Many of you have been with us for these newsletters for several years. Some of you are here for the first time. We're so grateful for each of you! Please know that we think of each of you as we send out these stories and pictures on the last day of each month.
A few airplanes and a few thousand miles and, we're happily adjusting to our America days! I wrapped up this month earlier, while my brain and heart was still in Tokyo, so this is just a quick update while we're on the road.
We shared from this passage in 2 Corinthians 1 earlier today: "We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don’t want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God’s deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part." (Peterson, The Message)
Here are a few of our thanks and a few requests as we look ahead:
- We're grateful for many safe and relatively smooth miles; for kids who handled multiple flights, unfamiliar beds and new circumstances with courage and relative calm (for pre-schoolers!).
- We're grateful for the wonderful hospitality of Ryan's aunt and uncle, who allowed us to rest at their house for a few days, while we spent time with them and let our kids spend time with their great grand father.
- We're grateful Ryan had the chance to share about our ministry with one of his home churches; thankful that more people will be aware of the great things God is doing in Tokyo!
- We're grateful for the many miles driven to pick us up and drop us off at airports and other appointments.
- Today, we were able to connect with our home church and spent a day of lavish fellowship and many warm greetings. I've known since my youth that this is a church that lives its mission with astounding generosity, intentional prayer, and sacrificial faith. It is a joy to soak in this community for a few weeks and be filled and challenged as we share face to face about our ministry.
- Please pray as we begin a month of car travel. We're so grateful for the use of a family car, but also praying for many safe miles to come.
- Please pray for deepened relationships and chronos time - the time of the heart - as we connect with family and friends.
- Please pray for Ryan as he prepares for his upcoming classes next month.
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