We were really blessed by a trip from Michael this past week. Michael and Michael, they share a first name, were roommates in Chiba as MTW interns. Michael S. married a Japanese gal and the family tries to visit Japan once a year. He was able to sneak down to Okazaki for a night this week. It was a great time of catching up and fellowship. Below you’ll see a present day picture and one from 6 years ago.
You might recall we had written up a post about a $25,000 dollar for dollar church planting fund. (Read the post here.) We are very excited to write the team was able to raise $50,000 for the Togo Church plant. This is very exciting as seed money opens many doors as far as being able to pay national workers right away and secure meeting facilities. Please continue to pray for this church plant!
Today is officially America’s New Year, but we are celebrating the 2nd. Today my mother and I ventured into Nagoya to tour. Today is the equivalent of Black Friday in America and millions were out shopping and scooping up deals everywhere. While visiting a famous shopping district in Nagoya we saw an extremely long line. As we walked further we realized thousands of people were lines up for hundreds of meters to visit the Osu Kannon Temple.
In the temple courts there were merchants selling placards to write prayers on to hang, games for kids, and various foods. It was difficult to watch so many people praying to false gods for earthly treasures/blessings when the gift of eternal life is freely given through the One True Living God. We continue to pray for Japan!
