"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
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