JGPNetwork

Dear Prayer Partners:

From September 4 through the 14th we were on vacation which is why you you haven’t received an update. When we returned, we had quite a surprise. We found water standing in our living/dining room and the furniture molding. The carpet and flooring along with a few pieces of furniture had to be thrown away. For a couple of weeks we will have a concrete floor until everything dries out and they put in new flooring and carpet. We were reminded of Dr. Cauthan’s words to us when we were appointed 35 years ago (yes, it has been that long). He said to carry your things in your hands and not in your heart!!

In the midst of the clean up, the phone rang. It was a young mother whom I (Lana) have been trying to disciple since she was saved a year ago. She asked us to come on Saturday to have worship with her husband and a cousin. We have been praying that God would work in this family and start a church in that area to reach the lost. Though I had asked about the possibility of us coming for worship before we left for vacation, in the midst of cleaning up, I had forgotten about it. What a blessing to see her respond to the Holy Spirit’s voice, moving her to call us!! We went and had a great time of worship and fellowship. Pray for the husband and the cousin, Mi-san, to trust Christ. Pray that Sa will follow the Lord in baptism and for a church to be birthed.

In Japan, the third Monday in September is a holiday to honor the elderly. Along with remembering the elderly on this weekend, many across Japan are also celebrating the “festival of the harvest”. People parade through the streets carrying their portable shrines to thank the gods for the harvest. The elderly have gone through this ritual celebration for so many years that their hearts are numb. Their spiritual eyes are blind. Please pray for them to hear the Holy Spirit calling them and to turn to Christ. Almost 20 percent of Japanese are over 65 years old!!!

Among these elderly is Emiko’s father, Mr. K, who is 87 years old and in the hospital in critical condition with pneumonia. As Emiko sits with him at the hospital, pray that he will be conscious enough to hear and understand her as she witnesses to him. Pray for his heart to be warmed and his spiritual eyes opened. Pray for his salvation. and healing. As Emiko cares for her father, pray that her life will reflect her faith in Christ in such a way that each family member will want to know Christ who gives her peace, joy, hope and purpose.

On September 25 we will meet together with Mrs. Ima and those who want to learn about Christ in Koga City, Ibaragi Prefecture.. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading.. Also, pray for a young American couple who are being transferred to Utsunomiya,Tochigi Prefecture this month. They want to work with us to reach Japanese. Pray for doors to open in these two new areas and for us to have a clear vision of what God wants to do there and boldly move forward.

Claiming His Promises for His Glory,
Tak and Lana