Dear Friends,
We are delighted to be able to report that, in June, regular Nozomi Center activities resumed. Worship services, weekly Bible Study and twice-a-week Kids' Time continued right through the March through May shutdown of many activities in our town. We were able to maintain English classes via the internet. We have been greatly comforted by our Lord's promise as we proclaim his message of hope and confess him before men:
"What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.
"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. "
(Mat 10:27-32)
Please join us in giving thanks
That we have been able to worship together through this difficult time. Pray that we would grow in our love for, knowledge of, and obedience to the Lord Jesus.
For the two non-Christians who have attended worship several times. Pray that Mr Aita and Miss Sakurai will become regular at worship and come to believe and profess faith in Christ.
For the attendance at Friends' Lunch and Laurie's Cooking Club. Though attendance has been down from "pre-shutdown" numbers, we have had over half of our normal attendance. People are again hearing the gospel during these center activities.
For Woody being able to teach some of the Kobe Theological Hall Old Testament Survey students face to face in June.
That Rod and Glenda Thomas, missionaries from South Africa who help with Friends' Lunch (tomorrow), have been able to return to Japan from home assignment! Their return from S.A. had been prevented for several months due to travel restrictions.
For Mr. Sayama, a neighbor in his 20's, coming to Kids' Time. He along with one mother, Mrs. Nemoto, are a big encouragement to the kids and us as we build community together. Pray the Lord will draw them both to know God. Pray that God will open the door to sharing the gospel with the kids. The last couple of times we have read Bible stories to them.
For new students of all ages in the English classes. Pray God will work in their hearts as they listen to the weekly Bible message.
Please join us praying
For fruit from Rod's evangelistic message at Friends' Lunch tomorrow.
That God will open the hearts of the dozen children or so who will attend our VBS, "Kids' Festival," next Thursday (July 23), and for our preparations.
For the non-Christians who had been attending worship occasionally before the virus outbreak but are still not coming. Pray that God would break the bondage to idols as well as the fear of men for many visitors: Mrs. Uno, Mrs. Isago, Mrs. Saeki, Mr. Watanabe, Mrs Nemoto.
That God will open the door for Cal and Edie Cummings to return to Japan to help with mission labors. Sadly due to travel bans, we will not receive help from summer teams which have been such a great blessing in the past.
That the glory of Christ as Lord and Savior would be proclaimed to every home in Yamamoto.
That God will raise up faithful Japanese men, young and old to preach the gospel alongside our missionaries as well as bring new missionaries. The fields of those who have not heard are vast in number here.
Now to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever!
Woody and Laurie Lauer
OPC Japan Mission, Yamamoto, Japan
