JGPNetwork

Dear Praying Friends:

2003 is coming to a close. Businesses are closing for the holiday and Japanese are winding down. Many of our Christians are returning to their homes for the first time since they have become Christians to celebrate the New Year with their extended families. These young Christians will face traditions that challenge their Christian faith, questions about their faith and perhaps persecution. Pray they will be faithful to their Lord.

At our Christmas worship we gave the Christians material on sharing their faith with their family during New Year’s when their extended families are together. Mrs. Sh shared the next day how this had encouraged her and given her some handles on how to prepare and what to do. She explained that her three sisters and their families and her parents will all be together on New Years Day . She also shared that they would want to know why she quit the ethics group and became a Christian. Pray for her as she shares her testimony and pray that her family’s spiritual eyes will be opened and that they will accept Christ.

Mr. and Mrs. Sa traveled in a tiny van to a northern city for New Years. The van is so small it is dangerous in snowy weather so pray for their safety as well as their witness to their families. Also ask God to bless their time traveling together. Pray that they will be able to keep their commitment to start worship at their home on the second Sunday in January after their return.

Several of the Christians are struggling. Ask God to give them a desire to read the word, to pray. and ask Him to strengthen their faith and help them be consistent in their daily walk with Him. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading and power in the worship services and for the Christians to be consistent and bold in witnessing. Ask God to give our leaders servant hearts, to protect, encourage, strengthen and deepen their faith.

We praise God for all He has done this year and look forward to all that He is going to do this coming year. Thank you for being part of our team and His work.

Praising Him and Claiming His Promises,
Lana and Tak

Dear Praying Friends:

Praise the Lord for all He has done!!! Thank you for making the difference in the lives of over twenty five Japanese this year!!! Because of your prayers these new Christians are celebrating their first Christmas as children of the King of Kings. On Christmas Eve, Mrs. Mu will be baptized in the “ofuro” at E’s house. What a wonderful way for the church to celebrate Christ’s birth!

December 23 is the Emperor’s birthday and a national holiday. The church in Togane will meet for worship and fellowship on this day so that family members and friends can attend. Pray for the Christians to be bold in inviting their family, friends and neighbors to this Christmas celebration.

Praise the Lord that after being told by her family to give up her faith, Mrs. S’s faith is strong and she is not only able to attend worship but is also able to witness at her company! Last week while we were out of the country, Mrs. S led a young man who works for her husband’s company to the Lord. Pray that God will help Mr. Ma witness to his wife and her family who belong to a cult. Also, pray that he will be a witness to Mrs. S’s son who is about his same age.

Claim for Christ the many who have heard the gospel this year but have not yet accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the W’s, the Ta’s, the D’s, the T’s, the spouses and family members of the Christians.. Pray especially for E’s family as her sister moves in with her parents this next week. She plans to bring her Buddhist altar with her. Ask God to intervene in this situation and keep this altar from being brought into the home.

Pray fervently for Mrs. Y who was baptized October 1. She has been ill with a low grade fever for several weeks, her son has had problems, her husband has had to work seven days a week, staying at the company at night and not able to come home, and her friend died. She doesn’t understand why she is suddenly facing so many trials. We sense Satan is attacking this young Christian who was filled with such joy. She is struggling. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen her faith and overcome her doubts. Pray she will have a great hunger for God’s word. Pray for her husband to have time off from work, both to be with his family and to be able to attend worship and be baptized. Also, pray that her husband’s faith will grow and that the faith of her little boy, K, who was baptized in late October will remain strong.

Thank you for being part of the ministry of the Japan Gospel Penetration Team!! May Christ’s joy fill you this Christmas as you celebrate His birth. God bless each of you through out the New Year!!!

Praising Him for His Marvelous Gift,
Lana and Tak