing and belonging in Him. Please pray for God's guidance and wisdom in how we go about ministering to these people. Thanks for all your prayers!! God bless,
Esther
6 Oct 2009
Dear Praying Friends
There is a big typhoon heading our way. This causes quite stir here as Japanese tend to be very safety conscious. So we are in for high winds and heavy rain (in the Cape this would be called a 'Southeaster' and in UK just 'weather'). Anyway you can follow its progress at
http://www.tbs.co.jp/weather/typhoon.html
Please keep praying that this church will move to independence with its own land, buildings and Japanese leadership. We seem a long way from this now. To make this happen we need grow in numbers and in giving. Most of all please pray for conversions.
We have these events this month: Men's Breakfast (10th), Young People's Camp (11-12th), start of Alpha course (13th), 'stew picnic' (18th), English Cafe (23rd) and Girl's Bible Study (31st). On 25th Rod will be preaching in Aomori.
Glenda is in India visiting Christine until 22nd and Esther has started her Discipleship Training Course in Australia. She hope to study Art next year.
Thanks again!
Yours in the Lord, our shelter from the storm
love from Rod and Glenda
There is a big typhoon heading our way. This causes quite stir here as Japanese tend to be very safety conscious. So we are in for high winds and heavy rain (in the Cape this would be called a 'Southeaster' and in UK just 'weather'). Anyway you can follow its progress at
http://www.tbs.co.jp/weather/typhoon.html
Please keep praying that this church will move to independence with its own land, buildings and Japanese leadership. We seem a long way from this now. To make this happen we need grow in numbers and in giving. Most of all please pray for conversions.
We have these events this month: Men's Breakfast (10th), Young People's Camp (11-12th), start of Alpha course (13th), 'stew picnic' (18th), English Cafe (23rd) and Girl's Bible Study (31st). On 25th Rod will be preaching in Aomori.
Glenda is in India visiting Christine until 22nd and Esther has started her Discipleship Training Course in Australia. She hope to study Art next year.
Thanks again!
Yours in the Lord, our shelter from the storm
love from Rod and Glenda
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