Dear Friends,
We thank you for joining us in prayer for the people of Yamamoto and Japan. We thank our merciful Lord for answering those prayers. We surely should expect no less from our God who is building the Kingdom of Christ throughout the world and here in Japan (Matt. 7:7).
December was filled with good times. In addition to the regularly scheduled activities, we had our largest turnout for the the Junior/Senior high Christmas party, the kids' Christmas party, and worship services. We have been praying for increased contact with young people and the Lord is answering that prayer little by little. We have 4 new English students who hear Bible messages every week. Continue to pray that the Lord will plant the seed of His Word in their hearts and bring them to faith in Christ.
In the midst of those busy days, carpenters, Bill Looft (New York) and Mark Palmer (Alabama), responded to our call for volunteers. They blessed us with their cheerful aid, hard work, and encouragement. Bill and Mark gave 2 weeks of their time to rebuild homes in Marumori homes flooded by Typhoon 19. We were very grateful for the generous offerings of the RPCNA churches both in Kobe and the U.S. which supported their work as well as helped pay for the materials. In just 2 weeks, they rebuilt the first floors of 6 homes and served as a model for future work. Their warm love shown through their work which impressed the homeowners and the NHK (Japan public) TV crew. The story of their work became a 5 minute clip in a morning show, highlighting the need for carpenters and volunteers to continue the efforts in Marumori. Bill and Mark's love made a deep impression on the people. See attached photos. We are thankful to report that Mr. Ishikawa (an elder who continues to encourage Fukushima residents displaced by the nuclear disaster) has been granted access to visit the temporary housing facilities in Marumori. Pray that the Lord will open the door for the gospel through this and other visitation, and thank God for these 2 servants!
Since the fall, we had been visiting Mr. Takeo Sato, a hospitalized believer, whose wife, Estuko Sato has begun attending worship at Nozomi. Though his speech was very weak and his eyes were often closed, we were amazed that he would perk up and look intently at Woody as he read the Bible. Two weeks before he death, he joined in singing 2 of his favorite hymns with a clear voice. God was pleased to strengthen him 2 days before he died to give a clear confession of his faith in Jesus. What a blessing to us to see his faith! His funeral was held at Nozomi with his mostly unbelieving family in attendance. We pray that they will respond in faith to the preaching of the resurrection hope of the gospel; Woody preached on 1 Thess. 4:13-18. Please pray that the Lord will encourage Etsuko and continue to deepen her faith in Christ.
This month, Woody began studying the English Bible with Mr. Sayama, a young man who lives nearby, and whom we met when he came asking to use our new basketball court. His English is quite good. Pray the Lord will lead him to faith and repentance. Pray also for Chitose Watanabe, a local resident who commutes daily to Sendai to a nominally Christian high school (where Mr. Uomoto preaches occasionally); his homework includes attending a worship service each term. Thus, he attends Nozomi occasionally, each time seeming very attentive, and participating in tea time or lunch after service.
Another amazing provision is the love of the people in Solomon's Porch Church in Singapore for the people of Yamamoto. While serving with us this past fall, their 4th consecutive year, they observed that the Nozomi Church parking lot is not our own land, but has been loaned to us since 2012. They began to pray and collect offerings to buy the lot for Nozomi! They have raised half the money needed. The timing is surely in the Lord's hands. In the past year, more than 10 new homes have been constructed on empty lots in our area. We were told that a developer has begun to buy up the land nearby, and thus, we would be greatly blessed to obtain this. We have only space for 5 cars, but with this land, we can park 25 cars (some Center events have brought 10-20). Thank God for their love and pray with us that the Lord will provide the other $25,000.
Most of all, pray that God would plant his Word in those whom he draws to Nozomi Church. Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ. May the people here see the glory of the true Shepherd who laid down his life that his sheep might know the Eternal God and not fear to follow Christ: "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:23-25)
We are praying that God will daily bring us to our knees that we may know Jesus and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Phil.3:10). Yes, pray that we might know Jesus and that we will take every opportunity to introduce this Jesus to everyone we meet.
May every household in Yamamoto come to know the good news of Jesus Christ,
Woody and Laurie Lauer
