Dear Friends,
Isaiah prophesied millennia ago the good news of the Savior to come on behalf of all the nations:
And He will lift up a standard for the nations, and will assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Isa 11:12)
Then you will say on that day, "I will give thanks to Thee, O LORD; for although Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, And Thou dost comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted. Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth.” (Isa 12:1-5)
What joyous words to read and echo with Isaiah as grateful, forgiven sinners. We are thankful to declare the mercies of our God through Christ to the Japanese people.
Please give thanks with us for many answers to prayer:
1) For the work of Cal and Edie Cummings these 3 months in Yamamoto. Some days are so busy meeting ministering to people it is hard for them to find time for a break! Pray for continuing strength and opportunities to talk about the Lord.
2) That Mrs. Nemoto who first came with her family in May to worship has joined the Bible study with Mrs. Uno and Mrs. Isago. She also brings her daughter to many kids’ activities. Pray for the whole family to come to know the Lord.
3) For the service of Mrs. Tomoko Sugawara who works tirelessly as staff of Nozomi Center. Pray that the Lord will provide for all her family needs and that the Lord would bless her with good health.
4) Special thanks to all who prayed with us for the Kids’ Sports Day in July. We had 15 kids come with several parents as well. We praise God that all had a great time, and we pray that we can plan more opportunities to build these relationships in the future.
5) At the July Friends’ Lunch, we were thankful for a number of men from the community who attended in addition to a number of new visitors, social workers from the town hall. Edie reports that they came again in September! One man shared that he enjoyed singing the hymns that he remembered from his high school days when he went to a mission school. The Bible message is always the highlight of these meetings. Please pray that the Lord will use these messages to draw many to faith in Christ.
6) For the privilege of making more than 20 visits to OP churches in four weeks, reporting to each on the work in Japan.
Please pray for these items:
1) That the Lord will bless Edie’s cooking class this week and the Bible message in the hearts of the ladies.
2) For strength and safety in a vigorous travel schedule for Murray and Tsuruko Uomoto during their 2 month furlough and for us during our 3 months of home service.
3) That Mrs. Ikeda will begin to attend worship and that Mrs. Hirai, Mrs. Saeki, and Mrs. Sato will begin to attend weekly. Pray that God’s Word and Spirit will transform the hearts of those who attend the afternoon service as well.
4) For Mrs. Isago who had eye surgery recently and is earnestly studying the Bible. Pray that she will heal quickly and return to the Bible study soon.
5) That many of the men who attend different activities will begin to read the Bible attend and worship services.
6) That the Lord would provide ways for us to reach college age and young working people in Yamamoto.
7) That the name of Jesus would be honored in all the worship services and activities.
8) That the Committee for the Support of the OPC Japan Mission will be able to raise the funds needed not only for current OPC Japan missionaries, but to send forth new ones as well.
Friends, let us joyously pray for the Kingdom of Christ to be established in Yamamoto and all of Japan. Let us beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers and bring his chosen people into his kingdom!
Grateful to serve the Lord in Yamamoto,
Woody and Laurie Lauer