Soon to be multiplying disciples and churches in Japan
Hello, <<First Name>>!
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! I know we did. Much of our December was spent traveling and celebrating the holidays.
Bridges Outreach Discipleship
Bridges Outreach throws an annual Christmas party at the end of the first semester for the kids. We always enjoy helping buy gifts for all the Bridges kids and preparing for the occasion. It was a great party, and we had fun treating the kids to pizza, Christmas cookies, gifts and games! This was the last time we met with the kids before winter break, so we have been praying for them over Christmas break. We have been looking forward to getting back into discipleship with them second semester!
Support Raising
This past month, we had the opportunity to visit First Christian Church of Fairfield, Illinois. This connection was made through my (Abigail’s) grandmother. The church allowed us to present our mission to both services as well as to a Sunday school class. They were so welcoming and supportive during our visit, and they agreed to become a monthly partner! What a blessing!
Japan Travel Update
Japan is still closed to all foreign travel at this time due to Covid and it’s many variants. But it will reopen in the future! Please join us in praying for an opening to take our short trip this spring before making the big move.
There are many places in scripture where you can find encouragement and comfort in the Lord while forging ahead to new territory or entering a new season of life. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8. I have found that these same scriptures can also be comforting when you end up staying in a season of life longer than expected.
I was reading a devotional the other day which was a study of Acts 6:6. Early messengers of the cross attempted to take the gospel toward Asia, but the Holy Spirit prevented and redirected them. This may seem counter intuitive, but the disciples’ timing was not in line with God’s plan. Then in later years, Paul would do amazing work in that very region when the time was right. When we trust and obey the timing of the Holy Spirit, the Lord does incredible things. Whenever you are in doubt, submit your judgement to the Holy Spirit and know that he will stop every step that is not in his timing.
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region
of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit
from preaching the word in the province of Asia.
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia,
but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.”
Acts 16:6-7
Pray with us
Pray that Japan would open to foreign travelers this spring!
Ask God to send us support and prayer partners and to lead us to individuals who have a heart for the unreached.
Please continually pray that God would soften the hearts of Japanese people to hearing the good news about Jesus.
Lord please fill us with your spirit so that we can align ourselves with your will!
Praise with us
We thank God for our financial partners who have given this month!
We are so thankful for the churches, families, and individuals who keep us and our mission in their prayers continually!
Thank God for the work he is doing at Bridges Outreach with our middle schoolers. Pray that it continues.
From the President of Team Expansion
Good… Great… for All
Each week, I get to help with three different gatherings known as “three-thirds groups.” (Learn more about DMM at MoreDisciples.com, a site launched and managed by Team Expansion.) In last night’s group, we focused on Luke 2. It was so fun to see people from multiple languages engaging about this timeless story of hope. One participant highlighted Luke 2:10, in which the angel says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Think about it. In many ways, those three words sum up the Christmas story - and they also remind us of why we all serve this Great Commission mandate. As this year draws to a close, we are reminded all the more of your advocacy and partnership for the Meadows. Thank you for your shared vision for “good, great, and all!”
Doug Lucas
President, Team Expansion
Financial Update
Beginning Balance
$8,446.94
Total Income: $199.45
Churches: $0
Individuals: $199.45
Doug Lucas
