Dear Friends,
Paul wrote in II Thessalonians 2-3,
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,
17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;
2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
(2 Thess. 2:13-3:3)
In our study of this passage, we were cheered by the integral role that the Thessalonians and Paul fulfilled for one another in prayer. When we entered the OPC nearly 40 years ago, we were taught this same fundamental principle which we have gladly followed. We pray daily for OPC churches both at home and (missionaries) abroad, thanking God for your faith and asking for his protection over you. And, with Paul, we request- yes, we implore you- “Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.”
Here in Yamamoto, Japan, the Lord has been pleased to bless the ministry of the Christ in Word and deed these past 4 years through the work of Nozomi Center staff and volunteers. Nevertheless, remember that the spiritual battle continues. Nearly everyone born in Japan is registered with the local Buddhist temple at birth (thus becoming a member) and blessed by the local Shinto shrine as an infant. Does anyone wonder why Christianity is thought of as a foreign religion? Yamamoto, which has been in bondage to idolatry and Satan, will not be given up without a fight. We have learned that, just prior to the 2011 disaster, a “Christian” cult swept through this community selling literature to elderly people, who later felt deceived and defrauded. When Nozomi Center opened in the name of Christ, the staff was met with suspicion from the community at large and accusations from the Buddhist priest. By God’s grace, the center has won the trust of many through the prayers and service of the staff, volunteers, and many churches worldwide. Praise God for overruling and pray for his continued protection as the Nozomi Chapel officially opens weekly morning worship in September.
We thank God that Nozomi Center staff will continue with many of the same services to the community as the Yamamoto Nozomi Chapel opens. We pray that the community will continue to have the same trust with the chapel that it has with the relief center. Now brethren, pray with us that the glory of the Lord will particularly be shown through the clear preaching and teaching of the Word. May the praises of God and victory won by the only Messiah, Christ our Lord, become the hope of this community. May the King of Kings free them from slavery to idolatry and cause them to rejoice in the only true God.
Please pray with us:
- That the Lord would open the hearts of all in the community to attend worship and the beginner’s Bible study.
- For the Bible study for beginners: for understanding, faith, and repentance, and for more to join!
- That, as we prepare to begin weekly morning worship services in addition to the afternoon services, the Lord will continue to uphold the good name and reputation of Nozomi Center and Church.
- For faith for those who attend the Saturday English classes (ages pre-school to adult) taught by Akiko, Melissa, and Todd. Thank God for our teachers and for several interested in the gospel!
- That the Lord would bless our outreach to youth at the weekly playtime and English classes.
- Pray for the Sports Day (for elementary students and a few mothers ) on July 27. May God’s Word take root in the hearts of the hearers and may God bless the relationships of staff and all who attend.
- Give thanks for several events planned in August with a team from Singapore and one from Korea. May God use these for his glory!
- For fruit from the Bible messages at the monthly Friends’ Lunch and from good conversations at the weekly cafés.
- That God would protect the people from pressure to contribute to rebuilding the local Shinto shrine.
- Give thanks for the opportunity to present a Bible message to 16 ladies who attended the opening of the ladies’ cooking club this month.
Photos from Sports Day:
Privileged to serve the Lord with you in Yamamoto,
Woody and Laurie Lauer
Woody and Laurie Lauer with sons, Paul and Daniel