The last few months have been a great reminder that while we may not be able to see what God has prepared on the path ahead, He is always faithful to give us sufficient grace and strength FOR each day ON each day. And THIS is what gives us confidence in what lies ahead.
A Quick Trip Back to Japan
A few days ago, I returned from a three-week trip to Japan to care for church family, and to get as many things done as possible. It was a very productive trip! On my first Sunday back, we decided to move forward with our yearly Easter event, just a few weeks earlier than usual. That gave us only two weeks to prepare and spread the word. Our church family went into overdrive! They passed out pamphlets in nearby neighborhoods, contacted family and friends, gathered supplies, prepared everything for the event. When the day of the event arrived, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. But people started flowing into the park we had reserved. Our church family even went around the park inviting others to join. By the time it started, we had close to 70 people who had gathered! It was a fantastic day! After the egg hunt, we gathered the children together, with the parents watching in the back, and I got to share the story of Jesus’ resurrection with them.
During the time I was in Japan, I was also able to begin marriage counseling with a young couple in our church who are both on fire for Jesus, hold membership studies with two of our young adults and welcome them into the church family, and confirm the desire for baptism with a young man who will be baptized in June in a nearby river. I also began repairing the church’s wood deck, which was in serious need of attention, and spent time meeting with many in our church family to encourage them and pray together. On my last Sunday, Masaru, the young man preparing for baptism, brought two friends to church for the first time. Masaru was SO excited for them to hear the Gospel!
This has been a hard season for our church family, with their pastor not able to be there in person. But God has been giving them grace. I was deeply encouraged to see their desire to follow Jesus, love one another, and continue reaching others, even in this season. Please pray for continued grace and strength, and that they would keep their eyes on Jesus.
Bethany’s Test Results (Stage 1 of 2)
Bethany has been doing very well over these past few months in the States. We are currently following a strict holistic health regimen. Our hope is that this will allow her to manage the cancer long-term without the need for aggressive treatments, and enable us to return to Japan and continue the ministry our Father has called us to. We are in the middle of a six-month testing period, with major scans at the three- and six-month marks. These will help determine whether the cancer’s growth can be stopped, or if God wills, even reduced. We received the results of the first scan just a few days ago (the day after I returned from Japan). From the results, it appears that our Father has allowed the cancer to stop growing! The cancer is still present in her spine and shoulder, and we still have another three months to get a clearer picture of how effective this treatment will be. But for this step of the journey, this is wonderful news. Thank you SO MUCH for praying! Please keep praying for God to do his wonderful work of healing, and for wisdom as we continue on His path for us. We sure do appreciate each and every one of you!
(For a printable pdf, please click here.)
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