Aug 2009
The Importance of Community
“Come to me all you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” --Matthew 11:28 (NCV)
This summer has been full of ministry opportunities! While are bodies may be tired from full schedules and the Tokyo heat, we are learning to rest in Jesus and enjoy the adventure!
Open Hearts in Mommy Circle
Using our words to speak life over our children, learning to trust God for His strength… these are some of the topics that Alice is discussing with several “seeking” moms who come to a parenting circle in our home.
What a joy to see lights start to come on as these women take in God’s word! Not only are they trying to apply God’s word to their own child-raising skills, they’re also sharing what they’ve learned with their other friends. God’s word is full of life, and it’s contagious! Please pray with us for these women and their family’s salvation.
We have also started a bi-weekly children’s English and Bible class in our home. What a lively time! Please pray that the Word will take root in their young hearts, and that God will touch these families.
CRM-Asia Staff Conference in Indonesia
Earlier this summer, we traveled to be with almost 50 other Asia-based and US-based CRM staff for a time of mutual encouragement and professional growth.
Conference Highlights:
* Connecting with CRM family who serve in other Asian countries
* Learning from Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter, author of Leading Cross-culturally, and growing together in our ability to lead in Kingdom Ways as we face challenges of living and ministering abroad.
* (For Alice) the opportunity to lead intercession at the conference and film interviews of CRM-Asia staff. (These stories from the field will be edited and posted online so that others can hear what God is doing in Asia.)
The Importance of Community in Japanese Culture
Japanese people place a high value on community. Whether a tennis circle or a high school class, groups in Japan fill a need for belonging.
We are discovering that this is no different with pregnancy! When one of our friends and Alice both found out they were pregnant, other women in our circle of friends decided it was time to try for another baby as well. Now a number of us are walking through a season of pregnancy together!
In the U.S., we have high school class reunions. But, in Japan, the gatherings for “dokyusei,” or classmates start from kindergarten. This level of community in Japan lasts a lifetime.
We praise God for using our growing family as a means to share His light, and as a way to build deeper relationships with Japanese seekers around us.
Thank you for being a part of our “community”—we couldn’t be here without your prayers and support!
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