With Thankful Hearts

Beloved of Japan,

It’s mid-morning on Tuesday here in Machida.  It’s another beautiful, sunny day.  It’s hard to believe that it snowed here just 2 weeks ago. 

Our schedule is relaxed this week so we have some time to organize the J.O.Y. Club storage room that is packed with supplies and party materials which have accumulated over the years.  We’ll be preparing to serve 30 pastors and wives who are coming this evening for a time of fellowship.  Pastor Uchimura (Evergreen Chapel) is hosting the gathering and our team will help in serving the dinner.  It’s a privilege to support these humble servants of God.

Shiho, Aoi, Kosuzu, Kyo, Yuna

Last night, we welcomed 5 of J.O.Y. Club's junior high students and their moms.  It was all about engaging them with English while their mothers looked on - certainly a lot of pressure for such young hearts.  The students did a good job, but were so painfully shy in expressing themselves.  They also had a fun time doing a craft and having some good ole American snacks and cider.  Each team member also provided a response to “what Jesus means to me”.   We pray that this Gospel will be planted permanently into their hearts and the hearts of their mothers.  We give them to almighty God.  Thank you for your prayers.

For the reminder of the week, we’ll be preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for Pastor Uchimura and his family.  His wife, Miho, is wheel chair bound and unable to speak.  As a result of her illness, she is able to eat only tiny portions of food at a time.  Beloved, this meal is from all of you, and this family is forever grateful for your support and faithfulness.  Please be in prayer for them – Pastor Uchimura, Miho, daughters Megu and Hana, parents Teiji and Eiko, and sister Mizuki.  Thank you.

We’ll be ministering at a pre-school on Friday, at Tama Hillside Church for their Christmas program on Saturday, and the big, “American” Christmas lunch on Sunday.   Thank you for your prayers as they have sustained us in all that we do. 

“Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One, give thanks, because He’s given Jesus Christ, our Lord.   And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks,”

With thankful hearts,

Your Machida Team

Students interacting with those scary Americans

The Moms had fun too!