Over the years, we've interacted with many that have expressed a desire to participate in mission work. Some are even longing to be part of what God is doing around the world themselves.
We can relate to this feeling, and yet what prompted us forward?
No doubt, the call of God and His grace was the primary conduit. Yet, the other key factor was opportunity. Lindsay and I both had many opportunities as short-termers during our high school and college years to serve in Japan. We later married and learned about the opportunity of joining our home church's sending program. Along the way we came upon the opportunity to join a team under the headship of WorldVenture. We were later given the opportunity to explore the possibility of joining a vision to plant new churches in Kawasaki/Yokohama.
It was God's gracious call upon our lives and then His grace that continued to prompt us forward with many opportunities.
We now lay before you an opportunity.
Who is to say this newsletter wouldn't prompt YOU forward as one of thoseopportunitiesto be part of God's work here in Japan?
Questions to consider...
Do you want to see Jesus Christ's church established in the 2nd largest unreached people group in the world?
Do you have a specialized skill set that could be used to help traditional church planters like ourselves make new relationships that we otherwise wouldn't have access to?
Are you gifted in Music? Art/Graphic Design? Aid/Relief? Kids Ministry? TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language)?
Or maybe you're a businessman or woman - and you could do your job in Japan just as easy as you could there? Have you considered a job transfer, so you can work in the secular marketplace and make an impact for Christ here in Japan?
You don't have to be a "preacher" to be a church planter.
Use what God has gifted you with to be part of building relationships, making disciples and planting churches.
Would you consider taking the next opportunity (perhaps this letter!) to see God's Glory in Japan?
New Life in Christ
Mr. N is a new Christian who had been studying the Bible with our colleague for several years before responding to God's call to salvation on his life. He was baptized in early November at our new church facility. Here he is sharing how God transformed his heart. God is on the move! Click here to read more on Mr. N's story.
Come take part...
The call on the Christian's life is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Many of you are doing that through various means. Perhaps you participate on short-term missions trips. Maybe it's through partnering with us financially or through prayer. And we've interacted with many who are "going" across the street to be a light in their own neighborhoods or workplaces. These are all just as important as what our family is doing in Japan. Yet, maybe you're waiting for an opportunity to join a new work.
If you want to designate your year-end giving financially...
God has blessed you, so you can be a blessing to others. We've sat in many of your homes, shared at your church or fellowships and have observed your faithfulness. God has been honored and glorified in Japan through you generous giving throughout the years.
Outside of your monthly support, here are the ways God has used your year-end giving:
2019, if you wish to give financially toward seeing God's Glory in Japan, please consider giving toward Aid/Relief Work. Our team has participated in aid/relief work as a result of the September/October typhoons that pounced Japan. Our church plant, Denen Grace Chapel, is connected with local organizations to help provide relief and aid for those in need. These are Christian organizations with a desire to not only provide aid/relief, yet also share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
**Please note "Justin/Lindsay Typhoon" on your memo line. Noting your financial gifts this way helps us know to separate this funding for its intended purpose.
