2023 January Newsletter

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17

The Kingdom of God has many aspects in Scriptures. Here in Romans 14, the main emphasis is to have Christians focus on the reality of what the Kingdom was and was not. More than physical outward works and practices, the attitude in which they were done was of more importance. Specifically in this verse: righteousness, peace and joy. Righteousness in motivation produces truly righteous works. Seeking peace rather than insisting that you are right at all costs is true peace. Joy from the Holy Ghost rather than selfish happiness is the result of walking in the Spirit. These three heavenly values are the attitude of one who truly lives the Kingdom of God. Brethren, continue to pray for us that we would show forth these true signs of the kingdom of God here in Teshio, Japan.

As we begin the new year, it is with winter in full swing, and many greetings to those around us with “I look forward to your continued goodwill in the coming year.” It is also a school/work winter vacation time with many returning to family homes during the new year holidays. We were blessed to have one extra with us as she visited a local skincare spa located in our area for three weeks We always look forward to Yumi Akimoto when she comes up for her treatments for a skin disorder.
January is also Ken’s birthday month and this year he turned 70 which is the first of special birthdays in Japan. Turning 70 even has a color associated with it and he was gifted a beautiful purple tie, tie pin, cuff links, and pocket handkerchief. Ken was given three different opportunities to celebrate: the winter missionary gathering brought about a surprise singing time with two birthday cakes and candles. The following Sunday our church folk took us out to dinner at a local hotel restaurant in honor of his birthday. The final big celebration was arranged secretly by Vicki with Ken receiving around 50 birthday cards and messages to open with his birthday dinner that Vicki prepared on his actual birth date. So a banner and a time of reading messages and cards was a real blessing and we truly appreciate all of you who sent cards and messages to make his day special.

We imagine age could bring about the question of retirement. Well, the Lord has given no direction towards that end but there does come a time when there is peace to adjust schedule and priorities. Ken has been teaching in the schools for at least 30 years, going to classes at least mornings of Monday through Thursday. For various reasons, Ken has a peace about ‘retiring’ this part of his ministry in the community as a paid teacher, but will always be available for volunteer work as desired. This will allow him some extra energy to be put into other opportunities in the community as he seeks these out.

Prayer Reminder:
1. Es Stellar in Seoul-Her life continues to be disrupted at times in various ways. She is trying to obtain an appointment at a special refugee center. She desires to get either a special travel pass to get to Canada or an extension on her stay in Seoul so she can keep trying to work out details.

2. Preparation for our furlough is coming along. Our meetings are set. Our plans with family were also arranged. We are getting excited. There are a couple of details that need to be ironed out so please keep praying! Thank you! We leave Teshio on the 27^th of February flying out on the 28^th.