Dear Friends,
February and March have been packed with events at Nozomi Center through which the Word of God has been shared with many people. The music performed by the J-Symphony duo, a flautist and classical guitarist, delighted the more than 30 who attended Friends’ Lunch. In order to hold these concerts in Tohoku, they raised money through charity concerts in Tokyo. Their faith in the Lord is a shining example to people here. The luncheon includes evangelistic preaching. One mother and daughter pair each month produce a painting with a Bible verse in calligraphy. Many enjoy reading these and taking them home to decorate their walls. Just Friday, we were asked to explain the Bible passage. The Lord has indeed blessed the church in Japan greatly in the aftermath of the 2011 disaster as believers from many churches have worked together to minister the Word of God and his love to the people here.
Through the Chick (mother-toddler) Café and Friday Café, many good opportunities arise to discuss the trials of life and how God’s Word speaks to them.
This past week, we were thrilled to welcome Country Western singer Greg Hager and his wife Andrea who began his tour of Japan by giving concerts at both Sendai Megumi and Yamamoto Nozomi Chapels. His music tells the story of his life on the range as a cowboy and of his faith in Christ. For these people who watched western movies and listened to western music growing up, they were ecstatic to meet a real live cowboy! At the end of the long day, Greg graciously sang more songs for a latecomer. We thank God for the Hagers’ faith and for their work for the Lord.
The community at large speaks of Nozomi Center now as Nozomi Church though activities of the Center continue. This has been a good transition. Several people are enthusiastically inviting their friends to activities, an unusual commitment for non-Christians, one which shows they trust the staff. Last week, one of the men who regularly play Japanese chess (Shogi) at Friday Café asked Woody to organize a ping-pong activity for men starting next month. Pray that the Lord will open their hearts to hear and believe in the God of the Bible.
Thank the Lord with us:
- Two women who come to worship regularly, Mrs. I and Mrs. U, have asked to begin to study the Bible. Their attendance at church was a direct result of the diaconal ministry of Nozomi Center to them.
- For the upcoming joint conference for Japanese Covenanters and the OPC Japan Mission, featuring the Rev. George Scipione as the main speaker. Pray that this would be a blessing to all, and pray for additional messages he will be delivering to our Brazilian ministry in Nagoya, to the Yamagata Reformed Church, to Megumi Church, as well as to Nozomi Church.
- For Mrs. Izumi who will begin teaching group piano lessons in April twice a month at Nozomi Church with a Bible message to follow. Pray for lots of people to join.
- That we have moved into our new home just 2 minutes from the Nozomi Church. Renovations will continue for some time to come, but we are happy to be in the neighborhood. As one neighbor said,"We were comforted to see lights on in your house at night." The devastating effects of the disaster remain heavy in the minds of everyone here. Our deepest thanks to all who have helped us in construction and moving!
Petition the Lord with us:
- For fruit from neighborhood visitation.
- That through the sermon series on Matthew, many will come to faith in Christ.
- Pray also for fruit from the various activities: Chick café, Friday café, cooking club, Friends’ Lunch, English classes, piano lessons and special activities on March 30 and April 25.
- For new missionaries, new associate missionaries and for the financial support necessary for all. (See opcjapan.com for details.)
May the Lord be praised in earnest throughout the town of Yamamoto and surroundings.
In Christ,
Woody and Laurie Lauer
