So Many Ministry Opportunities

This past Sunday I took the JLPT N3 test, and while parts of it were more difficult than I expected, over all I think I did well enough to pass. I won’t get my result until next month though, so please be praying for a good one! Some missions organizations here consider passing the N3 test to be the minimum level of language proficiency needed to begin ministry here in Japan, so passing this one will be a big step. My goal from the beginning was to pass the N2 test, which the one after N3, which is what my brother was able to do after two years of language school. If all goes well I’ll take that test in December.

After two weeks of almost non stop tests and practice tests, the work load at language school is winding down as Summer break approaches. Partly because of this, we’re taking the opportunity to help out a little more at the church. I was asked to give a children’s message at an Ice Cream Party out reach this coming Sunday. Though I was given the option of doing it either in English with a translator, I’m going to try to do it in Japanese. Even for a short 10 minute message it will require a lot of preparation on my part so please pray that I am able to get it all written and practiced before Sunday.

We’re also busy planning the next English Cafe, which will be held on July 25th. After talking with Pastor Kondo we’ve decided to try to target the event more at a beginner’s level of English, as that seems to be where most people are at. Also we’re trying to find good ways to promote it, and hope to get some posters made and put up in advance as well as some fliers distributed. Please pray that the event goes well, and particularly that we get a good turn out. 

There are countless ministry opportunities here, and one of the hardest things is having to turn down so many of them due to the fact that I’m still in language school. And that’s just here in Morioka. The needs on the coast are even greater. Our church is small, with an average attendance of around 70 people, but by God’s grace we’re seeking to have a large impact on this city. It seems that everyone in the church is involved in something, and still there is always more that we hope to do. Pray that God continues to supply laborers, and that He will bring in the harvest!