A small shrine in the snowy mountains of Gunma Prefecture
Our family celebrating Christmas togetherTaking every opportunity
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV).
Paul encouraged the Galatian Christians to take every opportunity to do good—and not just to some people, but to all. But let’s be honest. Sometimes this is downright difficult to obey, especially when it seems that no matter what you do, nothing ever changes. The overwhelming challenges and needs seem to defy any efforts to encourage change and promote forward momentum, no matter how earnestly you try. At times, it seems easier just to give up. That’s the weariness Paul was referring to. But he was determined not to give in to this weariness. Instead, he said we should believe that the harvest will come eventually, because IT WILL. So take every opportunity and expect God to do his part because HE WILL.
The above verses have been a life jacket for us during our nearly 30 years of ministry in Japan. As such, it was easy for Bernie to speak from this text on January 8 during opening ceremonies for the third trimester at Tamagawa Seigakuin. He wanted to remind students that even one person CAN make a difference for good in the world. It was a good reminder for us, too, as it is sometimes easier to believe what we see (small, weak churches that struggle for survival, new leadership, and vision) than to believe what God promises. Please pray for us and the nearly 1,100 junior and senior high school girls that they will be inspired by Christian faculty and staff to make our world a better place.
Rejoicing in the harvest
Needless to say, it is encouraging when we do see some harvest for faithful labors. One example is Keiko Hanawa, a woman baptized on November 30 at Hagiyama Church in Tokyo. Seventeen years ago, she was working in a boutique where Mrs. Namerikawa enjoyed shopping. As they became acquainted, Namerikawa-san invited her to attend the monthly evangelistic outreach held in her own home. Curious, Hanawa-san soon became a regular participant. Still, it was many years after that before she accepted the invitation to join in worship services at Hagiyama Church. What if Namerikawa-san had given up and stopped expecting a harvest?
As is the custom in Japan, new Christians share a testimony with the congregation just prior to following the Lord in baptism. Typically, these tell the journey of the young Christian from first learning of Christ to finally being able to be baptized. Often years pass between the two, which was the case with Hanawa-san. Now in her 70s, she first learned of Christ as a Sunday school child! In fact, her testimony was to sing a song she had learned years before in Sunday school. What if faithful Sunday school teachers had given up on praying for the children in their care when they didn’t see any response from their efforts? As Paul said, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Praise the Lord!
Reporting on prayer requests
Thanks for your prayers for Bernie as he spoke on Christmas Day at a small church in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture. Attendance exceeded expectations and included a number of first timers, and reports are that many people were blessed by the message. We will not likely see this harvest since we are not nearby, but we believe that God as at work, and we are grateful. (And, for those who prayed, we had a great visit with our family as well as a WHITE Christmas night. In fact, we had almost a blizzard of snow on December 26. It was Little Ben’s first snow and we all enjoyed playing in it together. It seems Little Ben, who turns one on January 30, especially loves eating it!)
With regard to the “Immediate and Continuing Prayer Concerns,” dated November 2008 (but not posted on this blog), please pray especially for P in his studies in the Philippines. Apparently his English isn’t advancing as quickly as he’d hoped. Please pray that the Lord will bless him with language ability and keep him from becoming discouraged in this time of preparation for eventual ministry among Tibetan Buddhists.
We were happy to visit Tarumi Church in Kobe in early December after an absence of nearly six months. It is obvious that the Sakatas are a very loving pastoral couple and that a good relationship between pastor and people is being built. However, attendance continues to be very low—the result of five years without pastoral leadership. Please pray that the Sakatas and Tarumi Church can remember the truths of Galatians 6:9-10.
Finally, please pray for Cheryl as she tries to make up for lost time to meet two book deadlines. Pray also that Into All the World: A Century of Church of God Missions and Rivers of Delight will glorify God and encourage missions efforts around the world.
