Thank you so much for your prayers.
1. The shop we applied to rent as a preaching point/ relief centre has fallen through when the owner found out that we were going to have bible studies there. The estate agent was very apologetic but it means we have to start again. Please pray that God will provide a suitable place in Arai Machi if it is his will, or else lead us to a better place.
2. Tadamitsu is working hard as our church's evangelist. He has visited temporary housing sites (THS) where the tsunami victims are housed in prefabs, and has handed out welcome packs containing a vitamin drink, New Testament, tract and church invitation. He was (illegally) prevented at one by the caretaker who objected to the bibles. Hopefully next week he will have the use of a van - we are waiting on the issuance of the parking certificate by the police - a formality but pray anyway.
3. On Monday 18th we are having our first mobile cafe at one THS - with free food, literature... and bibles (ohoh), and a church in Tokyo is helping us put on a miniconcert at the same time. We would like to do this regularly. There are at least 17 THS within a 40min drive.
4. From 25-28th a dance team of Christian young people will be coming from Tokyo to do workshops on breakdancing etc. We are hosting them at some venues. Tadamitsu has received a police certificate for street performances in downtown Sendai. They are keen to give their testimonies and tell the gospel, as we are they should, so please pray that is effective. Our English cafe will be led by a Hong Kong team on 29th.
5. It is great to have Christine back who arrived safely from India. She is awaiting her UK passport renewal and Japan visa renewal before she goes back on 15 Aug, which is tight. Also Glenda and Rod need visa approval in the next two weeks. Esther is safely back in UK after an exciting time of ministry in South Africa. Please pray that the student loan we have applied for will be granted. Their automated system doesn't seem to handle oddities like our family situation.
6. Our annual holiday is 24th July - 8th Aug. It is already filling up with work (see above), which is OK as we can always rest later and don't want to miss these opportunities but pray above all that we maintain our walk with the Lord, freshness and obedience, and for revival in Sendai.
David said 'But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever' (Ps 52:8), which is impressive faith when you consider his state of mind after 1 Samuel 21 &22.
Yours in the steadfast love of Jesus
Rod and Glenda Thomas
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