A lot has been happening since our last update and with the sudden transition from language school to ministry it feels a little like jumping right into the deep end. Even as we struggle a little to adapt to new schedules and responsibilities, it’s also a huge blessing to be able take this next step in serving God here in Japan.
Since our last update we’ve had two meetings with church leadership to clarify what my role will be at the church over the next two years. I’ve been able to go down to the coast twice to participate in a variety of events and outreaches. I’ve also begun attending weekly meetings with the 3.11 Network staff involved in coastal outreach. We’re praising God that my teacher from my language school who goes to our church is able to tutor me so that I can continue to improve in Japanese, and that I was able to find and meet with a young man who is very excited to be a conversation partner.
- During our meeting with Pastor Kondo we set the following goals for my internship at Morioka Bible Baptist Church.
Gain ministry experience which can be applied to building up and or starting churches on the coast by serving in an established church.
Improve in Japanese ability by using it in practical everyday situations and speaking opportunities.
Discover God’s direction for where to serve after internship by participating in various coastal ministries. - Initially I’ll be simply participating in many different ministries, including Bible studies, prayer meetings and events at the church, and as my language ability improves start to move into more active roles such as giving short messages and leading Bible studies. Additionally I’ll be going to the coast frequently to help with events as needed (and there are always many needs). Also once a month I’ll be attending a prayer meeting with our sister church in the coastal town of Ofunato, where they have just three members and no Pastor of their own. Please bray for God to rebuild His church in Ofunato.
We were overjoyed to witness the start of Sanriku Hope Christ Church which will be holding services in Kamaishi and Yamada. Tomo’s father has been working in partnership with missionaries and Japanese Christians in this area since the Tusnami hit, and this church is the fruit of that ministry. Please be praying for the church to grow and for Tomo’s father who was already pretty busy managing the relief ministry and now is going back into full time pastoring as well. I believe this is the third church to be plant in Iwate to be started since our arrival here in Japan!
Additionally this past week we also welcomed a new church planter who has moved to Morioka with the hope of planting another church somewhere on the coast. He is working in partnership with South Morioka Church, where my brother and his family are serving. It’s really exciting to see God working to start churches in Iwate. Before the tsunami there was a long period where there were no new churches being planted, and even some attempted church plants being forced to be abandoned due to the difficulty of reaching people. Yet in God’s faithfulness and perfect timing it appears that a new season of church planting is beginning in this prefecture. We trust that it is for such a time as this that God has brought us here.