When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: Then said they among the heathen, The Lord †hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; Whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126
So far the Lord has helped us!
The year 2016 was full of challenges, victories, and growth, both personally and as the body of Christ gathering in Obu.
We grew from 11 members to almost 50!
We started two Sunday Bible School classes (youth and children), besides the one we had for adults; We had our first youth camp; We held monthly meetings for the women of the church, where we studied the Bible and practiced mutual teaching; Eight children were baptized; The Sunday School children memorized 36 questions and answers from the Brief Westminster Catechism.
We had our Christmas fraternization, with 40 people gathered in the pastoral house.
Three Japanese nationals are regularly attending the service, with simultaneous translation, one of them is already reading his third book of the Bible and has been in constant counseling with the pastor and other members of the church.
In the midst of so many activities, God has sustained and guided our steps. We could do nothing apart of His immense goodness and willingness to use clay vessels, imperfect and unworthy as we are. God is good all the time!
Please pray that God give us the tools we need to support our job here, such as a new place for us to continue growing and having our project put in practice.
