Bernie congratulates graduates on March 4.“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
These verses are among our favorites in the Bible, but they are especially meaningful to right now as we write to you from the heights. Let us share the reasons we are rejoicing.
2008 international testimonies book
“Yet I Will Rejoice” is the title of the 13th international testimonies book that Cheryl has compiled and edited. Currently in the production stage, it will be published by Warner Press in June. Needless to say, this year’s title comes from the Habakkuk passage above. Of all the writing Cheryl does, these annual testimony books are her favorite. Not only do they encourage her in gathering and editing the stories (and occasionally writing her own), but it is a thrill to know that their publication uplifts so many other people, too. It is our prayer that the Lord will use this book to its intended purpose and that the Church of God will be energized to greater faithfulness in its international mission as a result of this book. (Naturally, we hope you purchase copies for yourself and others who need the encouragement this book will bring to them.)
Tamagawa Seigakuin
Verse 19 above is the inspiration for the current Tamagawa Seigakuin school theme: Walk the High Places. As such, the entire three verses are the text of Bernie’s entrance ceremony message on April 4, when nearly 170 new seventh graders will begin their Tama Sei experience. Not only will the girls hear this message of Christian hope and encouragement, but so also will many of their family members. (Typically, 700-1,000 people attend this ceremony, considered to be one of the most important in a girl’s Tama Sei career.) Think about this awesome opportunity for Christian witness! It is even more astounding when one remembers that the average Christian church in Japan only has about 30 people. What an amazing opportunity God has given Tama Sei. Please continue to pray for the school. Pray also for Bernie in his main responsibility of helping to keep the school focused uppermost on its Christian mission.
Not only are we in a high place as we think about the incoming new class of students at Tama Sei, but we are also rejoicing in thinking about the girls who just graduated from high school on March 4. This was an especially significant milestone day in the 58-year history of the school: the 10,000th girl was graduated (and nearly 200 more after her). We cannot help but be excited when we think of all the seeds that have been planted over the years. We continue to trust God that he will indeed bring a magnificent harvest.
Spring staff meeting
Thank you for your prayers for our annual missionary staff meeting, March 25-27. Despite the fact that Rod and Donna Stafford were unable to join us at the last minute due to a family crisis, we enjoyed a lot of laughter, shared tears, prayed together and for one another, and were indeed refreshed by the opportunity to get out of the big cities, where most of us live, and into the snow-covered mountains about three hours by car from Tokyo. Some of our staff are facing quite difficult experiences (or are in the midst of them), so please pray for all of us: Zonia Mitchell (serving in Saga); Millie Michael (Kobe-Osaka); Mike and Makiko Boyle, Alina Croall, Mike Wagner, and Cheryl and Bernie Barton (all in the Tokyo area). Please also remember Jason and Abby Kuiper, new teachers at Tama Sei from April, in their adjustment to life and ministry in Japan.
Please also remember Rachelle Bargerstock and Abby Spear, two SAM staff who have just left Japan after four years and one year, respectively. Pray for their transition back to the United States—more daunting than most people who’ve never experienced it can believe—as well as for them to understand the doors God is now opening for them.
Other prayer concerns
Two other prayer concerns are weighing heavily on us (and are the reason we will not have a May newsletter). Please pray for us as we travel to India to serve as speakers for the annual convention of the Church of God in South India (April 26-May 6). Pray that God will guide our preparations and use us to his glory at the convention. Also pray for Cheryl and her father, Donald Johnson, as they continue working on the Church of God missions history book project. The main deadline is May 31, but the race is on to see whether or not they can actually meet it. (The book will be published in 2009 as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the organized Church of God international missions effort.) Certainly we are depending upon your prayers that we will be able to have praise reports on both of these matters in the June letter.
