Dear Friends,
Farmers Sowing Seeds
What happens when you mix people who maintain large, impressive farms from a small U.S. town of 575 with people from Yamamoto whose 12,000 residents have small farms but are considered rural? Lots of questions, interest, and genial, happy smiles exploded in August when we welcomed a team of eight from Ireton, Iowa CRC who were seeking to learn about bringing the gospel to Japan. Touring the devastated parts of Yamamoto Town, they began to understand the effect on survivors and the lingering affliction which only the Lord Jesus can heal and through whose gospel alone these people can know forgiveness and eternal life with God.
Cooking Club Coleslaw
Each helped in preparation and hospitality. At the cooking class, Carmen Noteboom taught how to make Ireton coleslaw, and Jim Dekkers modeled their recipe for Pineapple Chicken Steak. Woody's message centered on "How can we be justified before God?" looking at Luke 18's parable of the pharisee and the tax collector. While all were eating lunch, Pastor Nate Kuperus gave a fascinating slide presentation about their town's Dutch heritage, their farming way of life (sheep, pigs, cattle, crops), their church, and how they work together to sell feed and raise money for their Christian school. Introducing the team members individually led to many questions from our Yamamoto friends, and when they finished, the team had many questions for them! The warm, bilingual interchange resulted in much appreciation for one another.
That evening, with Rev. Ken Lee's help, the team served dinner to 46 people, including a number of first time visitors. Pastor Kuperus showed the slide presentation again, and intern Paul Lauer spoke from John 14:1-6 about the hope offered to us in Christ and the mercy God shows to us as sinners by redeeming us through Jesus (Rom. 3:23-26).
We give thanks that the Word of God was proclaimed to many that day and pray that seeds sown will bring abundant fruit and faith in the hearers. We were privileged to serve together and pray for our people at Nozomi.
Paul Lauer exhorting
Young Men Invest in Nozomi and Yamamoto
Arriving September 28, four young men sent by a California URC congregation plunged into the work here. Dustin Burge (WSC student) preached a fine sermon Sunday morning, and the men prepared a lunch for our fellowship time following. Monday, they passed out invitations at a local elementary school for the game event the next day.
California team passing out invitations
Tuesday, they had a blast playing with the kids; we thank God that all but one of whom were new to Nozomi.
Wednesday, two men worked all day emptying the large shed of unusable items and bringing meticulous order. Hoorah! The other two fixed key outdoor lighting fixtures. As a result, (not only can we lock the door easily at night!) the cross on the church building is now visible both day and night. What a tremendous blessing! Thursday, Aniket led the cooking class, teaching Shrimp Scampi and King Oyster Mushroom Dish.
Aniket’s Cooking Club
Friday, they mingled with cafe guests while Dustin and Jonas, who is also interested in ministry, played guitar and piano.
And then, they were off to Tokyo. Their contributions were significant, and we enjoyed encouraging times of fellowship. We praise God for providing so many new avenues to bring the Word of God and Christ's love to the people.
Give Thanks for:
1) The team members from Ireton, Iowa CRC and Escondido URC for their labors and prayers for the gospel going forward in Yamamoto. We continue to give thanks for the support of Cedar OPC, Harvest OPC, and the Korean Christian Church of Hawaii as well sharing in the work here.
2) For increasing attendance at Cooking Club and Friends' Lunch with new and old participants hearing the Word of God. Pray for God's blessing on the Bible message tomorrow with 24 attending Friends' Lunch- that many may be drawn to know and love the Savior Jesus. Thank God for Rev. Rod Thomas who faithfully brings these messages and his wife who makes amazing desserts for all to enjoy.
3) The Bible message at the piano class today celebrating the birth of Christ and for the blessing that this class has been to many throughout the year.
4) Missionary Associate (MA) Sue Bickett's enthusiastic and tender labors here. She is an encouragement to many to believe in Jesus and a great strength to the staff. Pray for her continued Japanese studies and walk with the Lord.
5) Tomoko Sugawara, our Japanese staff worker, who labors tirelessly and whose desire is to see the church be established in Yamamoto.
6) That the Committee for the Support of the OPC Japan Mission received sufficient funds to cover its commitments not only to the Lauers and the Uomotos, but also to the Cummings and our two summer interns.
Pray for:
1. Mr. M. and Mr. I., along with others who attend worship, that God will open their hearts to a full understanding of Jesus' lordship and help them to trust wholly in Him, not fearing men or fearing loss of family and friend relationships. Mr. M. said that this past Sunday's message on 1 Cor. 10 taught clearly about not giving offerings to a Buddhist altar or Shinto gods.
2. God's blessing on Paul Lauer's last year of seminary studies, for passing presbytery exams for licensure and for his health. He is taking an overload of course credits to be able to complete his M.Div.
3. Woody's NT teaching at Kobe Theological Hall next month.
4. The Lord to raise up four new missionary candidates for the OPC Japan Mission and new members (ministers, elders or deacons) for the Support Committee.
5. The Lord to use the three messages Woody delivers this week regarding the 1st coming of the Lord Jesus, to convert the 30 some non-Christians who will hear the gospel: the 11 members of the Piano class, the 15 Moms and kids who will attend the Kids' Christmas Party on Dec. 21, and the Lord's Day message on Matthew 1:18ff. We thank God that some who attend our activities have said they will come to worship on Sunday.
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.
Thank you for sharing with us in prayer for those who live in darkness,
Woody and Laurie Lauer
OPC Japan Mission, Yamamoto, Japan. For more information and pictures, please visit www.opcjapan.com and Facebook pages: OPC Japan and Nozomi Center.
Offerings can be given through the www.opcjapan.com website or directly to the Committee for the Support of the Japan Mission :
Please make checks to "Grace OPC - Japan Mission" and send them to the following address:
Grace O. P. Church Japan Mission
1100 Boulevard
Westfield, NJ 07090