Dear Friends,
We are particularly giving thanks that the Lord has been working mercifully in the hearts of many. Praise God for new opportunities to introduce the gospel! This past week, we held the last meetings of several regular ministries here at Kita Numazu Chapel.
On March 24, twenty-seven gathered for our last cooking class, bringing with them a feast of delightful dishes. The purpose of this class has been to provide a friendly atmosphere for women to hear the Bible’s message without pressure. Although they have been very reticent to speak about their reactions each time, over the last few months, a number of women have said how much they appreciated learning about the Bible. This time, Laurie was asked to give a talk on the Christian view of marriage and family. After enjoying the food, each lady spoke about what the class meant to her. Mrs. K. said she wished she had been coming for at least another year in order to learn more about the Bible. Mrs. I. said she wanted to love her husband better. Mrs. Z. described how she had begun reading the Bible this year, realizing as she read that the Bible is filled with wisdom. It flows through history, is sometimes very difficult to read, but she is impressed with the wisdom. With tears welling in her eyes, she said that it is filled with power…even the power to change her. We are thankful to God that several joined us for worship on Sunday. Please pray with us that the Lord would complete this good work in bringing these women to faith in Christ and join them to the church.
Final Cooking Class Message at Kita Numazu Reformed Church: March 2016
Thursday evening, we met for the last time with our English Bible classes. We thank God for the blessing of teaching the Scripture every week to those who have not yet made a profession of faith. In the last portion of the class, every member said goodbye. Two of the teenagers were visibly moved as they gave thanks for the Bible teaching and expressed their hope that Woody would be able to teach the Bible to many in Yamamoto. One of the women specifically asked for materials on how to raise her children as Christians. All are eager to continue studying. Please pray with us that God will provide a faithful teacher for the class after we leave and that all will profess faith in Christ.
Friday night was set to be our last youth group meeting with a sleepover included. Although our group has dwindled in number due to family moves, they have grown close together as friends. Nevertheless, the Lord had a surprise for us. Two new high school girls were introduced via an advertisement for our “moving giveaway” on Thursday. When they came to the giveaway, they were surprised to meet some of their friends. Woody and the kids invited them for the youth group’s Friday overnight. Though they seemed reticent, explaining that they are Buddhist, they came. Friday evening, the kids really enjoyed being together, playing a game and listening to a Bible message, so much so that the older girl stayed overnight. We went to the hot springs together in the evening, and the kids went to the beach for an early morning walk before breakfast. The older girl really appreciated the Bible message on Saturday morning as well. Sunday, she attended worship and stayed all day to talk. The Lord can work even through the smallest of things. Please pray with us for the salvation of all of those who have attended youth group these past 5 years and for Y. to begin reading the Bible.
Youth Group Overnight: March 2016
Finally, we give thanks for the fellowship we enjoyed in worship on Sunday morning and afterward together at the reception they held for us. Once again, the biggest blessing was listening to those whose lives had been changed by the Holy Spirit through the preaching and teaching of the Word. One man who has been unwilling to share his thoughts and questions, yet has been attending for several years, surprised us. He remembered coming to the church to study the Bible in English with a friend, but he gave up because it was too hard. Sometime later, he began faithfully attending worship. He said that he has now read through the Japanese Bible 5 or 6 times; each time he reads it, he wants to read more. Praise God! Many Japanese find it difficult to speak about their thoughts until they are certain they believe and are willing to stand out in the crowd. Pray that the Lord will grant saving faith and repentant hearts to the many seekers here and that they will join the church of Christ!
Farewell Worship and Reception for Lauers: March 2016
Additionally, please pray:
1. For a faithful new pastor to lead this congregation along with wise faithful men to serve as elders and deacons.
2. For Naomi and Sakura as they complete their class for profession of faith and baptism. May the Lord strengthen each to commit their lives to Christ, eager to attend worship.
3. For the family of R. whose father died suddenly. May the Lord provide follow-up to bring the gospel to this family. Mr. R. plans to return to work near Numazu next week.
We are ever thankful for all of you who have prayed faithfully for the saints in Numazu. May the Lord yet establish a faithful congregation here to his glory and praise.
In Christ,
Woody and Laurie