Archive for November, 2004

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 22nd, 2004

Dear Praying Friends:

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! We have so much for which to be thankful. We are thankful for those who have trusted Christ this year, for those who are growing and witnessing, for the Lord building His church in Togane!!! We are thankful for the doors that are opening for witness in other cities around the Kanto area, evan to Okinawa. Pray we will enter the right doors!!! We can’t go through all of them!! Also, we are thankful for the volunteers who come and multiply our hands and feet!!!

From November 23 to December 6, a volunteer artist from America will be working with us. He will be prayer walking and distributing literature, drawing and doing chalk talks in our churches as well as developing a brochure for our cluster. Ask God to bless this time and lead us to people who are open to the gospel, to persons of peace and to the strongholds and cities where He wants us to pray and witness.

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Volunteer Artist Johnny

We are also thankful for your prayer support and for your financial support through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Because you give, we have Scripture portions, tracts, CDs, DVDs, and the Jesus video, etc. to take to the lost Japanese who have never heard the gospel. Because you give, we have a vehicle so we can go and witness and take those materials to towns where there is no church. We have transportation to go disciple new believers and train leaders. Thank you, thank you!!!! Please include the Lottie Moon Offering in your gift list again this year!!

Thank you for praying for the Yo family. They have been having family worship at home and are attending the Wednesday worship. The Yo family and Mo family have worship for their children on Saturday. Pray for these two families to reach out to their neighbors and friends, the Uema family, the Nishi family and the Kawa family. Pray for the Yo’s son, Ko, who has a tumor in his ear. Pray that these families will become a multiplying group of believers that will bring glory to His Name as they worship and proclaim the good news to others in their area.

Proverbs 25:25. As water to a thirsty soul, so is news from a far country!!!! We look forward to hearing from you soon!!!

Claiming His Promises for His Glory,
Tak and Lana

There were Three

Friday, November 19th, 2004

Dear Prayer Partners:

On October 27 we stood on the cold, windy beach and looked out at the ocean where the two men had died the week before. We watched as three new Christian men testified to their new life and faith in Christ by following Him in baptism. After the baptism we all ran back to the beach “shanty” restaurant where we fellowshipped together as we ate our usual “raw fish” and grilled clams. The Christians shared Scriptures with the new converts to encourage them in their walk with Christ. As they shared we could see the growth of each one who has followed the Lord these past two years!!! What a wonderful experience!!! God is so good. Also, thank you for praying for the typhoon not to come!! It went another direction!!!!

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Fellowshipping After Baptism

Usually we sing and pray on the beach together before the baptism, but that day since we were the restaurant’s only customers and it was windy and cold, we sang and prayed together in the “shanty” restaurant before going out to the beach. It was a great witness to the owners. We have been witnessing to the family who runs the restaurant each time we have a baptism; giving them tracts, Digest Bibles, CD’s. etc. As we waited for the meal, I was able to share the gospel in more detail with one son. He said that he and his family were Buddhist and that one of them offers an offering to their ancestors and the “gods” every morning at the family altar. Pray the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of this family, the parents, the two sons, their wives and children. Pray they will read the tracts and Bibles. Pray that this entire family will trust Christ as their Savior and be baptized on the beach right outside their restaurant!!

The three men who were baptized, Mr. Mu, Mr. Ma, and Mr. Ya are coming to Wednesday worship. They come to worship and then go to work to sell their newspaper subscriptions. They are memorizing scripture and sharing their faith with their family. The last two weeks these men have brought someone with them to worship. Pray they will be bold in their witness. As they travel together in their work, pray for them to grow and encourage one another in their walk with the Lord. Pray for healing for Mr. Ma’s sister who recently had brain surgery and for his mother who had a stroke. Both are in the hospital. Pray for Mrs. Ya who sees a difference in her husband and Mr. Ma and seems open to the gospel. Pray for all the family members to be saved.

Many of you have been faithful to write and tell us that you are praying, especially for Mr. K. Thank you very much. He still has not been saved and remains close to death. Pray for the Holy Spirit to draw him to Christ. Claim him for Christ as you claim God’s promise “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.

Claiming His Promises for His Glory.
Tak and Lana
Eph. 3:20-21