Prayer Update #5 (Day 4)

Konichiwa!

This is Xinxin-san!

Unfortunately, that's the extent of my limited Japanese. Today, I learned loveu loveu the hard way... which apparently is just love love with a Japanese accent (does that count as new vocab?) It's funny because even though Japanese culture is so different, kids everywhere are still the same. They still tease you about cooties and loveu loveu. More importantly, they still understand and need the infinite love and grace that only our savior, Jesus Christ can provide.

Check out the [short] updates below!

Check out our blog for more details!

harvest-ikimashou.blogspot.com

In Christ,

Catherine, Jonny, Karen, Megan, Will, and Xinxin

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THURSDAY 7/25/2013

Praises

Before I left for Japan, I was worried about the success of our children's program. I don't mean logistical success (although that's good too) but spiritual success. How can 2 weeks of singing, crafts, English lessons, bible stories and activities possibly be enough to explain the majesty of the gospel... especially when your target audience can't understand 99% of the words you say? Even if the children have tons of fun, how can we use that to point to Christ and his work on the cross?

But praise God for showing me his hand in all of this! In Japan, Christianity is perceived very negatively. It's often (and common) for parents to worry about the safety of their children in churches or Christian environments. Today, Tomio shared that one of our student's mother opened up to him about religion. She even wants to take her daughter, Sakura, toSunday School at the sister church in Naru. It is so encouraging to see that the negative stigma is slowly going away!

Prayer

Tomio and Pat Ohashi:

The pastor and his wife have been so involved in the program. Every morning, they drive over 45 minutes to the site, unload and reload all the supplies, prepare lunch for over 50 people, prepare devotionals for us, and are just... present for everything that we do. Their passion and perseverance is beyond words. That being said, it is very tiring for them. Please pray for renewed strength and rest.

Japan:

Pray for God to soften the hearts of the Japanese people and to provide opportunities for ministry in Japan. Like it is stated in John 4:35, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest."

Missions Team:

Unfortunately, we are getting very tired as well. Even though the kids are freakishly adorable, they are quite a handful! The tiredness is contributing to general irritability and impatience. Pray for team unity! Pray that we can be more loving and patient with each other. We love because He loved us first. Help us keep our purpose in mind and pursue Christ above all else.

Lastly, here's an adorable picture of my 2nd-4th graders after tiedye.