Dear Friends,
We were blessed to work together with an OPC team from Washington and Arizona churches in July. To their report below, we would add our praise to the Lord as He continues to bring forth fruit:
1. Over the past several months, a new visitor, Mr. Konno attended a number of events including worship services a few times and a Bible study. His mother, whom we met at Friday cafe recently, is hospitalized after a stroke and paralyzed on one side. Woody visited her last week with Mr. Konno and will go again tomorrow after worship. Please pray the Lord will give them understanding of the Scriptures and saving faith to believe in Jesus.
2. God has been blessing our visits with neighbors. We are thankful for several opportunities to share the gospel and pray God will use this to draw them to Himself. We pray that Scripture will shed the light of truth into their dark world. Thank you for praying for these visits. God is answering indeed!
Please continue to pray:
1. For God to use His Word to bring eternal fruit in those who attend our regular activities: worship, Bible study, English classes, Friday cafe, Friends' Lunch, and Cooking Club.
2. God will raise up new missionaries and missionary associates. Pray for wisdom and guidance for those who are preparing to come, and pray that God will provide for all their needs.
Team Japan 2026 from r to l: Abigail Szuba, Clara Chelpka, Annetta Vanderhoff, a sleeping Patocs, Jean-Paul Muresan, Anneliese Patocs, Abraham Vanderhoff, Ashleigh Schexnayder, Christian Schexnayder, Alexander Patocs.
by Alexander Patocs Providence OPC, Scottsdale, Arizona
From July 17–30, a team from Washington and Arizona had the privilege of serving alongside the missionaries and believers in Japan. Before the trip, we asked for prayers for spiritual revival, for open hearts to receive the gospel, for more laborers to be raised up, and for the Lord to bless every aspect of the ministry. We are grateful to report that God faithfully answered those prayers in many ways.
The Lord watched over our travels from beginning to end. Lost luggage was recovered, complex train stations were successfully navigated, and the entire team arrived safely. As we adjusted to jet lag, God gave us strength for a full schedule and encouraged us through the fellowship of the saints in Miyagi.
One of our greatest encouragements came on the Lord's Day. Some believers and seekers who had been absent from worship because of family pressure, health concerns, and other difficulties returned to church. It was a joy to worship alongside them, share a meal together, and pray that they will continue gathering with God's people.
Throughout the trip, the Lord opened many opportunities to build relationships through community outreach. Craft events, English classes, music cafés, a “Friends’ Lunch”, children's programs, and everyday conversations created natural opportunities to invite people to church and speak about Christ. We were especially encouraged by the number of repeat visitors we met during the two weeks. Relationships that began with simple conversations often ended with a heartfelt invitation: "Would you come to church?"
God also blessed our evangelism efforts. The team distributed all 2,000 gospel tracts throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, with favorable weather that allowed us to complete this goal. Along the way, we had many meaningful conversations and prayed that each tract would bear lasting fruit in the lives of those who received it.
Our ministry also included practical acts of service that demonstrated Christ's love. We helped care for an elderly women's property, cleaned the Nozomi Center, and assisted the missionaries in preparations for ministry. These simple acts opened doors for conversation and strengthened relationships within the community.
Several outreach events were highlights of the trip. The Music Café brought people together over coffee, tea, cake, and hymns, creating opportunities for gospel conversations. The Arizona Festival reconnected many people who had not visited the center for months or even years. This encouraged the missionaries that relationships could be renewed and lead to deeper spiritual conversations. During each English class, Scripture was read and explained, ensuring that participants heard God's Word.
Near the end of the trip, we hosted a kids' festival built around the theme, “Journey to God.” Through interactive stations, children learned about God's Word, His love, forgiveness through Christ, saving faith, prayer, serving others, sharing the gospel, and following Jesus. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce young hearts to the hope found in Christ.
Looking back, we are reminded that every conversation, invitation, tract distributed, and relationship formed was an answer to the prayers of God's people. We thank the Lord for His faithful provision, for strengthening the missionaries serving in Japan, and for allowing our team to participate in His work. While much gospel work remains, we returned home encouraged that God continues to build His church in Japan.
Thank you for praying with us. If you would like to stay connected, subscribe to the newsletter, give online, and prayerfully consider joining next year's Japan mission team. If you want to serve more long term as a missionary associate (young and old, couples and families) or a missionary (if a pastor), the team would love to be contacted.
Vacation Bible School: Journey to God
Searching the Bible for the answers
Three craft stations: art evoked heartfelt discussion about hardships
The Patocs family delivering tracts
Friends' Lunch with Bible message
May all glory be given to God in whom we live and move and have our being!
Woody and Laurie Lauer OPC Japan Mission, Yamamoto, Japan
For additional photos and updates, please view the Facebook page of Nozomi Center.