Dear Friends,
Rom.15:5-9a. "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy..." How incomprehensible it is that Immanuel became a servant to His people to save and sanctify us. This is the hope we pray the people of Yamamoto will come to know.
In September, the Lord sent two gifted and energetic servants, Isaiah and Calli English, to visit for three weeks. Within two days, Calli prepared for and taught the Cooking Club. Everyone stayed late to talk!
Friday, they welcomed guests at Café, and on Saturday, Calli taught the kids' English classes and Isaiah also joined in with the adult classes. Sunday, Isaiah preached at Nozomi Chapel. They were quick to explore Yamamoto and beyond. The second week was a little quieter. Isaiah helped with weed-whacking, attended staff meeting, and Bible study. He gave the Bible message for the monthly Prayer and Praise meeting. They helped again with Friday Café and English classes.
From there, they went up to Megumi Chapel where Isaiah preached Sunday morning and joined in their afternoon activities and evening fellowship. They showed warm hospitality to several people where they stayed at the M.A. apartment. Mission meeting, staff meeting, Bible study, and Friends' Lunch filled their final week with us. Everyone really appreciated them and hope they will come back soon. We praise God for their faith and love for the Lord.
Please give thanks with us for these:
1. For the service of Calli and Isaiah English. Pray that God will bring fruit from Isaiah's Bible messages in all who heard. Please pray for him as he will undergo his final exam and preaching for licensure before the Presbytery of Ohio on Oct.17-18. Pray for wisdom for his future calling.
2. For new people who have joined Cooking Club, Friends' Lunch, and English classes where they hear God's Word proclaimed. Pray that God will bless many with faith in Jesus. Praise God for Rod Thomas' faithful Bible messages at Friends' Lunch.
3. For the kids who have started coming to Kids' Time recently. Pray they will bring their friends and the Lord will open opportunities to share the gospel.
4. For the dedicated service of Mr. Robert Folkerts who served as treasurer for the Committee for the Support of the Japan Mission for 2 decades. We give thanks that Mr. Gary Wood has taken up these labors enabling Mr. Folkerts to retire!
Please pray for these requests:
1. That the Lord will raise up a team of new missionaries to send throughout Tohoku, the northeast region. We give thanks for several inquiries to that end.
2. That the Lord will raise up 2 new missionary associates for Nozomi Chapel. We are thankful for the help of our son David who is teaching adult and junior high English classes until new help arrives!
3. For fruit from frequent visitation. For faith for Mr. and Mrs. Yoshino.
4. For spiritual growth for all who attend worship and for saving faith for those who have yet to profess faith in Jesus. Pray also that the Lord would add to our number and build His church here.
5. For new members (ministers, elders or deacons) for the Support Committee.
6. The Lord to humble us before Him, weeding out sin in our hearts, disciplining us for our good so that we may share His holiness and yield the fruit of righteousness (Heb.12:10-11). Pray also that the Lord would sustain our strength and health as we pursue His calling here.
Yours in Christ,
Woody and Laurie Lauer, OPC Japan Mission, Yamamoto, Japan